Tipping Guidelines for Tanzania Safaris
Safari Guide Tipping Recommendations:
- Private Safari Tour: USD 20–35 per day (from everyone in the vehicle combined).
- Group Safari Tour (in Tanzania): USD 15 per day per client.
Payment Options:
- Tips can be given in USD or in local currency (Tanzanian Shillings in Tanzania, or Kenyan Shillings in Kenya).
- Tipping is typically done on the last day of the safari, as you say goodbye to your guide.
Tipping Accommodation Staff:
- Clients can tip the staff at accommodations via a common tip box at the reception.
- There are no specific suggested amounts for accommodation staff tips.
FAQs on Tipping
1. Why should I tip?
- At SafariBando, staff receive wages above the minimum standard, but tips help bridge the gap between wages and the rising cost of living in East Africa.
- Tipping in East Africa aligns with an American-style system, where tips are a vital part of staff income and motivation.
2. Why don't you pay higher salaries to eliminate tipping?
- Increasing salaries to replace tips would significantly raise tour prices.
- Guides prefer the tipping system as it provides a livable wage while remaining below tax thresholds.
- For example, a $100 tip goes directly to the guide. If included in salaries, over $150 would need to be charged to cover associated costs and taxes like VAT, PAYE, WCCF, etc.
- Tipping also incentivizes guides to deliver exceptional service.
3. Can I prepay tips?
- Prepayment of tips is not currently offered.
- If prepaying were allowed, over 30% of the tips could be lost due to taxes and administrative costs.
4. When should I pay the tip?
- Tips are given at the end of the tour, usually on the last day when you bid farewell to your guide.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure fair support for your safari crew while experiencing excellent service.
