The Essential Tipping Guide for Your African Adventure
Unlike Australia, many countries in Africa have a tipping culture. This can be confronting, confusing, and, quite bluntly, a pain. How much should I tip? Who do I tip? When do I tip? And will I offend someone if I don’t tip enough? That’s why we wrote this guide—to make tipping on your next African adventure easier.
Is Tipping in Africa Mandatory?
While tipping in Africa is not compulsory, it is highly recommended. It's a way to respectfully navigate cultural customs and support those in the service industry—from your safari guide to the cleaner who fluffs your pillows. At Adventure Out Loud, we believe in giving back to the communities we visit—tipping is one way to do that, alongside donating 50% of our profits to support education.
Who to Tip
We recommend tipping managers and head guides for their leadership, but also acknowledging the hard work of those behind the scenes with smaller tips.
When to Tip in Africa
Tip at the end of the day, end of an activity, or the end of your stay. When possible, tip guides directly. Otherwise, you can give tips to camp managers to distribute.
How to Tip in Africa
Cash is preferred—ideally in US dollars. You can hand it directly while saying thank you, or use envelopes with a short note. At lodges, communal tip boxes are also an option.
How Much to Tip?
Here’s a brief tipping guide by activity and service provider:
African Safari
| Who to Tip | How Much | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Guides | US$30 - $50 per guide/day | Divide the total among group members. |
| Wildlife Spotters | US$20 - $30 per spotter/day | Common in Southern Africa. |
Mt Kilimanjaro Trek
| Who to Tip | How Much | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Head Guide | US$20 - $30 per day | Hand out tips at the celebration lunch using envelopes. |
| Assistant Guides | US$15 - $20 per day | |
| Cooks | US$15 - $20 per day | |
| Special Duty Porters | US$10 - $20 per day | For toilets, summit support, etc. |
| Porters | US$7 - $15 per day |
Other Roles
| Who to Tip | How Much | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Drivers | US$1 - $10 per trip | Up to $30/day if guiding. |
| Baggage Porters | US$1 - $5 | |
| Lodges | US$5 - $10 per person/night | Use a communal tip box or tip the staff directly. |
Important Tipping Considerations
- Know the Local Customs: Tipping norms vary. Do your research or ask your guide.
- Cash is King: Use USD or local currency. Avoid credit cards. USD notes must be newer than 2009 and undamaged.
- Respect Culture: Some cultures discourage physical contact. Use envelopes if needed.
- Choose Responsible Tour Operators: Cheap tours may underpay staff. Tip generously or book with ethical companies like Adventure Out Loud.
Quick Tips by Service Type
- Hotels/Lodges: $5–10/day
- Shared Safari Guide: $15–20/day
- Private Safari Guide: $20–30/day
- Wildlife Spotter: $5–10/day
- Tour Guide: $30–50/day
- Transport (Taxis, Shuttles): $10–15
- Restaurants: $5–10 if no service charge
- Kilimanjaro Trek (Per Group):
- Head Guide: $200
- Support Guides: $160
- Chef: $100
- Toilet Porter: $80
- Personal Porter: $60
- Waiter-Porters: $50
- Logistics Porters: $40
As daunting as tipping can be, remember: tipping shows appreciation and supports local livelihoods in countries with no minimum wage. If you're still unsure, consider joining one of our Australian-led small group tours where the tour leader handles tipping.
Ready to explore Africa with purpose? Join us on an adventure that enriches your soul and supports local communities. Book with us today and make a difference—one adventure at a time.
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About The Author:
Nate Taiaroa
Founder & Head Guide
Nate is an adventurer, keynote speaker and responsible tourism expert with more than 10 years experience, travelling, living & volunteering in Africa. He is the Founder of Adventure Out Loud and is most passionate about making education accessible to every child in Africa.