Best Guide to Tipping on Safari In Kenya (2026)
DISCLAIMER! Please note that tips are completely at your choice and are much appreciated by our staff for service that went above and beyond your expectations.
Tipping on African Safaris: Why should you tip?
Tipping can be an appropriate way to recognise great service when on safari. While it may not be normal in your home country, it’s a rooted feature of the tourism industry across many African safari destinations and is greatly appreciated by the people who take care of you during your safari days.
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Who should you tip on safari?
1. Your Group Leader or Local Representative
Tipping your group leader or local representative is highly appreciated if you feel they’ve provided outstanding services throughout your trip. The amount is entirely a personal preference; however, as a guideline, the recommended amount is USD 5 – 10 per person per day (in a currency relevant to your destination). Of course, you are free to tip more or less as you see fit, depending on your perception of service quality and the length and involvement of your group leader or local representative on your trip.
2. Additional Crew
You may have additional crew on your trip, such as a local guide, driver or cook. We recommend tipping each person USD 4 – 5 per person per day (in a currency relevant to your destination).
How much to tip? Safari guide and crew staff
As a guideline, we suggest tipping the following amounts:
Your safari guide: between US$5 and US$10 per group per day (depending on group size).
Mountain guides: between US$5 and US$10 per person per day.
Mountain Climbing Porters: between US$4 and US$5 per person per day.
Mountain Climbing Cooks: between US$4 and US$5 per person per day.
Camp staff: (Families with Children ONLY) between US$5 and US$10 per traveller per day.
Generally, we recommend budgeting approximately USD 5 – 10 per person per day (in a currency relevant to your destination) to tip local service providers/ your guide.
It’s also appreciated when travellers tip the people offering them extra experiences and entertainment. For example, it’s usual to tip the following people, depending on your destination:
Kenya and Tanzania: The traditional Maasai dancers who may perform at your lodge.
Zanzibar: PADI staff, boat skippers and transfer drivers.
Rwanda and Uganda: Guides, trackers, security staff (rangers) and porters.
Best Tips for Tipping on African Safaris
There are a few different ways you can leave a tip:
It is always best to avoid tipping with coins, very small denomination notes, or dirty and ripped notes, as this can be regarded as an insult rather than the goodwill gesture it is intended to be.
Give the money directly to the individual staff … or
Give the money to the safari manager to distribute to the staff…or
Add the extra money to your debit or credit card bill.
What currency to use when tipping on safari?
You can use a currency relevant to your destination or …
Tips can be made in Tanzanian Shillings, Kenyan Shillings, US Dollars, Euros or Pound Sterling.
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Early preparations play a significant role in successful Kenya wildlife safaris. Understanding safari rhythms, seasonal patterns, and daily wildlife activity improves both photography opportunities and overall enjoyment.