Tipping is customary on safari, and is a way to show appreciation for the excellent service you receive from your driver/guide, porters, and other staff. While gratuities are included in the price of your safari, it is customary to tip your driver/guide an additional $10 per person per day. This is because your driver/guide is responsible for your safety and comfort during your safari, and they will go out of their way to make sure you have a memorable experience.
You may also want to tip other staff members who provide exemplary service, such as your waiter or waitress at the lodge. The amount of the tip is up to you, but $1-2 per person per day is a reasonable amount.
If you are staying at a lodge, there may be a communal tipping box where you can leave a tip for all of the staff. Leaving a tip in a communal tip box is a convenient way to show your appreciation for the service you receive. Using the communal tip box ensures that the tip is distributed fairly.
Here are some tips for tipping on safari:
- Tipping is customary, but not mandatory. You should only tip if you feel that the service you received was excellent.
- The amount of the tip is up to you. There is no set amount that you have to tip, so feel free to tip what you feel is appropriate.
- Tipping in cash is the most appreciated. If you are tipping your driver/guide, you can give them the tip at the end of your safari. If you are tipping other staff members, you can leave the tip in their room or in the communal tip box.
- Tipping is a way to show appreciation. When you tip, be sure to thank the staff member for their service. This will show them that you appreciate their hard work.