What to bring back from Kenya?
If you’re planning a trip or have just visited and are wondering what to bring back from Kenya, you’re in for a treat! Kenya offers a wide range of authentic, colorful, and meaningful items that make perfect gifts and keepsakes. From traditional crafts to locally made fashion and flavors, here are some things to bring back from kenya
Best Souvenirs to Bring Home From Kenya
- Maasai Beaded Jewelry - Maasai beaded jewelry displays a vibrant spectrum of colours and intricate patterns. Necklaces, bracelets, and earrings are testaments to the artistic skill of the Maasai people. Each piece embodies cultural importance, making it a treasured souvenir.
- Kikoy Fabric - Kikoy fabric is versatile, serving as a beach wrap or a home décor item. This lightweight cotton is characterized by its distinctive patterns and colors. Kikoy fabrics are available in a range of sizes, making them a practical and stylish keepsake.
- Wood Carvings - Wood carvings are among Kenya´s most recognizable art forms. Sculptures, animal figures, and masks provide fascinating insight into local craftsmanship. These handmade pieces come in a variety of sizes, enabling a selection to suit any space.
- Traditional Maasai Shuka - The traditional Maasai Shuka is a brightly coloured blanket that symbolises Kenyan culture. The Maasai wear this versatile piece of cloth as a shawl or as a wall hanging. Its bold colours embody the spirit of Kenya, making it a unique souvenir.
- Coffee and Tea - Kenyan coffee and tea are globally renowned for their quality. Bring back packets of premium beans or handpicked tea leaves to experience the taste of Kenya in your own home. This souvenir not only provides a sensory experience but also supports local producers.
- Kitengela Glass: Kitengela Glass in Kenya is handcrafted recycled glass art. It is used to create decorative items, jewelry, and stained glass pieces. Skilled artisans produce these unique works, which are often displayed before the studios where they are available for purchase. Purchasing Kitengela Glass supports local artists and promotes environmentally sustainable practices.
- Baskets: Hand-woven baskets (known as kiondos) are the specialty of Akamba women, who use them for everything from carrying groceries to storing wood. The baskets come in a variety of sizes and are made from sisal (a traditional local fiber) and cotton thread, making them durable yet soft enough to pack up and take home. Kiondos are made entirely by hand, and it can take up to three weeks to complete a single basket. Before they begin weaving, the women boil and dye the sisal thread to create the colorful kiondos. Once finished, some weavers add leather trims and handles to the kiondos, and sometimes weave beads and shells into them.
These Kenya souvenirs are not only beautiful and meaningful but also represent the craftsmanship and rich culture of the country. Whatever you choose to bring back from Kenya, you're sure to cherish these items as reminders of your unforgettable Kenyan experience.