Tanzania Tipping Guide
Currency: Tanzanian Shilling (TZS)
Current Exchange Rate: 1 USD = 2,500 TZS
USD is widely accepted and preferred for tips in safari lodges and on Kilimanjaro treks. Newer bills (2009 or later) are preferred.
Safari Tipping Guidelines
Safari Staff
- Guide/Driver $20-30 USD per group per day
- Camp Staff $10-15 USD per guest per day (communal tip box)
- Cook (Private Safari) $15 USD per group per day
- Spotter/Tracker $10-15 USD per group per day
Kilimanjaro Trek Staff
- Guide $20-25 USD per day per group
- Assistant Guide $15-20 USD per day per group
- Cook $12-15 USD per day per group
- Porter $8-10 USD per day per porter
Hotel & Restaurant Tipping
- Hotel Porter $1-2 USD per bag
- Restaurant Server 10% of the bill (if service charge not included)
- Housekeeping $2 USD per night
- Tour Guide (City/Cultural) $10-15 USD per person per day
Local Customs & Etiquette
Tipping is an important part of Tanzania's tourism industry, particularly in safari and trekking sectors. Staff often rely heavily on tips to supplement their income.
For Kilimanjaro treks, it's customary to have a tipping ceremony on the last day. Your guide can help organize this and suggest appropriate amounts based on your group size and trek duration.
Additional Information
- Bring clean, newer USD bills (2009 or later) as older or torn notes may not be accepted
- Tips are typically given at the end of your safari or trek
- Some lodges have tip boxes for pooling gratuities among staff
- Consider bringing small denominations for easier tipping