Tipping is customary but always at your discretion. As a guide, many travellers give their driver-guide about US$10–20 per traveller per day, porters on gorilla treks about US$10–20 on top of the porter fee, ranger guides about US$5–10 per person per activity, and lodge staff about US$5–10 per room per night in a communal tip box. Small US dollar notes or Ugandan shillings both work.
Key takeaways
- Tipping is customary but voluntary.
- Driver-guide: about US$10–20 per traveller per day.
- Gorilla porters: about US$10–20 tip, plus the porter fee.
- Ranger guides: about US$5–10 per person per activity.
- Lodges: a communal tip box, about US$5–10 per room per night.
Tipping can feel confusing, but on safari in Uganda it is simple: tips are customary, always voluntary, and greatly appreciated by guides, porters and lodge staff, many of whom support large families. These guidelines reflect common practice; adjust them to the service you receive.
Suggested tipping guidelines
| Who | Suggested tip | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Driver-guide | US$10–20 per traveller per day | At the end of the safari |
| Gorilla or chimp porter | US$10–20 per trek | On top of the porter fee (about US$20) |
| Ranger guide (trek or walk) | US$5–10 per person | At the end of the activity |
| Trackers | US$5–10 per group | Often via the ranger |
| Boat crew (Kazinga, Murchison) | US$2–5 per person | Optional |
| Lodge staff | US$5–10 per room per night | Communal tip box |
| Community guides (Mabamba, Bigodi) | US$5–10 per person | At the end of the activity |
Your driver-guide
Your driver-guide is with you for the whole safari, driving long distances, finding wildlife, sharing knowledge and handling every detail. A tip at the end of the trip, with a word of thanks, is the usual practice.
Porters and rangers
On gorilla and chimpanzee treks, porters carry your bag and help you up steep slopes. They are paid a fee of about US$20, and a tip on top is customary if they helped you well. Many porters come from families who once depended on the forest, and portering is an important income. Ranger guides and trackers make the encounter possible, and a small tip at the end is appreciated. See our gorilla trekking packing list.
Lodge staff
Most lodges have a communal tip box at reception, shared among all staff, including those you never see in the kitchen and laundry. This is fairer than tipping individuals.
Practical tips
- Bring small US dollar notes (printed 2009 or later) or Ugandan shillings.
- Put tips in envelopes with a short thank-you note.
- Tip in person at the end of a service or trip.
- Never feel pressured: tips should reflect your experience.
a heartfelt thank-you means a great deal. Many guides keep notes and messages from guests for years.
Tipping in Rwanda, Kenya and Tanzania
Similar guidelines apply across East Africa. On Kilimanjaro, tipping the guides, cooks and porters is an important part of their income, and we provide detailed guidelines before your climb.
For what is included in your safari price and what is extra, see our safari cost guide.
Budgeting for tips
As a rough guide, a couple on an eight-day safari might set aside about US$250–400 in total for tips across their driver-guide, porters, rangers and lodges. Including this in your budget from the start avoids last-minute worries. Our 8-day gorilla, wildlife and primates safari is a good example of a trip where you will meet many guides and teams along the way.
Supporting communities beyond tips
Buying crafts directly from community groups, such as the women’s workshop at Ride 4 A Woman in Buhoma, or joining community-led activities like the Batwa cultural experience, also puts money directly into local hands.
Frequently asked questions
Is tipping compulsory in Uganda?
No. Tips are voluntary and should reflect the service you received.
Which currency should I tip in?
US dollars (small, newer notes) or Ugandan shillings are both welcome.
Do I tip the porter if I paid the porter fee?
The fee pays for the service; a tip on top is customary if they helped you well.
How should I give a tip?
Hand it personally with thanks, or in an envelope at the end of the trip. Lodges usually have a communal tip box for all staff.
Should I tip at restaurants in Kampala?
Around 10% is appreciated in restaurants where service is not included.
Do I tip if the service was poor?
Tips are always at your discretion. If something was wrong, please tell us so we can put it right.
Should I tip in dollars or shillings?
Either is fine. Small, newer US dollar notes are convenient, but Ugandan shillings are often more useful to the recipient for daily spending.
Do I tip on a day trip?
Yes, if you enjoyed the service: a tip for your driver-guide and the community guide, for example at Mabamba, is customary.
Written by our Kampala-based planners and guides, who arrange these trips every season. Prices and rules are checked before every quote.
