Mombasa Safety Tips

On Mombasa safety, although a Mombasa safari will knock your socks off and the city is generally safe, the tips below (couched in innumerable don'ts) will ensure that your vacation is incident-free.

• Don't be ostentatious. It is better not to travel here with your expensive jewelry, watch and phone so cross it off your packing list
• Leave your passport, card and excess money in your room safe. Most of the hotels at the coast charge a nominal fee for use of the safe but it is certainly worth it
• As far as is possible, don't walk around with handbags or rucksacks but if you must, remember to carry your money separately. I always carry a little money in my front jean pockets but make sure these are deep enough. If you have a discreet money belt, this is even better. Some men carry their money in their socks but don't remove and put it back in the full view of everyone
• Another key Mombasa safety tip relates to avoiding deserted areas and unlit streets and alleys especially at night and taking a taxi if you want to get out of the hotel grounds. If you must use public transport, use buses rather than matatus wherever possible as the latter are notorious for recklessness. If matatus are the only form of public transport plying your route, don't be embarrassed to ask the driver to slow down if he's driving recklessly
• Steer clear of "beach boys" who hover around the beaches. Even though they may attempt to lure you with rosy offers of cheaper safaris and boat rides, opt to deal with the diving centers at many of the beach hotels. And, when in doubt, seek the advice of the reception staff at your hotel
• As the tap water in Mombasa is of variable quality, it is always safer to drink bottled mineral water. In addition, be cautious of food prepared by unlicensed roadside vendors because it could be contaminated
• Don't dress skimpily and even though this is a relative term, when out of the hotel grounds, dress modestly so that you don’t offend the cultural sensibilities of the local residents. Also remember that public nudity is a no-no in Kenya
• It is safest to carry out all your foreign exchange transactions in a forex bureau or bank. Don't be baited by the higher rates street vendors offer you as the risk of ending up with less or counterfeit money is very real.