9 June 2024
We might be a bit prejudiced, but in our opinion, Kenyan people are the best. Many of our clients love their guide(s) and speak highly of the staff they encounter in the lodges during their trip.
People are friendly, funny, open, warm-hearted and very helpful. So when going on safari, you might want to tip the people you encounter. The question is; how much to give?
Usually, smaller tips are used for people working in the accommodations where you spend the night. You might want to tip the people carrying your luggage upon arrival, or that really cool waiter in the restaurant. Giving these people a small tip is very common, and amounts of 1 – 5 USD per person or 100 to 1000 Kenyan shilling are much appreciated. It is also possible to leave a tip for the entire staff since most accommodations have a tipping box at the reception. Amounts of 5 – 10 USD or 1000 – 1500 Kenyan shillings per night are very reasonable for that.
For this purpose, it’s good to carry some dollar notes or Kenyan shilling bills.
We highly appreciate it if you also tip your guide (and translator, if applicable) at the end of the safari. As a general guideline, we advise you to give 10 USD per day per person in your group, for the duration of the safari.
This means that if you are with 4 people going on a multiple-day safari, this can add up to several hundred dollars for one driver/guide. That sounds like a lot of money, but keep in mind that your guide accompanies you day and night, and takes care of all your needs during the safari.
When climbing Mount Kenya, you have a team of guides, porters and cooks accompanying you. Tips represent excellent motivation, as it is a nice add-on to the team member’s income. And since they stay with you day and night for the duration of your climb, it also shows your appreciation for the good care they took of you on the mountain. A group of climbers usually gives 15 USD per day to the lead guide, 10 USD per day to the assistant guide, 10 USD per day to the cook, and 8 USD per day per porter, for the duration of the climb.
Please keep in mind that climbs require a minimum of 3 to 6 staff members, depending on the route and the amount of luggage. This means tipping amounts can add up to 300 USD for the duration of the climb. Again, this seems a lot but keep in mind that they guide you up the mountain, monitor your health, carry all your luggage and cook you the most amazing food in difficult circumstances.
We trust that your safari or climb was so amazing, that you happily tip your guide or porters at the end. But also know; you never have to feel obligated!
At the end of the day, our guides earn decent salaries and these tips are welcome extras. As there is still quite some poverty and little to no social security in Kenya, they often serve as savings or to support the extended family.
Check also out blog: the cost of a safari in Kenya.
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