At Camelleon Safaris, we might be a little biased—but we truly believe the people of Tanzania are among the best in the world. Many of our guests return home raving not just about the incredible landscapes and wildlife, but about the friendly, funny, warm-hearted, and helpful people they met along the way—from guides and drivers to lodge staff and mountain crews.

If you’re wondering how much to tip during your Tanzania safari or Mount Kilimanjaro climb, this guide will help you show your appreciation the right way.

Small Tipping at Safari Lodges and Camps.It’s customary (and always appreciated) to leave small tips for staff working at your lodges or camps. This could be for:

• The friendly porter who carries your bags
• The amazing waiter who goes the extra mile
• Housekeeping staff who keep your room tidy

Recommended Lodge Tipping Amounts:

• 1 – 5 USD per person (or 2,000 – 10,000 Tanzanian shillings) for individual staff
• 5 – 10 USD (or 10,000 – 20,000 TZS) per night in a shared tip box at reception

Pro tip: It’s helpful to carry small US dollar notes or Tanzanian shilling bills for these occasions.

Tipping Your Safari Guide or Driver

Your safari guide or driver is the heart of your adventure—navigating the wild, spotting elusive animals, and ensuring your safety and comfort throughout the trip. They’re with you all day, every day, and often become a highlight of the entire safari experience.

Recommended Safari Guide Tipping:

• 10 USD per person per day

So, for example, a group of four on a five-day safari would tip around 200 USD total for one guide.

Tipping During a Kilimanjaro Climb. Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is an unforgettable journey, and your experience is made possible by a dedicated team of guides, porters, and cooks. They carry your gear, prepare your meals, and monitor your health in challenging conditions. Tipping them is not just a tradition—it’s a sign of genuine appreciation for their hard work and care.

• Kilimanjaro Tipping Guidelines (Per Day)
• Lead Guide: 15 USD
• Assistant Guide: 10 USD
• Cook: 10 USD
• Porter: 8 USD per porter

Depending on the size of your group, you may have anywhere from 8 to 48 crew members, and total tipping can easily exceed 400 USD for the full trek. While this might seem like a significant amount, remember that your mountain crew quite literally helps make your summit possible.

Tipping Is Always Optional—but Always Appreciated.While tipping on safari or Kilimanjaro is customary in Tanzania, please know it’s never an obligation. Our guides and staff earn fair wages, and tips are a welcome bonus that often helps support extended families or serves as a personal savings fund—especially important in a country where social security systems are limited.

At the end of the day, we hope your experience was so memorable that tipping feels like a natural way to say thank you.

Need More Travel Tips?
At Camelleon Safaris, we’re here to help you prepare for the adventure of a lifetime. Have questions about what to pack, how to plan your itinerary, or what wildlife to expect? Get in touch—we’re always happy to help.