Should I Leave Tips in Tanzania?
Tipping is an important part of Tanzania's tourism culture and contributes significantly to the livelihoods of guides, lodge staff, and service workers. Plan to budget for tips as part of your safari expenses.
For safari guides and driver-guides, the standard recommendation is $15-25 per person per day, presented at the end of your time together. A single tip for the guide is appropriate if you have the same guide throughout; if guides change, tip each individually.
Lodges typically have a communal tip box at reception, with contributions distributed among all staff. A guideline of $15-20 per person per day is appropriate for mid-range to upscale lodges.
For Kilimanjaro climbs, tipping the mountain crew (guides, porters, cooks) is customary. Operators provide specific guidelines, typically totaling $150-300 per climber distributed among the team.
Tipping is best done in U.S. dollars, which are preferred. Small denominations are useful for individual tips. At restaurants where service charges are not included, 5-10% is appreciated.
Related Questions
See all questions
Insider-led Tanzania Design & Concierge
Your insider team designs the trip around what you care about, then supports you in-country with private logistics, vetted partners, and concierge help when plans change.
Get StartedPrivate drivers; English-speaking available.
Avoid the crowds in private day tours.
Better stays, better pacing, better reservations.
Insider-only experiences and exclusive local partners.
24/7 in-country support by phone, text, and WhatsApp.
Insider-led Tanzania Design & Concierge
Your insider team designs the trip around what you care about, then supports you in-country with private logistics, vetted partners, and concierge help when plans change.
Real Voices, Real Benefits
We believe travel is more than ticking destinations off a list – it's about discovering new places deeply, feeling connected wherever you go, and knowing you have a trusted team of local experts behind you every step of the way.
