| Situated between Ethiopia (to the north) and | | | | are of a high quality. It can be offensive to name too |
| Tanzania (to the south) lies the unspoilt Kenya with | | | | low a price, so make sure you inspect items and see |
| world famous safari parks and glorious sandy | | | | how well crafted they seem before you put in your |
| beaches. | | | | initial offer. Bargaining is fun in the culture, but if you |
| Kenya is split up into eight provinces which can | | | | are someone who has little time or get frustrated, |
| further be split down into districts. There were sixty | | | | then just make a clear 'final price' and ask for the |
| nine in total according to the last census in 1999. The | | | | stall owners own. Make a compromise and pay up or |
| eight provinces are: Central, Coastal, Nairobi, Eastern, | | | | leave without the item. Nairobi also hosts the Sarit |
| North Eastern, Nyanza, Rift Valley and Western. As | | | | Centre, a large shopping zone that can be found by |
| well as having the provinces to explore, Kenya also | | | | heading for the Westlands area if you want to make |
| has several busy cities if you would prefer to escape | | | | the most of every shopping district. |
| and indulge in a spot of retail therapy. Kenyan | | | | Travelling out into the lesser know cities of Eldoret |
| markets and shopping are things that may rarely be | | | | and Machakos can be good for shopping if you do |
| considered when thinking about the country, but in | | | | not like the busier environments as much. Real |
| actual fact it is a veritable smorgasbord out there, | | | | bargains can be found out in the smaller towns |
| with many fine shops and markets to cater for | | | | though. Often there will be markets selling many |
| everyone's taste. Start off with a trip to the capital | | | | goods which are handmade and very well crafted: |
| city, Nairobi, and think about the kind of items you | | | | wood carvings, cloths, jewellery and baskets are |
| may want to acquire. One thing that Kenya is known | | | | treasures to look out for. If you are prepared to |
| for is the beautiful cloth that comes out of the | | | | travel, the coastal town of Lamu is perfect for |
| country. Head down to Biashara Street and have a | | | | shopping for good quality items. Renowned as one of |
| look at the range of fabric shops available, so you | | | | the best areas in terms of craftsmanship, it is worth |
| can choose a lovely piece to take home. | | | | going to see, or maybe even being the destination |
| If you are someone who prefers markets or going | | | | you choose to stop in. |
| to see a range of different shops though, then | | | | Kenya is well known for excellent shopping, but make |
| definitely just wander around the city and make the | | | | sure you take advantage of other wonders too. |
| most of the open air markets there every day. The | | | | There are beautiful sandy beaches in the coastal |
| City Market itself is great and has a variety of items | | | | regions which, although very hot, will allow you |
| that you could buy, for yourself or as gifts to take | | | | beautiful sea views and a chance to paddle. Consider |
| home for friends and family as a token of Africa. | | | | The Gedi Ruins, Mount Kenya, Maasai Mara and |
| Haggling is perfectly acceptable, and encouraged, at | | | | Kakamega forest reserves (to name a few) if you |
| these markets, so you can easily get bargains. | | | | are in Kenya and make the most of this beautiful |
| However, be careful when haggling over goods such | | | | country. |
| as ornaments as often these can be handmade and | | | | |