Tipping Guide

[mark-hunter]

Paying people good wages would certainly be the best solution, but then the base prices of the hunts will be higher, which is not good for attracting the client.

True!

We are sold dreams and things are getting worse with nowadays mass management that hunting in Africa has become. It is increasingly resembling an industry of mass tourism.

Being a middle class client, I would say, this does not necessarily mean a bad thing.
South African and Namibian model made Safari experience accessible to hundreds and thousands of middle class clients.

In the same time, there is still very expensive hunting in all other African countries where hunt is open. (which I can hardly afford, or at least justify on a family budget)

I think that Namibian and South African models of industry and pricing is long term sustainable, and that type of management made significant increase of wildlife numbers which is not comparable to any other wildlife management program.
When South Africa started present game management system (hunting industry), they had over all 500.000 heads of game of various species. Today this number runs at 20.000.000.

 

[Hunting Hitman]

I have no problems tipping and frankly give more than I should. That said a Safari operator needs to factor in all the expenses of a hunt when they charge the hunter. Hoping the tip covers the extra expenses is foolhardy.

I’ve had great PH’s for the most part who definitely deserve and received good tips. The problem arises when they feel the well healed American’s tip is their chance to make up for lack of pay from the outfitter

HH

 

[BJH65]

I was really at a loss on what I should tip on a recent 6 day cow buffalo hunt, also took kudu, warthog and impala in Limpopo next to the Greater Kruger area so was very grateful for this thread for guidance. Perhaps I didn’t pay enough attention since my tip was the same as an AH members recent 10 day elephant hunt! Honestly I don’t regret it, they deserved every penny.

 

[coreydb]

I pulled this off the web for informational purposes only. This article's intent (I believe) is to garner sympathy, but the perspective merits some understanding. My personal position remains unchanged-I believe in tipping, but they have to earn it.

How Safari Staff See Tipping
The idea of tipping needs to be understood from two sides, the giver AND the receiver. To start with, all staff at safari lodges spend long stretches away from their families due to isolated locations, challenging transportation systems, and expensive transport. Secondly, being the breadwinner in African culture often comes with an unspoken social contract to support unemployed relatives or students, supply food, and look after parents. Finally, safari lodges are dynamic places set in wild spaces, that deal with all manner of logistical problems like providing clean water and electricity, and include dealing with wild animals. These factors lead to long work hours, often behind-the-scenes efforts, that ensure unseen challenges are managed, all so that guests can have a relaxing and problem-free safari experience. In addition to these factors, the safari industry operates within an already challenging socioeconomic environment, rampant poverty, and developing economies. Considering the substantial investment many guests make in their safari experience, the notion that a modest gratuity can not only support but make a big difference, to the broader welfare of workers and their communities may present a different perspective on the value of tipping on safari.
BUT THEY HAVE TO PROVIDE EXCELLECT SERVICE

 

[Dangerous Dave]

I believe the tip should be based the number of days hunted, PERIOD.
The total cost of the hunt is not relevant.

 

[Andrew62]

Just finished a 7-day elephant hunt in the Matetsi area of Zimbabwe, here were the suggested tips for the staff.

Head tracker - 250, 2nd tracker - 100, driver - 100, cleaning and laundry lady - 100, cook - 100, camp helpers (2) - 25, game scout - 50. Total suggested tips, 750.00.

 

[HankBuck]

Just finished a 7-day elephant hunt in the Matetsi area of Zimbabwe, here were the suggested tips for the staff.

Head tracker - 250, 2nd tracker - 100, driver - 100, cleaning and laundry lady - 100, cook - 100, camp helpers (2) - 25, game scout - 50. Total suggested tips, 750.00.

@Andrew62 - when I hunted in Tanzania the average salary for a Resisted Nurse working in a Hospital was only $200 “a Month”. Based on that (if it was true) I would think the tips given a Camp Staff are very generous and afford an above average wage for those employed by Safari Operations.

 

[Andrew62]

@Andrew62 - when I hunted in Tanzania the average salary for a Resisted Nurse working in a Hospital was only $200 “a Month”. Based on that (if it was true) I would think the tips given a Camp Staff are very generous and afford an above average wage for those employed by Safari Operations.

I've been told by various outfitters that the trackers and staff stay pretty grounded and not act up because they do realize they will never do better than what they can do in a safari camp. It is truly amazing how little a lot of the world actually lives on.

 

[Hornedfrogbbq]

This is a great thread for getting a grasp on how to tip. It helped me a lot before my first safari in Mozambique. I thought I would give a breakdown of tipping on my latest hunt. 10-Day Tuskless and Plainsgame in Zimbabwe. Hopefully, this will help future first-time hunters for any DG hunt tipping. At least it gives an idea of what to expect.

Tips 18%	Suggested	Actual
PH - Dalton		$ 2,000.00
Lead Tracker - Andrew	$ 250-300	$ 320.00
Driver/Tracker - Cleopas	$ 250-300	$ 320.00
Game Scout -	$ 40.00	$ 50.00
Chef - Last	$ 120.00	$ 150.00
Housekeeper	$ 80.00	$ 90.00
Housekeeper/Waiter	$ 80.00	$ 90.00
Housekeeper/Waiter	$ 80.00	$ 90.00
Evening Kitchen Assist	$ 50.00	$ 60.00
Gardener/Boilers	$ 20.00	$ 30.00
Gardener/Boilers	$ 20.00	$ 30.00
Maintenance	$ 20.00	$ 30.00
Skinner - Handris	$ 50.00	$ 60.00
Skinner - Franics	$ 50.00	$ 60.00
Skinner - Sirinda	$ 40.00	$ 50.00
Elephant Recover Team	$ 60.00	$ 80.00
$ 3,510.00

So are you indicating your total tip was 18% of the cost of the hunt?

 

[Hornedfrogbbq]

This is a great thread for getting a grasp on how to tip. It helped me a lot before my first safari in Mozambique. I thought I would give a breakdown of tipping on my latest hunt. 10-Day Tuskless and Plainsgame in Zimbabwe. Hopefully, this will help future first-time hunters for any DG hunt tipping. At least it gives an idea of what to expect.

Tips 18%	Suggested	Actual
PH - Dalton		$ 2,000.00
Lead Tracker - Andrew	$ 250-300	$ 320.00
Driver/Tracker - Cleopas	$ 250-300	$ 320.00
Game Scout -	$ 40.00	$ 50.00
Chef - Last	$ 120.00	$ 150.00
Housekeeper	$ 80.00	$ 90.00
Housekeeper/Waiter	$ 80.00	$ 90.00
Housekeeper/Waiter	$ 80.00	$ 90.00
Evening Kitchen Assist	$ 50.00	$ 60.00
Gardener/Boilers	$ 20.00	$ 30.00
Gardener/Boilers	$ 20.00	$ 30.00
Maintenance	$ 20.00	$ 30.00
Skinner - Handris	$ 50.00	$ 60.00
Skinner - Franics	$ 50.00	$ 60.00
Skinner - Sirinda	$ 40.00	$ 50.00
Elephant Recover Team	$ 60.00	$ 80.00
$ 3,510.00

So are you indicating your total tip of $3,510 was 18% of the cost of the hunt pre-tip?

 

[Bullhunter]

This is "crasy".

Please:
- The tipp is higher as the income of the person (PH, tracker, pp.)
- The total tipp is higher as my safari

 

[chase0109]

So are you indicating your total tip of $3,510 was 18% of the cost of the hunt pre-tip?

Yes that is correct. I generally calculate my tip as a dollar amount per day, per person.

The combined total tip was 18% of the Hunt cost before tip. Those hunt costs include daily rate, trophy fees, airport transfer, ranger fees, VAT on day rate - trophy fees - non export fee, and conservation Levy.

Because I calculate my tip on a per day basis, the percentage changes from Hunt to Hunt.

My 2023 Mozambique buffalo hunt tip was 20% of hunt costs.

I’ll be on a Buffalo Hunt in Mozambique this fall, but as a 2x1 with a good friend. So my tip for this Hunt should be about 25% of the Hunt fees to the outfitter.

I’m calculating my tip for my 2026 Zimbabwe double tuskless hunt as 16%.

So the tip percentage changes from Hunt to Hunt, depending upon hunt cost and if I get a deal. Better deal, higher tip percentage. But still based on a daily tip rate.

Also keep in mind this is for DG only. I’ve never done a PG Hunt so I cannot comment on what I would do for tips on that.

Chase

 

[Rare Breed]

Yes that is correct. I generally calculate my tip as a dollar amount per day, per person.

The combined total tip was 18% of the Hunt cost before tip. Those hunt costs include daily rate, trophy fees, airport transfer, ranger fees, VAT on day rate - trophy fees - non export fee, and conservation Levy.

Because I calculate my tip on a per day basis, the percentage changes from Hunt to Hunt.

My 2023 Mozambique buffalo hunt tip was 20% of hunt costs.

I’ll be on a Buffalo Hunt in Mozambique this fall, but as a 2x1 with a good friend. So my tip for this Hunt should be about 25% of the Hunt fees to the outfitter.

I’m calculating my tip for my 2026 Zimbabwe double tuskless hunt as 16%.

So the tip percentage changes from Hunt to Hunt, depending upon hunt cost and if I get a deal. Better deal, higher tip percentage. But still based on a daily tip rate.

Also keep in mind this is for DG only. I’ve never done a PG Hunt so I cannot comment on what I would do for tips on that.

Chase

I can help there using the PH as the example. For PG $100 per day. For DG $200 per day