Looking for the best place to get your souvenir and gift in Kenya? Naicef is giving you a great guide showing you the best curios in Nairobi and across Kenya. Curios and gift shops that will not only give you good quality crafts and gifts while saving a coin.
So, what makes good African curio shops, and particularly Curio shops in Kenya?
Curio shops are more than just places to buy souvenirs and gifts to take home from your trip. They heart-catching, craft-moving, and value takeaways for your home.
From the vibrant curio shops in Nairobi to the coastal artisan markets, Naicef guides you to pick the best place. If you need a quality curio tour and give you a city shopping tour, we offer the best.
Whether you are a traveler hunting for gift shops in Kenya or a first-time entrepreneur seeking to set up a curio shop business in Kenya, get to us.
For any enquiry, kindly contact Naicef or via our email my@naicef.com or just tap:+254799922277. Also, you may;
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What are Curio Shops In Kenya & Why They Matter
A curio shop basically is a store that showcases handcrafted items that reflect diverse cultures in Kenya, each item telling a story. From Maasai beadworks, Samburu jewelry, Kikuyu carvings, to Swahili textiles, most of these curio shops entail it all.
Some of the gifts and crafts made in the curios in Kenya include;
- Handwoven textiles
- Beaded jewelry
- Wood carvings of animals and masks
- Paintings & batiks
- Soapstone sculptures from Kisii County
Best Curio Shops In Kenya
Below are some of the fascinating gift shops in Kenya and the best curio shops in Nairobi and across various counties in Kenya.
1. Maasai Market
At the first visit to Nairobi, the Maasai Market is one of the best curio shops to experience the vibrant Maasai-inspired crafts, even before visiting the Mara region.
This market is a haven for vendors and normally operates on a rotational basis through various open spaces and malls in Nairobi.The
Masai market in Nairobi is famous for crafts such as woven baskets, beaded jewelry, tribal masks, and bold canvas paintings that capture the rhythm of Kenyan life.
2. City Market
City Market is one of the most iconic cultural hubs for gift shopping, which is vibrant in tradition and urban energy, and features a variety of curio shops inside it.
It is situated at the heart of Nairobi Central Business District (CBD), along Muindi Mbingu Street. If you are in the city, this is the best place for anyone seeking authentic handcrafted souvenirs.
3. Bombolulu Workshops & Cultural Centre
Bombolulu Workshop is a certified organization that is known to empower the local people with disabilities of Mombasa who showcase the Swahili traditional artefacts crafted by their own hands.
The centre offers various jewelry, carvings, textiles, and even the Swahili cultural experiences, making it one of the best coastal curio shops in Kenya.
Experience the Swahili culture through our amazing tours below;
4. Mara Savannah Maasai Market
Mara Savannah Maasai Market is a roadside curio stop near Narok, en route to Maasai Mara, and it features traditional Maasai beadwork, carvings, and textiles.
Even though it is small, it is still a convenient spot for travelers heading to the reserve to pull by and get to do some shopping.
5. Tabaka Soapstone Carving Centre
Do you know of the soapstone? Discover this in Kisii County, which is the heartland of Kenya’s soapstone artistry.
In Tabaka village, you’ll find workshops and stalls selling carved figurines, bowls, and sculptures made from the region’s famous soft stone.
Learn more about this centre in our amazing guide about the best places to visit in Kisii County. 
6. Lamu Old Town Gift Shops
Situated in Kenya’s oldest town, Lamu town, Lamu Old Town Gift Shops offers Swahili-style crafts, including carved wooden doors, brass lanterns, and kikoy fabrics.
The blend of Arab, African, and Indian influences makes Lamu’s curio scene truly unique. Visit this amazing curio shop business in Kenya as you get to tour Lamu County and even other amazing nearby places such as the Mambrui Sand Dunes.
7. Trout Tree Curio Shop
Trout Tree Curio Shop is nestled near Nanyuki in Laikipia County, and it offers locally made crafts alongside a scenic trout farm and restaurant.
It’s a great stop for tourists exploring Mount Kenya, among other attractions nearby such as Laikipia Plateau, Ol Pejeta Conservancy, and Aberdare National Park.
8. Many Colours Curio Shop
Many Colours Curio Shop is one of the amazing African curio shops in Kenya, that is tucked in the heart of Ngarariga, along the Kamandura- Mai Mahiu road.
Many Colours Curio Shop is such an amazing stopover for most tourists who visit the Masai Mara National Reserve. It is situated at the Great Rift Valley viewpoint, among other curio shops that are scattered along the escarpment.
It is known for its vibrant displays of handcrafted souvenirs and tribal artifacts.
Best Curio Shops In Nairobi
Below are the top-rated and notable best curio shops in Nairobi. Quick reminder, we can help you tour these curio shops and give you a great city tour:
1. Utamaduni Craft Centre
Utamaduni Craft Centre is situated off Langata South Road near Giraffe Centre and is known to entail a curated collection of rooms filled with crafts from across Kenya. It’s set in a charming old house with a garden café.
2. Kazuri Beads Factory
It is known to empower women in craftism as it consists of handmade ceramic jewelry and pottery, and also has beaded necklaces, earrings, and colorful ceramic home décor.
Kazuri beads are strategically located in Karen, off Langata road, with nearby attractions ranging from the amazing Mamba village, Karen Blixen Museum, Giraffe Center, and Oloolua forest.
These are some of the best places to visit in Nairobi.
3. Hilton Arcade Curio Shop
The Hilton Arcade Curio Shop is one of the oldest curio shops in Nairobi and offers a wide array of souvenirs, making it one of the best gift shops in Kenya.
It is located under the former Hilton Hotel, near Sarova Stanley, a preferred hotel within Nairobi CBD to stay at during a tour to Kenya.
4. Maasai Market
Being one of the most renowned curio shops, the Maasai Market is usually a rotating open-air market in Nairobi CBD known for the beadworks, textiles, and carvings.
5. Westlands Maasai Market
Westlands Maasai Market is usually a smaller version of the major Maasai Market, which is suitable for people or visitors staying within the Westlands area instead of heading to Nairobi town.
6. Zawadi Africa
Zawadi Africa is a boutique-style gift shop in Nairobi that offers amazing African-fashioned accessories and homemade decor. Such of the highlights at Zawadi Africa are such as handmade bags, artisan jewelry, and kikoy fabrics.
The gift shop is strategically situated in Karen Shopping Centre, at Karen Crossroads Mall.
Future Trend: Rise Of Online Curio Shop
In response to the changing trends, curio shops are now going digital. This enables them to deliver faster and more easily reach their target market.
Social media platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook are now the marketplace for the African curio shops.
Artisans are showcasing beadwork, carvings, and textiles directly to consumers, often using storytelling and video content. Through online platforms, they highlight the cultural significance of their products and offer delivery services..
Online African curio shops and particularly curio shops in Kenya appeal to both local buyers and international collectors who want authentic gift items from Kenya without the hassle of travel.
Curio Shopping Tips For Visitors – Best Shopping Tips
1. Know what you are buying
Look for authentic handmade items, and even be curious about knowing their originality.
2. Preferably carry cash as the mode of payment or prepare for cashless before the visit
Most of the curio shops in Kenya majorly prefer Kenyan shillings over cards, mobile money, or even foreign cash.
However, due to the ease of use of M-Pesa and cashless trends in Kenya, prepare before visiting. We can help you.
3. Support ethical and fair trade shops
Shops such as Bombolulu workshop and Kazuri beads do support people with disabilities & local women and offer quality-made crafts.
This means you when you buy, you are supporting a vulnerable community that deserves respect and fair bargaining. Don’t press them to save some money instead of supporting them more. Every purchase offers hope.
4. Learn a few local phrases
Take a step toward learning some simple Swahili phrases, such as “Jambo,” which is Hi, “Habari yako,” which is How are you?, and even “Asante sana,” which is Thank you very much, and you are good to go.
To win favour with the best sellers, they enjoy their easy, fun language. Remember, a sheep knows its master by language and sound?
This way, you will enjoy your shopping experience.
5. Shop & pack smart
When buying any souvenirs, depending on the size, always ask if there may be any ideal type of special packing to make it easier to carry, especially if they are fragile items.
Good shopping is as good as you deliver the package home.
6. Have a local guide
Shopping in these and other best African curio shops across curio shops in Nairobi and Kenya, you need a good guide. A good guide will show you genuine crafts, save you cost, make the experience fun, and show you varieties.
That’s why Naicef offers the best curio shop tours in Kenya.
Looking for the best gift shops beyond curio shops? Kenya is home to the best gift shops in Africa. Below are the best gift shops in Nairobi, Kenya.
Best Gift Shops in Nairobi Kenya
1. House of Leather: the best home of a variety of gifts, from the kitchen, living room, office, bedroom, to the exterior. Famous and available across Kenya.
2. Garo Gift Shop: Best for household gifts such as mugs, personalized gifts, and delivers across Kenya.
3. Giftway Kenya: best themed gifts for loved ones and accessories. Giftway delivers on request for your satisfaction.
4. Purpink Gift Shop: best for love gifts such as flowers, love cards, and many more. Purpink is good for all.
5. Artmall Gift Shop: best for handcrafted gifts, home decor, and cards. Open to make gifting fun and easy.
6. Siya Gifts: best for home accessories, decorations, and special treat gifts.
7. Gift Safi: best for its stylish gifts, jewelry, and quality gifts for love birds. You can’t just assume the creativity in Gift Safi.
8. Skywave Gifts: best for teddy bears, women’s and men’s gift wear, and baby-friendly gifts.
9. Goodeal Gift Shop: best for toys, home decor, and general gifts.
10. Precious Gifts: It is Mombasa and best for party gifts.
Conclusion
Kenya is home to the best curio shops in Africa. Various curio shops in Kenya symbolize the craftsmanship and cultures that are found within the country.
Some of these fascinating gift shops in Kenya include Bombolulu Workshop, City Market, Tabaka Soapstone Carving Centre, and Many Colours Curio Shop.
The best curio shops in Nairobi include Kazuri Beads, Utamaduni Craft Centre, Zawadi Africa, and Maasai Market. They are some of the easily accessible African curio shops at the heart of Kenya.
For a personalized tour, please do reach out to us via our contact, email at my@naicef.com, or call: +254799922277. You can also;
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Curio Shops In Kenya
1. What are curio shops in Kenya known for?
Curio shops are best souvenir shops that specialize in handcrafted souvenirs that reflect Kenya’s different ethnic community groups.
2. How can one start a curio shop business in Kenya?
First, one can begin by sourcing authentic crafts, registering your business, and securing a strategic location where it can attract tourists.
3. Are African curio shops only for tourists?
Not really. Locals can also shop for gifts, décor, and cultural items to appreciate Kenya’s diverse cultures.
4. Where can I find the best curio shops in Nairobi?
Popular spots for curio shops in Nairobi include the Maasai Market, Village Market, Karen, curio shops, and City Market.
5. Can I buy from Kenyan gift shops online?
Of course, many curio shops nowadays do sell through websites and social media platforms.
