Uganda safari tipping guidelines

A thorny issue that often raises questions to most travelers is how much is should one tip while on safari, in this article we explain the Uganda safari tipping guidelines. It is at your discretion as the guest, customary in this part of the world, but not compulsory, and based upon service levels received. Our Uganda safari tipping guidelines per passenger traveling are:

Gorilla & Chimpanzee Guides: Tips should be placed in the central tip box if provided or given to the main guide who will distribute them amongst all the trackers and game guards – region of USD15 for the main guide (per guest)

Porters: This is an optional extra and they are normally hired for around USD15 per porter per day and the tip will vary depending on the work load – between USD15-20 per guest for each porter.

Safari Driver/guides:  USD20 per day – per guest, averaging 4-6 guests in a vehicle.  If you are traveling privately, ie just two of you, please tip at your discretion.

Lodges /camp staff:  We suggest USD3-5 per guest per stay.  Many of the smaller lodges have central tip boxes.  At hotels and larger establishments, it is generally given at your discretion to individuals who have performed well.

National Parks Guides (cruises / bird walks):  For each guide USD 3.00 to 5.00 per guest in local currency.

Porters at hotels: Around USD1-2.00 in local currency

Waiters/ Bar Staff: 10% of bill, or say Uganda Shillings 2000-3000 as a tip for service.

What is the best time for Uganda safari?

Uganda safari can be done throughout the year and the best time to do a gorilla trekking in Africa is during the drier months of January, February, June to early September, this is makes it easier to travel to the park and gives a clear view of gorillas given the vegetation cover is not too much high grown.

What to pack for a Uganda Safari?

During gorilla tracking, you will need a comfortable, hard wearing, pair of walking shoes or boots.  Conditions are generally very muddy in the forest when it is raining. There are uphill sections which may be quite steep and strenuous.  It is also advisable to wear a long sleeve cotton shirt and lightweight long trousers to protect yourself from the undergrowth, stinging nettles and biting ants.  Suggested Items to pack for Gorilla trekking;

• Insect Repellent                      

• Torch/Flashlight – and Spare Batteries

• Wet Wipes                             

• Water Bottle                              

• Camera, lenses etc

• Comfortable walking/hiking boots & socks       

• Gardening gloves for gorilla tracking

• Sandals/strops/walking shoes    

• Hat and Sunscreen

• Rain Jacket

• Sweater/fleece

• Swimwear

• Binoculars (game/bird watching)

Why book Uganda safari with Eco Adventure Safaris.

At Eco Adventure Safaris we provide personalized service with the utmost dedication to the safety and enjoyment of our clients. We are committed to the well-being of our staff and guests as well as to having a positive impact on the communities and wild places that our operations reach. On all our operations and safaris, we embrace the environmental ethic “Take Nothing but Photographs, Leave Only Footprints” all our packages are eco-friendly. During your travel Post Covid safety and health of our clients will be our major priority and we shall ensure all our service providers and workers implement the SOPs and healthy guidelines set for the safety and health of clients and services providers while on safari. Contact us here about the Uganda safari tipping guidelines