Who to Tip and How Much: Tanzania Safari Tipping Explained
- Ineke Smeulders
- Oct 3
- 4 min read
Tipping on safari can feel like one of those slightly awkward topics, right? You want to show your appreciation, but you might be unsure of what’s expected, how much to give, or who to tip. Don’t worry — you’re definitely not alone. Let’s break it down together so you know exactly how tipping in Tanzania works.
Where tipping culture in Tanzania comes from
In Tanzania, tipping isn’t about obligation — it’s about gratitude. Safari guides, drivers, and lodge staff work incredibly hard behind the scenes to make your trip smooth, safe, and memorable. Salaries in the tourism industry are often modest, and tips play a big role in supporting families and communities. That’s why tipping has become a natural part of travel here. Think of it less as a rule and more as a way to say a heartfelt asante sana (“thank you very much”) for all the effort that goes into your safari.
Tipping your guide or driver
Your guide is the true star of your safari. They’re not just behind the wheel — they’re reading the land like a book, spotting animals you’d never notice, and making sure you’re safe and comfortable every step of the way.
Besides often spending the entire day with you and sometimes even joining you for dinner, their day doesn’t end when you head to your room. After driving, they make sure the jeep is clean, fix small issues in the garage if necessary, chat with lodge staff about your dietary preferences, and make sure tomorrow’s hot lunch is packed and ready before dawn. Even when you don’t see them, they’re still working hard for you.
A good guide can truly make or break your safari experience. Because of that, tips for guides are generally higher than for anyone else you’ll meet along the way.
At ReWild Away, we’re proud to pay our guides well above the industry average — because we believe in rewarding their expertise and dedication fairly. That said, tipping is still a deeply valued way to say thank you. It’s not just about the money; it’s the gesture of appreciation that means the world to them.
As a general guideline, $10–20 USD per day per person is considered fair for a private driver-guide. If your guide went above and beyond — maybe finding that elusive leopard you’d dreamed of, or making your safari extra special in a personal way — feel free to give more. The best way is to hand it over at the end of your safari, in an envelope, along with a heartfelt thank you. That combination of gratitude and recognition will be remembered long after your trip.
Tipping lodge staff
Unlike guides, lodge staff usually work as a team: the people who cook, clean, carry your bags, serve meals, and keep the camp running smoothly. Because of that, it’s common to tip into a communal tip box rather than handing money directly to individuals (though, the latter is much appreciated as an extra if a certain person went above and beyond for you). This way, your appreciation is shared fairly among everyone who helped make your stay special — even the people you never see, like the laundry staff or night guards.
A good rule of thumb is $5–10 USD per person per night for lodge staff. You’ll usually find a tip box at reception. Slip your contribution in at the end of your stay, and know it will be divided among the whole team.
Tipping on Kilimanjaro
Climbing Kilimanjaro is an incredible adventure, but it’s also a team effort. Behind every summit success is a dedicated crew of mountain guides, porters, and cooks who make it all possible. They carry the heavy loads, set up camp before you arrive, prepare warm meals, and quite literally guide you step by step up the mountain. Tipping here is not just a nice gesture — it’s a tradition and an important part of how the teams earn their living.
As a general guideline, climbers usually pool their tips together and give one collective amount to the lead guide, who then fairly distributes it among the crew. How much to give depends on the length of your climb and the size of the team, but many climbers set aside around $250–$350 USD per person for the whole trek. Your tour operator will normally give you a breakdown before the climb so you know what’s appropriate.
Handing over the tips at the end of the trek, along with a heartfelt thank you, is one of those moments you’ll remember — because without them, that dream of standing on the Roof of Africa wouldn’t be possible.
A few extra tips (pun intended!)
Cash is king — American Dollars (USD) are widely accepted, but make sure your notes are crisp and printed after 2006. Tanzanian shillings are also fine if you prefer.
Plan ahead — It helps to bring small denominations so you’re not scrambling for change. Since ATMs are only available in the bigger towns and cities, it’s smart to sort out what you’ll need in advance.
Personal notes go a long way — If someone really made your trip memorable, adding a short thank-you note along with your tip can mean even more than the amount itself.
Final Thought
At the end of the day, tipping in Tanzania is simple: it’s about showing gratitude to the people who make your safari unforgettable. Don’t stress too much about getting it “perfect.” A fair tip, given with kindness, is always appreciated — and it’s one of the best ways you can give back to the people who make your safari so magical.
Plan Your Tailor-Made Safari
If you want your safari to feel truly special, the people guiding and supporting you make all the difference. At ReWild Away, our guides aren’t just experts — they know the hidden corners of Tanzania, track wildlife like few others, and share their deep knowledge of nature and culture in a way that makes every moment richer. They’re the kind of people you’ll laugh with, learn from, and maybe even stay in touch with long after your trip.
