How much cash should I bring on safari?

Bring $500–$1,000 USD per person. This covers tips, shopping, drinks, and unexpected expenses. Always carry small denominations of new, clean USD notes.

Can I use my credit card at safari lodges?

Some mid-range and luxury lodges accept credit cards, but not all. It’s best to have cash as a backup in case the lodge or camp doesn’t support card payments.

Where can I exchange money in Tanzania?

You can exchange money at banks, bureaux de change, and some hotels in Arusha, Kilimanjaro, or Zanzibar. Bureaux de change typically offer the best rates.

Do I Need Cash on Safari in Tanzania?

Q: Do I need cash on safari in Tanzania?

Yes. While some safari operators accept card payments for deposits, you will need USD cash for tipping, souvenir shopping, drinks, and personal expenses.

nassarymeshack22
Oct 4, 2023
5 min read

Updated: Jul 25

How Much Cash to Bring and When to Use It

When planning your dream safari in Tanzania, one of the most common yet overlooked questions is: “Do I need to carry cash?” The short answer is yes—but how much, and what for, depends on the type of safari you're taking and your travel style. While Tanzania is gradually adopting cashless systems in major towns and upscale lodges, cash still plays a critical role in the safari experience, especially in remote areas.

In this guide by Travel Wise Safari, we’ll walk you through exactly when and why you’ll need cash, how much to bring, and tips for carrying it safely while on safari.

*How Much Cash to Bring and When to Use It*

💳 What Can Be Paid by Card (and What Can’t)

When you book your Tanzania safari, you’ll likely pay a deposit online via credit card or bank transfer, especially if you’re working with a reputable operator like Travel Wise Safari. However, once you land in Tanzania, you’ll often be asked to settle the remaining balance in cash (USD) during your in-person safari briefing.

Why? Many safari companies operate in remote areas where card payment systems are unreliable due to poor internet or a lack of banking infrastructure. Carrying cash helps avoid delays and ensures a smooth handover before your adventure begins.

💵 What You’ll Need Cash For on Safari

Here’s a breakdown of where your cash will go during your safari:

1. Tipping (A Big Part of Safari Culture)

Tipping isn’t just appreciated—it’s expected. Guides, drivers, cooks, and camp staff depend heavily on tips to supplement their income. Here's a general guideline:

Safari driver-guide: $10–USD 20 per traveller, per day
Camp staff or porters: $2–USD 5 per day
Cooks (in camping safaris): $5–USD 10 per day

💡 Always carry small bills—$1s, $5s, and $10s—for tipping, and keep them in an accessible pouch.

2. Souvenir Shopping

From handcrafted Maasai jewellery to wooden animal carvings, woven baskets, fabrics, and Tanzanite stones, you’ll find plenty of keepsakes. Most local artisans and market vendors only accept cash, usually in Tanzanian Shillings (TZS), but some accept USD too.

🛍 Pro Tip: Bargaining is common, but it’s best done with cash in hand. Be respectful and have fun with it.

3. Drinks and Extras

If you're staying in a budget lodge or public campsite, you’ll likely need to pay for drinks separately. Even in mid-range lodges, premium wines, spirits, or bottled water might incur extra charges.

If you're on a luxury safari package, drinks may be included; however, please check with your operator in advance.

4. Personal Expenses

Other cash needs during your safari might include:

Snacks during long game drives
Laundry service (especially on longer safaris)
Optional village visits or cultural experiences
Tips for airport porters or hotel staff in Arusha or Zanzibar

Having a cash buffer ensures flexibility when unexpected opportunities pop up—like joining a last-minute balloon safari or buying a cold soda from a roadside stall.

💰 How Much Cash Should You Bring?

Here’s a quick guideline based on a 5 to 7-day safari:

Expense Type	Estimated Cost (USD)
Tipping	$100–150 per person
Souvenirs	$100–300 per person
Drinks/Extras	$50–150 per person
Emergency/Buffer	$200–300 per person
Total	$500–1,000 per person

🔒 Bring a mix of denominations. $20s and $10s are great for major tips and shopping, while $1s and $5s are perfect for smaller service tips.

💱 Where to Exchange Money in Tanzania

While USD is widely accepted—especially newer notes printed after 2006—it’s still useful to have some Tanzanian Shillings (TZS) for smaller purchases. You can exchange money at:

Banks in Arusha, Moshi, and Zanzibar
Bureaux de Change (usually offer better rates than banks or hotels)
ATMs in major towns (Note: rural areas like Serengeti or Ngorongoro have limited or no ATM access)

⚠️ Avoid exchanging money at airports unless necessary, as the rates are usually less favourable.

🧳 Tips for Carrying and Using Cash on Safari

Divide and store wisely: Keep some money in your daypack and the rest in a safe at your lodge or a hidden travel pouch.
Stay discreet: When handling cash in public areas, do so discreetly to avoid unwanted attention.
Carry clean, untorn bills: Worn or older USD notes are often rejected by vendors and banks.
Don’t rely on ATMs in remote areas: Even in towns, withdrawal limits may be low (~$100–200 USD/day), and machines may run out of cash.

🗣️ Common Questions About Safari Payments

Can I use my card at lodges?

Some mid-range and luxury lodges accept credit cards; however, connectivity issues can occasionally affect transactions. Always have a cash backup.

Can I pay for my entire safari in cash?

Yes, and many operators prefer it, especially for last-minute bookings or on-the-ground add-ons.

Should I carry Tanzanian Shillings or USD?

Bring USD for most safari-related expenses, and convert a small amount to TZS for snacks, small tips, or local shopping.

🦁 Final Thoughts: Be Safari Smart With Your Money

So, do you need cash on safari in Tanzania? Absolutely. While modern conveniences are increasing, many parts of Tanzania—especially in the bush—still operate with cash-first systems. Having a thoughtful mix of cash and card, along with a realistic understanding of where your money will be spent, ensures a smooth and stress-free experience.

At Travel Wise Safari, we guide all our guests on what to bring and how to manage their expenses, so you're never caught off guard. Planning means you’ll spend more time enjoying the wildlife—and less time worrying about your wallet.

Tanzania safari - Travel wise safari — Serengeti National Park

🦓 Ready to Experience Tanzania?

Looking for a safari that’s easy to book and completely unforgettable? Explore our most popular Tanzania safari tours—perfect for first-timers and seasoned adventurers alike!

🌍 3-Day Tanzania Fly-in Safari from Zanzibar

Destinations: Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater & Lake Manyara

✅ Ideal for travellers short on time

✅ Includes return flights from Zanzibar

✅ Private 4x4 vehicle, expert guide, and full-board accommodation

🦁 5-Day Serengeti & Ngorongoro Safari

Destinations: Serengeti National Park & Ngorongoro Crater

✅ Best for Big Five sightings and the Great Migration

✅ Choice of mid-range or luxury lodges

✅ All-inclusive with game drives and transfers

5 days Tanzania Safari | Travel Wise Safari

🏕️ 7-Day Northern Tanzania Explorer

Destinations: Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro & Lake Manyara✅ Perfect blend of adventure and comfort✅ Great for families and photographers✅ Cultural visits & optional balloon safari