Safari Tipping Guideline with Maramatta Safaris

Tipping is a customary practice during safaris in Tanzania, showing appreciation for the hard work and excellent service provided by guides, drivers, and camp staff.

While tipping is not mandatory, it is an important way to recognize exceptional service, and it is highly appreciated by those who make your safari experience unforgettable.

Here’s a guide to help you understand how to tip during your safari with Maramatta Safaris.

1. Why Tip on Safari?

Tipping is a personal gesture to thank those who contribute to your safari experience. From skilled safari guides who spot wildlife and share insights about the ecosystem to camp staff who ensure your comfort, these individuals often work long hours in remote environments. Tipping helps to support their livelihood and recognize their dedication to providing excellent service.

2. Who to Tip on Safari?

• Safari Guide: Your safari guide is often the most important part of your trip. They not only navigate the wilderness but also share their deep knowledge of the wildlife, ecosystems, and local culture.

• Safari Driver: If your safari involves a separate driver, they play a key role in getting you safely through rough terrains and ensuring you get the best wildlife viewing experiences.

• Camp Staff: This includes cooks, waiters, room attendants, and other staff who ensure your comfort during your stay in lodges or camps.

• Porters: If you’re on a mountain trek or moving between lodges, porters help carry your bags and set up camp.

3. Tipping Recommendations

Tipping amounts can vary depending on the level of service, the type of safari, and the size of your group. Below are general guidelines for tipping on a Tanzanian safari with Maramatta Safaris:

• Safari Guide/Driver: $10 to $20 per person per day. If your guide has provided exceptional service, spotting rare wildlife and ensuring a memorable experience, you may wish to tip more.

• Camp or Lodge Staff: $5 to $10 per person per day. Most camps have a communal tip box, and the staff usually share the tips equally among themselves.

• Porters: $5 to $10 per porter per day for those who assist with your luggage or help on hiking trips.

• Specialist Guides: If you’ve arranged for a specialist guide for a particular activity (such as a birdwatching or cultural tour), you may tip them around $10 to $15 per person for their expertise.

4. How to Tip on Safari

• Cash in US Dollars or Tanzanian Shillings: Tipping is usually done in cash. US dollars are widely accepted, but make sure the bills are clean and issued after 2006 to avoid issues with local currency exchange. Tanzanian Shillings are also appreciated.

• Tipping the Guide Directly: It’s customary to tip your guide directly at the end of the safari. If you’ve had multiple guides or drivers during your trip, tip them individually based on the days they spent with you.

• Tipping Camp Staff: Most safari lodges and camps have a communal tip box at the reception or dining area. You can leave your tip here at the end of your stay, and it will be shared among the staff.

5. When to Tip

• At the End of Your Safari: Tipping is usually done at the end of your safari, once you’ve had the full experience. For multi-day safaris, tipping daily is not necessary, though some travelers prefer it for personal reasons.

• At the End of Each Stay: If you are staying at multiple camps or lodges, it’s best to tip at the end of each stay since the staff may change from camp to camp.

6. Group Tipping vs. Individual Tipping

• Private Safaris: If you’re on a private safari, you’ll be tipping based on the services provided specifically to your group. Follow the per-person daily guidelines but feel free to increase the amount if you’ve received personalized attention and exceptional service.

• Group Safaris: In larger groups, it’s common to pool tips together and give them to your guide or driver on behalf of the group. For camp staff, you can contribute to the communal tip box individually or as a group.

7. Additional Tips for a Seamless Tipping Experience

• Prepare Your Cash Beforehand: It’s a good idea to bring enough cash for tips with you, as there may not always be convenient ATMs in remote safari areas. US dollars and Tanzanian Shillings are widely accepted for tipping.

• Be Discreet: When handing a tip directly to your guide or camp staff, try to do so discreetly to avoid drawing too much attention. This ensures that tipping remains a personal gesture of appreciation.

• Adjust Based on Service: These are general guidelines, but your tipping can reflect the level of service you receive. If you’ve experienced extraordinary service, don’t hesitate to increase the tip. Similarly, if the service has been subpar, it’s within your right to adjust the tip accordingly.

8. What If You Don’t Want to Tip?

While tipping is appreciated, it is not an obligation. If you feel the service did not meet your expectations, or you prefer not to tip, that is entirely your decision. However, tipping is a cultural norm in Tanzania and a vital source of income for many working in the safari industry.

By following this Safari Tipping Guideline with Maramatta Safaris, you can show appreciation for the excellent service and expertise that enhance your safari experience.

Whether it’s a personal tip or a group contribution, your gratitude goes a long way in supporting the hardworking individuals who make your journey memorable.