16 Must-Buy Kenyan Goods from Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya

Be it a quality read or a quality watch that you fancy most, either way you probably heard of the "Out of Africa" book (by Danish author Isak Dinesen) or the same title Oscar-winning movie, starring Meryl Streep & Robert Redford, shot in Kenya. And if you have, chances are that one day you might also want to prove yourself indeed having set foot on the African soil. In Nairobi, you will find tons of artifacts to attest to that and just as many more to impress your dear ones back home. For your convenience, we've drawn up a list of colorful items that will make you relive the African experience time and time again.

Necklaces and bracelets made of beads have a special significance to the Maasai people, who use different colors and combinations to symbolize power, beauty and love. For example, red beads symbolize power and blood (a color fit for warriors), while green symbolizes fertility and prosperity (good for women). Beads are available in a number of forms. Necklaces are the most common, but you can also find bracelets, earrings, chockers and other products. Some of the bigger necklaces make great pieces of art that you can display at home. The best way to buy Maasai beads is directly from the Maasai people. If you’re joining a safari, you’ll likely visit the Maasai Mara Game Reserve and the resident Maasai tribe. In the city, the best place to get beads is the Kazuri Bead Factory, located in Mbagathi Ridge, on the land that once belonged to Karen Blixen (author of the “Out of Africa” book). The factory sells not only handmade ceramic beads, but also pottery and beaded products. They also have an outlet in the Westgate Shopping Centre in Nairobi. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).