Expert Tips for Tipping in Uganda: Your Ultimate Guide-2026

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These days, determining the right amount for tipping in Uganda can be quite tricky, especially when it comes to unique experiences like safaris. If you’re unsure about the appropriate tipping amounts, here are some helpful guidelines for tipping in Uganda as you explore its towns and national parks.

For safari guides, it’s customary to tip between USD 10 to 20 per day. Lodge staff usually receive tips ranging from USD 1 to 5 per service, while porters generally receive USD 1 to 2 per bag. At restaurants, tipping in Uganda is often appreciated at a rate of 5-10% of the bill.

By following these guidelines for tipping in Uganda, you can express gratitude for the services provided and ensure positive interactions during your travels.

Is Tipping Customary In Uganda?

Please note that tipping in Uganda on a safari is customary but not mandatory. However, considering that most Ugandans earn little, tips will be highly appreciated.

This extra money you give as a tip really helps boost the income of people working in the tourism industry. It also boosts their confidence in sustainable tourism. Of course, you should only give a tip if you are satisfied with the quality of the service.

Should I Tip in Uganda Shillings?

When it comes to Uganda tipping, it is best to tip in Uganda shillings if possible.

This is because it is often difficult for local people to exchange small amounts of hard currency in East Africa. However, if you do not have Uganda shillings, tipping in Uganda in US dollars is widely acceptable. Your safari/tour guide should be able to assist you with where to exchange currency after you land in Uganda.

Usually, there will be a time in your planned Uganda safari itinerary to do this at the airport in Entebbe or Forex Bureau in Kampala city before you transfer to your hotel at the start of your safari. Ensure you exchange enough money; your business is appreciated in Uganda. The money you spend on local services and goods, as well as tipping, power the economy of Africa.

Who Should I Tip on a Uganda Safari?

On an organized safari in Uganda, it is usual to tip the following people:

Your personal tour driver guide/company guide: This person make sure you have a great safari tour in Uganda. He/she shares a lot of information about places, things, and the local people and will also ensures you travel safely.
Activity guides at destinations: At many Uganda safari destinations you will visit on your safari in Uganda, you will be received by a guide who will take you through an activity or destination, share information and ensure you have the best experience. For instance, you will have a guide during gorilla trekking, chimpanzee trekking and all active safari experiences. You will also find guides at museums, art galleries, and local sites.
Porters: During trekking and hiking expeditions there are porters available for hire at around US$20 for those who need one to carry their backpacks and offer some support in difficult trekking situations. At the end of the adventure you can tip the porter an extra fee.
Waiters and waitresses at restaurants: These are constant throughout the Uganda safari trip at restaurants during transit. Tipping them is not standard, but is always appreciated, especially if the service is good.
Lodge and hotel staff: At hotels and lodges in Uganda, most travellers also leave tips for the lodge staff and many lodges have their own tip box where you leave money to be shared out amongst the staff.

Is There Ever A Time When I Should Not Tip?

While touring Uganda cities especially Kampala avoids tipping or giving money to street children who are asking for money.

These children must be in schools, and while they may tug at your heartstrings, they are often used as bait and will likely bring the money to an adult lurking nearby.

Generally, avoid giving money to beggars of any age in Uganda, wherever you may encounter them. Giving money to beggars only prolongs the practice.

Also, never give a tip if it is demanded of you, or if the service is extremely bad. Service in Uganda is usually excellent and locals and safari staff are friendly.

You will also find the prices in Uganda extremely cheap in comparison to western countries. If you go on a safari in Uganda, you may even find the destination addictive! Many first-time visitors to Uganda often return for safaris or tours in other African safari countries for, as Pliny the Elder said thousands of years ago, “There’s always something new out of Africa.

How much should I tip in Uganda?

Several important facts influence how much you should consider tipping in Uganda during a safari. These factors include the quality of service you experience, your personal financial situation, your attitude towards gratuities, the dynamics of your travel group, and the specific Uganda safari package you have chosen.

The guiding principle for tipping in Uganda is to tip any amount that feels appropriate and affordable to you. However, it’s important to remember that both over-tipping and under-tipping can cause issues.

For example, a well-trained guide or ranger should receive a higher tip than a cleaner because their skills and expertise deserve recognition. If porters consistently received larger tips than wildlife rangers, this could unintentionally encourage porting over conservation efforts. When tipping in Uganda, aim to be both generous and fair.

No matter the amount you decide on for tipping in Uganda, there is no need to apologize. Simply offer your tip in the way that feels right and express your gratitude sincerely. The staff always warmly appreciate genuine gestures of thanks and acknowledgment.

So, what is the appropriate amount for tipping in Uganda on a safari? How much should you consider tipping a tour guide or other staff? Understanding the suitable amounts will help you navigate tipping in Uganda with confidence and respect.

Here is a general reference for tipping in Uganda while on safari:

This is a general guide and you can adjust it according to your personal safari budget.

Personal tour driver guide: USD$10 to $20 per day per guest
Activity/destination guides: $15 – $20 per tourist
Porter: a porter US$5 to US$10. The cost to hire a porter is around $20 per trek
Waiters, waitresses & other hotel support staff: $5 (Uganda shilling 5,000 – 10,000)
Airport or lodge transfers: Tip drivers between US$ 1 – 5 per person.

When to tip?

Tipping in Uganda is generally appropriate at the end of key experiences such as meals, lodge stays, game drives, gorilla treks, or safaris. For example, if you stay for three nights at a single safari lodge or camp that includes multiple wildlife game drives with the same guide, it’s best to tip when you depart for your next safari destination. The same principle applies to tipping at restaurants.

The ideal approach to tipping in Uganda is to provide a single, well-considered tip at the conclusion of your stay at each lodge, camp, or hotel. Your safari guide does not expect tips after every game drive or daily activity.

Consistently tipping after each activity may unintentionally place pressure on your guide to focus exclusively on you, potentially affecting the overall experience for other guests. It may also create discomfort among fellow travelers if you tip regularly while others do not. Following these guidelines will help you practice respectful and considerate tipping in Uganda throughout your safari.

Tips for Easier Tipping in Uganda on a safari

Examine Your Uganda safari Itinerary: Please note that instances where you think you may be expected to tip – such as the transfer driver from the airport to your hotel, the porter at the hotel, the waiter for dinner that night – and how much you want or can afford to give them. Ask your tour operator for advice if you’re in doubt.
Divide the Tips into Separate Envelopes: Split them either per day or per accommodation. This makes it much easier to keep track of your cash.
Get Small Bills like USD 5, 10 & 20: These are easier to hand over and few places will be able to break $50 or $100 notes.
Bring Cash with You: Uganda is not the country where you can reliably draw money from ATMs or cash machines. Bring cash along with you.
Keep Your Cash Secure: Use the in-room safe. If there isn’t one, ask the manager to put your valuables – like money and passports – in the safe.
Take US Dollar: This is the most widely accepted currency in Uganda. It’s also much easier to stick to one currency if you are crossing borders or doing a multi-destination safari.