Bishamba Hamisi Juma, a Mombasa-based freelance tour guide, is making waves in a traditionally male-dominated industry. Dressed in her signature black buibui and hijab, Bishamba stands out not only for her attire but also for her dedication and extensive knowledge of the region. Despite facing challenges as a young Muslim woman in a competitive field, she has carved out a niche for herself, attracting clients with her unique tours and passion for sharing the beauty of Mombasa.

A graduate of the Technical University of Mombasa (TUM) with a degree in Tourism Management, Bishamba is fluent in English and Kiswahili, enabling her to connect with a diverse range of tourists. She owns Bishamba Tours Safari Company, which offers a variety of experiences, including agritourism, highlighting the natural attractions in and around Mombasa, with a special focus on the region's abundant fruit tree plants.

Bishamba's tour routes cover iconic landmarks such as Fort Jesus Museum, Old Town, Marikiti Market, the Elephant Tusks, Mombasa Hindu Temple, and the scenic Mama Ngina Waterfront Park. However, it is her venture into fruit farm tours that has set her apart. These tours provide visitors with the opportunity to learn about modern farming practices, meet local farmers, and explore the processes involved in exporting fruits and vegetables.

The positive feedback from Bishamba's clients speaks volumes about the quality of her tours. Henry Harolds Teddy, an American tourist, praised her knowledge and engaging approach after meeting her at Fort Jesus. Bigambo Harry Alfonse from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), a regular client, commended her punctuality and deep understanding of Mombasa. Christina Le Riccia from Italy highly recommends her services to anyone visiting Mombasa.

Callum Axford and his partner from Australia, who are plant enthusiasts, specifically sought out Bishamba for her expertise in local flora. They were impressed by her ability to identify and explain the significance of plants they would have otherwise overlooked. Bishamba's passion for her work is infectious, creating an uplifting experience for her clients.

Bishamba's journey to becoming a tour guide began with practical training at the National Museums of Kenya (NMK) at Fort Jesus Museum. Coming from a well-known Mombasa family, she was determined to pursue her passion while staying true to her values. Her commitment to her Muslim faith is unwavering, and she refuses to compromise her dress code or behavior for business.

Bishamba finds inspiration within herself and stays informed about the latest trends in the hospitality industry by reading extensively and participating in Magical Kenya events. She sees Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) expos as valuable opportunities to network with key players in the tourism sector.

Each day, Bishamba can be found at her workstation near Fort Jesus Museum and the Swahili Pot Hub, where she is a member, ready to share her love for Mombasa with the world.