In Africa, tipping is not expected but has become customary. The traditional gratuity to safari guides or camp staff is not included in the price of your tour and is completely discretionary.
Bear in mind that what may seem like an inconsequential amount to you may be significant to local African staff and will certainly be received with a display of gratitude that is genuinely humbling.
Most safari lodges will have a ‘tip box’ at reception for the staff – this covers all the ‘unseen’ services you have enjoyed during your stay, including the person who cleans your room and the many staff who work in the kitchen. However, you may wish to reward your guide or perhaps a particularly attentive waiter individually.
Guidelines: Tip moderately and in accordance with the level and quality of service provided – and only if you are satisfied with that service. The following can be used as a guide and is generally accepted practice, based on a per person basis (i.e. a couple travelling together should consider doubling these figures):
Driver/guide - US$10 and upwards per day.
Private safari guide - US$25 and upwards per day;
Camp staff - US$10 to $20 per day, as a pooled tip to be shared among the housekeepers, waiters, bartender, etc.
If you spend a great deal of time with a single guide, as is the case on a number of mobile safaris or private vehicle + driver/guide itineraries, you may want to increase the above amounts in accordance with the enthusiasm and effort displayed (or your overall satisfaction level)…and you might even consider leaving behind your binoculars or books on mammals/birds to show your appreciation i.e. something other than money that you have noticed the guide does not have (or could use in his job) – just a thought.
Tips can generally be paid in US dollars or local currency.
Tipping for gorilla trekking: trackers, guides + porters
I thought some additional information on tipping when gorilla trekking might be useful, as you can find yourself caught out if you are not 'in the know'. Whilst all treks are conducted by a National Parks guide, they are assisted by a team of trackers and armed guards whom you may not see until part way through the trek. Whilst a tip for the guide is welcome (at your discretion) there is an expectation that a tip be arranged between the trekking group to offer the trackers and armed guards once your time with the gorillas is completed. I mention this because you will not necessarily know who will be in your trekking group until the morning of the trek, and your group could be made up of different nationalities from around the world. Once your group has been formed it might be an idea to raise this with them before you set off on your trek. As a suggestion, I would say that US$10+ per person from each member of the trekking group would be fair. I would strongly recommend a porter too, which will be arranged by your guide (a set fee + tip), as this not only allows you to trek unencumbered, but also provides local employment. The porters are also often incredibly helpful in 'giving you a hand' when the physical demands call for a little assistance!
Charity on safari
Many visitors to Africa feel a strong urge to help the less fortunate whom they encounter on safari, or when visiting a local village or school. People often ask what they can take, especially for the children – pens? books?
By and large it is probably better to keep a look out for an appropriate opportunity while you are traveling rather than carry along gifts from home. My suggestion would be to talk with your guide or with the management of the camps/lodges where you are staying. Many of the safari camps and lodges are actively involved in working with their local communities to sustain schools, clinics and other projects. Ask about this when you are there and visit the school, clinic or project if you can – making a donation to something you have seen on the ground will bring you more satisfaction (and directly help the neediest). Try to contribute in a way that helps a person (or community) help themselves - a donation towards a project that will enhance their way of life.
What I would ask is that you resist the temptation to offer ‘hand outs’ to kids on the side of the road. This only encourages dependency on such generosity and teaches these children that begging brings reward. There is no dignity in begging and the harassment it fosters will not endear you to the next group of tourists either!
A rather fun idea is to gift a football (soccer ball) – all of Africa loves soccer yet not all the children have a ball with which to play – for more information go to Footballs For Fun or merely buy a couple of balls before you leave home. Or take a look at Pack For A Purpose for more ideas.
Keeping a travel journal
I can strongly recommend that you keep a travel journal whilst on safari. But don't take my word for it - here are some thoughts on the subject from some notable travel writers (and they should know right?):
"Photos show you what scenes looked like, but they won’t remind you of interesting details like sounds, smells, tastes, or how you felt. Most travel experiences are transformative, so it’s good to keep a written record of what changed you each day." - Sarah Duff, freelance travel writer
"A journal is a great place to convey the spirit of the place you’re visiting, not just the facts, which you can easily get from a guidebook. When you go back and read a journal years later, it’s those esoteric, private details that will transport you back to the moment." – Justin Fox, former Getaway magazine
"It doesn't matter what you write, or doodle, or draw. Take time to record your surroundings and indulge in the moment – something people are forgetting how to do. Instead of chasing the ultimate photograph, sit quietly with your notebook and create memories that way instead." – Narina Exelby, freelance travel writer
Tips for self-drivers
If you are planning to pick up a hire car and self-drive, a possibility in countries like South Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe, be aware of the following:
All these countries drive on the left-hand side of the road and display distances and speed limits in kilometres (kms).
In South Africa there is a prevalence of four-way-stop intersections – these require you to come to a complete stop and give way to all other vehicles that have arrived at the 4-way stop before you – only then can you go proceed. Simple, but a little disconcerting initially.
Vehicles in traffic circles (often referred to as roundabouts) travel clockwise. Drivers wishing to enter traffic circles should give way to the right i.e. to those already on , or entering the roundabout from your right.
If you’re driving behind another car and that car pulls to the shoulder but continues driving, it means they are letting you pass. If it’s safe to pass you may do so (only if there is a dotted line and no cars coming from the other direction). When you pass someone, be sure to turn on your hazard lights as a way of saying “thank you” – it’s what they all do. And then, if someone is tailgating you or wants to get past you, the polite thing to do is cautiously pull into the shoulder and slow down slightly to let the driver pass (only do this if you can clearly see that the shoulder is clear) – do NOT do this when going around a bend.
Fuel – whilst fuel is generally readily available not all petrol/fuel stations are open 24 hours. You should always fill up when passing through major towns and plan your journey with fuel stops in mind (and carry extra fuel if deemed necessary in more remote areas).
Fuel stations are generally not self-help but manned by attendants who can also check oil, water and tyre pressure if required. Gratuities for this service are at your own discretion.
Be sure to have not only your driver’s license to hand but also the car’s papers – registration, car insurance and any required reflectors/chevron or triangles (in case of breakdown). Wearing seat belts when driving a car in the region is mandatory. The use of