HLester3

I am trying to figure out the money issue now and how much I should bring. I am afraid of not bringing enough money with me and then kicking myself later. Are the little shops at the lodges expensive like the hotel gift shops in the US? Does anyone remember how much a t-shirt or other clothing items are for sale at the lodges? What is the general price for things at the meet and greets at the Masai villages for bracelets & necklaces, spears? I have done a search and looked at the prices I think for the Collectors Den to get a little idea, are these the same kind of things for sale at the lodges? We are not going to do any driving between camps, so will we be stopping at road side shops? Is this something that happens on game drives to and from camp? I guess I am clueless about this.
Thanks, Heather

Patty

Except for lodge and camp gift shops, there aren't really any shops inside parks and reserves, so I would say that it's unlikely you'll stop at any on a game drive. The prices for souvenirs at lodge and camp gift shops will likely be higher than the prices you're seeing on the Collector's Den site. However, some camps may have different items for sale that are unique and made by local residents in the area that you may not find in Nairobi. If you see something you like, it's better to buy it than to think you might find the same item elsewhere later.

stakerk

Heather:

We stayed at Larsen Tented in the Samburu and Little Governor's in the Masai Mara. We found the prices at Larsen's gift shop more than at the Samburu Village but not too bad. Prices at Little Governor's were actually less than the place we went to just outside the Musiara gate. Very reasonable, $18 for a Masai shuka (blanket that the men wear). Bracelets and necklaces about $8-10 US. Spears in Samburu about $40, way too expensive $80 for Masai.

Kevin

HLester3

Thank you for the info. Is it so hard to judge these things sight unseen. Usually we buy a lot of T-Shirts on vacation and I am assuming that they are going to be around the $25 range for lodge T-Shirts.

Thanks, Heather

sandi

Yes, at lodges you can expect to pay $20-$25 for a t-shirt; they'll be less in Nairobi, i.e., the Collector's Den.

As Patty mentions, if you see it and like it, if price is right, buy it. Especially at camps/lodges as they often have unique items not found elsewhere. And, know that there is little bargaining at lodges/camps. You can, however, bargain if visiting local villages, so brush up on your bargaining skills.

jasher

Hello,

I second the recommendation to buy when you see it -- I didn't when I was in Botswana, and it's only because the company concerned (Wilderness Safaris) has gone out of their way to ship some things to me that I'm not kicking myself right now.

Cheers,
Julian

Grcxx3

Another vote for the "if you see it and like it - BUY IT" approach! I, too, missed some things thinking I would find them at the next stop! WRONG!!!!

aby

hi Heather

* Kenya or Tanzania? (only hint is Maasai...)

buying in a Village (Enkang / "Manyatta&quot:
mind you: Buying from women at a village at least gives them something...Women don't own cows in Maasai society.(Samburu is somewhat different)If the husband dies & no sons women are in a really bad situation... The money (sometimes ~100 $ for a car, relatively big money in east Africa)we pay for the visit goes to the men. BTW your driver/guides get a significant amount of this visiting fee (sometimes most of it)...

Best deals depend on your BARGAINING skills. (learn to ! it is a nice channel of communicating - do it with a smile)

Cheapest: TZ - Markets: Mto-wa-Mbu, Arusha... KE: in a nicew shop like "Zanzibar Curio Shop" in Naurobi Moi Ave. close to the Stanley & Hilton Hotels

a good T-shirt will cost ~ 10 $
"One Way" is a good quality brand that will last for years. some shirts r embroidered.
TZ: ask your driver to stop at the T shirt place not far from Karatu. Original designs good quality
adults $10 (or 1000 TzSh) children $5

Maasai blankets u can get for ~$10 if u bargain nicely (others things quoted can be less expensive if learn your bargaining-communicating lessons)

Anyway if u like some specific design - never save a few dollars that your future frustration won't be worth...

good luck

aby

PS i've written a more detailed answer a few days ago, but within a stroke of keyboard magic it was lost...
i couldn't repeat it all, sorry