Tipping in Tanzania

Tipping in Tanzania is an integral part of local way of life but is entirely optional and only recommended if you are satisfied with the service you have received.

From guides to lodge staff, many hardworking people contribute to making your safari memorable. Tipping is a meaningful way to show appreciation and support their livelihoods, as it ensures a comfortable living wage for those working in the service industry.

While tipping is never mandatory, it is highly recommended and seen as a valued gesture of thanks. Like any other time, you give a tip, it should be done on merit. The general practice is that the better the experience, the greater the tip.

Who Should You Tip?

Below is a list of people who would appreciate a tip during your safari.

Guides and trackers – They play a crucial role in your overall experience by spotting wildlife, sharing knowledge, and keeping you safe.
General lodge or camp staff – Chefs, housekeeping, gardeners, and maintenance teams all contribute to your comfort and should be included in your tipping.
Camp managers – Generally, you don’t need to tip managers, unless they have gone out of their way to provide exceptional personal service, much like you would not usually tip the owner of a restaurant.

Suggested Tipping Amounts

On your Tanzania Safari, you will always have a professional safari guide, and sometimes a tracker as well on your safari vehicle. Here is what we recommend budgeting:

Safari Guide: around $20 per person per day (or $50 for a family group)
Tracker (if present): $5–$10 per person per day
Camp or Lodge General Staff: suggested $20 total per day for all staff, usually placed in a communal staff gratuity box
City Transfers: $3–$5 per transfer

Some lodges will have a staff gratuity box at reception, where tips are pooled and fairly shared among the team working behind the scenes.

When and How to Tip

The best practice is to tip just once, at the end of your stay at each lodge or camp. This avoids placing pressure on the staff after each activity and helps maintain a respectful guest–guide relationship.

Most camps and lodges provide a general tip box. Check with the camp manager or look for written guidance in your room about how tips are collected and divided.
It is most common to tip in cash, either Tanzanian shillings or US dollars, as tipping by card is less common and can complicate sharing among staff.
For a personal touch, consider bringing small envelopes and writing a note of thanks inside before handing over your tip.

Final Advice on Tipping

If you are ever unsure, speak directly to the camp manager to confirm what is appropriate. They can advise on the best approach to tipping for their staff.

Tipping for Tanzania Safaris is an appreciated way to support the people who help make your journey unforgettable. It ensures respect for the skills and efforts of guides and staff while preserving a sense of balance and fairness within the local community.

At Best Day Safaris, we are always happy to help you plan for tipping, Tanzania Safari Packing Lists, or any other details about your journey. Please don’t hesitate to ask our travel specialists for advice — we’re here to make sure you travel with confidence and enjoy Tanzania at its best.