FAQ

This is one of our most often-asked questions. Tipping can be a sensitive subject because tipping guidelines vary considerably from country to country and is usually a private matter guided by personal satisfaction and individual opinions.

Tipping is a standard practice in the Tanzanian tourism and service industries. Familiarizing yourself with the following guidelines will help you prepare financially for your trip and hopefully prevent you from experiencing any potentially embarrassing situations.

Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions which aren’t answered below.

While it is always the traveler’s choice whether to tip or not, the general guideline is that if you feel you’ve received good quality or exceptional service from someone, it is appropriate to thank them by leaving a tip. A few things to consider when deciding who and how much to tip are:
1. The importance of the service being rendered.
2. The extent of the service performed.
3. The quality of service.

Keep in mind there are some variances in tipping guidelines from one type of service to the next which you’ll find outlined below:
– Safari Guide: $20 – $25 per day.
– Cultural Tour Guide: $10 – $15 per day.
– Chef: $15 – $20 per day.
– Airport pick-up or drop-off: $3 – $5 per trip.

Mountain climbing requires tremendous support from guides, chefs, and porters. Whether you summit or not, they have put in a lot of hard work, time, and energy into making the attempt possible and they should be tipped for those efforts. The amounts below are the total to be given by the entire group, not per person. The recommended tips for each are as follows:
– Lead Guide: $20- $25 per day
– Assistant Guide: $15 – $20 per day
– Chef: $15 – $20 per day
– Porters: $10 – $12 per day

The number of support staff for a climb will vary depending on the number of people in your group and the overall total weight of your gear when weighed the day you begin your climb.

Your confirmation email will indicate how many porters will be needed for your group. However, you should bring enough money to tip an additional 2-3 porters in case your group’s overall gear weight requires more than originally planned.

PLEASE NOTE: Kilimanjaro Tips are given out during a special “Kili Tipping Ceremony” which takes place on the last night of the climb after the summit.

It is generally considered best to tip once at the end of an event or activity. For example:
– On the morning of your departure from a camp, lodge, or hotel.
– On the last day of a multi-day safari or activity.
– At the end of a one-day safari or activity.
– At the time of personal service such as luggage handling.

Tips are most often given in Tanzanian shillings or U.S. dollars. If you are tipping in USD, please note bills older than 2009 are not accepted in Tanzania. Also, it is necessary to bring new bills because torn or worn-out bills will not be accepted.

Some travelers find it helpful to have a supply of envelopes to use for tipping. This allows you to calculate tip amounts and put them into individual envelopes ahead of time. You can even include a thank you note if you want. The envelopes allow you to discreetly pass out tips to individual people or ensure your tip goes to the correct person if given in a general tip box.

In addition to cash tips, some travelers chose to donate items to their safari guide or climbing support staff at the end of their trip.

This is particularly common with Kilimanjaro climbs where the staff makes many summits each year resulting in gear and clothing which wear out quickly. Many of the staff work very hard to earn money for basic necessities without much left over to purchase new gear. If you decide to donate a piece of gear or an item of clothing to someone, please be sure to give it directly to that person.

If you are arriving in Tanzania from yellow fever endemic zones then a yellow fever vaccination is required and you may be asked to produce a certificate at entry ports. Malaria is endemic but is preventable; use insect repellent, cover up at sundown, sleep under a mosquito net, and take anti-malaria prophylactics as advised by your doctor. Bring prescription medicines, spare glasses, contact lenses/solution, sunscreen, and a small first aid kit with diarrhea remedy and cream for insect bites.

English is widely spoken but knowing a few words of Swahili can be useful and will be appreciated by the locals. Kiswahili (Swahili) is the official language in Tanzania.

Generally, dry and hot with cool nights/mornings June through October. There are short rains from November through mid-December and long rains March through May, but the seasons may vary. The coastal strip is hot and humid all year around. Temperatures on Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru drop to below freezing.

Tanzanian culture is a delightful mix of influences. With more than 120 tribes, Tanzania is one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world. Here you can explore the lives and culture of many tribes including the tall, graceful Maasai warriors; the Hadza bushmen who still maintain their ancient ways; the resourceful, agricultural practices of the Wameru; the artistic talents of the Makonde; and, the Chaga farmers and traders. Each of the 120 different Tanzanian tribes have their own distinct ways of life, but together they gracefully unite to form Tanzania.

It is advisable to purchase comprehensive travel insurance which includes loss of baggage, valuables and medical expenses as well as emergency medical evacuation insurance.

230V, but power failures and surges are common. Pack a universal adapter for three pin square plugs and a flashlight or headlamp.

Yes, Tanzanians love children and are especially helpful to mothers. Canned baby foods, powdered milk and disposable nappies may not be available outside major towns.

Yes, though driving in Tanzania is on the left side of the road. An international driver’s license is required to be able to drive around the country.

More than 120 days before the safari or tour starts, 25% off the payment.
119 to 90 days before the safari or tour starts, 50 % off the payment.
89 to 31 days before the safari or tour starts, 75 % off the payment.
30 days and below or No Show, 100% off total costs.

We request that you deposit 30% to secure a reservation either by bank transfer or credit card. The balance can be made by bank transfer or credit card or on arrival in cash. Our Sales team can advise you how to do this.

If you plan on traveling during the high season (June – September, December – March), we suggest you book your safari as far in advance as possible, 8 to 12 months, to secure your preferred accommodations. We can book on short notice. However, your safari will be subject to the availability of rooms in the various accommodation and lodges

Yes, Credit and Debit cards are not widely accepted. However, they can be used in most of the lodges and ATM points found in most of the larger towns in Tanzania including Arusha, Dar es Salaam, Moshi, Tanga, Mwanza, and Kigoma. It is not recommended to change money on the street.

Tanzania Shillings is the local currency. Though Only ‘new’ dollar notes dated 2009 and newer are accepted throughout Tanzania. Older notes are not accepted anywhere, not even in the banks. Major foreign currencies (particularly the US dollar, UK pound, Euro) are accepted and can be converted at banks and bureaux de changes in the main towns and tourist areas. Traveler’s cheques will not be accepted either for exchange or payment.