Mombasa, Kenya

• Mombasa is Kenya's second-largest city, sitting on an island with bridges connecting to the North Coast beaches (Nyali, Bamburi, Shanzu) and a ferry to the South Coast. Most visitors stick to the North Coast where infrastructure is better and you'll find more hotels and restaurants. The South Coast beaches look nice but getting there means dealing with the ferry, which gets crowded.
• This is a Muslim-majority city, so cover your shoulders and knees when you're not at the beach. English works fine in Nyali and Bamburi tourist areas, less so elsewhere. It stays hot and humid year-round - expect 25-32°C with no real relief.
• Security has improved with more police in tourist areas and most hotels have guards. The Tourist Police (041-2222121) can help, though English skills vary. Watch your phone and bag in markets and at the ferry terminal - snatching happens.
• Use Uber or Bolt rather than matatus or tuk-tuks, especially after dark. The North Coast neighborhoods have street lighting and security patrols. Old Town is interesting during the day but empty out before sunset - it's not safe at night.

Swahili and English are both official. English works in tourist areas (Nyali, Bamburi), hotels, and with tourist police. Emergency services (999) and tourist police (041-2222121) have English speakers. Learn a few Swahili phrases for markets and local areas.

• Cover shoulders and knees outside beach areas - this is a Muslim city. Swimwear is fine at hotel beaches, but put something over it before heading to markets, Old Town, or local neighborhoods.
• Learn a few Swahili words: 'Jambo' (hello), 'Asante' (thank you), 'Hapana' (no). English works in Nyali and Bamburi, less so in local areas.
• People are generally friendly, but expect vendors and 'beach boys' to approach with tour offers or sales pitches. A simple 'hapana, asante' (no thanks) usually works. Be firm if they persist.

The first hour after landing is when you're tired, carrying everything, and easiest to take advantage of. Three things to sort before you fly:

• Your ride from the airport. A driver who meets you in arrivals, at a price fixed before you fly — no haggling at the taxi rank.

  Book an airport pickup

• Data the moment you land. Maps, ride apps and a way to call for help as soon as you switch your phone on. An eSIM installs at home.

  Get a good eSIM

• The emergency number. Emergency Services: 999, 112, or 911. Save it in your phone, not just on this page.

  All emergency contacts

• Stick to Uber and Bolt - they're tracked, drivers are rated, and it's much safer than random taxis or tuk-tuks, especially at night. Matatus (local minibuses) are cheap but packed and chaotic.
• The Likoni Ferry runs every 15 minutes and it's free to walk on, but it gets jammed during rush hours. Keep your bag close - pickpockets work the crowds. Don't use it late at night if you can avoid it.
• The North Coast roads between Nyali, Bamburi, and Shanzu have decent lighting. You can walk in the evening on main roads, but stick to busy streets and don't wander into side areas.
• If you're planning day trips outside the city, consider renting a car.

Explore Mombasa with local guides and curated experiences.