Nairobi is probably the best place in East Africa for buying African souvenirs (known locally as curios). The markets have great atmosphere and are worth exploring as sights. The covered City Market, Muindi Mbingu Street, was originally built as an aircraft hangar. For traditional fabrics and clothes, head down Biashara Street. Kariokor Market, corner of Racecourse Road and General Waruingi Street, is a huge sprawling open-air chaos with everything on sale from vegetables and fish to traditional fabrics and souvenirs. Alternatively try the Embakasi Village Crafts Market, Mombasa Road, or the colourful Maasai Markets (Tue and Fri at the corner of Moi Avenue and Monrovia Street; Thur at National Theatre on Harry Thuku Road; and Fri at the village market, Limuru Road).

If you prefer shops and fixed prices, the best place, just out of town, is the vast African Heritage, Libra House (Mombasa Road, +25420530054, www.africanheritage.net). For a really interesting selection, look out for the various charitable community craft centres such as Kamili Designs (Langata Road, Karen, +25420883640) (textiles); Kazuri Beads & Pottery Centre (Mbagathi Ridge, Karen, +25420884058); Spinner’s Web, Viking House (Waiyaki Way, +254204441485) (rugs, weaving and wool); and the Utamaduni Crafts Centre Bogoni East Rd, between the Ostrich Park and Giraffe Sanctuary (Langata, +25420890464).