Tipping is a well-established custom in the Western world, and while it’s still gaining ground in Africa, it’s being welcomed with genuine respect and appreciation. For travelers heading to Serengeti National Park, the question often arises: how should tipping be handled?
With interactions involving various individuals, from guides and drivers to staff at attractions and lodges, knowing who and how to tip becomes an important consideration.
Tipping on a safari in Tanzania and the Serengeti National Park is entirely optional and not mandatory for anyone. It’s only humane that after receiving more so if you are treated very well, that one should Tip. This is one way to show that you have been impressed or happy about the service received.
The biggest question by travelers is who to tip and how much to tip them. Below is a simple guide to help you with tipping but at the end of the day, tip as big as you can.
Tipping safari guides
The guides spend a lot of time on the safari with you more than anyone.
They are generally in charge of our welfare. They have to liaise with anyone along your itinerary.
Usually it’s recommended that you consider about 15 to 25 dollars as the minimum per days for the safari guide.
You can give them more than this but at least try not to go below this. You can give them their collective tip at the end of the safari.
The guides do not earn salary but entirely depend on tips and trip allowances.
Tipping at the Safari Lodge/Hotel
During your safari, you’ll likely stay at several lodges and hotels. It’s important to tip thoughtfully to avoid depleting your funds before the end of your trip.
Many lodges and hotels provide tip boxes where contributions are collected and later shared among the entire staff. However, if a particular individual has gone above and beyond, you may choose to tip them directly, typically between $10 and $20.
Of course, if you feel inclined and your budget allows, you’re welcome to tip more.
Tipping Safari Drivers
If your guide is separate from the driver, it’s customary to tip the driver between $8 and $20 per day. Again, feel free to tip more if your means permit.
When to tip
Most visitors to Tanzania and the Serengeti National Park wonder when the right time is to tip.
When you are at the lodge, you can tip instantly because the shifts of these employees change and you may not see them the next morning while you are leaving.
But for the driver and guide, you can tip them at the end of the trip. This is usually the routine. Some people prefer to tip them on a daily basis though.
Tipping every day is not recommended as the money may disturb the concentration of the guide, there are instances when the guide may not be happy with the tip and this may break the relations.
There are some guides that are no professional and it’s hard to tell sometimes until such a thing happens.
Visit Serengeti National Park in Tanzania with these recommended Tanzania tour operators or inquire with us below to book your safari directly through this website.
