SPECIALISING IN GARDEN ROUTE & ADDO ELEPHANT NATIONAL PARK TOURS SINCE 2006
SPECIALISING IN GARDEN ROUTE & ADDO ELEPHANT NATIONAL PARK TOURS SINCE 2006
It must be the most common guest question (after how much luggage can I bring) – what is the recommended tip for a tour guide? The following are our guidelines to think of when considering guide gratuities. Gratuities are optional gifts to tour guides, service staff, and drivers who have provided excellent service. They are a lovely way to say thank you, and are appreciated, but not required.
| Tour type | Small tip | Average tip | Excellent tip | When / how to tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Earthstompers 5/6 Day Garden Route Adventure Tours | R75 per guest per day | R150 per guest per day | R250+ per guest per day | Best paid in cash (Rand) to the tour guide directly at the end of the tour. |
| Earthstompers Private Tours (family / small private tours) | R100 per guest per day | R200 per guest per day | R300+ per guest per day | Best paid in cash (Rand) to the tour guide directly at the end of the tour. |
| Earthstompers Private Tours (large group / coach tours) |
R50 per guest per day (split between guide & driver) |
R100 per guest per day (split between guide & driver) |
R150+ per guest per day (split between guide & driver) |
It is considerate to tip both the driver and the guide separately, at your discretion. It’s best to gather tips for the group and give separate envelopes to the tour guide and the coach driver. |
Safaris
A general guideline is R200-R400 per guest per day for the game ranger, and R200-R400 per guest per day for the lodge staff (housekeeping, porters, butlers, restaurant servers). If ever in doubt about the recommended gratuity, ask at lodge reception for guidelines, as they vary significantly from lodge to lodge. The gratuity can generally be added to your bill at the lodge, and paid by card at checkout; alternatively, cash can be given to the ranger directly, and left at reception for the lodge staff.
Housekeeping & accommodation staff
There are many “unseen” people serving you at hotels and accommodation, such as gardeners, porters, and housekeeping. Most lodges have a tip box at reception, or an envelope in the room. We recommend a tip of R50 per guest per day to thank these staff.
Bars & restaurants
Tipping for waiters & waitresses is standard in South Africa, at a rate of 10-15% of your bill. (Gratuity may have been added automatically for large groups; check your bill before adding a tip, to avoid accidently double tipping).
Spa & beauty professionals
Tipping for spa services, such as massages, manicures, or facials is common in South Africa, at a rate of 10%-15% of the total service cost.
