Tipping Guide for Safari
Tipping on Safari — A Must!
Tipping on safari is not optional, but mandatory. It makes up a significant part of the income for guides, cooks, and camp staff. The following guidelines are for the Northern Circuit (Serengeti, Ngorongoro) — it may be slightly less in the southern parks.
| Person | Amount per Day | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Safari Guide/Driver | 15–25 USD | The most important tip recipient! Good guide = unforgettable safari |
| Cook (Camping Safari) | 8–15 USD | Per group, not per person. He cooks 3× a day under challenging conditions |
| Camp/Lodge Staff | 5–10 USD | Into a communal tip box or directly to maids/waiters |
| Porter (Kilimanjaro) | 8–12 USD | Per porter per day! The hardest work on the mountain |
| Kilimanjaro Guide | 20–30 USD | Per day. More for summit success! |
| Kilimanjaro Cook | 10–15 USD | Per day, per group |
| Boat Guide (Zanzibar) | 5–10 USD | Per tour |
| Maasai Village Visit Guide | 5–10 USD | In addition to the village fee |
How to Tip?
- Currency: USD (preferred!) or TZS. Keep small bills (1, 5, 10, 20 USD) ready.
- Timing: On the last day of the safari, in an envelope with a short thank you note. Hand over personally, do not just leave on the table.
- Group Safari: The total amount can be collected by the group and handed over together. Guide separately, rest into the tip box.
- Kilimanjaro: Tips are handed over on the last day in Moshi/Marangu Gate. The organizer usually provides envelopes. Plan 200–350 USD per person for the entire team (6–8 days).
💡 Tipp
Prepare the tips BEFORE the trip: 200–400 USD in small bills (1, 5, 10, 20 USD), distributed in envelopes. Label the envelopes (guide, cook, porter). This avoids frantic money counting on the last day. And: A personal thank you note (even in English) is more appreciated than any bill.
