Ultimate Guide to Tipping on Rwanda Safaris
You have likely finalized your plan for Rwanda safari, paying close attention to details to ensure your trip is memorable.
Many travelers often have questions about tipping during their safari experience in Rwanda, as perceptions around tipping are influenced by visitor factors. These includes personal attitudes towards money, cultural backgrounds and social norms as well as expectations based on the quality of serve received.
Typically, when travelling with a highly reputable tour operator or staying at a small secluded Safari Lodge or tented camp, the staff attending to you are paid relatively low wages. Tipping in such cases is not obligatory, but it is considerate gesture to acknowledge the good service provided. It’s important to note that tipping in Rwanda is voluntary and should be based on the level of service, rather than out of obligation or pity. Your tips can vary depending on the quality of services and they play a role in supporting the local community.
Rwanda is known for its breathtaking scenery; Rwanda is often referred to as le pays des mile collines (French: “land of a thousand hills”). The capital is Kigali, located in the center of the country on the Ruganwa River. Aside from gorillas, Rwanda is most famous for the horrific genocide that devastated the country in 1994, when almost a million people, mostly Tutsis, were murdered by the Hutu majority.
Here is the ultimate guide to tipping during Rwanda safaris;
Why you should tip during your Rwanda safari
You might be wondering why tipping is important during your trip, but the reason is that many staff members go above and beyond to deliver exceptional service. Why wouldn’t you tip someone who remembered your favorite drink or who made extra efforts to help you spot the elusive animals you wanted to see?
For example, lodge staff often wake up early to prepare your breakfast so it’s ready and hot when you wake up, and they may stay up late at night while you enjoy your drinks. Tipping is a simple way to show appreciation for the hard work and care someone puts into attending to your needs throughout your journey.
Do you tip with cash or a credit card?
On a Rwanda safari, it’s best to tip with cash, as credit cash payments may not be as readily available or convenient, especially for individuals staff members. While some larger lodges may have system of adding tips to credit bills, it’s generally easier and more appreciated to tip in cash directly to the person or staff member you want to acknowledge. Some tour operators may provide envelopes for tips, which can be a helpful way to organize your cash. If you’re in a group, the tour operator might suggest collective tipping amount, which can be given directly to the guide or manager.
In what currency do you tip?
Tips in Rwandan Francs (RWF) or US dollars are commonly accepted and appreciated.
Who to tip and how much?
There are many people involves in the service Cain during a safari, and those who provide the most assistance or interact with you frequently deserve a tip. when on a safari in Rwanda, it’s advisable to consider tipping drivers, guides, porters, and the wait staff.
Safari and Trekking Guides – The guides are essential for successful and enriching Rwanda Safari experience. It’s customary to tip safari and trekking guides separately from other members of the team. You can tip anything from $10 to $20 per person per day and can be given directly at the end of the safari
Porters and Rangers – During a Safari in Rwanda, you’ll be accompanied by rangers who primarily track the movements of primate groups on your trek. You may also hire porters for your trek to carry your backpack and offer support for manoeuvring through the steep, muddy and slippery slopes. It’s recommended to tip rangers and tipping both porters separately and tipping the trackers as a group. We recommend $ 10 to $15 per person per activity which will include tip for the head guide, back-up guides and trackers (if it is gorilla tracking you are booked for).
Transfer drivers–The drivers that pick-up and drop you off at/from the Airport can be tipped between 5 and 10% of the total fare for longer transfers.
The Waitstaff – Several people are working behind the scenes to ensure your safari goes smoothly. They include the housekeeping/Waitstaff and Maintenance staff. Most establishments (restaurants and accommodations) have a tip box. We recommend $5 per person
What to carry for Rwanda safaris
When preparing a Rwanda safari tour, it is important to park the essential items needed for a smooth and enjoyable experience. These include thick pants and long-sleeved tops, long socks or gaiters to put over your trousers as ant protection, a pair of light gloves to defend against nettles, a hat, a raincoat, and, of course, a pair of strong, waterproof hiking boots, a yellow fever certificate, a valid passport, a visa, a chimpanzee permit in case you plan to go for chimpanzee tracking, gorilla and golden monkey permits when visiting volcanoes national park, a sweater, insect repellents and first aid kit.
Getting to Rwanda
Getting to Rwanda is straightforward. The main point of entry is Kigali International Airport, which is located a short drive from Kigali city. You can reach Rwanda via a direct flight from Brussels. If you’re arriving from other locations, you’ll likely need to fly through hubs like Entebbe, Nairobi, Lusaka, or Johannesburg.
