Shopping In Africa

Kenya and Tanzania offered many fine craft items at good prices.  The traditional souvenirs included woodcarvings, gems and gemstone jewelry, batik artwork, traditional African woven cloths, handwoven mats, leather goods, Maasai beadwork, fine baskets and excellent coffee and tea.

In craft markets and roadside curio shops, prices were negotiable.  Some in our group were excellent bargainers and others (like me) were not so good.  In most places I would describe the sellers as outright aggressive and for someone like me who couldn't bargain it was most intimidating and the most surprising aspect of the trip.  On more than one occasion a seller would descend on me and cover me bracelets and necklaces.  Over time I got somewhat used to it, but pretty much had to decided beforehand how much I was willing to spend and just walk away regardless of how rude I felt.  EVEN THEN THEY SOMETIMES WOULD NOT TAKE NO FOR AN ANSWER, and would physically thrust items into the vehicles.

As you might expect, some people felt there was too little time for shopping and other people felt there was too much time spent on shopping.  But all in all, I think everyone was able to purchase that which they wanted.  And from the looks of our bags on our return to the US it appears that we did our part to help the economies of both Kenya and Tanzania.