• Cash is often easiest for frontline staff with small notes like R10, R20, R50, R100.
• Currency is South African Rand (ZAR); foreign currency isn’t always useful for staff.
• Restaurants can add tips to card payments; guides/drivers usually prefer cash.
• Large tables may include a service charge so check the bill before adding more.
• Tip more for excellent service if you choose to; don’t feel obliged for poor or unsafe service.

• Shared Safari – Half Day: ~R50 per person (guide/driver)
• Shared Safari – Full Day: ~R100 per person
• Private Vehicle Safari: R400–R800 per vehicle per day (scale for group size and experience)
• Hotel/Lodge Transfers: ~R25 per person per transfer

Tip hack: For group vehicles, a single pooled envelope per vehicle is simplest and handed directly to your guide at the end of the drive.

• Standard: 10–12% for good service; 12–15%+ for excellent service.
• Counter/coffee service: small change or R5–R20 in the tip jar is appreciated.
• Check for “gratuity” or “service fee” on large tables before adding more.

• Porters: R15–R25 per bag (min. R30–R50 for one bag)
• Housekeeping: R20–R40 per room per night (daily or at checkout)
• Concierge: R30–R80 for simple assistance; more for complex arrangements
• Many lodges have a shared staff tip box so ask reception for their suggested nightly amount and tip envelope

• Guided day tours (non-safari): R50–R100 per person depending on length and service
• Private driver/guide (full day): R200–R400 per group (more if exceptional or large group)
• Airport/point-to-point shuttles: R25–R50 per person

• Petrol attendants: R5–R20 (more if tyres/fluids checked or windscreen cleaned)
• Spa/wellness: ~10–12% of treatment cost
• Parking marshals/car guards: R5–R10 (short stop) or R10–R20 (longer)

• Families on private safaris: tipping per vehicle is fine; just adjust up for great kid-focused guiding.
• Large groups: consider a single pooled tip split among guides/drivers.

No. Tipping is optional and a way to recognise good service. If service falls short, it’s acceptable to reduce or skip the tip and let a manager or our team know so we can follow up.

• Half-Day Safari: ~R50 pp
• Full-Day Safari: ~R100 pp
• Private Safari Vehicle: R400–R800 per vehicle/day
• Transfers/Shuttles: R25–R50 pp
• Restaurants: 10–12% (15%+ excellent)
• Porters: R15–R25 per bag
• Housekeeping: R20–R40 per room/night
• Petrol Attendant: R5–R20

If you’re unsure what’s appropriate for your itinerary, we’re happy to help. Contact Tours & Tickets South Africa at book@tours-tickets.co.za or 082 574 2345.