COMMON SCAMS IN AFRICAN TOURIST HOTSPOTS AND HOW TO AVOID THEM
You land in Nairobi or another African city, bags in hand, and a smiling local offers to help with your luggage. Five minutes later, your wallet is gone. Africa’s warmth, beauty, and vibrancy draw millions of travelers each year. But where there’s opportunity, scammers follow. Just ask the tourist who lost her bag at a busy market, or the couple who paid for a safari that never showed up. Scams occur everywhere and can affect any traveler. But they don’t have to ruin your trip. This guide reveals the most common ones in Africa and shows you how to stay two steps ahead. No fear, no shame, just savvy advice from locals who care.
1. “Assistance” Scams & Street Distraction Tricks
This is one of the most common methods scammers use in Africa to scam unsuspecting visitors. You are approached by a well-dressed local offering directions or asking to show you around. As the person engages you in conversation, another picks your pocket.
This distraction scam is common in city centers, market entrances, and airports. Be cautious of overly friendly strangers who may be eager to touch you or grab your belongings.
How to avoid it:
· Politely refuse unsolicited help.
· Keep your valuables out of reach.
· Walk with confidence and purpose.
2. Fake Taxi, Rideshare & “Uber” Scams
This is another scam prevalent in airports, city streets, or bus terminals. Unlicensed drivers often gather in these areas to prey on unsuspecting visitors. They may overcharge, take longer routes, or pretend to be rideshare drivers after you’ve booked online.
How to avoid it:
· Use official taxi stands or verified rideshare apps.
· Confirm license plates and driver identity match the app.
· If the meter is broken or the fare seems high, get out and negotiate or find another driver.
3. Fake Tour Guide & Safari Package Scams
In this scam, unscrupulous “guides” offer cheap safaris but deliver inferior services, often employing bait-and-switch tactics or failing to appear.
This scam is most common at tourist agency districts and park entrances.
How to avoid it:
· Book through verified operators with licenses.
· Confirm itineraries, vehicles, and driver credentials in writing.
· Request reviews or references.
· Pay deposits through traceable channels, not cash only.
4. Photography, Camel Ride & Attraction Entry Scams
Tours at pyramids or camel rides may seem “free,” but once you take a photo or board, you're charged an inflated fee or trapped into costly extras.
This often occurs at heritage sites, such as pyramids and the Sahara Desert's camel routes.
At Egypt’s Giza Pyramids, a tourist was offered a quick camel photo “just for fun.” After she posed, the handler refused to let her down until she paid $50—cash only.
Tips to avoid this scam:
· Ask for the cost before accepting any ride or photo.
· Use licensed operators or official merchants.
· If authentication is unclear, decline politely.
5. Fake Police / Authority Official Scams
Someone approaches in uniform or plain clothes, demanding to see your documents or claiming you owe a fine. They pressure you to pay on the spot.
Where it occurs: Cities, transportation hubs, and tourist attractions.
How to avoid it:
· Ask to see official ID or badge.
· Offer to go to the nearest police station.
· Don’t hand over your passport or money—only a photocopy if necessary.
6. Currency Exchange & ATM Scams
Overzealous street exchangers may shortchange you or switch bills without your consent. Skimmer devices on ATMs can steal card information and PINs.
Where it happens: Markets, border crossings, ATMs near tourist zones.
While exchanging cash at a border crossing, a traveler in Zambia noticed the bills felt... off. Later, a local bank confirmed they were counterfeit. The vendor was long gone.
How to avoid it:
· Use licensed banks or authorized bureaus.
· Watch the currency counting.
· For ATMs: inspect the card slot, cover your PIN, and use indoors.
· Notify your bank of travel dates to avoid blocked transactions.
7. Fake Conservation Charity Scams
Outside Uganda’s Bwindi Forest, a man claiming to run an orphaned gorilla charity asked for donations. The name matched a real NGO, but his ID didn’t. The tourist donated and checked online later. It was a clone scam.
Such appealing stories about endangered animals or orphaned babies can lure you into donating to fake charities or cloned NGO sites.
Where it occurs: Along park entrances and safari gates.
How to avoid it:
· Donate only to known organizations.
· Research charities online (Charity Navigator, local NGO registers).
· Avoid impulse donations in person without verification.
8. Overpriced/Counterfeit Goods & “Special Shop” Scams
Street vendors may pressure you into accepting “special offers” at backroom shops that sell counterfeit items or overpriced goods.
Where it happens: Markets, shopping streets, guide-recommended stores.
How to avoid it:
· Haggle with multiple vendors after research.
· Buy branded items only from stores with receipts.
· Avoid following anyone to a hidden shop.
9. Fuel & Transport Fraud While Overlanding
Fuel attendants may manipulate pumps, shortchange bills, or claim that card machines are broken to force cash payments.
Where it happens: Highway fuel stops and rural pumps.
How to avoid it:
· Watch the pump from start to finish.
· Use smaller bills and ask for receipts.
· Choose reputable stations.
10. Free Gift / Trinket Scams
Strangers offer free bracelets, flowers, or trinkets and then demand payment after you’ve accepted them. It’s a guilt-driven scam.
Where it happens: Beaches, markets, heritage attractions.
At a Cape Town market, a young man tied a bracelet around a tourist’s wrist, calling it a ‘gift.’ Moments later, he demanded 200 Rand and blocked her path until she paid.
How to avoid it:
· Refuse unsolicited gifts.
· Avoid accepting anything from strangers in travel hotspots.
· If you receive one, remove it immediately and walk away.
Smart Traveler Habits to Stay Scam-Free
Here are proactive steps you can take:
1. Choose verified guides and operators – Check licenses (KATO/TATO/ATTA) and reviews
2. Get everything in writing – Written itineraries help avoid extras
3. Secure payment methods – Use credit cards or deposits, not full cash up front
4. Know your tour rights – Keep receipts and copy docs
5. Trust your instincts – If it feels wrong, walk away
6. Stay alert in crowds – Use money belts and keep valuables hidden (
7. Book ahead – Avoid street deals; arrange transport and tours in advance (
Final Thoughts
Scams don’t have to spoil your African adventure. Awareness and smart habits are your best protection. From uninvited “helpers” to fake safari deals, these ten common scams can be managed with a few simple precautions: say “no, thank you,” verify identities, check your receipts, and book in advance.
Traveling with a trusted operator makes a huge difference. At Kiboko Tours and Travel, we go beyond bookings. We vet our partners to ensure complete transparency and provide every traveler with the tools to explore safely.