Tipping on safari is not mandatory, but it’s a very good gesture of appreciation that significantly impacts the livelihoods of those working in the industry. It shows gratitude for the services provided and supports the welfare of workers and their communities.
In this guide, we provide you with essential tips on tipping on safari, who to tip, how much to tip, and other considerations to ensure the best tipping practices on your South African safari.
Table of Contents
Should you tip on an African Safari?
Consider These Two Perspectives on Tipping
Guest perspective: Tipping can seem inconvenient or unclear when there are no set standards. Some travellers think lodges should just pay staff more instead. But increased wages would drive up trip costs, and safari fees already cover many expenses beyond just staff salaries.
Tipping is ultimately voluntary based on the service received, not an obligation. There’s no requirement to tip if you choose not to.
The staff perspective is very different. Tips provide recognition for long work hours, time spent serving away from family, and behind-the-scenes efforts by staff that go unseen by guests enjoying the vacation.
Why Safari Tips Matter
Excellent service should be the motivator if you decide to tip anyone.
For staff coming from remote rural villages far from the lodges, tips can provide vital supplementary income to support extended families back home. Tips often help cover certain needs that can be hard to meet on modest salaries alone.
Hardworking staff are the backbone of an incredible safari experience. Tips are a way to acknowledge that extra effort.

Do's and Don'ts of Safari Tipping
Figuring out appropriate tipping practices on a safari adventure can be tricky since formal tipping standards don’t really exist. In Africa, tipping is a common practice to appreciate good service, though not strictly required.
Each lodge or camp follows its own approach. When you visit Mziki Safari Lodge, you can chat to our lodge manager to clarify any questions you may have.
How should tipping be handled?
Here are logistical tips for tipping:
- Research before your trip: Tipping practices can vary significantly across different African countries and regions. For instance, in South Africa, tipping is deeply ingrained in the culture, especially within the service and hospitality industry. Workers often rely heavily on tips to support their families. However, different countries may have different expectations. To avoid any confusion, it’s best to seek clarification from the lodge manager regarding the specific tipping guidelines.
- Consider the service received: Tipping amounts can vary based on the level of service received. If you have received exceptional service, it is customary to tip higher, whereas average service may warrant a lower tip.
- Tip discreetly: When tipping, it is best to do so discreetly to avoid any potential discomfort for the staff or other guests. A discreet handover or placing the tip in an envelope can help maintain a respectful atmosphere.
- Consider the entire staff: Tipping is not limited to just your guide or tracker. It’s important to also consider the other staff members who contribute to your safari experience, such as housekeeping and kitchen staff.
- Currency and denominations: Familiarise yourself with the local currency and have small denominations available for tipping purposes. This makes it easier to tip appropriately without having to worry about change. We encourage you to use xe.com for a reliable conversion to South African Rands and other African currencies, as you budget for your safari.
- Tip at the end of your stay: It is customary to tip at the end of your stay, as this allows you to consider the overall service received during your safari.
- Leave a review: In addition to tipping, leaving some constructive feedback about the staff and services provided can also go a long way in showing appreciation for their efforts.
Remember, tipping is a personal choice, and while it is customary in many African countries, it is not mandatory. It is always best to consider your budget, the level of service received, and the local customs when deciding on the appropriate tip amount.
Who to Tip and How Much
Guides who go above and beyond to make your safari memorable deserve special recognition.
A general benchmark is $10-$20 total per visitor per day. This gets allocated between your guide, tracker, chefs, and general staff. Don’t forget to budget extras for airport transfers, spas, and outstanding service. You can also change this to local currency to make things easier.
For a private, bespoke safari with dedicated staff, tipping higher amounts in the $15-$30 per day range is recommended. With a longer safari or special occasions like a honeymoon, tipping on the more generous end shows your appreciation.

Addressing Common Tipping FAQs
Cash or Credit Card Tipping: The choice between cash and credit card tipping depends on personal preference. Tipping in cash is often preferred, but some lodges may facilitate credit card transactions. Discuss options with the lodge manager for a smooth arrangement.
Currency for Tipping: Tipping in local currency is advised for the ease of recipients. You can also tip in USD but remember that not everyone may have immediate access to a bureau. Also, Ensure you have small denominations to facilitate tipping without inconveniences.
Flexibility in Tipping: While suggested tipping amounts provide a baseline, there is always flexibility to tip as per your satisfaction especially when your safari experience was exceeded in your expectations.
Tipping for Private Safaris: In private safari settings, tipping etiquette may vary. You can consider the personalised nature of your experience and safari duration to adjust tipping amounts accordingly.
How to Tip in Groups: When travelling in a group, you must coordinate your tipping. Group members can decide whether to pool tips or tip individually based on the level of service received.
Travellers can enhance the impact of their tips on the welfare of workers and their communities by considering the economic context and local customs.
Conclusion
Tipping on safari is very much appreciated as a gesture of your gratitude. By following lodge guidance, tipping fair amounts, and recognizing outstanding service, you show respect for local culture and support community welfare. Doing this will ensure that your tipping practices have a meaningful impact.
Remember, tipping is a personal choice, and the most important aspect is to show genuine appreciation for the hard work and dedication of the safari staff.
If you’re looking for an outstanding safari experience where your tips can directly benefit the local community, consider visiting Mziki Private Game Reserve. Nestled less than two hours from Johannesburg, Mziki Safari Lodge offers traditional game viewing combined with meaningful community upliftment initiatives.
Contact us today to start planning your safari at Mziki Safari Lodge!