Tipping in Africa, particularly in urban areas and during safari experiences, is a common practice and generally much appreciated by service staff who often rely on gratuities to supplement their income. While exact amounts can vary by country and establishment, there are widely accepted guidelines for various services.
Tipping Guidelines for Common Services
When considering how much to tip, it's generally best to use the local currency, though US Dollars are often accepted in tourist-heavy areas, especially for larger tips like those on safaris. Always aim to tip discreetly and directly to the individual where possible.
Here are some common tipping recommendations for services you might encounter:
| Service | Recommended Tip | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Waiter at Restaurant | 10 – 15% of the overall bill | This percentage is typically not automatically added to your bill, so you will need to include it yourself when paying. For larger groups or bookings, it's advisable to check your bill to see if a service charge or gratuity has already been applied, as this might be included to avoid double-tipping. |
| Hotel Porter | USD 5 per provider | When a hotel porter assists you with your luggage upon arrival, departure, or when moving rooms, a tip of approximately USD 5 per provider is a generally accepted amount. This acknowledges their direct assistance and effort in handling your bags. |
It's important to remember that these are general guidelines. Ultimately, tipping remains at your discretion, and the amount can be adjusted based on the quality of service you receive.
