Unlike many parts of the world, where tipping has become a standard practice ingrained in social norms, the concept of gratuities in Africa is a bit more nuanced. Service in Africa often has a sense of personal connection, especially in regions where tourism plays a significant role in the local economy.
One of the biggest questions every tourist asks is about tipping, both on their African safari and off. While tipping can be a bit of a complex practice, something that will change ever so slightly from one nation to the next, if you know the ins and outs of what is expected from you, then tipping will be a breeze, and something that will make everyone feel good, and feel grateful, for.
What makes African service culture distinct is its combination of formality and warmth.
You’ll often find that interactions, whether in a luxury hotel or a small family-owned restaurant, are genuine, with those assisting you truly wanting to make your stay memorable. This kind of hospitality is not put on for the tourists, but instead reflects the deep traditions of respect and community that is found all over Africa.
Unlike in Western countries, where tipping percentages are often calculated out in the open and included on the bill, tipping in Africa is more discretionary, with the gesture being rooted in personal gratitude.
It’s important to approach tipping not as a fixed expectation but as a way to acknowledge the excellent service you’ve received, and in many cases, as a way to contribute directly to the livelihood of the people who make your experience so very special.
General Tipping Practices in Africa
When travelling across the varied regions of Africa, understanding how and when to tip can require a bit of local insight.
In urban centres like Johannesburg, Nairobi, or Casablanca, tipping norms are not dissimilar to those found in European or North American cities. However, in more remote areas or while exploring smaller towns and villages, the practice of tipping can look a little bit different, as they are often influenced by local customs.
Tipping at Bars, Cafes, and Restaurants
In major cities and tourist hubs, you’ll find that most establishments include a service charge, usually between 10% and 15%.
But, this is not universal.
If no service charge is added, it’s customary to leave around 10% for good service. For exceptional service, or in finer establishments, guests may tip closer to 15% or 20%.
In more rural or less commercialised areas, the tipping culture is less formal. You might find that the staff don’t expect a tip, but would deeply appreciate one, especially when service has been exemplary. A small gesture, such as rounding up your bill or leaving a few extra local notes, is often welcomed.
Tipping on an African Safari
A safari is often the highlight of any visit to Africa.
Whether you are out there exploring the plains of the Serengeti or the deltas of Botswana, a safari involves a large, talented and experienced team of people working together in the background to ensure your experience is safe, comfortable, and unforgettable.
The subject of tipping on an African safari, however, can differ considerably from tipping practices in the US or UK.
Safari Tipping Versus Western Norms
Often those from the West don’t fully understand how tipping at home differs from tipping in Africa.
That is because while in the West tipping tends to follow a more structured approach, for example, it’s common to tip restaurant servers 15-20%, bartenders $1 per drink, and hotel staff a few dollars per night, in Africa, and especially when on a safari, tipping leans more on discretion and gratitude for personal service.
Some guests feel that since safari staff are being paid, their salaries should be more than enough to cover their income. But your safari package is not just paying wages; it’s paying accommodation, concession fees, Wi-Fi, your food and drinks, security, insurance and more.
When you break it all up, only a small percentage of your safari goes towards staff. In fact, many lodges are doing their best to cut costs, by going solar, collecting rainwater, and even growing food, in order to be able to pay their workers even more.
In the West tipping percentages are standard, but when tipping on safari, the practice is viewed more as a personal token of thanks for the exceptional experience provided. It’s customary to give your tips in cash at the end of your stay or safari, with envelopes sometimes provided by lodges for this purpose.
In this way, African safari tipping reflects not just the value of service but the effort and dedication of the staff in an environment that often presents unique challenges, from weather to wildlife.
Most who come to Africa will keep a small budget aside just for tipping, but you should not feel obligated to do so, especially if you have a less-than-satisfactory service. Basically, tip from your heart!
How Staff Benefit from Tipping
For many in Africa’s service and tourism industries, tips are more than a courtesy; they are a significant source of income.
Most who work in the tourism industry, not so much those who sit in an office organising tours, but those who are working at the lodges and on the safaris, will work long hours away from home and they generally carry the heavy burden of being a sole provider for both immediate and extended family. They miss family life and events, all to keep the family afloat and to ensure you have a great trip. A small tip can make a huge impact, not just on the lives of the people who you see while on your safari, but also on those who you will never meet.
Also, wages in many African countries, especially in rural or isolated areas, are often modest compared to Western standards. As a result, tips will usually be more than capable of bridging the gap between base wages and a living income.
Aside from the financial aspect, tips also represent an acknowledgment of the hard work and personal service that you will receive on safari.
For many staff members, particularly in the tourism sector, the effort they invest is not merely transactional; it is often deeply connected to a desire to show off their homeland in the best possible light. When you tip in Africa, you are rewarding not just a service but a commitment to your comfort and well-being.
In addition, some lodges and establishments distribute tips collectively among all staff members. This ensures that even those working behind the scenes, such as cooks or maintenance workers, receive part of the appreciation.
Who Should Be Tipped on Safari?
A safari involves a rather large number of staff, many of whom contribute directly to your experience in ways that may not always be visible. Knowing who to tip and how much can sometimes feel daunting, but a good rule of thumb is to think about all the individuals who made your trip special.
· Guides and Trackers
These individuals are the face of your safari.
Your guide’s knowledge, professionalism, and passion for wildlife are what make your safari such a wonderful experience. It’s customary to tip safari guides between $10 and $20 per day, depending on the level of service. Trackers, who are responsible for locating and spotting animals, typically receive slightly less, around $5 to $10 per day.
· Camp or Lodge Staff
This group includes chefs, housekeeping staff, and drivers. While you may not interact with each of them directly, their efforts are essential to your comfort. Many safari lodges pool tips for these team members, and it is standard to leave a collective tip for all non-guide staff. A good guideline is to set aside around $5 to $10 per day for these individuals, distributed through a central system managed by the lodge.
· Porters and Drivers
Porters, who assist with carrying luggage, and drivers, who transport you to and from your safari lodge, are often tipped individually. A small token, such as $1 or $2 per bag for porters and $5 to $10 for drivers, is usually appreciated.