A Guide To Tipping On A Safari In Tanzania

A Guide To Tipping On A Safari In Tanzania : You are probably looking for a trip to Tanzania. This country is marvelous with its abundant wildlife, diverse cultures, and many other things. While on a safari or after, you may be urged to show gratitude to your team. Tipping is the most common way of showing satisfaction after a safari or service.

While it is common, tipping is not mandatory. You should not feel obligated to do it. Only do it when you feel satisfied with the service offered. You are the one who should decide whether to tip or not.

We usually encounter questions from our clients asking about tipping. Some even ask questions on social media platforms and other forums. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about tipping on safari in Tanzania.

Who do you tip on safari?

Front-of-house staff. These are staff members you will meet during your safari. They include guides, wildlife trackers or spotters, waiters and waitresses, transfer drivers, spa therapists, etc.

Back-of-house staff. These individuals work hard to ensure tourists enjoy their stay. They clean and prepare rooms. They also protect properties in camps/lodges. These include cleaners, cooks, gardeners, maintenance workers, guards, and anti-poaching units. You can appreciate the services of these individuals by tipping them.

Traditional performers and dancers. If you visit, a local village for an optional activity, you will meet with drummers and performers.

In any tourist activity you partake in, there will be a team that will help you achieve happiness.

Who not to tip?

We don’t recommend opening your wallet to the following individuals:

• Medical or evacuation crews
• Pilots
• Cabin crew
• Airport desk staff
• Lodge or tour owners
• Lodge/camp managers
• Sales assistants in safari shops

Why is tipping necessary?

Tipping is common in most African safaris. Some travelers may wonder why is this important.

• Guides will go the extra mile to satisfy their clients. For example, a driver will have to wait for you long hours before your arrival. The chef will do whatever it takes to get your favorite dish ready. Therefore, tipping shows gratitude for what they do.
• Majority of local guides come from disadvantaged backgrounds. A tip will add something to their life. It helps them to support their extended family members.
• Your tip helps to enhance culture preservation. It motivates traditional dancers and drummers to increase creativity.
• The staff employees work for long hours. They spend long periods away from their families. A tip helps them to compensate.

When to tip

Every traveler has a preference regarding tipping. Some prefer to tip after each activity. Others prefer to tip at the end of each activity or the end of their safari. Which one is best? Let’s dive in.

• Tipping after each activity or day puts the guide under pressure to satisfy you. Keeping in mind that everyone has their manners regarding tipping, you may distort the guide’s relationship with other tourists.
• Tipping at the end of your stay or safari is the best. The team serving you had substantial salaries. Tipping is not the way to make them fulfill their roles, though they expect it as custom. Tipping at the end of your stay or safari avoid other constraints.

How to tip on safari?

There are no uniform ways of handling your money to the staff. Everyone, however, does what he/she feels comfortable with. Here are some ways to leave your tip:

• Leave your cash in a tip box

Most accommodations have a communal tip box. You can leave your tip inside that box. Some lodges have separate boxes for a guide, wildlife tracker, and other staff. Some separate the front-of-house and back-of-house staff.

• Handling it to the manager

If there is no box, you can give money to the manager at the departure time. The manager will distribute it to the staff.

• Handling cash to individual staff

You can handle cash for an individual staff whose service has pleased you. However, other staff might be frustrated if you skip them.

How much to tip on safari?

The amount of money you give as a tip depends on your budget, the service offered, and how satisfied you are with the service.

Any amount is appreciated. You just have to handle your cash and say thank you. Don’t apologize for the amount or not handling any. The following is a guideline.

• 10 USD per person for the transfer driver
• 20 USD per person for general staff at the lodge or camp
• 20 USD per person for the guide
• 15 USD per person to the wildlife tracker
• 10 USD per person to the drummer or dancer

Now you have this important piece of information. Tipping is not a thing to ignore since it is a custom. However, you should give it if you feel satisfied with the service offered. Join Focus East Africa Safaris for an unforgettable adventure in Tanzania.