Tips and donations

Tipping in Tanzania

Tipping is customary in Tanzanian tourism and is an important part of the income of guides, cooks, porters and lodge staff. It is always your choice, and it should reflect the service you received.

Tips are usually given in cash, in US dollars or Tanzanian shillings, at the end of a safari or climb. If you are travelling as a group, it is easiest to pool your tips and hand them over together.

On safari

Your driver-guide is with you every day, so they are the main person to thank at the end of a safari. Many lodges and camps also have a shared tip box for their staff, which you can use when you check out.

On Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru

A climb is supported by a team of guides, assistant guides, a cook and porters. It is customary to thank the whole crew at the end of the climb, and we recommend giving each crew member their share directly, so you know it reaches them.

Your guide will explain how the handover works on your climb.

How much to give

Our team will send you current tipping guidance with your trip confirmation, so you can plan and bring the right amount of cash.

Giving back responsibly

Many guests want to support the communities they visit. The most useful help goes through schools, clinics and community projects that know what they need, rather than handing out money, sweets or gifts to children, which can encourage begging.

If you would like to bring school supplies or support a local project, contact us before you travel and we will advise you on what is needed and how to give it.

• Ask before you pack donations, so you bring what is actually useful
• Buy crafts directly from the people who make them
• Give through a school or community group, not to individual children