
Maasai Market Arusha
A vibrant Arusha marketplace brimming with handmade crafts, colorful textiles, and unique souvenirs, perfect for finding treasures and supporting loca...

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better bargaining

Maasai Market Arusha
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better bargaining

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant Arusha marketplace brimming with handmade crafts, colorful textiles, and unique souvenirs, perfect for finding treasures and supporting local artisans.
"This colorful market is ideal for those who love to bargain and find unique, handmade treasures."

🎯 Bargain Hard!
Always negotiate prices, aim for 50% off or more. Compare stalls before buying. :moneywithwings:
👀 Explore First
Walk around and see what's available before making a purchase. Many items are similar. :mag_right:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Handmade Maasai Jewelry
Various Stalls
Vibrant beaded necklaces, bracelets, and earrings crafted by local artisans. Perfect for a colorful souvenir.

Carved Wooden Art
Various Stalls
Intricate wooden animals, masks, and decorative items showcasing local craftsmanship.

Traditional Maasai Shukas & Fabrics
Various Stalls
Authentic Maasai blankets and vibrant fabrics, perfect for clothing or home decor.

Upcycled Art & Crafts
Select Stalls
Creative pieces made from recycled plastic bottles and other materials, offering sustainable style.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Bargaining is Key!
Authenticity & Variety
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Bargain Hard!
Always negotiate prices, aim for 50% off or more. Compare stalls before buying. :moneywithwings:
👀 Explore First
Walk around and see what's available before making a purchase. Many items are similar. :mag_right:
💰 Cash is King
While some vendors might accept mobile payments, having cash (Tanzanian Shillings) is essential for bargaining. :moneybag:
🤝 Be Respectful
Vendors can be assertive, but most are flexible and respectful. Engage with them positively. :handshake:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Bargain Hard!
Always negotiate prices, aim for 50% off or more. Compare stalls before buying. :moneywithwings:
👀 Explore First
Walk around and see what's available before making a purchase. Many items are similar. :mag_right:
💰 Cash is King
While some vendors might accept mobile payments, having cash (Tanzanian Shillings) is essential for bargaining. :moneybag:
🤝 Be Respectful
Vendors can be assertive, but most are flexible and respectful. Engage with them positively. :handshake:
🛍️ Support Local Artisans
Look for unique handmade items and support Maasai mamas and local craftsmen. :heart:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Maasai Market in Arusha is a vibrant hub for souvenir shopping, offering a wide variety of handmade crafts, jewelry, and textiles. While some visitors find vendors overly pushy, embracing the bargaining culture can lead to great finds and an enjoyable experience. It's a fantastic place to support local artisans and take home a piece of Tanzanian culture.
"This is a nice place to buy some souvenirs in Arusha. You can find variety of stuff here. BUT, they are very pushy and aggressive sometimes hahaha. You should look around first and comparing with some places.Because people give you high price first and you need to negosiate always. It depends on the stores sometimes very high, sometimes kind price. Honestly, I think every stores are selling same or similar.There are some handmade beads items, blankets, Maasai goods, bags, painting...really alot! also there are clean toilet. Once, I was trying to buy soda there, they said one bottle for 3,000tsh. I live here I know the price...it can get 700tsh~1,000tsh in general. They are really doing business for whitepeople for special price."
tomomi sakai
"Arusha Maasai market offers a vibrant and lively souk place perfect for purchasing souvenirs. While some vendors may be a bit assertive, don't let that deter you. Embrace the opportunity to negotiate, it can add to the experience! Most vendors are quite flexible and respectful, making it enjoyable to engage with them."
Zied Slimane
"It was really a great experience and we picked up lot of trinkets. The one thing you need to remember is bargain at least 50 percent or more. But really a good place to buy gifts 👍"
Shoba Sriram
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Maasai Market is conveniently located near the Arusha Clock Tower, a central landmark. You can easily reach it by taxi or local dala-dala (minibus). Many visitors find it a straightforward destination within the city.
Yes, it's a well-known spot. Look for the colorful stalls and bustling activity around the Clock Tower area.
The market typically operates daily, but hours can vary. It's best to visit during daylight hours, especially in the morning or afternoon, to ensure most stalls are open.
Parking can be challenging in the city center. If you're driving, be prepared to find street parking or a nearby lot, or consider using a taxi.
Absolutely! Dala-dalas are a very affordable way to get around Arusha and will likely pass by or near the Clock Tower.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no entrance fee to visit the Maasai Market. You can browse freely, and you only pay for the items you choose to purchase.
Tickets are not required for the Maasai Market as it's an open-air market. You can visit anytime during its operating hours.
While some vendors may accept mobile money, it's highly recommended to carry sufficient Tanzanian Shillings in cash for your purchases. This is crucial for effective bargaining.
The market generally operates daily. However, it's always a good idea to check locally if you are visiting during a public holiday.
Receipts are not typically provided at this type of market. Keep track of your purchases and payments, especially when bargaining.
🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Souvenirs
You'll find a wide array of souvenirs, including handmade jewelry, carved wooden items, Maasai shukas, paintings, bags, and decorative pieces.
Prices vary greatly. Vendors often quote high prices initially. Be prepared to bargain aggressively, aiming for at least 50% off the asking price.
Many items are handmade by local artisans, offering authentic crafts. However, some stalls may sell mass-produced goods, so look for unique, handcrafted pieces.
Yes, you can find Maasai shukas, vibrant fabrics, stylish wraps, and unique jewelry and handbags.
Look out for stalls selling art and crafts made from recycled plastic bottles and other upcycled materials, offering a sustainable shopping option.
📸 📸 Photography
Generally, yes, but it's polite to ask vendors before taking close-up photos of their goods or them. Some may appreciate a small tip for photos.
Mornings offer softer light and fewer crowds, which can be ideal for photography. The vibrant colors of the market are always a great subject.
Capture the colorful displays of jewelry, the intricate details of wood carvings, and the vibrant patterns of Maasai shukas. The interactions with vendors can also make for great shots.
It's always best practice to ask permission before photographing individuals. A smile and a polite request go a long way.
A versatile lens that can handle both wider market scenes and closer details would be useful. A smartphone camera is also perfectly adequate for capturing the market's vibrancy.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While the primary focus is on crafts and souvenirs, you might find some vendors selling snacks or drinks. However, it's not a dedicated food market.
Yes, you can usually find vendors selling bottled water and soft drinks. Be aware that prices might be inflated for tourists.
Arusha city center has numerous restaurants and cafes offering local and international cuisine. You can find options ranging from casual eateries to more formal dining.
It's generally advisable to stick to bottled drinks and packaged snacks if available, or dine at established restaurants for meals to ensure food safety.
Prices can be significantly higher than usual, with some vendors charging up to 3,000 TSH for a bottle of soda, whereas the local price is around 700-1,000 TSH.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
🛍️ Shopaholics & Art Lovers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of Bargaining
It's also wise to have a general idea of what similar items cost if possible. While every stall might have slightly different pricing, a consistent pattern emerges. Keep your cash handy, as most vendors prefer it, and it makes the transaction smoother. Engaging with the vendors, learning about their craft, and sharing a laugh can make the bargaining process enjoyable rather than confrontational.
Discovering Authentic Crafts
Many vendors are local artisans who pour their skill and heritage into their creations. Supporting them directly means your purchase contributes to their livelihood and the preservation of these crafts. Keep an eye out for innovative items, such as art made from recycled materials, which blend traditional aesthetics with modern sustainability. This not only makes for a unique souvenir but also supports eco-conscious practices.
When exploring, take your time to appreciate the craftsmanship. Ask vendors about the materials they use and the inspiration behind their designs. This interaction can deepen your appreciation for the items and lead to more meaningful purchases.
Navigating the Market Experience
While the energy is part of the charm, some visitors note that vendors can be quite assertive in trying to attract customers. It's important to maintain a friendly but firm demeanor. A polite 'no, thank you' is usually sufficient if you're not interested. Remember that the market is a place of business, and the vendors are trying to make a living.
Beyond shopping, the market offers a glimpse into local commerce and culture. It's a place to interact with the community, observe daily life, and find unique items that serve as lasting mementos of your time in Arusha.

Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit