What You Need To Know About Tipping In African Safari
Africa is a continent filled with some of the most beautiful people around the world. But one of the things that Africans are known for is their kindness and willingness to help. Be it as part of their job or just a concerned citizen. One can not run out of a group of people who are ready to help you. While the culture of tipping in African Safari varies according to a country and in most cases according to the individual themselves. It is not pertinent that someone gives out a tip after enjoying a service.
There is need to be prepared when it comes to tip as well as what is the right amount to tip. You want to make sure you tip just right. Below are a few things to keep in mind about tipping while on your African Safari.
TIPPING IN AFRICAN SAFARI: CASES IN POINT
Restaurants & Service Staff
If the service is good, go ahead and tip. There is one thing you will realize when it comes to restaurants or most service-related jobs. The tip is already taken into consideration when they bring the bill at the end of your stay or at the end of your meal.
That is why you will find not many people go out of their way to tip for the service they receive. This act of kindness is mostly according to the individual and the usual amount one should consider is ten percent if you truly feel that the waiter/ waitress, bar staff, hotel staff etc. have done an exemplary job.
Cabs & Public Transportation
Take into consideration whether or not they own the means of transport. Here it all begins with the number of people you are traveling with. If the driver is hiring from a company then a tip will be appreciated due to the fact that most of the revenue goes back. This means that the driver is left with almost nothing.
So depending on whether or not the cabbie owns the car or not you are safe. If the cabbie owns the cab you will want to find out the normal rates of the area. This will help to know whether or not you have been overcharged or not. Hence will help you know if you should tip.
The same goes for public transportation, they tend to hike fare so it is normally not advisable to tip in these situations.
Helpful People
“Remember there’s no such thing as a small act of kindness. Every act creates a ripple with no logical end.”
– Scott Adams
Africans are naturally very helpful and you will find someone coming to your aid while on your African Safari. From Street kids that help you park your car to the petrol attendant who wants to make sure your car is in tip-top shape for the journey ahead, they are there in the plenty.
Coming across this people is an everyday affair so discretion is advised. Remember that while these people can be helpful, they do not have an obligation to guard your property and the like.
But again, tipping in African Safari is all dependent on the level of generosity. Be sure to tip in the country’s currency. Unfortunately, most African currencies score low in comparison with their international counterparts. So do not feel the need to unless you truly feel that the service merits extra remuneration.
