Question 1

What is the "Fort Jesus Fake Ticket and Guided Tour Scam" scam in Mombasa?

Accepted Answer

Individuals dressed in semi-official attire loiter outside Fort Jesus on Nkrumah Road and approach tourists with offers of unofficial guided tours or "special combination tickets" that include nearby attractions. The tickets are counterfeit and the guides have no authorisation from the National Museums of Kenya. Visitors who pay discover their ticket is rejected at the gate and the guide has disappeared. Purchase Fort Jesus entry tickets only at the official Museums of Kenya booth inside the main gate on Nkrumah Road. Official licensed guides wear National Museums badges. Do not buy tickets from anyone outside the gate.

Question 2

What is the "Camera Drop Scam" scam in Mombasa?

Accepted Answer

A local asks a tourist to take their photo, hands over a camera, then deliberately drops it when it is returned and demands payment for the damage. This is a widely reported scam along Mombasa's Nyali Beach and Old Town waterfront. Do not agree to handle strangers' cameras or phones. If a device is forced into your hands, set it down carefully and walk away without engaging. Never agree to pay for damage you did not cause.

Question 3

What is the "Street Vendor Short-Change" scam in Mombasa?

Accepted Answer

Street vendors in Mombasa's Old Town and market areas frequently give incorrect change or simply wait to see if a tourist asks for it back. High-denomination Kenyan shilling notes with their large face values make miscounting easy to hide. Always have exact change when possible. Count change received immediately and in view of the vendor before walking away. Familiarize yourself with Kenyan shilling denominations so you can spot when change is short.

Street Scams in Mombasa

Fort Jesus Fake Ticket and Guided Tour Scam

Camera Drop Scam

Street Vendor Short-Change

Experienced a scam here?