TIPPING GUIDELINES

Gratuity Guidelines

Gratuities are a frequently discussed topic when it comes to Tanzania safaris, Mount Kilimanjaro treks, and holidays in Tanzania in general. Many travelers often wonder how much they should tip—or whether tipping is necessary at all. After spending a significant amount on your trip, it’s understandable to question whether additional tipping is expected.

Tanzania’s Tipping Customs and Background

Tanzania is a developing country, and visitors from Western nations may perceive local wages as being quite low. As a result, tipping has become a customary way to show appreciation for the services provided by your safari guides, mountain crews, and other support staff. In fact, tipping is generally considered standard practice in Tanzania, and failing to offer a tip may leave service providers feeling undervalued.

Why Is Tipping Important?

 For many guides, cooks, and support staff, tips make up a significant part of their total income. While we strive to ensure our team receives fair and competitive wages—well above the industry average—tipping still plays a vital role in supplementing their earnings.

Tipping is also a meaningful way to express your appreciation. Our team works incredibly hard to provide an exceptional experience, often going above and beyond. For instance, during hikes, some porters may carry clients’ daypacks—items normally carried by the clients themselves—and in some cases, even assist clients physically to help them reach the summit.

Gratuities serve as motivation and recognition for outstanding service. In this industry, it’s common for top-performing guides and chefs to choose jobs at companies where clients tip well, even if the base salary is lower. Understanding this helps explain why tipping directly influences the dedication and performance of the team supporting your journey.

How to make sure your tip gets where you intend it to?

You should make an effort to hand your tip directly to the person it is for. In this way, you can help ensure that your wishes are being respected. It is fine if you wish to put your tip into an envelope or give a group tip to be divided evenly but you should make effort to let the crew informed so each can receive as you planned

Tanzania Safari tipping guideline

We recommend that travelers tip between the below guideline, However tipping is not mandatory or enforced but highly recommended. As it is a safari tradition & the crew will be expecting some tips. you can tip more or less depending on the performance of the crew.

Who Should You Tip During Your Trip?

Here are the key service providers you’ll likely encounter during your Tanzania adventure and the suggested tipping amounts:

Safari Guide:

Your safari guide is your main point of contact on game drives, helping you spot and understand the wildlife, ecosystem, and local culture. Tipping is customary at the end of your safari, with a recommended amount of $15–$20 per person, per day.

Lodge and Camp Staff:

Whether it’s housekeeping, waitstaff, or other team members ensuring your comfort, the behind-the-scenes staff contribute greatly to your experience. Instead of tipping individuals, it’s recommended to use the communal tip box usually found at reception. A good guideline is $10–$20 per day per couple or family, depending on service level.

Private Driver:

If you’ve arranged private transport, your driver plays a key role—not just for transfers, but often during game drives as well. A typical gratuity is around $10–$15 per person, per day, though this can vary based on trip duration and the quality of service provided.

 Note: Why don’t LIFEMATE SAFARIS add a surcharge to the trip’s price to cover tips?

·     Tipping in Tanzania is tax-free, adding it to the price will be subjected to 18% vat on the price & as the tips will then be tamed as official income to the crew it will then be subjected to income tax. Hence lowering the value, the crew receives or increases the tip amount to the client

·   Transparency, we do believe our team has full trust in us but to ensure we don’t ever have to explain we encourage our clients to tip directly and recommend those who feel the need to discreetly should use envelopes.

When to Tip on a Safari

The timing of your tips will depend on your safari itinerary and your personal preferences.

Here are a few common practices:

• At the end of the safari:
  This is the most common time to tip, as it allows you to reflect on your entire experience and show appreciation for all the people who made it possible.
  
  
• At the end of each day:
  If you’re on a multi-day safari, you might choose to tip each day to show appreciation for the daily service you received.
  
  
• Throughout the trip:
  If you feel that someone has gone above and beyond, you can choose to tip them as soon as you feel comfortable doing so.

Safari Tipping FAQs:

Is it customary to tip on a safari?
Yes, it’s customary to tip on a safari, especially in countries where tourism is a significant part of the economy. Tipping is a way to show appreciation and help support local communities.

What is the appropriate amount to tip on a safari?
The appropriate amount to tip on a safari will depend on several factors, including the cost of your trip, the level of service you received, and local customs. A good rule of thumb is to tip 10-15% of the cost of your trip.

Is it better to tip in local currency or US dollars?
It’s always best to tip in the local currency, as this helps support the local economy. If you don’t have the local currency, US dollars are widely accepted.

Tipping on a safari is a way to show appreciation for the people who make your trip a success. From your safari guide to the lodge staff, understanding who to tip and how much to tip can be confusing, especially if you’re not familiar with local customs. This Safari Tipping Guideline is a starting point to help you make informed decisions and ensure that your tips are well received. Remember, the most important thing is to tip what you feel is appropriate and reflective of the service you received. So, as you plan your next adventure in the heart of nature, make sure to factor in the Safari Tipping Guideline to show appreciation for the people who make your experience unforgettable.