Source: https://rivet.global/blog/tanzania-safari-operators-collecting-from-foreign-agencies
Published: 2026-10-31 · Updated: 2026-10-31 · By Rashidatou K.

# Tanzanian safari operators collecting from foreign agencies

Tanzania's safari and Kilimanjaro operators are paid by agencies in the US, Europe and beyond. How deposits work, how dollars arrive and planning for the long rains.

## Key takeaways

- Safari and trekking operators in Tanzania sell largely through agencies in the US, UK and Europe.
- Agencies pay deposits on booking and balances 30 to 60 days before arrival, usually in dollars.
- Payments from non-resident agencies can be in foreign currency under the rules on international transactions.
- Peak season receipts need to cover the long rains, when bookings fall.

An Arusha safari company runs 200 trips a year through agencies in Denver, London and Munich. Deposits arrive from January for the July to October migration season; balances arrive 60 days before each trip. In April and May, during the long rains, very little comes in, while vehicles, staff and lodge contracts still cost money.

## How agencies pay

Agencies abroad pay Tanzanian operators by international transfer, usually in dollars, to their Tanzanian bank accounts. Payments from non-resident agencies can generally stay in foreign currency under the rules on international transactions.

## Terms

1. Deposit of 20 to 30 percent on booking.
2. Balance 30 to 60 days before arrival.
3. Cancellation terms stating refunds and currency.

## Transfers take time

International transfers to Tanzania pass through correspondent banks and can take several days. Ask agencies to send balances well ahead of deadlines, quoting booking references.

## The long rains

Set aside a share of each peak month's receipts for the low season's fixed costs as they arrive.

## Paying locally

Guides, drivers, lodges and park fees are paid in Tanzania, increasingly in shillings under the domestic pricing rules. Convert a planned amount ahead of each month.

## Paying into Tanzania: the local rail

| What | Detail |
|---|---|
| Local rail | Tanzania Instant Payment System (TIPS) |
| Run by | Bank of Tanzania |
| Settlement | Seconds, 24/7, between banks and mobile money |

Source: [Bank of Tanzania: TIPS](https://www.bot.go.tz/). Checked when this guide was last updated; the scheme's own page has the current figures.

## Where Rivet fits

Rivet opens business accounts for registered companies after verification, subject to local rules. Agencies abroad that bank with Rivet can pay Tanzanian operators' bank accounts through Rivet's payouts where available. Rivet is not a bank; regulated partner institutions hold the funds.

## Questions

### How do agencies pay Tanzanian safari operators?

By international transfer, usually in dollars, to the operator's Tanzanian bank account.

### Can operators still charge foreign agencies in dollars?

Transactions with non-residents can generally remain in foreign currency under the Bank of Tanzania's rules. Check the current exceptions.

### What payment terms are common?

A deposit of 20 to 30 percent on booking and the balance 30 to 60 days before the safari.

### How should operators plan for the low season?

Set aside part of peak season receipts for fixed costs during the long rains in April and May.