Tipping/Gratuities for Guides (1 Viewer)

JSO · Jul 12, 2010

I'm currently in the final stages of budgeting a trip to SA and have one question that I have not found an answer to in the guidebooks. What is the appropriate rate for tipping of guides at game parks, and privately hired guides on tours. On other similar international trips travel agencies have usually provided some guidance. I have not received any information for this trip. A "whatever you believe is appropriate" is not always the most helpful of information, and can inadvertently lead to a guide being shortchanged (or over-compensated).

Thanking you in advance for your thoughts.

JSO

Dave Kennedy · Jul 13, 2010

JSO said:
I'm currently in the final stages of budgeting a trip to SA and have one question that I have not found an answer to in the guidebooks. What is the appropriate rate for tipping of guides at game parks, and privately hired guides on tours. On other similar international trips travel agencies have usually provided some guidance. I have not received any information for this trip. A "whatever you believe is appropriate" is not always the most helpful of information, and can inadvertently lead to a guide being shortchanged (or over-compensated).

Thanking you in advance for your thoughts.

JSO

Here are the guidelines from one of the higher-end safari operators in Southern Africa/Botswana. Perhaps this may help you.

TIPPING / GRATUITIES
Tipping is not compulsory. If, however, you want to tip because you have received good service, we have enclosed a brief guideline to assist you:

1) Regional

• Camp, Game Lodge and Specialist Guides
We recommend US$10 per guest per day.

• Mokoro Paddlers and Trackers
We recommend that each paddler receive US$5 per guest per day and that camp / lodge trackers receive US$5 per guest per day.

• The General Safari Camp / Lodge Staff
We recommend about US$5 per guest per day for safari camps. This should be placed in the communal tipping box to be distributed equally amongst all the staff.

Some lodges have slightly different gratuity schedules, but these are usually stipulated clearly in the Camp’s collateral. For example at Abu Camp the tips for ALL camp staff are placed in a communal kitty so that everyone receives an equal share (a figure of approximately US$ 100.00 per guest for the 3-night safari is suggested by the camp).

2) South Africa

• Transfer Driver
We recommend about ZAR20 per person for the driver.

• Touring (excluding Camp / Game Lodge) Driver and/or Guides
For half day tours we recommend about ZAR50 per person and for a full day tour we recommend ZAR100 per person.

• Safari Guides / Trackers at Game Lodges
We recommend about ZAR120 per guest per day for the Guide and ZAR80 per guest per day for the Tracker and about R50 to the pool of general staff.

• Porterage
We recommend about ZAR10 per person per movement.

• Hotel / Guest House / Game Lodge Staff
We recommend between ZAR10 and ZAR20 per guest per day for hotel staff i.e. housekeeping etc

• Blue Train and Rovos Rail
Cabin attendant R100 per person per journey
Waiter, Dining Car R75 per person per journey

• Restaurants / Hotels
10% is customary on meal accounts if you are satisfied with the service.

We emphasise that tipping is definitely not a requirement but should be undertaken only by choice. Whatever you believe to be appropriate will be appreciated by the staff you have met. We hope this assists you.

Best wishes
Dave

JSO · Jul 13, 2010

Dave,

Thank you. That's the information I was looking for. Very helpful.

JSO

Dave Kennedy · Jul 13, 2010

JSO said:
Dave,

Thank you. That's the information I was looking for. Very helpful.

JSO

My pleasure.
Have a great trip, and tell us all about it.
Best wishes,
Dave

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