Where to buy fresh Tilapia in Mombasa without getting scammed

Today, I want to talk about where you can buy fresh tilapia fish in Mombasa.

If you’ve recently moved to Mombasa, you’ve probably noticed that tilapia isn’t as common here as it is in other parts of Kenya.

Sometimes when you ask around for where to buy fish, you’ll be directed to the nearest vendor, but here’s the thing: most of the fish you’ll find around Mombasa aren't tilapia.

Instead, you’ll come across a wide variety like snapper, grouper, barracuda, kingfish, wahoo, yellowfin tuna, dorado, and giant trevally.

Personally, I’m used to tilapia, and I know some of you might feel the same.

If you're not used to the taste of these other types of fish, you might not enjoy them as much.

Also, some vendors might tell you it’s tilapia when it’s not, and you’ll only realize the truth after cooking and tasting it.

Because Mombasa has salty ocean water, finding real tilapia (which is a freshwater fish) can be tricky. And when you do find it, it’s usually a bit more expensive.

That said, after living here for a while, I’ve found a reliable spot that sells fresh tilapia.

If you're staying around Kiembeni or Bamburi, check out Victory Farms, located opposite Vescon Plaza in Bamburi.

They always have fresh tilapia, and they also have branches in other parts of Mombasa.

Here are the contacts for different locations:

• Bamburi – 0701910703

• Bombolulu – 0702070253

• Kisauni – 0701915579

• Kongowea – 0701016068

• Majengo – 0701428214

• Mshomoroni – 0701922018

• Mtwapa – 0701913409

• Tononoka – 0701016097

You can also check them out on Instagram:

Hope this helps anyone looking for proper tilapia around town!

If you live in Nyali, there are a couple of spots I know where you can get fresh tilapia.

One is Omosh Fisheries, located along Links Road near Carrefour supermarket. They usually have tilapia in stock.

Another option is Carrefour itself, either at City Mall or the branch along Links Road.

They sell fresh tilapia fillets, whole tilapia, and even frozen fillets. You can buy in-store or order online through their website.

That said, I’d recommend going in person if you can. With fish, it's better to see what you're buying.

Sometimes, seeing is believing.

As of now, these are the places I know in Mombasa where you can find good tilapia.

If you know of other spots, feel free to share them in the comments.

Why it’s important to buy tilapia from a trusted seller

Buying fish from a reliable source matters, not just for your health, but also to make sure you’re getting what you pay for.

Here's why it’s worth paying attention.

1. Food safety - Reputable vendors usually follow proper storage and handling. Fish goes bad fast if it isn’t kept cold, and eating spoiled fish can make you seriously sick.

2. Getting the right fish - Some sellers might try to pass off cheaper fish as tilapia, or mix wild and farmed fish. In the worst cases, they might sell a completely different species.

3. Fair pricing - Scammers might charge too much or offer suspiciously cheap fish that’s poor quality—or not tilapia at all.

4. Knowing where your fish came from - Legit vendors can usually tell you where and how the fish was sourced. This is helpful if you're trying to avoid fish from polluted waters or shady farms.

Tips to avoid getting scammed

1. Buy from sellers people trust - Go to places with a good reputation. Ask around, or check online reviews if you're unsure.

2. Look at the fish - Fresh tilapia has firm flesh, a mild smell, and is white or slightly pink. If it smells too fishy, feels soft, or has strange coloring, walk away.

3. Ask where it’s from - A good vendor should be able to tell you the source. If they seem unsure or get defensive, that’s a red flag.

4. Watch out for super low prices - If it’s much cheaper than elsewhere, something’s probably wrong, like old fish, or a different species.

5. Check the packaging (if it’s frozen) - Make sure it’s properly sealed, labeled with the species name, origin, and date. Avoid anything damaged or poorly packed.

6. Go with your gut - If something feels off, whether it's the fish, the seller, or the setup, trust your instincts and don’t buy.

My final thoughts

If you’re new to Mombasa, finding fresh tilapia can be a bit of a challenge.

Most of the fish here come from the ocean, so freshwater options like tilapia aren’t as common, and when you do find them, they can be pricey.

That’s why it helps to know where to look and how to spot the real thing, especially with some sellers trying to pass off other fish as tilapia.

I’ve listed a few reliable places around Mombasa, whether you’re in Bamburi, Nyali, Mtwapa, or nearby, where you can get actual tilapia.

If you know of other solid spots I didn’t mention, feel free to add them in the comments.

Someone out there might really appreciate it.

And if you’ve ever been sold fake tilapia, tell us about it.