Tipping on Safaris in Uganda — How much Should I give to the Guide?

Tipping on Safaris in Uganda – How much I should tip guide, hotel staff and site guides in Uganda?

Tipping on safaris in Uganda – Tipping is not a must, it’s a token of appreciation and Uganda does not have a tipping culture. Our local restaurants, waiters/waitresses would be very surprised if you gave them any tip. If you do decide to tip, people will always be happy to receive it.

Some travelers who have a tipping culture would feel uncomfortable if they do not tip at the end of a service provided to them, but this is not a problem since tipping on safari in Uganda is not a must.

The waiters and waitresses at most of our restaurants will be more accustomed to receiving tips but it still isn’t mandatory or expected. If you appreciated the service, 5-10% would be a reasonable tip.

Porters

Porters are people living in and around our National Parks. They offer you help to carry your bags while out there and can as well give you a push or a pull on your hike where necessary. Sometimes when you arrive at the hotel or guesthouse one of the employees will enthusiastically try to help you carry your luggage up the stairs. This part of the services they offer and it does not mean that you have to give a tip.

A porter on a trek is always hire at USD15 per day, but most people give them USD20 making a USD5 a tip at the end of the exercise. This money is paid directly to them and this was put by the Uganda Wildlife Authority to encourage them to conserve and protect our National Parks, in otherwise you are supporting the community.

Safari/Tour Guides

It’s common to tip driver/guides in Uganda and always 25USD per group per day is a reasonable amount. Some people tip a lot more, always bear in mind that in Uganda tipping is never mandatory and that it is considered a gift in exchange for good service. You should never tip in Uganda if you weren’t happy with the service.

We clarify issues related to guide tipping expectations prior to your safari. This eliminates confusion about tipping at the end of a good service,