While safaris are largely all-inclusive, gratuities for the staff are not included in the cost of the trip. Though tipping is not required, it is customary to show gratitude for exceptional service. We recommend bringing cash gratuities in USD to hand out to the staff at the end of your stay at each lodge. Below, we outline when and how much to tip.

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How Much to Tip on Safari

The amounts below are suggested guidelines and are given per person, per day. For half-days due to arrivals or departures, you can halve the amounts. Pre-calculate your tip money, and buffer it by $20-40 per day to avoid running short. Even if you do not use all the money for tips, it is useful for community visits, gift shops, or unexpected costs. If needed, most camps allow tipping via credit card.

Tipping for Safari Lodges/Camps:

  • Professional safari guide: $20-25 per person, per day
  • Safari tracker (if applicable): $15-20 per person, per day
  • Lodge or camp staff: $20-25 per person, per day (distributed equally among     staff)
  • Butler (if applicable): $15-20 per person, per day
  • Luggage porter: $5 per porterage
  • Mokoro poler (Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia): $5-10 per person
  • Massage therapist: $5-10 per treatment
  • Transfer driver: $10 per person, per transfer

Tipping for Gorilla Trekking:

  • Gorilla trekking guide (this is the main person who will lead you to the trackers and do the heavy lifting if you need help with your trek): $15 - 20 per person, per trek
  • Gorilla trekking trackers (these are a group of trackers that you will meet once you are closer to the gorillas, that have located the gorillas before you     get there): $10 per person, per day for the group of trackers
  • Gorilla trekking porters (it is a must to have a porter and a walking stick to carry your bag, and help you through the sometimes, thick mud and vegetation, believe us, they are lifesavers!): $5 per porter, per day

Note: For gorilla trekking, carry the tips for the trackers with you on the trek. You will meet these trackers them midway on your trek and they leave them again before you finish the trek, so you need to be able to give them their tips while on the trek. Also, try to pack this cash in a waterproof bag, if you do carry it on you, as the cash can get drenched if you perspire a lot during your trek.

Tipping Pre - and Post-Safari (in cities like Cape Town, Nairobi):

  • Driver for airport transfers: $10 total each way
  • Guide for a half-day tour: $20-30 total
  • Guide for a full-day tour: $40-60 total
  • Bellhops: $2/bag
  • Housekeeping: $3/night
  • Restaurants: 10-15% of the total bill for good service

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Do We Need to Tip with Cash?

Cash is preferred to avoid delays and ensure the recipient receives the full amount. For those uncomfortable carrying large amounts of cash, tipping via credit card is possible at most lodges, though dependent on the camp’s internet connection. When tipping in cash, ensure USD notes are crisp and new (post-2006).

Bring smaller bills ($1s, $5s, $10s) for easy tipping. If you are in a location, and have local currency, it is easier for the locals to use local currency, but its not necessary if you are tipping in USD because USD is widely accepted and also easy to exchange.

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When Should We Tip?

Most tips are given towards the end of your stay. Exceptions include specialist guides or massage therapists, who can be tipped after the relevant activity or at the end of your stay. Tips for safari guides and trackers can be handed directly upon departure, often at the airstrip. Lodge team gratuities should be handed to the manager or placed in the tip box for distribution among the staff.

For gorilla trekking, tip at the end of each trek. For non-safari destinations, tip drivers and guides at the end of transfers or tours.

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Making It Special and Seamless

Consider packing thank you notes and envelopes for your tips. Pre-divide cash into envelopes for each lodge, marked with the lodge name for easy access on departure day.

Tipping is a personal decision, but showing appreciation for exceptional service can enhance your safari experience and support those who contribute to making your journey memorable.

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