How to tip on safari in Kenya: guides, camp staff and restaurants

Tips make up a meaningful share of income for guides and camp staff, and guests often ask what is appropriate. The figures below are commonly used guidelines. They are not rules, so adjust for the quality of service and your group.

At safari lodges and camps

A common guide is about US$20, or KSh 2,000, per room or tent per day. A solo traveller might leave KSh 1,000. The total is usually split about half for your driver-guide, handed over at the end of your stay, and half for the back-of-house staff, placed in the camp tip box or given to the manager in an envelope.

In cities and on the coast

• Hotel bellhop: KSh 100 to 200 per arrival
• Housekeeping at checkout: about KSh 1,000 to 2,000 (roughly US$10 to 20) per room per day in the staff gratuities box
• Restaurants and bars in Nairobi and coastal areas: about ten percent of the bill, ideally shared among the waiting staff

Practical points

• Bring small notes in shillings or US dollars, because change is hard to find in the bush.
• Give the guide’s share directly and privately, and thank them by name.
• Check whether a service charge is already on the bill before you add more.
• If you are unsure, ask the camp manager, who will usually explain how tips are shared.