How Much Should You Tip?
How Much Should You Tip in Tanzania?
Tipping is an important aspect of travel etiquette in Tanzania, especially in the tourism industry. While tipping is not mandatory, it is highly appreciated and can make a significant difference to the local staff who rely on tips as a part of their income. Understanding How Much to Tip in Tanzania can be tricky, as tipping practices vary depending on the situation and the service provided. Here’s a guide to help you know How Much Should You Tip in Tanzania during your visit to Tanzania.
All About How Much Should You Tip
In Tanzania, tipping is an important part of the culture, especially in the tourism industry. For safari guides, a tip of $10–$20 per day is recommended, and for drivers or porters, $5–$10 per day is appropriate. Hotel staff typically receive $1–$2 per service. In restaurants, a 5–10% tip on the bill is customary. Always tip in Tanzanian Shillings or US Dollars, as these are widely accepted.
Tipping On Safari
When going on a Safari in Tanzania, tipping your guides, drivers, and camp staff is customary. The amount you tip will depend on the level of service, your budget, and the number of people in your group.
- Safari Guide/Driver: Safari guides are integral to your experience, as they navigate the parks, find wildlife, and share their knowledge of the ecosystem. The recommended tip is around $10 to $20 per person per day. For larger groups, you might tip a bit more, as the guide has more responsibilities.
- Camp Staff: This includes chefs, waitstaff, housekeepers, and porters who make your stay comfortable. It’s common to leave a communal tip, which is then shared among the staff. A good guideline is $10 to $15 per guest per day.
- Porters: If you have porters helping with luggage at lodges or camps, a tip of $1 to $2 per bag is appropriate.
Tipping on Kilimanjaro Treks
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro involves a large support team, including guides, cooks, and porters. Tipping is a significant part of their earnings and is expected at the end of the trek.
- Head Guide: Tip around $20 to $30 per day.
- Assistant Guides: Tip around $15 to $20 per day.
- Cook: Tip around $10 to $15 per day.
- Porters: Each porter should receive $5 to $10 per day. Since you may have several porters, the total tip can add up, but it is a crucial contribution given the hard work they do.
Typically, tips are pooled and presented in a group ceremony at the end of the trek.
Tipping in Hotels and Restaurants
In urban areas and tourist lodges, tipping is appreciated but not mandatory.
- Restaurants: In Tanzania, it’s customary to leave a tip of around 5% to 10% of the bill if service isn’t already included.
- Hotel Staff: For hotel staff such as housekeepers and bellhops, a tip of $1 to $2 per day or per service is appropriate.
- Tour Drivers (Day Trips): For shorter tours or transfers, tipping $10 to $15 is common.
Tipping in Local Communities
If you’re visiting local communities or villages, tipping is not expected but can be a kind gesture if you’ve received special attention or guidance. In these settings, small tips or even gifts like school supplies can be meaningful.
When Not to Tip
In government offices, national parks (excluding safari staff), and public services like police checkpoints, tipping is neither expected nor appropriate. In fact, it can be considered improper.
How to Give Tips
Tipping in Tanzania is usually done in cash, preferably in Tanzanian shillings (TZS) or US dollars (USD). Always carry small denominations, as breaking larger bills can be difficult in remote areas. When tipping staff in lodges or camps, it’s common to place your tip in an envelope and hand it directly to the person or into a communal tip box if one is provided.
Advice for Easier Tipping:
- To streamline your tipping process, consider these tips:
- Study Your Itinerary: Examine your itinerary to identify instances where tipping is appropriate, allowing you to estimate the amounts for each category.
- Separate Tipping Amounts: Keep individual envelopes or pockets for different staff categories, making it easier to distribute tips.
- Carry Cash: Ensure you have sufficient cash for tipping, as it’s the preferred method for providing tips.
- Use US Dollars: US Dollars are widely accepted in Africa, making it convenient when crossing borders or visiting multiple destinations.
Finally, while tipping is not mandatory on your Tanzania Safari Tour, even small contributions from visitors can have a significant impact on the local economy. Responsible tipping ensures a positive and equitable socio-economic balance in the region.
At Impala DMC, we’re committed to turning your dreams into experiences and your experiences into cherished memories. Show Your Gratitude, Safari Style! Embrace Tanzania Safari Tipping and thank your guides & staff for an Unforgettable Tanzania Safari Tour. Tip with Respect and Make a Positive Impact Today!
Get Inspired - Day Trips
Whether you are looking to get away for a day and fully appreciate the incredible diversity of Tanzania’s natural and cultural wonders in quick succession, our Day Trips in Tanzania, which is our favourite type of safari, are specially designed for people with less time in hand and can cover just about any interest in quick succession.
Tipping is a great way to show appreciation for the hard work and dedication of your safari guides, drivers, and porters. A little generosity goes a long way in making your experience even more memorable. Ensure you have small bills in Tanzanian Shillings or US Dollars ready to tip those who make your adventure special.
Great Destinations await in Tanzania!
Tanzania Travel Guide
Ready for a thrilling safari adventure? Explore our Travel Guide for expert tips on the best wildlife encounters. Let’s make your safari journey truly unforgettable!
Browse the best of Tanzania Tours & experience unforgettable Tanzania Safari Tours with Africa Incoming. The best local guides will design tour proposals just for you. Choose a package Online!
