We might be a bit biased, but in our opinion, Tanzanian people are the best! Many of our clients love their guide(s) and speak highly of the staff they meet in lodges during their trip. People in Tanzania are friendly, funny, open, warm-hearted, and very helpful. So, when going on safari, you might want to tip the people you encounter. The question is: how much should you give?

Small Tipping in Tanzania

Usually, smaller tips are given to staff working at lodges and camps where you spend the night. You might want to tip the person carrying your luggage upon arrival or that really cool waiter in the restaurant.

💰 A small tip is common, and amounts of $1 – $5 per person (or 2,000 to 10,000 Tanzanian shillings) are much appreciated.

It is also possible to leave a tip for the entire staff, as most lodges have a tipping box at the reception.

💵 A reasonable amount is:

  • $5 – $10 per night (or 10,000 – 20,000 Tanzanian shillings).

For this purpose, it’s good to carry some dollar notes or Tanzanian shilling bills.

Tipping Your Safari Guide/Driver

We highly appreciate it if you tip your guide (and driver, if applicable) at the end of the safari.

General Tipping Guidelines for Safari Guides

🦁 $10 per day per person in your group.

For example, if you are 4 people going on a multi-day safari, this can add up to a few hundred dollars for one driver/guide.

💡 Why?
Your guide accompanies you day and night, takes care of all your needs, shares incredible wildlife knowledge, and ensures a safe and enjoyable trip.

Tipping for Kilimanjaro Climbs

When climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, you have a team of guides, porters, and cooks assisting you.

💰 Tips serve as a great motivation since they are an important addition to their income. Since they stay with you day and night for the duration of your climb, tipping is a way to show your appreciation for their efforts.

General Tipping Guidelines for Kilimanjaro Climbs

  • Lead Guide – $15 per day

  • Assistant Guide – $10 per day

  • Cook – $10 per day

  • Porters – $8 per day per porter

Since a climb requires 8 (for 1 climber) to 48 (for 12 climbers) staff members, total tipping amounts can exceed $400 for the duration of the climb.

💡 Why?
Your team:
✅ Guides you up the mountain
✅ Monitors your health
✅ Carries your luggage
✅ Prepares amazing food in tough conditions

Tipping: You Decide

We trust that your safari or Kilimanjaro climb will be so amazing that you will happily tip your guides and porters at the end. However, tipping is never an obligation!

At I Artist Adventure, we ensure that our guides earn decent salaries, and tips are just a welcome extra. However, as poverty is still present in Tanzania and social security is limited, many guides use tips to support their families or save for the future.