Tipping questions
 

Greetings! I have a question for Fodorites who've been on safari in South Africa. What are the recommendations for tipping the driver, tracker, and other staff? If it makes a difference, we're at Kirkman's Kamp. Thanks.

Can't wait to here more! Ask the manager. I always do. They will give you a recommended price. Guide gets the most, tracker a bit less. Then there is usually an amount that gets split for the rest of the staff. It's usually per person, per night. Of course, from a Western standpoint sometimes the recommended amount is low and I give more based on my comfort and the service rendered, but that's a personal choice. Never stayed at Kirkman's Camp so looking forward to your thoughts.

P.S. There have been times where I have given the tracker as much as the guide because I knew his brilliance in knowing the sounds, footprints and smell of the bush is why my game viewing was so awesome. Some of them are truly amazing.

The link below provides reasonable suggested tips, though I think it's a bit dated and I would probably add 50%. From there you could do more or less depending on the service you received. Kirkmans is part of &Beyond, so I would expect good overall service and excellent guiding. Tip after last game drive; some bring along envelopes and write a short note of thanks with the tip. I prefer a big handshake and smile when handing over a tip.

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g...On.Safari.html

I tip the equivalent of $20 to ranger, $10 to tracker and $10 to staff per person per day. I have dietary oddities, so I always tip the kitchen staff and ask for favorite recipes. They always take such special care of me. If my service is outstanding or we have a game vehicle to ourselves (such a surprising luxury!) we tip more. Always tip in Rand in S Africa, I round up when figuring it out. I bring thank you notes and write a special thank you to everyone.

Have fun at Kirkmans. Great location and great lodge. Such a good value right now. I see they have reliable wifi! For me, it doesn't matter the lodge - I give the same at high end and affordable lodges. I also leave everything I don't need (within reason) at my last lodge with a note to the staff telling them they are welcome to it all.

I'm making my last minute plans for a trip next month. Can't believe I get to go again!

Thanks to each one of you for the tips on tipping. I knew I could count on you.

Lolazahra, I had an amazing first African safari game drive. Will post about it in my trip report thread in a few. http://www.fodors.com/community/afri...al-safaris.cfm

Christabir, glad you get to go again soon. And thanks again for the very helpful advice you gave me when planning my trip.

My pleasure, tripplanner. I love S Africa, so I try to help others love it too.

We are going on a whirlwind trip. We have a VERY tight budget and want to do too much (don't I advise people here not to do too much?!). It's going to be crazy and fun.

I hope your trip is perfect. Good start!

And love it I do indeed, Christabir. I must say that you warned me that I will want to return to Africa after I've had my first taste, and you were right; I'm already thinking about another visit! So glad you will be returning soon too.

It sort of cracks me up when after you get back, a friend says: "What a once-in-a-lifetime trip that was!" Because you can only smile and reply that you started plotting your next trip back before you even finished the first couple of days on safari!

LOL, uhoh, yes indeed. And even if, for whatever reason we don't make it back here, I find myself blessed to have experienced Africa with those that I hold most dearly.