Useful tips Wed,8 Apr,2015
When we go on safari to Africa one of the questions we ask ourselves is the tipping. Are obligatory the tips? How much should I give? Let us resolve some of these issues.
The first thing to consider is that salaries in Africa are low and gratuities make a family can live better, so that workers normally count on them. However, tipping is not mandatory, and if you receive a poor service, you are not obliged to give them, of course! But they are common if you receive a good service, and we are sure that you will get it! In Africa everyone tries to make you feel the happiest possible.
Normally, people expecting tips are the ones carrying bags to your room, waiters... But in our view, the fairest are the "Tip Box", where you deposit your tips and then they are dispatched to the whole service. There are people in the accommodations responsible for your welfare and who don't have face to face contact, such as cooks or people who clean the rooms. So, with the "tip box", your tip will also come to them. However if you make hand payment to the people giving you a service, $1 or $2 is usual, or its equivalent in local currency.
For your safari guides, who will be your eyes during your journey and be with you throughout the day, the usual is between $15-30 per day, always according to your satisfaction.
Despite all this, gratuities always run to your discretion. Do not feel pressured and act according to your satisfaction with the services received. Good safari in Africa. Safari njema!
