Money on a Kenya Safari: Cash, Cards and M-Pesa

Your booking with us is paid directly; we confirm accepted payment methods, such as bank transfer or card, when you book. Check what your quote includes - park fees, meals and drinks vary between itineraries.

The local currency is the Kenyan shilling (KES). US dollars are widely accepted in tourism, but small vendors and markets prefer shillings.

• If you bring dollars, bring newer notes in good condition - older or damaged notes are often refused.
• Small denominations are useful for tips.
• ATMs are common in Nairobi and larger towns but rare near the parks, so withdraw before you leave the city.

Visa and Mastercard are accepted at most lodges, city hotels and larger restaurants. In remote camps, card machines depend on connectivity, and some places add a surcharge. Do not rely on a card as your only way to pay once you are on safari.

M-Pesa is Kenya's mobile money system, and it is used for almost everything locally. Visitors can use it with a local SIM, which requires registration with your passport. It is convenient on longer stays but not essential for a short safari.

This depends on your trip length, how much you tip and whether drinks are included. As a rough approach, budget for:

• Tips for your driver-guide and camp staff
• Drinks not included in your package
• Optional activities, such as a Maasai village visit, which are paid locally
• Souvenirs

We give you tipping guidance before you travel so you can plan the amount.

• Carry a mix: some dollars, some shillings and a card.
• Tell your bank you are travelling to avoid blocks.
• Keep cash spread across bags rather than in one place.

Most costs are prepaid, so carry modest cash for tips and extras, withdraw shillings in Nairobi, and keep a card as backup. That covers almost every situation on safari.