The Village Market, Nairobi (must see)

The Village Market in Nairobi is a sprawling shopping, recreation, and entertainment complex that offers a diverse range of experiences for visitors. With over 150 retail outlets covering 210,000 square feet of retail space, it is a shopper's paradise. The complex also includes 20,000 square feet of office space and various recreational and entertainment facilities.

Situated in the Gigiri residential area, about 6 miles from Nairobi's city center on Limuru Road, The Village Market was conceptualized by Iranian brothers Hamed and Mehraz Ehsani in 1992. They aimed to create a unique shopping and recreational destination for the residents of Gigiri, which includes diplomats, expatriates, and tourists living or working in Nairobi's Diplomatic District and surrounding areas. Construction began in April 1992, and three years later, The Village Market opened its doors to the public.

The design of The Village Market resembles an open-air African market, featuring waterfalls, rivers, plants, and gardens. The ambiance adds to the overall experience, transporting visitors into a vibrant and lively atmosphere. The retail outlets within the complex offer a wide variety of products and services. With over 150 shops, shoppers can find local and designer wear, fashion accessories, footwear, and more, catering to various lifestyles and preferences. The anchor tenant of the complex was Nakumatt supermarket, which has since closed and will soon be replaced by A Majid Al Futtaim's Carrefour Supermarket.

Food enthusiasts will be delighted by the outdoor Food Court at The Village Market, which offers a diverse range of cuisines, including traditional African fare. Additionally, the complex houses several other restaurants that are open daily, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Visitors can also avail themselves of beauty, hair, and salon services, including the first M.A.C. store in Kenya and Refinery Grooming, Nairobi's first new era Male Grooming Company, offering barbershop treatments for all hair types.

The Village Market is designed to be inclusive and convenient for all visitors. It features handicap accessible restrooms, a Baby Room for nursing mothers, and a prayer area reserved for visitors and shoppers. The complex is accessible through five gates and offers ample parking space with over 1,225 on-site parking spots, including reserved handicap parking. Multiple Customer Service desks are available throughout the complex to assist shoppers, tenants, and visitors with any inquiries or assistance they may need.