Kenya People
The country has a population of about 38 million. It is said that there are over 40 to 70 tribes in Kenya, depending on how one counts them. The most well-known is the Maasai tribe on the Serengetti plains, and the Swahili and Kikuyu tribes. The tribes can be distinguished along linguistic lines: there are three mainly groupings, the Bantu-speaking (such as Kikuyu and Swahili), Nilotic-speaking (such as Maasai and Turkana) and Cushitic-speaking (such as Boni). The largest tribe is the Kikuyu, making up over 20% of the population. Last edited Feb 28, 09 7:50 PM. Contributors: Andrew W. |
Travel Tips for People in Kenya
Nairobi, Nairobi Area, Kenya
The Masai Market moves locations in Nairobi. But no matter where it's set up on the day you visit - be informed before you go!!
Once you cross the threshold, you are immediately swarmed by people who want to escort you through the market. The idea is for one person to escort you, helping you find the things you are looking for. If you like something, he grabs it and puts it in your "maybe" pile. The maybe pile is carried by another man.
The sheer volume of merchandise is overwhelming. Let alone the entirely too fast paced guide dragging you from one end to the other trying to point out what it is you might be looking for.
You tend to wonder if they have special agreements with certain vendors to drag the tourists to one person or another. Nothing is really priced as you are browsing. It's all done at the end.
We were never given an opportunity to just "browse" or take our time. It was RUSH RUSH RUSH which left me with a sense of disappointment. There is an endless array of wonderful treasures and souveniers - don't get me wrong! Lots and lots of great things to look at and buy. Unique finds. If only I had time to appreciate that more....
Once you are done with your "maybe" pile - you are taken to the center of the market for bargaining. This was ridiculous. They start out with such a high dollar amount it's laughable. We spent about 15 minutes bartering back and forth to come to anything reasonable.
You can't blame them too much - it's how they make their living. I guess they have to try.....but in hind side, if we had it to do all over again...
I'd decline the escort, take my time, be more assertive and find what I want.
Bartering unfortunately, just comes with the territory.
Once you cross the threshold, you are immediately swarmed by people who want to escort you through the market. The idea is for one person to escort you, helping you find the things you are looking for. If you like something, he grabs it and puts it in your "maybe" pile. The maybe pile is carried by another man.
The sheer volume of merchandise is overwhelming. Let alone the entirely too fast paced guide dragging you from one end to the other trying to point out what it is you might be looking for.
You tend to wonder if they have special agreements with certain vendors to drag the tourists to one person or another. Nothing is really priced as you are browsing. It's all done at the end.
We were never given an opportunity to just "browse" or take our time. It was RUSH RUSH RUSH which left me with a sense of disappointment. There is an endless array of wonderful treasures and souveniers - don't get me wrong! Lots and lots of great things to look at and buy. Unique finds. If only I had time to appreciate that more....
Once you are done with your "maybe" pile - you are taken to the center of the market for bargaining. This was ridiculous. They start out with such a high dollar amount it's laughable. We spent about 15 minutes bartering back and forth to come to anything reasonable.
You can't blame them too much - it's how they make their living. I guess they have to try.....but in hind side, if we had it to do all over again...
I'd decline the escort, take my time, be more assertive and find what I want.
Bartering unfortunately, just comes with the territory.
Good tip?
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Nairobi, Nairobi Area, Kenya
dont trust the people who take your bags out, they pick pocketed me.
Good tip?
(0)
Nanyuki, Rift Valley Region, Kenya
A must visit for folks who love the Kenya people is Nanyuki Spinners and Weavers. It is near the hospital.. a women's cooperative, it is run by a wonderful woman named Anna. wool, dyes, weaving, everything done on their own.. current economic situation is really hammering them.. Look for Spinners and Weavers on the web.
Good tip?
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Mombasa, Coastal Kenya, Kenya
wow mombasa is a special city but interessting.
diani beach Leisure lodge a nice Hotel, it is like a 3-4 Star in Europe but realy nice with friendly people and the best Beach from all other Hotels
diani beach Leisure lodge a nice Hotel, it is like a 3-4 Star in Europe but realy nice with friendly people and the best Beach from all other Hotels
Good tip?
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Nairobi, Nairobi Area, Kenya
Nairobi is a lot of things. It is a big noisy, bustling city,but I got to like it somehow. There are many okay places to eat, as long as you are open to it, many small joints sells fries or african meals, and I never get sick from them. Getting around is not so hard, you "just" have to find out which matatu goes where.
The locals are in general friendly, but beware, the best thing is to get into conversation naturally. People who contact you on the street should not be trusted too much...
Nairobi is called Nairobbery, so just take care of your belongings. Dont put them where they can be seen or easily snatched.
Good tip?
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