Best handmade souvenirs from Kenya
It was one of those warm Karen mornings coffee in hand, a friend visiting from the States across the table, wide-eyed and bubbling with post-safari awe. We were sitting beneath the jacaranda trees at the Karen Blixen Coffee Garden, the light filtering through like gold dust, and she asked me, “What should I take home that really feels like Kenya?”
And just like that, my mind drifted to our treasure trove next door The Safari Souvenir Gift Shop. Not just a store, but a celebration of local artistry, of handmade craft, of Kenyan soul woven into every item. These aren’t just trinkets. They’re stories you can hold.
Here are 5 souvenirs I recommended that day thoughtful, timeless, and full of heart:
1. Mara Tatu Baskets- Woven with Wisdom
These aren’t your typical market baskets. Handwoven from sisal, raffia, and native grasses by the women of Mara Tatu, each basket is a masterpiece in utility and tradition. Crafted over several days, every piece carries the memory of ancestral weaving techniques and the hands of a woman shaping a better life for her family. These baskets are more than functional they’re heritage held in your hands.
2. Kazuri Beads – Jewelry That Speaks of Resilience
When you wear Kazuri, you wear strength. Handmade by over 300 women, mostly single mothers, these ceramic beads are individually shaped, fired, and hand-painted with love and care. “Kazuri” means “small and beautiful” in Swahili and that’s exactly what these pieces are. More than accessories, they’re symbols of empowerment and social impact.
3. Safari Bronze – Art Cast in Legacy
There’s something timeless about the bronze sculptures from Safari Bronze. Using the ancient lost-wax casting method, each animal be it a lion, elephant, or cheetah is sculpted to reflect Kenya’s magnificent wildlife. Beyond the beauty, a portion of each purchase supports wildlife conservation. This is art that tells a story and serves a purpose.
4. Garetti Jewellery Box- Where Heritage Meets Haute
Imagine silver and gold jewelry inspired by the Kenyan landscape and handmade in a Nairobi studio. That’s Garetti—an atelier merging traditional metalwork with modern flair. These aren’t just accessories; they’re statement pieces that whisper stories of savannahs, sunsets, and shimmering dreams. And by wearing one, you’re supporting the next generation of Kenyan jewelers.
5. Oceansol- Turning Trash Into Treasure
Born from the love of Kenya’s coast and the need to protect it, Oceansol transforms marine plastic into vibrant home décor and accessories. Each piece crafted by artisans using reclaimed beach waste is a love letter to the ocean, and a promise to tread gently on our planet. Who knew sustainability could look this stunning?
Why It Matters
Each item in our shop represents a relationship. A story. A dream. These are more than souvenirs they’re keepsakes, woven with the spirit of Kenya. When you purchase from the Safari Souvenir Gift Shop, you’re not just investing in a product; you’re sustaining livelihoods, preserving traditions, and carrying a tangible memory of your time here.
So yes, gift the magnet but pair it with something meaningful.
Visit us at the Karen Blixen Coffee Garden to explore these treasures in person or browse online:
