Images used in this post are for illustrative purposes only.

Although ‘Travel & Things‘ agrees with this tradition, how much and who you tip are personal choices.

Tipping…

“How much should I tip”?

This is the question I am most frequently asked by international guests when I am at a game lodge.

It all comes down to personal choice and I hope this post will shed some light on what could be seen as a contentious subject by some.

 

 

 

Tipping Etiquette While on Safari in South Africa

Embarking on a safari in South Africa is a thrilling adventure, offering stunning landscapes, extraordinary wildlife, and unforgettable experiences.

Often guests will ask me about tipping while out on a game drive. It seems that especially when their stay is drawing to a close, they become stressed by the tipping etiquette. Although tipping is not mandatory, it allows guests to show appreciation to those whose efforts contributed to their safari experience.

This post is merely a guide to help you navigate tipping on your safari.

 

 

Why Tipping Matters

In South Africa’s hospitality industry, particularly in safari lodges, tips play an essential role in the income of staff members. Many employees, including guides, trackers, and back-of-house staff, rely on gratuities as part of their overall compensation. By tipping appropriately, you express gratitude for their hard work and dedication in providing you with a memorable safari experience.

What is the logic behind tipping?

There are two main motivations for tipping: expressing gratitude and conforming to the social norm

As a general rule, expect to tip around 10% of the bill. If you get exceptionally good service, you could increase that to 15-20%.

Whether you’re tipping by cash or card, always use the local currency to save the staff you are tipping from having to try to find somewhere to exchange foreign currency.

Tipping, at its core, is a social and psychological phenomenon. It’s influenced by several factors including social norms and the desire to reward service.

The tradition of tipping staff at a Game Lodges is by no means obligatory, however, the expression of your appreciation will be gratefully accepted by the lodge staff.

 

 

 

Who to Tip

Guides and Trackers: The most visible staff during your safari are the guides and trackers, who are responsible for leading game drives and walking safaris.

Their expertise is invaluable as they enrich your understanding of wildlife and the ecosystem. For guides, a standard tip ranges from R150 – R350 per guest per day, while trackers typically receive around R80 – R150 per guest per day.

Not all the lodges utilize trackers, and those that do seem to have split the duties of the guides and trackers, hence the discrepancy in the tipping.

I know that the trackers do not interact with guests in camp like the guides often do, but on a drive, they are AS important, if not more so, than the guide.

Bear that in mind when you consider what to contribute.

 

 

 

Can you equate the size of a tip with the quality of the game sightings?

The short answer is no, as the guide has no control over what species presents itself on either a drive or a walk.

That being said, some guides will go out of their way to provide excellent sighting experiences, while others will rush in and out and on to the next opportunity.

However, depending on your interaction with you assigned guide, you could temper your tip depending on their attitude.

If there is a lodge that uses both a guide and a tracker, then you might want to take their interaction into account before making a final decision.

I have visited lodges where the tracker and guide combination is so good that they think in tandem and are almost able to predict what each is thinking.

Conversely, I have been in a vehicle where there has been tension between the two that is palpable to the guests in the vehicle, making for a most uneasy drive.

 

 

 

Personal Tips: For your guides and trackers, it’s common to hand over tips directly at the end of a game drive or walking safari.

A personal handover can enhance your interaction and provide a chance to express your appreciation verbally.

 

 

 

Lodge Staff: The lodge staff works tirelessly behind the scenes, ensuring that your stay is comfortable and seamless. This includes housekeepers, chefs, and maintenance teams.

Consider pooling tips for these staff members at the end of your stay, generally around R80 – R180 per day, which can be placed in a communal tip box typically found at a lodge.

 

 

 

Back-of-House Staff: Though you may not interact with them directly, the back-of-house staff plays a crucial role in facilitating your safari experience.

These individuals include laundry staff, kitchen staff, and other support personnel. While specific tipping for these individuals may not be customary, your contribution to a communal tip will benefit them as well.

 

 

 

Did you know?

The Big Five are on South Africa’s banknotes — Lion, Leopard, Rhino, Buffalo and Elephant

In the currency it is the leopard that has the highest value at ZAR200, while the lion appears on the ZAR50.00 note.

For many tourists and travellers, South Africa’s banknotes are a colourful and beautiful surprise when visiting the country for the first time.

 

 

 

 

How to Tip

Cash is King: It’s advisable to carry cash (in ZAR) in small denominations, as some lodges might not have the means to provide change if you have large denomination notes.

Check what the tipping policy at the lodge you are going to visit is.

You can do this in advance of in order that there are no surprises when you arrive.

 

 

 

Communal Tip Boxes: Many lodges have a communal tip box located in the reception area. This method is often used for back-of-house staff. You can contribute a lump sum at the end of your stay, which will be distributed among all the employees excluding guides and trackers.

 

 

 

Photographic excellence:

If, like me, your entire safari experience is photography-based, your guide should be able get you in the right spot to get not only good but excellent images.

If that happens without you having to ask him or her to reposition the vehicle, then tip accordingly, especially if you have booked a photographic guide and are alone in the vehicle.

 

 

Cultural Considerations:

When you’re in South Africa, it’s essential to maintain cultural sensitivities. While tipping is appreciated, it shouldn’t be viewed as an obligation.

If you feel that a service was less than satisfactory, it’s entirely acceptable to reduce the tip accordingly. Conversely, if you felt the staff went above and beyond, feel free to tip more generously.

 

 

 

In Conclusion

Tipping while on safari in South Africa is a crucial way to acknowledge and appreciate the hard work of a diverse group of individuals who contribute to your adventure.

By understanding who to tip and how to express your gratitude, you can ensure that those who truly make your experience special are thanked appropriately.

Remember, each safari is an opportunity to connect with nature and the dedicated people serving you, making every tip a note of appreciation for their commitment to excellence.

 

 

 

Travel is the proud winner of this prestigious award from the digital British lifestyle magazine Luxlife. The award is in the category Best Travel & Experiences Blog 2024 – South Africa.

 

 

 

Check out the archived and current interviews… click on the image above.

 

 

 

“Hard work never killed anybody, but why take a chance?”

Edgar Bergen