What is African Safari Group?

African Safari Group (ASG) is a luxury inbound safari travel specialist based in South Africa, founded in 2016. We plan bespoke safari experiences across Southern and East Africa for high-net-worth travellers from the UK, Europe, USA, and Australia, covering destinations including Sabi Sand, Kruger, Okavango Delta, Masai Mara, and the Serengeti.

Which safari destinations does African Safari Group cover?

African Safari Group covers all major safari destinations in Southern and East Africa, including Sabi Sand Game Reserve, Kruger National Park, Okavango Delta (Botswana), Masai Mara (Kenya), Serengeti National Park (Tanzania), Chobe National Park, Amakhala Game Reserve, and many more across South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Kenya, and Tanzania.

How does African Safari Group work?

African Safari Group provides a done-for-you safari experience. Our specialist consultants work with you from initial enquiry through to departure — advising on destinations, lodges, and timing, booking accommodation and flights, and supporting you throughout your trip. There is no obligation to book and no upfront costs for planning.

Is African Safari Group a licensed travel company?

Yes. African Safari Group is a registered inbound tour operator based in South Africa. Client holidays are protected under supplier-default insurance, ensuring bookings and payments are safeguarded in the unlikely event of a supplier becoming insolvent.

Who founded African Safari Group?

African Safari Group was founded in 2016 by Riaan Aggenbag, a South African entrepreneur and safari travel specialist. The company is co-founded and co-led with Dom Meulemans.

Safari Tipping Guide: What to Tip in Africa

June 10, 2026

ArticleSafariTravel Tips

This safari tipping guide helps you plan for gratuities for guides, trackers and camp staff. Find suggested amounts, practical advice and country considerations, then confirm your lodge’s recommendations before travelling.

Do You Need to Tip on an African Safari?

Yes — tipping is expected and important in the African safari industry. Lodge guides, trackers, camp staff, butlers, and drivers depend significantly on gratuities as part of their income structure. Tips are not included in lodge rates (even fully all-inclusive ones) and represent a direct, meaningful contribution to the livelihoods of the people who make your safari exceptional. Knowing the right amounts — and the right way to give — is an important part of safari preparation.

How Much Should You Tip Your Safari Guide?

As a suggested starting point, budget USD 15–25 per person per day, or USD 30–50 per couple, for your safari guide. Recommendations vary by country and lodge, so confirm the amounts before travelling. You may choose to tip more for exceptional service, wildlife knowledge or thoughtful guiding. Guide and tracker tips may be pooled or given separately; where trackers are tipped separately, a suggested range is USD 10–15 per person per day. Tipping remains discretionary and should reflect your experience and budget.

Tipping Guidelines by Country

South Africa: USD 15–25 per person per day for guide; USD 10–15 per person per day for tracker; USD 10–15 per person per day shared tip for all other camp staff (lodge manager distributes). Total for a couple on a 5-night stay at a luxury lodge: approximately USD 350–550 in tips.

Kenya and Tanzania: USD 15–20 per person per day for game drive guide/driver; USD 10–15 per person per day for camp staff tip box. Hot air balloon pilots typically receive a separate tip of USD 10–20 per person.

Botswana: USD 20–30 per person per day for guide; USD 10–15 for mokoro poler/tracker. Botswana’s remoteness and higher lodge costs justify the higher guide tip range.

How to Tip: Practical Guidance

Bring sufficient US dollar cash (USD 50 and USD 20 notes are most useful) — tipping in local currency is acceptable but USD is universally preferred and more useful for guides. Tip at the end of your stay rather than after each drive. Most lodges provide a tip envelope or staff tip box in your room; some lodges prefer you tip your guide directly. Ask your lodge manager if you are unsure of the preferred method at that property.

Should You Tip More for Exceptional Service?

Absolutely. Safari guides invest years developing their knowledge of tracking, ecology, bush navigation, and guest management. An exceptional guide who tracks a lion kill on foot, identifies over 200 bird species, or ensures your photographic goals are met deserves recognition beyond the standard guideline. Suggested amounts are a guide; tipping is discretionary and should reflect your experience and budget.

Enquire Now and we will provide a detailed pre-departure briefing covering tips, packing, health, and everything else you need to know before your Africa safari.