Tipping is a common practice in Tanzania, especially within the safari and hospitality industry. It’s a way to show appreciation for the services provided by guides, drivers, and support staff during your safari. Here are some tipping guidelines to help you navigate this aspect of your Tanzanian safari:

Safari Guide/Driver:

• Your safari guide or driver is a key figure in making your safari enjoyable. A tip of around $20 to $30 per day is customary per group, not per person. If you are particularly pleased with your guide’s service, you can give more.

Safari Camp/Lodge Staff:

• At lodges and tented camps, it’s typical to leave a tip in the communal tip box at the reception or dining area. This tip is shared among all staff members.
• A guideline is approximately $10 to $20 per person per night.

Porters:

• If you are trekking, climbing, or visiting locations like Kilimanjaro or Ngorongoro Crater, you may have porters assisting with your luggage. A tip of around $5 to $10 per day per porter is common.

Waitstaff:

• In restaurants, a service charge of 10% to 15% may be included in your bill. If not, it’s customary to leave a similar percentage as a tip. For exceptional service, you can give more.

Housekeeping:

• If you stay at hotels, a tip of $1 to $2 per day for housekeeping staff is appreciated.

Spa and Wellness Services:

• For spa services, a 10% to 15% tip is standard.

Miscellaneous Tips:

• For other services, such as airport porters, drivers for transfers, and taxi drivers, a small tip, such as $1 to $5, is appropriate.

Important Considerations:

• Always carry small denominations for tipping, as it can be challenging to get change.
• Tipping is a personal gesture, and the amounts mentioned are guidelines. Feel free to adjust based on the quality of service and your satisfaction.
• Cash is the most common form of tipping, but in some upscale lodges and hotels, you can add tips to your final bill.

When Not to Tip:

• Avoid tipping government officials, such as immigration or customs officers, as it can be considered a bribe and is illegal.
• While street begging is common in some areas, it’s generally not encouraged to give money to beggars as it may create a dependency.

Tipping in Tanzania is a way to show appreciation for the hard work and dedication of the people who make your safari experience exceptional. Your generosity is valued and contributes to the well-being of local communities.