Money exchange in Akagera National Park has to be done before you enter the park. Rwanda is one of the more developed countries in Africa, and exchanging money is usually easy—especially in the cities.
However, once you enter the national parks, you are in the wild, and you should not expect to find all the services available in the city. That’s why it’s important to take care of things like money exchange before heading into the park.
You cannot exchange money directly inside Akagera National Park. You need to exchange your currency before you arrive or do so in the nearest town or city.
The most reliable and easy way is to exchange your money in Kigali before starting your Rwandan trip. You can do this at banks, currency exchange bureaus, or even some hotels.
Although Akagera National Park is within Rwanda, some lodges or hotels inside the park might offer limited currency exchange services. However, this is not guaranteed, so it’s better not to depend on it. Always carry Rwandan Francs (RWF) with you before entering the park.
You can also exchange money at banks or currency exchange offices in nearby towns before reaching the park.
Before your trip, check where you can get the best exchange rates in Kigali.
Make sure to carry enough Rwandan Francs for your entire stay in the park, especially if you expect to pay for extras or tips in cash. You may not be able to exchange large amounts of money inside the park.
Credit cards are not accepted everywhere in Rwanda. Some big hotels or lodges inside Akagera may accept cards, but this is not always the case. It’s best to travel with both cash and a credit card to be safe.
In short, plan to exchange your money before visiting Akagera National Park or do so in the nearest town or city. Do not rely on finding exchange services inside the park.
