Tipping Guideline
Tanzania Tipping Guidelines
Tipping is an important and widely appreciated practice in Tanzania safaris, Kilimanjaro hikes, and other holiday experiences. Many travelers wonder how much to tip or why tipping matters—this guide will help you understand the local culture, who to tip, and suggested amounts.
Tipping Culture in Tanzania
Tanzania is not a wealthy country, and local wages may seem modest by Western standards.
Tipping is therefore an important tradition—it helps support guides, porters, cooks, and other service staff who often depend on tips as part of their income.
Not tipping can be seen as a sign of disrespect or lack of appreciation, especially when crew members go above and beyond to make your safari or hike memorable.
Why Tipping Matters
Supports Crew Income – Safari and mountain staff often rely on tips to supplement their wages, especially since work is seasonal.
Shows Appreciation – Your team works tirelessly to ensure you have an unforgettable experience, often going beyond what’s required.
Motivates Excellence – Fair tipping encourages dedication, professionalism, and high service standards.
How to Tip Correctly
Supports Crew Income – Safari and mountain staff often rely on tips to supplement their wages, especially since work is seasonal.
Shows Appreciation – Your team works tirelessly to ensure you have an unforgettable experience, often going beyond what’s required.
Motivates Excellence – Fair tipping encourages dedication, professionalism, and high service standards.
Why Tips Aren’t Included in Tour Prices
Adding tips to safari costs would make them subject to 18% VAT and income tax, reducing the amount that staff actually receive.
To keep things transparent and fair, clients are encouraged to tip directly.
Who to Tip
Safari Guide
Cook or Chef
Camp Staff / Waiters
Porters (on hikes)
Recommended Tipping Amounts for Tanzania Safaris
| Role | Group Safari | Private Safari |
|---|---|---|
| Guide | US$ 15–20 per guest per day | US$ 25–30 per guest per day |
| Chef | US$ 10–15 per guest per day | US$ 20–25 per guest per day |
| General Staff | US$ 5–10 per guest per day | — |
💡 If traveling privately (1–2 guests), use the higher end of the range. Larger private groups can follow the group guideline.
Kilimanjaro Tipping Guidelines
Tipping on Mount Kilimanjaro is not just a bonus — it’s a customary payment that supplements crew wages.
Your team may include a head guide, assistant guide, cook, porters, and sometimes toilet porters.
Suggested Daily Tipping Rates
| Role | Tip (USD per day) |
|---|---|
| Head Guide | $20–25 |
| Assistant Guide | $15–20 |
| Cook | $15–20 |
| Assistant Cook | $10–15 |
| Porter | $10–15 |
🧭 For group climbs, total tips are shared among climbers. A typical ratio is:
1 Climber → 4 Porters
2 Climbers → 7 Porters
3 Climbers → 9 Porters
4 Climbers → 11 Porters + 2 Assistant Guides
Climbers with longer or shorter treks can adjust their tipping budget by about $60 accordingly.
Donating Gear & Clothing
If you don’t plan to reuse your hiking gear, consider donating it directly to porters or crew members who may need it.
Avoid giving items to guides to distribute — hand them personally to the intended recipient.
Such donations are deeply appreciated and make a tangible difference in the crew’s daily work.
Kilimanjaro Tipping Ceremony
On the final day of your trek, your team will gather for a short tipping ceremony.
This is your opportunity to express gratitude before saying farewell.
Tips can be given in USD or Tanzanian Shillings (TSH).
Ensure USD bills are from 2000 or newer, as older ones may not be accepted.
Prepare your cash before arrival—exchange rates can vary significantly.
Currency Tips
You can tip in US Dollars, Euros, Pounds, or Tanzanian Shillings.
USD is most common and easiest for staff to exchange.
When to Tip
Safaris: At the end of the tour
- Kilimanjaro: During the final day’s tipping ceremony