Is Tipping Obligatory on Safari?
No. Tipping is entirely voluntary. It is not included in any safari package price and you will never be asked for a tip by our team. However, tipping is customary in the Tanzania safari industry and is an important part of guide and staff income. A good tip is a genuine acknowledgement of excellent service — and our guides work very hard to deliver it.
How Much to Tip
The following are general guidelines used across the Tanzania safari industry. They are suggestions, not obligations:
| Service | Suggested Tip (Per Day) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Safari Guide (Driver-Guide) | USD 10–20/day per group | The single most important tip on any safari. |
| Lodge / Camp Staff (shared) | USD 5–10/day per person | Often left in a communal staff box at the lodge. |
| Lodge / Camp Waiter | USD 2–5 per meal | Optional; for particularly attentive service. |
| Porter (at airstrip) | USD 1–2 per bag | Standard porter rates. |
| Walking Safari Guide | USD 10–15/day per group | Armed rangers deserve recognition for a skilled job. |
| Cook (mobile camp) | USD 5–10/day per group | For multi-day mobile camping safaris. |
When to Tip
Tips are typically given at the end of the safari — at the airstrip as you depart, or at the lodge on your final morning. For day-trip safaris, tip your guide when you return to the Zanzibar airport. For multi-day safaris, tip the guide on your final morning and leave lodge staff tips in the communal tip box before departure.
What Currency to Tip In
US Dollars are the most appreciated and most widely useful currency for tips in Tanzania. Tanzanian Shillings are also accepted. Euros and British Pounds are generally less useful for guides, who access currency exchange in Arusha or Dar es Salaam rather than daily.
How to Give the Tip
Give tips directly, in cash, in an envelope or simply handed over personally. A brief thank-you and acknowledgement of what made the safari special is genuinely appreciated. Our guides take enormous pride in their work.