Prepare for your African safari and mountain-climbing adventures with our expert packing tips. Organize your belongings in one waterproof duffel bag, plus a carry-on for valuables and day trips. Be mindful of weight limits on safari vehicles and small aircraft. If you love collecting souvenirs, consider packing an extra bag inside your suitcase. Remember that airlines have baggage restrictions, so plan accordingly. Leave excess luggage at the hotel and take advantage of affordable laundry services available in Africa. Dress modestly and respectfully, especially in East Africa’s conservative coastal areas and in Zanzibar.
For safari drivers and guides, a tip of USD 15–30 per day per guide is customary. For chefs (on adventure camping safaris only), a tip of USD 8–20 per day per chef is appropriate. Note that the tip is per guide per day, not per traveler per day. For example, if you are in a group of four travelers and wish to tip the driver USD 20 per day, each traveler would contribute USD 5 per day to the tip pool. Tips are usually given at the end of the safari.
Hotels and Restaurants
Tipping is expected at high-end luxury hotels and lodges and is also common at moderately priced safari lodges, though not all guests may tip. In restaurants and hotels primarily frequented by locals, tipping is generally not expected. Most tourist lodges and hotels provide tip boxes at the reception desk. You may choose to tip hotel staff individually, place a tip for all staff in the tip box, or do both. Tips can be given in local currency, USD, Euros, or Sterling, depending on your preference.
Trekking Tipping Guidelines
For trekking, budget between 10% and 15% of your total climb cost for tips. If you are traveling in a small group, it is recommended to contribute more per person to the tip pool. As for specific tipping amounts, consider tipping the head guide USD 15–30 per day, the assistant guide USD 10–20 per day, the cook USD 8–12 per day, and each porter USD 4–10 per day. Some porters may have additional responsibilities such as toilet cleaning, camp crew duties, or serving as a waiter. In such cases, it is customary to tip these porters slightly more than those without extra duties.
Unless otherwise noted, the tip amounts provided for safaris and mountain climbs are per group, not per individual traveler.
By following these guidelines and preparing in advance, you can help ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience during your time in Tanzania.