Planning a trip to our home continent but unsure about tipping in Africa and what’s acceptable? When travelling to new destinations, you can expect other customs and expectations, and Africa is no different. Here’s our overview guide of what you should consider tipping to show appreciation to all the incredible staff who makes your journey memorable.
Africa will welcome you with open arms, Image Credit: Singita
Your Guide to Tipping in Africa
Had the best experience but unsure what the best practice is when it comes to tipping in Africa? Well, in Africa, tipping is customary, but it's definitely not obligatory. You can tip whatever you're comfortable with, depending on the type and level of service you receive.
However, if you feel like showing your appreciation and need some guidance, here's what we recommend our guests to tip when travelling to our continent.
Tipping on Safari
The staff at safari lodges collectively make your stay as magical as possible. A lot of work goes in behind the scenes to make everything look so flawless! Here’s what to consider tipping each staff member for their efforts.
Your safari guide and tracker make the safari experience special
Safari Guide
Your safari ranger or guide will spend a lot of time with you, rising super early to take you on those morning game drives and heading home late after your afternoon or night safari. They have a wealth of knowledge, and a good guide really makes all the difference.
We recommend you set aside about $25 (R475 or €23) per couple per day for tipping your safari ranger.
Safari Tracker
Your safari tracker will accompany the ranger on the game drive vehicle but has a different role. They are experts at finding even the most elusive animals, so that they can show you all the wonders of the African animal kingdom.
You should consider tipping about $20 (R380 or €19) per couple per day to say thank you to your safari tracker.
Smiling faces, sterling service, Image Credit: andBeyond Ngala Safari Lodge
Safari or Hotel Butler
Your safari or hotel butler will become your best friend, always at your beck and call and ensuring your drink is expertly mixed just the way you like it.
You can expect to tip your safari or hotel butler $18 (R340 or €17) per couple per day for their efforts.
Safari Lodge or Hotel General Staff
The general staff at a safari lodge or hotel ensures everything is polished, from the facilities to the experience.
We suggest you tip them around $18 (R340 or €17) per couple per day for all their hard work.
Exploring the City
Venturing out in an unknown city is much easier if you’ve got a clued-up local to show you around. When dining out in a new city, there are also different expectations around tipping.
Enjoy a food tour through Bo-Kaap in Cape Town to taste Cape Malay cooking, Image Credit: Craig Howes
City Tours: Half-Day Guide
You will likely go on at least one half-day tour with a guide when exploring our beautiful Africa. They will drive you around and accompany you to all the incredible attractions you visit.
For a half-day guide, we recommend tipping $10-15 (R190-285 or €9-14) per couple.
City Tours: Full-Day Guide
A full-day guide will spend an entire day with you, so we recommend tipping $15-20 (R285-380 or €14-19) per couple for a full-day guide.
Restaurants and Bars
In Africa, patrons are generally expected to tip at least 10-15% of their bill. If you’ve had a spectacular experience, feel free to tip more, but this is the general norm.
Africa is home to several excellent foodie destinations, Image Credit: Delaire Graff
Travelling in Between
Are you heading to the airport, a new lodge, or a restaurant for dinner? Your lodge or hotel will often arrange a road transfer driver for a fuss-free, comfortable journey.
Road Transfer Drivers
We suggest you tip road transfer drivers anything between $5-10 (R95-190 or €4-9) per couple per trip.
Your welcoming party to Africa
We Are Your African Travel Experts
At Rhino Africa, you’re never left to your own devices. We ensure you know exactly where to be, when and what you’ll be doing. We also ensure there’s a welcoming party ready to accompany you!
All our tours are tailor-made, meaning no two travel itineraries are exactly the same. Just like no two people are the same, right? To us, it just makes sense. However, there’s a common misconception that booking tailor-made tours is more expensive… well, with us, it’s not!
We offer our valued guests the best price guaranteed, and we’re able to do so because we’re located in Africa, so cut out the middleman. We also contract the best rates without making compromises (it helps to know the right people!), and our itineraries are generally 5-15% cheaper than booking directly or through an international agent.
In fact, we’re so proud and confident about this that if you can find a better price for the same holiday, we’ll beat it.
Join us in Africa
Ready to come to Africa? We can’t wait to plan your dream African safari. Contact our Travel Experts today, and let’s start planning!
