Safari Currency Converter
Convert USD, EUR and GBP to Kenyan, Tanzanian, Ugandan and Rwandan money with live mid-market rates — and budget your East Africa safari with confidence.
Live mid-market rates for reference. Banks & bureaus add a margin — check before exchanging.
Quick Safari Budget Amounts
A 5-day budget safari ≈ $1,500
Popular Safari Currency Pairs
Safari Money Tips
Essential financial advice for your East Africa safari.
Bring clean USD bills
Most safari lodges accept USD. Bring clean bills dated 2011 or newer — older, torn or marked notes are often refused.
Local currency for tips
You'll need local currency for tips, market purchases, and small roadside stops. Budget ~$10-15/day for tips.
ATM availability
ATMs are available in major cities but not in national parks. Withdraw enough cash before heading to game reserves.
Card payments
Upscale lodges accept Visa/Mastercard, but a 3-5% surcharge is common. Always carry a cash backup.
Safari money: common questions
What currency should I bring on safari in East Africa?+
Bring clean US dollar bills dated 2011 or newer — they are accepted at most lodges, for park fees and for gorilla permits across Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Rwanda. Carry some local currency (Kenyan Shilling, Tanzanian Shilling, Ugandan Shilling or Rwandan Franc) for tips, markets and small purchases.
Are these exchange rates live?+
Yes. Rates are pulled live from a mid-market exchange-rate feed each time you open the converter and cached briefly for speed. They are indicative reference rates — banks and bureaus typically add a 1–5% margin.
How much cash should I budget for a safari?+
Plan roughly US$10–15 per day per traveller for tips, plus extra for drinks, curios and optional activities. Most lodge, vehicle and park costs are pre-paid in your package, so cash is mainly for extras.
Can I pay for my safari in my home currency?+
Yes. Imara Africa Safaris quotes and invoices in USD by default, and can also quote in EUR, GBP and other major currencies. Card and bank-transfer payments are accepted, and our pricing pages convert to your preferred currency automatically.