Shopping
Nairobi is possibly the best place in Africa to stock up on crafts and curios. The quality and prices of goods is unmatched so make the most of a stay here to stock up. Local vendors will test your bargaining skills so be prepared to haggle over typical souvenirs such as Kamba woodcarvings, African masks and Kisii soapstone carvings, as well as Maasai beadwork, colourful fabrics and the distinctive square cloth known as kanga and kikoi.
The best place to go on a shopping excursion is the fascinating and always lively City Market on Muindi Mbingu Street. For a more local experience, visit Kariokor Market where everything from vegetables to clothes is on sale. More local crafts can be found at the Maasai Markets. Biashara Street in central Nairobi is lined with interesting stores and boutiques, with plenty of cafes in which to recuperate from the rigors of shopping.
Note that taxi drivers and local touts will pressure new arrivals to go to certain stores. They earn large commissions for doing so and therefore the prices tourists are expected to pay will be much higher.