8 weeks to Zambia - List

Old Apr 12th, 2006, 07:34 PM
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bat,

It all depends, really.

For example, while I would have loved to have tipped twice as much as I did for my June 2004 visits to Chichele Presidential Lodge, Kaingo and Kulefu, I was just not in a position to do so.

However, on my last trip to Tanzania, for example, although I enjoyed my stay at Tarangire Tree Tops, it was a bit too big (20 rooms) to offer very personalized service, but it was still a nice experience, so I tipped more in line with the guidelines.

The next camp, Lake Manyara Tree Lodge, was just one of my favorite camps ever, and I tipped probably about triple the guidelines. I was just really appreciative of the service that I had received at this camp. While ATR was trying to justify their price of $150 per day extra for changing my vehicle, their justification was that I would have to pay $495 per day to use a CCA vehicle, if you can believe such rationale at providing a paying client with an acceptable vehicle. Well, I enjoyed a private vehicle for a full day game drive and as an authorized agent for CCA, I was not charged. Not just that but it was just so many little things that all added up into an unforgettable stay at Lake Manyara Tree Lodge. Truly, as far as a lodge/camp experience stands on its own, Lake Manyara Tree Lodge was the best out of all my Tanzanian lodges.

But at the end of the day, it is all discretionary. Who am I to say that someone may not be overwhelmed with the beauty that surrounds Olduvai Camp? Perhaps they don't care one bit about the shortcomings of the camp itself?

I just know, while we are on the topic, that there are some Fodorites who are in for an amazing time in South Luangwa and Zambia. With Luangwa River Lodge, Puku Ridge, Tafika, Chiawa, Old Mondoro and Sausage Tree Camp all being covered, we should see more Zambia feedback in early/mid June than we have seen in the last year combined. I don't want to tempt fate, but I am still waiting to meet the person who travels to Zambia who does not fall hard for its amazing beauty, diverse safari activities, excellent wildlife and wonderful people!
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Old Apr 13th, 2006, 05:02 AM
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I agree with Rocco that it's all discretionary as to what one tips. For what it's worth, here's what we do - firstly, we start with the rec. tipping guidelines and then up it according to how many parties are in the camp, rest. or in the vehicle - the fewer the clients the higher the tip.

i.e. We found out for instance, that for one with a family to live in Arusha decently, one would need to earn $1000. per month. So giving our private guide giving the rec. 10. pp per day would not have done our guide any good for his 10 days with us - 200. We ballparked it to 400. to at least get him approx. 1/3 of what he needs to make his monthly wage. He deserved every penny and more and was most appreciative.

Keep in mind that depending on where the clients are from they may lack tipping skills or some will stiff the help for their own reasons.

The staff generally leave their family behind and really count on us to survive, so when in doubt and if you can, throw a few extra bucks their way .
My 2 cents;
Sherry
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Old Apr 13th, 2006, 06:20 AM
  #63  
bat
 
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Rocco and cybor: good points

We spend so much on these trips we really should not scrimp on the tips.

Rocco: What "guidelines" do you use for camp staff? Nomad gave some ($10pp) but Crater Lodge did not. The Serena (Crater) had an interesting statement--no need to tip at all (they pointed out that they have a 100+ staff).
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Old Apr 13th, 2006, 07:24 AM
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bat,

I have seen various guidelines, but I usually try to tip a minimum of about $10 per person per day for the camp, and then about the same for the guide.

However, there will be places where guests receive an extraordinary amount of attention from one individual, such as a "butler", and in that case, on top of the other tips, I will also give a separate tip for such an individual.

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Old Apr 13th, 2006, 09:16 AM
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regarding the passport copies - scan them in, then email them to a web based email account and place another copy on your camera memory (if you are using digital).
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Old Apr 13th, 2006, 10:23 AM
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Another thing to check (learnt the hard way this week) if you are using a travel alarm clock, make sure the hour has been advanced.
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Old Apr 13th, 2006, 01:45 PM
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Really useful information for those of going to Zambia for the first time (and a bit later than all of you)-I keep checking for the latest installment.
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Old Apr 13th, 2006, 04:39 PM
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just remembered-make sure you bring the peel and stick envelopes for tips, the regular kind may stick together due to humidity or rain...
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Old Apr 16th, 2006, 04:51 AM
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I'm just bumping this for the time being. Don't want it to get lost in the shuffle. If I think of anything to add I'll do it later!

6 weeks to Zambia! Zoiks!
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Old Apr 23rd, 2006, 10:56 AM
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Another bump.
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Old May 2nd, 2006, 08:13 AM
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bumping again so I can find it later tonight! Any recommendations for pajamas end of May to mid-June?
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