Tanzania Tipping Guide – How Much to Tip on Safari, Treks & Hotels
Tipping is customary and appreciated in Tanzania’s tourism industry. While not mandatory, it’s a meaningful way to thank your guides, porters, and staff for excellent service. Here’s what you need to know about tipping on Mount Kilimanjaro treks, safaris, and at hotels and lodges.
Tipping on Kilimanjaro Treks
Mount Kilimanjaro climbs involve a full support team — including guides, cooks, and porters. Tipping is typically done at the end of the trek as a group contribution. Here's a standard breakdown per climber, per day:
- Lead Guide: $20–25 USD/day
- Assistant Guide: $15–20 USD/day
- Cook: $10–15 USD/day
- Porter: $5–10 USD/day
Tips are usually pooled and handed over during a tipping ceremony on the final day.
Tipping on Safari
Safari guides and drivers play a key role in your experience. Here's the recommended tipping amount:
- Private Safari Guide/Driver: $10–20 USD per person per day
- Shared Safari Guide: $5–10 USD per person per day
- Camp/Lodge Staff: $5–10 USD per day (left in a communal tip box)
Tipping at Hotels & in Town
- Hotel Porters: $1–2 USD per bag
- Housekeeping: $2–5 USD per night
- Waitstaff: 5–10% of the bill (if not already included)
- Taxi Drivers: Round up or add $1–2 for longer trips
Tipping in Tanzanian shillings is accepted, but U.S. dollars are preferred by most guides and staff. Make sure to carry small bills and give tips directly when possible.
Need help calculating tips for your group? Contact us — we’ll guide you based on your exact itinerary.
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Faqs
We recommend visiting a Maasai village, exploring Chagga coffee farms, and taking a local market tour for authentic cultural immersion.
Yes! Most cultural experiences like village visits or coffee tours can be done in 3–5 hours, making them ideal for half-day trips.
Absolutely. We organize cultural and adventure day trips from both Moshi and Arusha, depending on your location.
Yes, we provide local English-speaking guides to translate and ensure respectful, meaningful interaction with the communities.
Yes, but always ask permission first. Our guides will advise on what's appropriate and respectful in each village.
Wear comfortable, modest clothing—especially when visiting rural communities. Closed shoes are recommended for walking.
Some trips include a local meal or snack, especially during longer tours. Details will be shared in your booking confirmation.
Yes, round-trip transportation from your hotel/lodge is included in all our cultural and day trip packages.
Definitely! Our cultural experiences are family-friendly and educational for kids of all ages.
Yes, we can create a custom combo — for example, a waterfall hike + Maasai village visit — all in one day.
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