OVERVIEW
Tipping is a common practice in Tanzania, including when climbing Mount Kilimanjaro and going on safaris. It’s a way to show appreciation for the services provided by guides, porters, drivers, and other staff. Here is a general tipping policy to consider for Kilimanjaro climbs and safaris:
1. Kilimanjaro Climbing Tipping Policy:
- Guides: Typically, each climber should tip their head guide separately. The recommended range is approximately $20 to $25 per day.
- Assistant Guides and Cooks: These team members often share the tip pool, with a recommended range of around $15 to $20 per day, which is divided among them.
- Porters: Porters usually receive a collective tip, which is divided among them. The recommended range is roughly $8 to $12 per day for the entire group of porters.
- Tipping Ceremony: It’s common for a tipping ceremony to take place at the end of the Kilimanjaro climb, where you can personally hand out tips to the staff.
2. Safari Tipping Policy:
- Driver/Guide: For safari guides, a customary tip is around $15 to $20 per day per group. This amount can be adjusted based on your satisfaction with their services.
- Cook (if applicable): If your safari includes camping or a mobile camp, you may want to tip the cook around $10 to $15 per day.
- Other Staff: Depending on the type of safari and the services provided, there may be additional staff members like camp assistants, waiters, or park rangers. It’s a good practice to set aside a collective tip for them, typically around $5 to $10 per day.
- Lodges and Camps: While on safari, it’s customary to tip the staff at lodges and camps if there is a communal tip box or envelope in the common area. The suggested amount is usually around $5 to $10 per night.
- Tipping Ceremony: On the last day of your safari, you can participate in a tipping ceremony with your guide’s assistance. This allows you to distribute tips to the entire safari team.
It’s essential to remember that tipping is a personal choice, and the amounts mentioned above are just general guidelines. Your satisfaction with the service provided and your ability to tip more or less should factor into your decision. Always consider the local customs, as tipping practices may vary slightly between operators and regions in Tanzania. Additionally, it’s advisable to carry small denomination bills in USD for tipping, as it’s a widely accepted currency for tips in Tanzania.
