On a luxury safari, a common guideline is US$10 to US$20 per guest per day for your guide, US$5 to US$15 per guest per day for the shared staff tip box, and US$5 to US$20 per guest per day for trackers where you have one. Tips are always at your discretion, but they are an important part of income for safari staff.
This guide explains who to tip, how much, and how to handle it. For more on luxury safari costs, see our luxury safaris.
Last checked: September 2026. Figures reflect widely published industry guidelines and are per guest, not per group.
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Tipping guide
| Who | Guide amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Safari guide (shared vehicle) | US$10 to US$20 per guest per day | Give directly to your guide at the end of your stay |
| Private guide or driver-guide | US$20 to US$30+ per guest per day | Often more for a guide who stays with you for the whole trip |
| Tracker | US$5 to US$20 per guest per day | Common in southern Africa |
| Camp staff (communal box) | US$5 to US$15 per guest per day | Shared among kitchen, housekeeping and other staff |
| Butler or personal host | Optional | Some guests tip separately for exceptional service |
| Transfer drivers | A few US dollars per trip | For airport and road transfers |
| Balloon crew | Optional | Tips for the pilot and crew are welcome |
How to tip
- Tip at the end of your stay at each camp, not each day.
- Use an envelope. Most camps provide one. Write a short note of thanks.
- Give your guide’s tip directly. Put camp staff tips in the communal box, usually at reception.
- Use US dollars or local currency. US dollars are widely accepted in Tanzania; bring small, recent notes in good condition.
- Ask about card tipping. Some camps allow tips on the final bill, though cash is often preferred.
A worked example
For a couple on a 7-night Tanzania safari with a private guide for 3 nights and camp guides for 4 nights:
| Item | Calculation | Approximate total |
|---|---|---|
| Private driver-guide | US$25 x 2 guests x 3 days | US$150 |
| Camp guides | US$15 x 2 guests x 4 days | US$120 |
| Camp staff boxes | US$10 x 2 guests x 7 days | US$140 |
| Transfers and extras | About US$40 | |
| Total | About US$450 |
Are tips included at luxury lodges?
Usually not. Even fully inclusive rates normally exclude gratuities. A few lodges include a service charge, so check your booking. See what’s included in an all-inclusive safari.
Tipping in different countries
- Tanzania and Kenya: US dollars are widely used. Tips follow the ranges above.
- South Africa: tips are often given in South African rand. Trackers are usually tipped separately.
- Botswana: US dollars, rand or pula are accepted at most camps.
FAQs
How much should I tip my safari guide in Tanzania?
About US$10 to US$20 per guest per day for a camp guide, and more for a private guide who is with you for the whole trip.
Should I tip in US dollars?
In Tanzania, yes. Bring small notes printed after 2009, as older notes are often refused.
Is it rude not to tip on safari?
Tipping is customary and expected for good service, but it is always your choice.
Do I tip per person or per couple?
The guidelines are per guest. A couple would double the amounts.
Plan your safari
We include a tipping guide with every itinerary. See our luxury safaris or enquire below.
