Perfect  Guide to Tipping in Uganda (Tipping during uganda safari )

Different tourists who plan to visit the pearl of Africa have always inquired about the tipping policy in brief what it really entails, and Tipping refers to an amount of money given to someone as a sign of appreciation after the good services offered to him/her.

However, tipping in Uganda has gone on to challenge many tourists, for instance on how much to tip and when to tip, but this article is going to provide you with the necessary information about tipping in Uganda.

why tip on a uganda safari?

It is indeed necessary for you to tip during a safari because many people play great roles in their different sectors. In Uganda, tipping guides, drivers, local staff and other service providers have turned out to be a very common practice though  is not a must. Tipping your guide at the end of a safari signifies that you have appreciated the excellent works and services he provided to you.

Adding to that when you go on to tip various people in Uganda, for example the cultural groups, porters is a form of supporting the local community. Tipping changes their living standards.

Forms of tipping in uganda.

There are different ways of tipping in Uganda because the services offered to the clients are different, so many may decide to tip with cash or credit. For those guides, potters, waitresses it is very advisable to tip them cash since they can boat easily access the credit card machines.

Tip boxes.

Different hotels/lodes have gone to embrace the culture of having communal tip boxes. In some places they have two boxes for front and back house staff. So, after receiving the services and you feel you need to tip you just put the money in the boxes.

Individual tipping.

 

This includes giving that specific person a tip based on the services offered to you by him/her. This is a very common practice carried out in Uganda. This is the best way of tipping since you appreciate the right person not like those who put in the tip boxes. While tipping individually it is very advisable to do it with respect for example putting it in an envelope, or folding the cash and putting it into his hands.

Using a credit card bill

Some of the lodges or hotels have credit card machines which can be used to tip. using a credit machine is very simple, you can just inform the manager or any staff member who is working upon you that you would like to add a tip on the credit card payment. He will then direct you and after the process is done you will have vast details about the amount paid and also the tip used.

Who to tip and how much?

While on your safari, or after receiving any service in Uganda, you are expected to tip certain amounts of money. This is because it shows satisfaction and appreciation to the person who has offered the services to you. Some information about tipping in Uganda.

But while tipping using the credit card bill you need to consider the surcharges in order to avoid paying extra fees you must inquire from the manager before using the machine.

Park Rangers

From Uganda to any national park, you par a visit you have to see the park rangers. These people greatly play an extremely important role in preserving wildlife and nature. These people receive trainings and also guns in order to carry out their work smoothly.

It is very advisable to tip them since they play a very great role in conserving wildlife. You can tip them around 10 to 20 dollars as a way of appreciating their efforts. This tip helps to supplement their incomes and also improve their living standards. It is also very advisable for tourists to address them with respect and also their titles for their hard work and also their massive dedication.

Porters

These are some of the notable people to tip, especially on a safari. The porters also conserve wildlife and adventure tourism in Uganda. In addition to that they also provide much assistance to tourists by carrying their bags. The porters still provide safety and comfort to clients. They indeed play a great role in the national parks and mountains.

Hiring a porter includes you paying some money and this money does not include the tips. You can pay ranging from $10 to 20$ however it also depends on the work carried out and distance of the destination. Note that when you hire a porter you have employed the local community and also supported the conservation efforts of nature and wildlife.

How much to tip these porters?

You can tip them around $5 to 10 dollars inform of appreciating their works. Tipping still makes a difference in to their lives. That is to say they can have good housing facilities, buy whatever they need using the tip.

Lodge/hotel staff.

While planning a safari with in Uganda, you should also consider accommodation as one of the key factors. These accommodations are informed of lodges and hotels so different people can work upon you. Some of the staff members include security guards, waitresses, waiters, house keepers, receptionists and many others. These people indeed play an important role to the clients. They are always concerned about the client’s comfort, security, food and many more.

How much should you tip them?

Many hotels/lodges in Uganda have gone on to applaud the tipping policy many have tipping boxes where guests can put money. Here are the tips shared equally among staff members. However, some lodges do not have tipping boxes so you can tip them around $5 to 10 dollars but still it depends on how much you have appreciated their services.

Safari Guides.

I think it is a must to tip your safari guide because he does a very great job in making sure you have a memorable and wonderful safari while in Uganda. The Safari Guide is responsible to ensure your safety and also answering the necessary information about what ever question you ask. The guide is responsible by providing meaningful full information about different wildlife and also nature.

Tipping safari guides is usually a must because some tourists have safaris that last for over 10 days and beyond however it depends on the level of appreciation for you to decide the amount of money to pay them.

 

In Uganda, it is common practice to leave a tip of around 10% of the bill to the waiters/waitresses. If you happen to leave tip you have appreciated the services offered to you.

NOTE:

when you tip these waiters/waitresses you motivate them to continue providing excellent services to clients. Adding to that when you tip them is a way of adding to their incomes and improving on their standards of living.

Tips for tipping on your safari.

On any safari, you must consider the culture of tipping though it is not a must but at some time you need to appreciate the works and services of these people. A safari is more interesting and rewarding when you have a good plan. Here are some of the tips to consider while tipping on your safari.

Check out your itinerary.

To read through your itinerary is very important because it gives you enough information about the activities you are going to take part in. This will help you know how much to carry for tipping, for example trekking. If you book with a tour operator it is very advisable to ask him about the number of porters that will be on your trek so that you have proper planning on the money to carry since porters are tipped.

Carry cash with you

To those who are planning to have thrilling safari experience in Uganda, it is very advisable for you to carry enough money, which will also include tipping even. Please always make sure you carry enough cash because the ATMS will be a bit stressful.

Always carry enough cash to prevent eventualities, for example you may want to tip a particular person for extraordinary services, but when you don’t have enough money with you.

carry on small bills with you.

This is one of the best things to consider while you’re having a safari no mater the destination you are going to. Please carry money in small bills such as 5,10, 15, and 20 dollars. This is mainly done to help you to prevent encountering difficulties in tipping.

Make sure your dollars do not have any marks or writings, they are not ripped because in Uganda they are not accepted.

Ensure the safety of your cash.

Make sure you essentially keep your cash plus your valuables very safely. Upon your arrival at the lodge or hotel, ask for assistance from the manager, especially if you carry big sums of money to show where you will place your safety. This is mainly done to ensure the safety of your valuables.

Carry money in dollars.

It is very good to carry sums of money inform of US dollars. The USD are the main acceptable amount of money across East Africa (Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya and Tanzania). The dollar is one of the most popular, accepted and renown currency with in Uganda. It is accepted in many areas of the country for example in national parks and also the lodges.

To international tourists planning to travel in Uganda the appropriate currency to carry on with you is the dollar.

NB

Tipping in the pearl of Africa is not a must but if done it motivates the people to continue offering good services to tourists. However, l think it is very good for you to tip people because it signifies appreciation of the extraordinary services offered to you. While tipping in Uganda, it is advisable to tip with maximum sensitivity. If you follow the guidelines provided to you above, your tip will be in a respectful manner.