Practical Advice about Gratuities and Tipping on Safari
Common Sense Advice about Tipping while on a Safari in Uganda
Is Tipping in Uganda a common Practice?
Tipping while on a Safari in Uganda. Uganda, like other East African Countries, has a nontipping culture Unlike in Europe there is no service charge added to a restaurant bill. While views about tipping are slowly changing, it is not commonly practiced.
The exception is the Tourism Industry which includes Tour Companies, Hotels, and Lodges that cater to tourists. Those involved in tourism expect and count on tips. Tipping has become standard with Rangers, porters, driver-guides, lodges and hotels, and others who provide vital services for Tourists who are used to being tipped.
Tipping has increasingly become part of the standard and the expected norm in the Tourism Industry. There are quite a few tour operators who now passionately believe that a tip is mandatory. Many even publish and give their clients extensive lists of expected tips for assorted services they receive while on a Safari.
In Uganda, as in the rest of Sub-Saharan Africa, those involved in the tourism sector do not understand the difference between tipping and a service charge.
A tip – a Gratuity is a recognition, a reward for a service that is seen as above the normal. A tip is not obligatory but voluntary by a satisfied and enthused client.
The practice of tipping originated in the USA and spread to neighboring Canada. Europeans are not part of a tipping culture. they have a service charge added to their bills in places such as restaurants. The reason is that Americans receive extra attention from many in the tourism sector.
The present expected tips and gratuities in Uganda tourism are not reflective of what a true tip is. The lists of tips for different services published by tour operators follow the European model of service charges rather than the American model of tipping.
True tipping is not obligatory, and tips are not Tariffs mandated on a list. Although some tour operators have; the Ugandan Tourism Board has never published a tipping tariff list.
Having said all that, we believe in a common sense approach to tipping while on a Safari. Not only do we recognize that a fair and just reward for tourist services is right and encourage it. e also see tips from the perspective of the tourist. We do not want tourists, Safari-Goers, and our Clients to feel like they are some kind of cash cow that is there to milk.
We know that an African Safari, especially if it includes Primate Trekking is not cheap. Hence, we believe that lists of tipping with annual increases are inappropriate.
Our Common Sense Advice about Tipping while on a Safari in Uganda
We strongly believe in Tipping and know gratuities Impact Lives. Salaries in East Africa are low. That is especially true for those involved in providing services. Though those involved in Tourism will receive a higher salary, it is in most cases not adequate to support a family.
See yourself as an Ambassador of your Country and as such thoughtful tipping will enhance your country’s image. If you Tip, give it because you want to give as a recognition of exemplary service. Tips and Gratuities will make a difference in the lives of Ugandans that you will meet on your Safari. It is not the size of the Tip that you leave behind but it is the spirit in which it is given.
When you tip someone on your Safari, you are investing in them and their future. You open up new possibilities for a better future for them, their families,, and their children. Your tip might pay for schooling, medical care, housing, and food. You may never realize the impact your tip has made on a Ugandan and their family.
We encourage recognizing exemplary service by tipping.
Tipping on a Safari in Uganda – Some Practical Advice
Tip in Ugandan Shillings:
We suggest that you tip in Ugandan Shillings. It is more practical for those who you are tipping. mall bills below $50 receive smaller exchange rates. If you tip someone at a restaurant with a couple of dollars. The exchange rate drops dramatically and they will receive a fraction of what you tip.
You can use US Dollars when you give your driver-guide a tip at the end of the safari.
Tipping Impacts African Lives for the Good:
The Salaries and Benefits for those in the Tourist Industry are better than what most Ugandans make. Young People especially have a tough time finding work, whether they are trained or not.
In Uganda, Youth Unemployment runs as high as 90%. Those that find work in the Tourism Industry are fortunate. The wages are still relatively low, and the hours are long. There is never enough for school fees, medical care, or even rent. Your tips make a difference; in some cases, they empower someone to get a better education.
Tipping makes a difference with those in the Tourism industry, and it is a form of empowerment.
Use your Driver-Guide for Tipping Advice:
We will assist you with specific tipping guidance for your safari. Additionally, there is your driver-guide. He knows Uganda, knows what is proper when it comes to Tipping, and will give you common-sense advice. Allow your Driver-Guide to be your Tip-Master, who handles the tips for Gorilla Treks, Chimpanzee Treks, Hikes, and Game Drives.
You can Choose another Way of Tipping-We Handle the Tips:
Here is an option that is quite radical in Uganda Tourism. We include all Tips in the price of your Safari, and we remove the hassles of Tippi g. There will be no one standing around hinting about Tips.
If you like this option? Then let us know.
Tipping while on a Safari is like an investment in the future of a Ugandan man or woman. In some cases, it is a form of empowerment. Some save their tips and invest in a home, a business of some kind. Or support a family as a single mother.
A tip is not obligatory but appreciated and put to work, becomes a part of a brighter future for those you impart the Tip to. Thank You for your generosity. The one receiving your Gratuity will most likely use it wisely.
If you come from a nontipping culture, put aside your lifestyle and leave a gratuity for excellent service given.
