Prepare for your African safari and mountain climbing expeditions with our expert packing tips. Organize your belongings in one waterproof duffel bag and a carry-on for valuables and day trips. Be mindful of weight limits on safari vehicles and small aircraft. If you’re a souvenir enthusiast, consider bringing an extra bag in your suitcase. Remember, airlines have bag restrictions, so plan accordingly. Leave excess baggage at the hotel and take advantage of affordable laundry services in Africa. Dress appropriately to respect East African customs, especially in conservative coastal areas and Zanzibar.
For safari drivers/guides, a tip of USD 15 – USD 30 per day per guide is customary. For chefs (on adventure camping safaris only), a tip of USD 8 – USD 20 per day per chef is appropriate. It is important to note that the tip is per guide per day, not per traveler per day. For instance, if you are in a group of four travelers and wish to tip the driver $20/day, each traveler would contribute $5/day to the tip pool. It is customary to give a tip at the end of the safari.
Hotels and Restaurants
Tipping is expected at high-end luxury hotels and lodges, while it is also anticipated at moderately priced safari lodges. However, not all patrons may tip. In restaurants and hotels frequented by locals, tipping is not expected. Most tourist lodges and hotels provide tip boxes at the reception desk. You can choose to tip hotel staff individually or place a tip for all hotel staff in the tip box, or do both. Tips can be made 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 the specific tipping amounts, consider tipping the head guide USD 15 – USD 30 per day per guide, the assistant guide USD 10 – USD 20 per day per guide, the cook USD 8 – USD 12 per day per cook, and the porter USD 4 – USD 10 per day per porter. Some porters may have extra responsibilities such as toilet cleaning, camp crew duties, or waiter. In such cases, it is customary to tip these porters slightly more than others who don’t have additional roles. The tip amounts provided for safari and mountain climbing are per group, not per individual traveler.
By following these travel tips and being prepared for your journey, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience during your time in Tanzania.