Many tourists worry about whether or not to tip, who to give the money to, and, most importantly, how much to pay, during their African safari excursions. Tipping on safari can be confusing and vary depending on the country and specific circumstances. However, it is generally recommended to research and follow the tipping customs of the particular destination to ensure a respectful and appropriate gesture.

Why Tip?

Frequently, questions arise concerning the right reason to tip on safari. That is likely logical given the numerous factors to consider, ranging from the guest’s attitude toward tipping in their own culture to worries about relative affluence and cultural stances on money in various areas of Africa. Tipping is a common habit in most Western countries. However, it is not ubiquitous. Tipping is more frequent in some areas than it is in others. Then there’s the matter of who to tip. In places where tipping is common, expectations may be formed. This can lead to dissatisfaction on both sides of the issue, particularly when a gratuity is expected but not supplied or when the customer believes it is undeserved. Many individuals believe that someone who is merely doing their work for pay or ‘going through the motions’ does not deserve a gratuity. 

Tipping on safari

So, how does this apply to tipping in Africa? On a typical African safari, a tourist will enjoy a variety of services, including having their baggage carried, being flown to a remote airfield, and having a gin and tonic made in the bush. Which of these deserves a tip, and why tip at all if you’ve paid for the service? Tipping on safari, like tipping anywhere else, should be regarded as voluntary. Tipping is a gesture of appreciation for great service and/or recognition of a person’s (e.g., a guide) level of competence and the years of training required to get their expertise. Tipping is also a method of giving back and acknowledging the difficulties of lodge life (for the personnel; staying at a safari lodge is not difficult for a tourist). Lodge personnel sometimes spend many weeks or months away from home, and they may be the primary source of income for more than one generation in their extended family. 

Who gets tipped and who doesn’t?

Who to tip is a more complex matter. A consensus has emerged that guides and lodge workers are often tipped, while lodge management and pilots are not. This is because pilots and resort managers often earn more than other safari employees. It is also about credentials and the perceived worth of talents. Safari guides are often professionally trained, but many lodge staff duties might be classified as (with respect) semi-skilled. And certain occupations may need talents that seem almost magical to visitors but are firmly engrained in the locals.

The dynamics of tipping

If you’ve selected an all-inclusive safari and haven’t indulged in any optional extras along the route, you won’t need to pull out your wallet or purse except for tipping, of course. In this scenario, ask the management what their preferred form of gratuity is. This might be a community tip box in the main area where gratuities are distributed evenly among the workers, excluding guides and lodge management.

Tips might also be provided to lodge administrators for distribution, or visitors could tip a single individual directly. If you need to pay any overdue bills at the lodge, you may find yourself pulling for your credit cards. In this scenario, you should indicate whether the gratuity is for a single individual or to be split by the whole staff complement. However, if you prefer to tip, most lodges encourage that you do it at the conclusion of your stay rather than after each activity.

Tipping on safari using cash is the preferred method

When it comes to tipping, cash is the preferred method. The US dollar (followed by euros and pounds) is the most widely accepted currency. The South African rand may be used to tip, although travelers who stay in lodges and hotels are unlikely to need to get any local cash. New, undamaged notes in lesser denominations provide more flexibility and are simpler to convert. Envelopes enable you to include a message or contact information of your choice. Carrying cash may not seem practical, but most hotels feature in-room safes.

Given the substantial expense of a safari trip, some tourists may believe that tipping is unnecessary. However, keep in mind that just a tiny fraction of the entire vacation expense will likely wind up in the wallets of lodge employees. Because of this, tipping is always appreciated.

How much to offer is determined by the quality of service received. As a guideline, we recommend the following:

• Guide: ±USD20 per couple per day
• Tracker/Spotter: ±USD15 per couple per day.
• Personal Butler: ±USD 15 per couple per day (applicable at some premium lodges).
• General lodge staff: ±USD 15 per couple per day.
• Other staff members such as housekeepers or waiters: ±USD 10 per couple per day.

Whatever you feel is fair, tips should be factored into your total budget when planning a trip to ensure you’re not left unprepared.

For guests who are uncomfortable with tipping, an alternative way of giving back would be to donate to a local charity or foundation. Ultimately, tipping on safari is entirely up to you.