Staying Safe As A Tourist In Mombasa, Kenya : Top 10 Common Sense Tips : You might want to take a few days off before your Kenya safari to relax at one of the country’s stunning white-sand beaches. Tourists prefer to visit Mombasa, Kenya’s largest coastal city. However, you might have wondered if Mombasa is a safe place for tourists.
Mombasa is safe for tourists due to tighter security around tourist hotels and the fact that hotels and resorts take their guests’ safety seriously. Even with the best security, you must still use common sense to stay safe while traveling. I’ll give you some advice in this post on how to stay safe while visiting Mombasa, Kenya.
TOP 10 TIPS TO STAY SAFE IN MOMBASA
Avoid public crowds.
In Mombasa, crowded areas are not ideal for tourists. In the unlikely event of an accident like a fire, being in a crowded area puts you in greater danger than if you were alone. Crowds also attract pickpockets. Keep an eye on your surroundings and your pockets if you do find yourself in a crowded area.
Leave fancy jewelry back home.
It is no secret that jewelry, especially pricey pieces, tends to make us stand out. Therefore, avoid wearing your 2, 3, or 4-figure jewelry piece in broad daylight to prevent any instances of being mugged. (Or even initially packing it for the trip.) It’s a good idea to keep your electronics hidden, including your phones, tablets, and cameras, as doing so increases your risk of theft or even locals extorting money from you.
Keep your wits about you.
Being curious can be costly. Stick to the plan instead, as it won’t cost you anything you don’t want to pay. Keep your distance from people, let them know where you’re going, and carry identification with you—a passport or ID will do just fine. Additionally, it would be best to stay away from areas where protests are occurring, particularly during election season when tensions are typically high.
Additionally, make sure you are conscious of your surroundings and pay attention to anything that seems off. One of the best ways to stay safe is to stay vigilant.
Avoid lonely beaches.
Beaches might seem like a wonderful place to unwind while meeting new people. However, some beaches are crowded with beachgoers who loiter around the shore pretending to be tourists when they’re really just trying to steal from you. Don’t go alone to public beaches if you decide to use them. When there is virtually no one else nearby, keep the company of a reliable local, but generally stay away from them.
Use a Safety bag in towns.
It is safe for you to travel around town with a money pouch that is worn under your clothes and holds extra cash, credit cards, and any necessary medications. This would guarantee that you are taken care of in the event of any trouble without making it seem too obvious.
Avoid late nights and early mornings.
Even though it may seem like a great idea to spend the late nights outside with the wind rushing by to cool the heat of the day, you should avoid doing this alone. You could instead hire a reliable taxi and go for a late-night or early-morning drive. But make sure you are aware of the taxi’s cost in advance!
Know the hotspots and avoid them.
It is wise to stay away from Mombasa’s Old Town because you run the risk of being in danger in areas like Kisauni and Mshomoroni due to the high rate of drug abuse among youth.
Avoid driving yourself.
It is never a good idea for you to drive yourself, even if you have a license to do so, on Kenyan roads. To begin with, the roads are in poor condition and have potholes. Most cars in Kenya are frequently driven too fast, especially on public transportation.
However, if you must drive yourself, keep your windows and doors closed and lock your car to maintain your own security. As well, avoid leaving the car unattended when valuables are present.
Have a backup credit card.
You’ll likely be carrying cash as you move around the city, but it’s wise to have a card just in case—for example, if you experience theft or get into trouble. However, it is advised against carrying it around with you at all times and to leave it securely locked in your hotel room. And keep in mind! When making an ATM withdrawal, exercise caution.
Put your stuff where you can see it.
To prevent losing them, keep all of your valuables in your line of sight and, if at all possible, keep them together in one bag.
