Tipping Guidelines for Your African Safari

Tipping on Safari – A Guide for Kaiwhai Safaris Guests

At Kaiwhai Safaris, our team works hard to deliver a world-class African hunting experience. While tipping is never mandatory, it is a long-standing tradition in the safari industry and a meaningful way to thank the people who make your trip unforgettable—from your Professional Hunter to the trackers, skinners, cooks, and camp staff.

Below is a simple, transparent guide to help you understand standard tipping practices on safari.

Tipping Your Professional Hunter (PH)

Your Professional Hunter is responsible for your safety, trophy success, field guidance, tracking strategy, and overall safari experience. Because of the level of responsibility placed on a PH, tips are typically higher than for other staff members.

For an average plains game safari of 7–10 days, most clients follow the guideline of:

Approximately 15% of your total safari bill

For dangerous game hunts, tips are generally higher, due to the increased difficulty, risk, and expertise required from your PH.

You may adjust the amount based on:

• Overall satisfaction

• Number and quality of trophies

• Difficulty of terrain or species pursued

• How much your PH contributed to your success and enjoyment

Tipping Trackers & Skinners

Trackers and skinners are essential to every hunt, often working long hours behind the scenes to ensure every animal is carefully recovered and handled.

Typical guideline:

$10–$25 per hunting day (each)

Tips can be given directly or passed to your PH for distribution.

Tipping Chef 

The chef prepares 3 meals a day and snacks in-between and do not expect to lose weight on your trip to africa. Typical guideline:

$30 per day 

Tipping Camp Staff (Cleaners, Laundry Crew)

Our camp team ensures your stay is comfortable—preparing meals, keeping your room clean, and handling daily laundry.

Typical guideline:

$10–$20 per day for the entire camp staff team

This is generally given as one combined amount to be evenly shared among them.

How to Give Tips

Clients typically tip using cash or by adding it to their final bill

• USD

• Euros

Cash is easiest for staff in remote areas,  you may also give one total amount to your PH to divide fairly.

Final Thoughts

Tipping should always reflect your personal experience and satisfaction. At Kaiwhai Safaris, we pride ourselves on professionalism, ethical hunting, and exceptional service—and your appreciation truly encourages our team.

If you are unsure who to tip or how much, your Professional Hunter will gladly assis