Here are Uganda safari tipping insights to help you properly plan and set your expectations as you come to visit Uganda for gorillas, chimps, wildlife, culture and more.
A tip or gratuity is a reward or recognition for a service that is seen as something above the norm. A tip is not considered compulsory – but is voluntary by a satisfied customer/traveler.
A regular question asked by travelers on Uganda Safaris is whom they should tip and how much to tip. Tipping is not compulsory but many travelers do leave tips as a way of saying thanks. And this gratuity helps boost the income and wages of people working in the tourism industry.
Besides what others may say – Tipping for good service while on safari will is greatly appreciated by the people who it helps out.
Tipping in Uganda
Tipping is not a tradition in Uganda. And thus most service providers don’t expect a tip for offering their service. If you’re visiting Uganda for a safari, you should remember that there’s nowhere to tip in Uganda that’s mandatory. Tipping is left entirely up to you and how much you’re willing to tip depends on you.
But should you tip while on safaris in Uganda? Yes, it’s encouraged to tip whenever possible. Most employees will earn a small wage that will help sustain their livelihood.
Tipping will go a long way in improving the lives of the tourism industry service providers.
Whom to tip on safari
The following are our recommendations for the service providers you should consider for your Uganda safari tipping and gratuities.
Destination / activities guides
In the places you visit and the activities you take part in, you’ll almost always have a guide alongside you. They will assist you along the way. For example, gorilla and chimpanzee trekking guides, and guides for day tours in the cities and museums.
Waiters & waitresses
These service providers will be a constant throughout your Uganda safari trip. E.g. at hotels, restaurants, and during transit flights.
Safari drivers
When you take a guided Uganda safari trip, your closes companion will be your safari/tour guide. This is the person who will make sure that you have an awesome trip. And share information about the places and local culture.
Security staff
You will find the security staff at your safari accommodations. They are some of the most unmarked people when it comes to tipping. But, they do an important job of securing your safety.
Porters
During your mountain gorilla trekking expedition, porters are available for hire at about 20 USD. They will help you carry your backpacks and other luggage.
As well as help you out if you face any challenging circumstances. You can tip the porters at the end of your trekking journey – it’ll be greatly appreciated!
Uganda Safari Tipping Amount
Now, this is the age-old and most important question for almost every traveler. You may tip any amount you feel is necessary or favorable or one that you can afford – remember everything, even a small amount will leave the other person with great memories and appreciation.
You can follow the below guide when tipping the personnel mentioned above:
| Staff/Personnel | Tipping Suggestion (per traveler) |
| Destination/Safari Activities Guide | $15 – $20 |
| Waiters and Waitresses | $5 |
| Safari Drivers | $10 – $15 |
| Security staff | $5 |
| Gorilla trekking Porters | $5 – $10 |
Most importantly, you should tip according to your convenience and discretion.
The above tipping costs are an estimate. You shouldn’t feel forced to tip while on your safari and you should understand that you can tip however much you like or can afford. You can tip after the completion of a service or at the end of your safari activity.
Conclusion
These Uganda safari tipping insights are meant to help you easily understand the system. Unlike in many countries, Uganda has no strict tipping culture and any tip is appreciated.
You don’t need to strictly follow the suggestions we provided above as they are for helping you determine how much you might need to carry as your extra safari cash. This is the money you end up using to give tips, buy someone a beer, buy souvenirs and pay for any other personal expense that is not part of your all inclusive safari with us.
