Tipping On Safari In Uganda

Tipping On Safari In Uganda : This tipping advice is intended to make it simple for you to express your gratitude to the people who assisted you during your Uganda safari vacation. In contrast to other places, leaving a tip after receiving service is not required or expected. As a result, tipping is up to you as a guest since no one will remind you or give a hint about it.

In addition to the custom, tipping is always welcomed and greatly appreciated. Since the people serving you are already paid by their employers, tips offer an additional sum of money that can greatly assist them. The majority of Ugandans receive meager salaries, and tips are greatly valued.

You can tip anyone who offers you a service or a product, given that tipping is not customary. From your driver-guide to the game rangers, hotel/lodge staff, and those who are hawking wares or selling you food on the street. Therefore, it is suggested that you purchase some local Ugandan money to use as tips for those who might find it difficult to convert their money to UGX.  Just keep in mind that there are no rules in this; give according to your means and heart.

SHOULD YOU TIP IN UGANDA?

Tipping is not a custom that has taken hold in Uganda, so neither those who provide services nor those who receive them anticipate receiving a tip after a job well done.

 If you’re a visitor to Uganda on a safari and you have questions about tipping there, you should know that tipping is not required anywhere in Uganda. You are free to choose whether to tip and how much to tip; it is not required.

But should you tip? Tipping is definitely encouraged when you can. Why? Because the majority of the employees in your service chain are paid wages that barely allow them to survive, their lives and the lives of their immediate dependents are greatly improved by tips, which serve as a valuable income supplement.

WHO SHOULD I TIP?

The people who really deserve it, who you will interact with frequently, and who genuinely go above and beyond to ensure that you have a positive experience are the ones you should tip. Here are the people you should consider tipping:

Tipping On Safari In Uganda
Tipping On Safari In Uganda

Tour drivers: If I may say so, the tour guide is your closest confidant if you are on a guided tour. This is the person who will ensure that your trip is fantastic. He or she imparts a great deal of knowledge about the surroundings, things, and inhabitants. Additionally, they make sure you travel securely.

Activity/destination guides: At a number of the places you will travel to, you will be met by a guide who will show you around an activity or destination, provide information, and make sure you have fun. For instance, during gorilla trekking, chimpanzee trekking, and all other active experiences, you will have a guide. Additionally, guides are available at local landmarks, museums, and galleries.

Trackers: In order for your guide to plan a route to the gorillas and chimpanzees, trackers go ahead of you to locate the gorillas and chimpanzees and report their location. Trackers are frequently disregarded, but they do a great job of staying with these primates in the forest and making sure you don’t miss them. Just prior to your encounter with the primates, you will find the trackers close to the gorillas or chimpanzees.

Servants and waitresses: These are offered at all of your hotels and restaurants while you’re traveling.

Porters: When trekking, those who require a porter can hire one for $20 to carry their backpacks and provide some assistance in challenging circumstances. You can give the porter a supplemental tip when the activity is finished.

Security personnel: You can find security personnel at lodgings guarding the gates, and you’ll be given security personnel when participating in park trekking activities. Because there isn’t much interaction with security staff, they tend to go unappreciated when it comes to tips, despite the fact that they do an excellent job ensuring your safety. They receive some of the lowest pay as well.

HOW MUCH SHOULD I TIP?

For the majority of travelers, this is the most crucial query, especially for those who have experience traveling and are aware that tips are required. Any tip that you deem appropriate and allowable is acceptable. When giving the people on the above list a tip, use the formula below.

  • For carrying luggage in hotels, UGX 1000 to UGX 2000 (USD 0.5 to USD 1)
  • In the tip box of hotels (instead of tipping individually): around UGX 10000 (USD 2 to USD 3).
  • Gorilla Tracking Guide: UGX 20000 to UGX 50000 (USD 6 to USD 13)
  • Gorilla Trackers and Armed Guard (About 3 to 5 People): At least UGX 10,000 each (USD 2 to USD 3).
  • Chimpanzee Tracking Guide: At least UGX 10,000 (USD 2 to USD 3).
  • Driver Guide: Around UGX 35,000 (USD 10) per day
  • To Birder (Birdwatching Guide): Around UGX 10000 (USD 2 to USD 3) for 2 to 3 hours of birding.
  • To Birder (Birdwatching Guide): Around UGX 75,000 (USD 20) for the whole day of birding.
  • To Canoe Rider: Around UGX 10000 (USD 2 to USD 3).
  • Boat Rider: Around UGX 10000 (USD 2 to USD 3).
  • Nature Walk Guide: Around UGX 5000 (USD 1 to USD 2).
book a trip