Tipping Guidelines (Optional)
Tipping while on safari in Kenya, Tanzania, and across East Africa is not mandatory, but it is a thoughtful way to show appreciation for the people who contribute to a safe, comfortable, and memorable journey. The guidelines below reflect widely accepted industry standards used by leading safari operators.
Your safari guide plays a central role in your experience, from wildlife tracking and safety to sharing local knowledge and spending long hours with you in the field.
Suggested Tip:
- USD 10–20 per person, per day
- USD 20–40 per day for couples or families giving one combined tip
Most safari lodges and camps operate a shared staff tip box, ensuring fair distribution among housekeeping, dining staff, chefs, porters, gardeners, and security teams.
Suggested Tip:
- USD 5–10 per person, per day
For assistance with luggage on arrival or departure:
Suggested Tip:
- USD 1–2 per bag
For airport transfers or short city movements:
Suggested Tip:
- USD 5–10 per vehicle
Balloon safaris involve a large support team. Tipping is customary but always optional.
Suggested Tip:
- USD 10–20 per person
- Guides: At the end of your safari
- Lodge staff: At check-out using the communal tip box
- Porters & transfer drivers: Immediately after the service
- Tips may be given in USD, EUR, GBP, or local currency (KES/TZS)
- USD notes should be 2009 series or newer
- Guide tips are best presented in an envelope
- Lodge staff tips should be placed in the communal tip box
Families or groups typically offer one combined tip to the safari guide. Lodge staff tipping remains per person, per day, using the shared tip box.
Safari operations are based in remote locations and involve long working hours. While staff receive regular salaries, tips provide direct recognition for exceptional service and personal care.
For private guiding, photography-focused safaris, extended game drives, or special celebrations, an additional tip is
Giving money or sweets to children
Handing out tips publicly
Feeling pressured to tip beyond your comfort level
Safari guide: USD 10–20 per person/day
Lodge staff: USD 5–10 per person/day
Porters: USD 1–2 per bag
Transfer drivers: USD 5–10 per vehicle
Balloon crew: USD 10–20 per person
These are general guidelines only. Tipping is entirely voluntary and should always reflect your level of satisfaction with the service received.
Tipping FAQs
Safari services are highly personalized. Including tips in salaries or package prices would remove the guest’s ability to reward service based on individual experience and would increase safari costs due to taxation.
No. Safari staff receive regular salaries from their employers. Tips are an additional gesture of appreciation, not a substitute for wages.
Yes. Similar tipping practices are followed in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, and South Africa.
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