“How much should I tip on safari?” is one of the most common questions people ask when booking their trip. How much is expected? Who should you tip? And when?
The short answer is this: tipping on safari is customary, but always discretionary. A little guidance goes a long way in helping you feel prepared and confident.
Is tipping expected on safari?
In most safari destinations, tipping is a well-established part of travel culture. Guides, trackers and camp staff are highly skilled professionals, and tips are an important way of recognising good service.
That said, tipping is not compulsory, and you should never feel pressured. Safari staff understand that travellers come from different countries with different budgets and different tipping norms. What matters most is fairness and appreciation, not obligation.
How much should you tip on safari?
While tipping amounts can vary slightly by country and by camp or lodge, the following guidelines are widely accepted as a baseline across much of safari Africa.
How much should you tip a safari guide?
A good safari guide can transform your trip, from finding wildlife and explaining animal behaviour to sharing local knowledge. Their skills also play a crucial role in keeping you safe.
- US$10–20 per guest, per day
- Usually given directly to your guide
- Often presented at the end of your stay, sometimes at the airstrip or when parting ways, occasionally accompanied by the traditional “secret handshake”
If you’ve had an exceptional guide or spent many days together, many guests choose to tip more, if able.
How much should you tip camp staff?
Behind every safari experience is a team of people, some of whom you may never meet. This includes housekeepers, kitchen staff, maintenance teams and porters.
- US$5–10 per guest, per day
- Placed in a communal tip box (or sometimes in an envelope in your tent or room)
- Shared fairly among camp staff
Tipping specialist guides and activities
If your safari includes specialist experiences such as canoeing, boating, mokoro excursions, walking safaris or fly camping, you may wish to tip those guides or staff separately.
- US$5–10 per guest, per day of the specialist activity
- Given directly to the specialist guide or team
Should you tip in cash on safari?
Yes – tipping is done in cash.
In most safari destinations, US dollars are widely accepted, although Sterling and Euros can often be exchanged too. You can also tip in local currency, which can be obtained on arrival at the airport. For South Africa, the South African rand is widely available to pre-order before you travel and should be used.
It’s a good idea to bring a mix of small denominations to make tipping easier.
When should you tip on safari?
Most guests tip at the end of their stay, once they’ve had time to experience the service.
What if you don’t want to tip?
That is entirely your choice. Tipping is discretionary, and no one should make you feel uncomfortable if you decide not to tip, or to tip less than suggested.
Some travellers, particularly from the UK, where tipping is less ingrained than in the US , may feel uncomfortable tipping on what could be the most expensive holiday they’ve ever booked.
However, it’s worth remembering that safari tourism is a high-cost, low-wage industry. Staff often work long hours in remote areas, away from their families, and may be supporting extended households. While not mandatory, gratuities can significantly supplement incomes and recognise the individuals who help make your safari safe, smooth and memorable. Even small amounts can make a meaningful difference.
It’s also important to understand that the price you pay for a safari is usually all-inclusive, covering accommodation, meals, some drinks, activities and guiding, laundry and hospitality. Behind the scenes, that price also supports a large operational infrastructure, including maintenance, fuel, security, communications and conservation fees.
If service hasn’t met expectations, speak privately with camp management.
Final thoughts
A safari is a deeply personal experience, shaped by the people who guide you. Tipping is simply one way of saying thank you.
With a little preparation, you can relax, enjoy your safari, and tip in a way that feels comfortable, fair and informed.
