Below are some general tipping guidelines for Kenya to help you plan. Tipping is not mandatory, but it is appreciated for good service. You can tip in either local currency or US Dollars (USD).
General Tipping Guidelines
Safari driver/guide
USD 10–20 per person per day
Approximately KES 1,300–2,600 (Kenyan Shillings), RWF 14,775–29,550 (Rwandan Francs), TZS 26,610–53,220 (Tanzanian Shillings), and UGX 37,330–74,660 (Ugandan Shillings) per person per day
For a private safari, you can give the tip at the end of the safari rather than daily.
Day-tour driver/guide
USD 10–20 per person for the day
Approximately KES 1,300–2,600 (Kenyan Shillings), RWF 14,775–29,550 (Rwandan Francs), TZS 26,610–53,220 (Tanzanian Shillings), and UGX 37,330–74,660 (Ugandan Shillings) per person.
Airport/hotel transfers
USD 5–10 per transfer
Approximately KES 650–1,300 (Kenyan Shillings), RWF 7,390–14,780 (Rwandan Francs), TZS 13,315–26,625 (Tanzanian Shillings), and UGX 18,735–37,470 (Ugandan Shillings).
Camp/lodge game-drive guides
USD 10–20 per person per day
Approximately KES 1,300–2,600 (Kenyan Shillings), RWF 14,775–29,550 (Rwandan Francs), TZS 26,610–53,220 (Tanzanian Shillings), and UGX 37,330–74,660 (Ugandan Shillings) per person.
Camp/lodge general staff
Where there is a communal staff tip box I recommend contributing to that rather than tipping every staff member individually.
A general contribution of USD 5–10 per guest per night (KES 650–1,300 (Kenyan Shillings), RWF 7,390–14,780 (Rwandan Francs), TZS 13,315–26,625 (Tanzanian Shillings), and UGX 18,735–37,470 (Ugandan Shillings)) is a reasonable guideline, depending on the level of service.
Bellboys/porters
USD 1–2 per bag
Approximately KES 130 to 260 (Kenyan Shillings) to RWF 1,480–2,960 (Rwandan Francs), TZS 2,665–5,335 (Tanzanian Shillings), and UGX 3,750–7,500 (Ugandan Shillings) per bag
Housekeeping
USD 2–5 per room per night
Approximately KES 260 to 650 (Kenyan Shillings), RWF 2,960–7,405(Rwandan Francs), TZS 5,335–13,330 (Tanzanian Shillings), and UGX 7,480–18,695 (Ugandan Shillings).
This is optional and can be left at the end of your stay.
A few things to keep in mind
These are guidelines rather than fixed rates. You should never feel obligated to tip someone simply because they provided a service. The amount can depend on the quality of service, how long the person has been assisting you, and whether you are travelling privately or as part of a group.
For your safari, I would particularly prioritize the driver-guides, as they spend the most time with you and play a big role in making the safari enjoyable.
Also, you don’t need to tip every person you meet. Where a lodge or camp has a shared tip box, that is often the easiest way to recognize the wider team, including housekeeping, kitchen and other support staff.
USD is also widely accepted for tipping in the tourism sector, particularly at safari camps and lodges.
