Where is the market located?
Located right outside of Lake Manyara National Park the culturally diverse and busling town of Mto Wa Mbu, the Masai Central Market is easily visited by most visitors to Tanzania's Northern Safari Circuit. The market is on the way to both the Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area and the Serengeti National Park from Arusha.
What Makes The Market Special?
The Masai Central Market is a group of locally run shops. We promise you the best prices, a safe and friendly shopping environment and that all the money spent at the market goes directly into the local economy. The Masai Central Market is also special because it is locally owned and does not have the capital to widely advertise or pay a commission to tour drivers who stop here. Stores that pay drivers a commision for bringing clients tend to have higher prices and they tend to benefit only a few people, but when you shop at the Masai Central Market, your money will benefit many people in the community.
Many traditional crafts from Tanzania's 128 different cultural groups as well as paintings, t-shirts, and other souvenirs. Because the Masai Central Market is a group of individual shops, we can offer a huge variety of products. Mto Wa Mbu, the town where the market is located, is home to many artists who sell there work at the market. A visit to see the artists working can be easily arranged!
Don't Forget To Visit The Fresh Fruit Market!
Adjacent to the Masai Central Market is the Fresh Fruit Market of Mto Wa Mbu. Here, you can purchase over 30 types of banana, papaya, mango, orange, apple, pear, watermelon, avocado, and all types of vegetables. All of the produce is grown locally so it is guaranteed fresh!