Tipping in South Africa

Tipping in South Africa

Welcome to Lion Roar Safaris (Pty) Ltd – AWARD WINNING TOUR OPERATOR AND KRUGER NATIONAL PARK SAFARI SPECIALIST

If you are visiting this page, it means you are either thinking of traveling to South Africa and want to do some homework about the country, or you are already visiting the country and want to find out how tipping in South Africa works…

You have come to the right place! We have put together a list of information with regards to tipping in South Africa.

We have put together a list of scenarios you may have come across during your visit to South Africa. This may clarify some questions you may have with regards to tipping in South Africa.

Is tipping necessary?

In all honesty, tipping is never mandatory, yet showing your appreciation for someone’s service by tipping them, is always a great gesture that goes a long way. “A small act of kindness goes along way”.

Think about it this way, all humans (well all humans I know, including myself) thrive on approval. We all want to be rewarded for our actions! This is only a small percentage of what makes us human. Rewards and positive feedback also helps us grow and strive to be better each day!

So, by tipping someone, you can really make a small change in their life. I’m sure they will receive the tip with much appreciation. Tipping is never mandatory! Tipping is totally up to you.

We don’t say that you should tip each and every one, but tip someone the amount that they deserve. If you get bad service or no service at all, it is in your right to withhold the tip.

How much do I tip a waiter/waitress in SA?

First of all, in South Africa most restaurants do not include a mandatory gratuity, often referred to as a service charge, to the bill (there are a few restaurants, so you can just ask to be sure). Most waiters earn minimum wage, so by tipping them, they can earn a decent living. It is recommended that you tip at least 10% of your bill at any restaurant where a waiter serves you. You can tip more if you received great service or want to show your appreciation.

How much do I tip a porter in South Africa?

It is advisable to tip your porter at least R15 to R30 per bag. If the bag is really heavy, tip more.

How much should I tip my safari guide?

As a general rule of thumb when you go on safari, it is recommended that you tip your safari guide at least R100 – R200 per guest, per day in a shared vehicle. If you are in a private hired vehicle, it should be at least double that amount per guest.

Your safari guide will spend a great portion of the day with you, sharing knowledge and doubling as a driver, R100 – R200 per guest per day is a small percentage to pay, to show your appreciation.  Most safari guides are freelance guides, so a gratuity will go a long way in helping them earn a decent living.

  • Figures present a minimum amount only – if you receive exceptional service, we urge you to tip more!
  • Important: Safari Guides are allowed to accept foreign currency, so don’t let it stop you from tipping if you do not have Rands in cash.

How much do I tip my Game Ranger?

The term Game ranger is equivalent to a Safari guide, tipping is the same as mentioned above. The tip is given at the end or beginning of the day of the safari.

How much do I tip a bartender?

It is recommended to tip at least 10% of your total bill. If you pay per drink, you can tip R5 to R10 per drink.

How much do I tip a driver?

Tipping your driver will show great appreciation for dropping you off safely. 10-15% of your journey amount.

Car guards are everywhere in South Africa, wanting to look after your vehicle for payment when parking at shopping malls, convenience stores etc.

Should you want them to look after your car whilst in a store, anything from R1, R2, or even R5 will be enough if everything is in order with your vehicle or if they helped you out of a spot where you couldn’t really see oncoming traffic. Tipping a car guard is not compulsory but they will just assume that you give them permission to look after your vehicle by greeting them back, yet it is still not compulsory to tip them. If you really feel generous, you can give them more, but a coin will be enough. It can add up when you have to go to a few different places and pay every car guard money when you are in a store for only 5 minutes.

We hope this compilation of tipping in South Africa helped you with some of your questions. Always remember that when you tip someone, you influence their life in a small way.

Thank you for reading this and enjoy your travels in South Africa!

YES! We offer affordable Kruger National Park safaris

Our rates include the following:

  • Transfers from a pre-arranged pick-up location to Kruger National Park and back (this can be at your accommodation where you are staying, depending on the location). This includes Nelspruit | Kruger National Park | KMI Airport | Skukuza Airport | White River | Hazyview | Malelane | Komatipoort and Marloth Park

  • Full Day safari with a luxury open safari vehicle

  • An accredited & professional Field Guide doubling as the driver of the vehicle on the day of safari

  • A snack box per person consisting of various treats to munch on during the day of the safari

  • +- 8 Hours of sheer “entertainment” in the world-famous Kruger National Park (excludes travel time outside the park)

  • Assistance with Kruger National Park entrance/conservation fee payments, paperwork and permits

  • The use of high-quality, waterproof ponchos on-board the vehicle when needed

Please note:

Our area of operation covers Nelspruit and surrounding areas, White River | Malelane | Hazyview | Komatipoort | Marloth Park | Kruger National Park | KMI Airport | Skukuza Airport.

Please contact us if your accommodation falls outside of our area of operation.

We also conduct safari tours in the North of Kruger upon request and need. You also have the option to hire the safari vehicle privately, email us to find out more. Additionally, you have the option to add your Kruger entrance/conservation fees when you make your booking so you don’t have to go to the office on the morning of the safari to make payment for entrance fees.

REVIEWS


World-class safari operator

My mother and I travelled to Nelspruit to do a one-day safari inside Kruger. Our guest villa (Utopia in Africa – amazing stay!) told us about Lion Roar Safaris – from the moment I contacted Liz to book a guided safari with them until Luzille (our guide) dropped us off it was world class service! The safari is split in three, you do a few hours before breakfast, a few hours before lunch and then drive towards the end of the tour. Besides being able to rest with this type of schedule we also appreciated all the different detours in the park we were able to do. This operator is passionate about the animals, the park and their customers. They are very knowledgeable in both big things and small things regarding the park and the animals. I hope to come back someday, my only regret is that we didn’t book one more day.

annalovisam, TripAdvisor

Fantastic experience

We really enjoyed our safari with Liz and the web photographer. They pointed out many sightings which we would never have seen on our own. We saw 3 leopards, many elephants, rhinos, cape buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, hippos and different types of antelopes and birds.
They provided binoculars which helped a lot, especially when observing the leopards in the reed!
The service is top: on time, friendly, very informative and you get a feeling how much they enjoy “going the extra mile” for the customer. They tried to keep ahead of the crowd and do not enter thru Numbi gate which is usually very crowded. Its great the park fee is included in the price because then you do not need to queue at the entrance like in the case of some of the other operators. We will definitely recommend you!

dorischristina2015, TripAdvisor

(Translated by Google)

For those who go to South Africa, do safaris be sure to contact this company they are grade 10.

(Original)
Para quem vai para África do Sul ,fazer safáris não deixe de contatar está empresa eles são nota 10 .

Achiles Neto, Google Review
Great services! Amazing commments

The guide was very friendly and helpful!
She really knew the way around the park and we were able to see a big variety of animals

344hama, TripAdvisor
Great services! Amazing commments
A wonderful bush and animal experience

Our family, including children and grandchildren, recently went on a full day Lion Roar Safari experience in the Kruger National Park. What an amazing, unforgettable experience in the most positive sense. Our guide/ranger, Lizelle, was extremely knowledgeable, professional and responsible, showing a deep personal respect for the bush, the wild animals and the rules. We saw everything, from a group of ‘gompou’, to a young leopard hunting and several prides of lion, spotted hyena, bush pigs, a jackal, not to mention the elephants, deer, giraffe and kudu. We warmly appreciated the snug ponchos that were provided so thoughtfully against the cold and wind. We made wonderful memories and have stacks of special photos to prove it. Thanks a million!

The guide was very friendly and helpful!
She really knew the way around the park and we were able to see a big variety of animals

Roam816359, TripAdvisor
Great services! Amazing commments
So much more than expected!!

Wow! Just had an incredible 2 day safari from Lion Roar. Our guide Liz was so knowledgeable, helpful and friendly we thoroughly enjoyed the experience and saw so much including the big 5. I would highly recommend and would use again.

The guide was very friendly and helpful!
She really knew the way around the park and we were able to see a big variety of animals

woolfinator8000 Basingstoke, United Kingdom, TripAdvisor
Super accommodating and informative.
Liz was super patient in making sure we get the morning bush walk and night drive within limited dates. They know lots about every animal we saw. I love that they provide parkas for their guests because it gets super chilly as the truck moves. Their truck is clean and not loud like other trucks which tend to scare the animals away.
Zzame Em, Google Review
Spectacular day in the Mighty Kruger!

Even if the weather was cold during the day, the spectacular sightings we had made up for it all. Luckily this company is not one of those that rush from one big sighting to another but rather take it at a slower pace and therefore not miss even the small things like some bird species and trees and plants, lizards and much more.
Oh and I am so glad their Photographer was also on board with her very sharp eye sight. She spotted plenty of animals where the rest of us missed them…especially that Cheetah! And she took the most beautiful pictures (and some short videos clips) of all our sightings that day. We were surely one lucky group of people seeing all those magnificent wildlife, especially the Elephant Calves, Wild Dogs as well as Hyena Pups!
Oh and let’s not forget the snack bags that was packed for us!!
The Guide was very informative and interactive with our group. Evidently her kindness and helpfulness is not only restricted to the time a guest is on her vehicle still busy on the Tour but even helping when one of our group members was staying over at a place in the Kruger Park, she assisted him from booking in at the camp to taking him to where he would be staying, to briefly showing him around on what is where and available to him in the camp. And this all took merely a few minutes.
I would definitely be recommending Lion Roar Safaris.

Grifinne, TripAdvisor

Best experience ever!

Lizelle was very informative and made sure we had the best views of all the animals!

Johan , Google Review

Lizelle was the most amazing tour guide. She knew everything about the animals and gave us plenty of time to take photos and ask questions while still ensuring that we saw 4 of the big 5. She was just as excited as we were to view the animals. Without using a radio she was knowledgeable enough to know where to look and how to spot the animals even in the summer bush. Liz was there to help point out animals as well. We were pleasantly surprised to have two guides to make this experience incredible. The vehicle was as impeccable as the guides. They even provided snacks that can easily substitute lunch. The cherry on top is the fleece lined ponchos that kept us warm as it was a bit chilly and a little rainy.

Alicia K, Facebook Review
Amazing safari and the best guide!

We did a lot of research and chose Lion’s Roar based on it and were spot on with our choice! To my own shame, I cannot remember the name of our guide because it’s been a few months since he experience, but she truly rocked – she was knowledgable, funny and easygoing.

We got very-very lucky on the day we went and saw elephants, rhinos, wild dogs, hippos, numerous birds and other animals. We went again just with friends and saw hardly anything, so do yourself a favor and book with these guys!

LydiaBay, TripAdvisor Review
We loved it!

Liz was so great! Without a doubt, she made our trip a lot better than it would have been otherwise. She was knowledgeable and really wanted us to have a good time.

Lara550, TripAdvisor Review

Professional, great knowledge of all types of Wildlife, friendly and affordable!

Charl , Facebook Review

Friendly, professional, safari guides
1

Deon V, Google Review
Best safari company in the Kruger!

I want to congratulate Lion Roar Safaris once again for taking me on safari to the Kruger.

I had a spur of the moment urge to go on a safari. Even though it was a last minute booking, they were stil happy to accommodate me.

It’s always nice to just sit back and relax while everything is taken care of. For me, it is always a special occasion going to the Park. It’s the perfect opportunity to relax and recharge my batteries. Best of all, I learn something new everytime I go with Lion Roar Safaris.

Every safari with this company is unique. Everyone should do a guided safari with them atleast once in their lives otherwise you are missing out!

Keep up the good work Lion Roar and see you again soon for another safari adventure!

rianel1961, TripAdvisor Review
Wonderful safari experience in the Kruger National Park!

What an experience. The finer touch and extra service makes it very special. Neat vehicle and well organised logistics. Knowlegable, friendly and professional two ladies. Highly recommended. This safari in the National Kruger Park was definitely a highlight of my year. Well done !

ajohnson26, TripAdvisor Review
Memorable Father’s Day in the Kruger National Park

Usually I end up in the beautiful Nelspruit to see clients and to deal with work-related responsibilities. This year, my husband and I returned for a well-deserved holiday break. Yes, we came back and it is our second time doing a safari with Lion Roar Safaris, but this time I brought along the kids, my father and mother. One big happy family outing!

We booked the safari on Father’s Day, so my dad can enjoy the Kruger yet again. He hasn’t been to the Kruger for many years, let alone go on safari in an open safari vehicle. Everyone enjoyed it immensely, especially the kids who simply adore all animals.

My dad walks with a walking stick and my mother struggles to see & both of them make use of hearing aids. For this reason, we decided to book the safari vehicle privately so we don’t have to share with other people and if the kids misbehave or granny or grandpa can’t hear, we can talk a bit louder. (Even though we know that their company is child and elderly friendly). I’m glad my husband advised me to book it privately, it made it more special.

I just want to thank the team at Lion Roar Safaris once again. Everything from start to finish was great! I would also like to thank you for the extra touches you provide to make things comfortable, for example, the extra step that helped mom and dad get on the vehicle, the ponchos and most importantly the patience and professionalism of the guide.

We will keep coming back!

Lhug143, TripAdvisor Review
Marvellous safari experience in Kruger

I have visited South Africa before and this year I decided to bring a group of friends with me. One of the MUST DO things everyone wanted to do was going on safari to Kruger.

So, I searched the web and visited the website of a guest house we stayed at previously in Nelspruit and they have a safari company listed on their things to do page. Automatically I clicked on it because the guest house was wonderful so I trust their judgement. So it turned out Lion Roar Safaris has the friendliest and most helpful staff working in the office as they answered all our questions we had and arranged everything exactly like we wanted it.

Lion Roar arranged accommodation for the 8 of us (outside of the park). The accommodation was neat, clean and modern with a yummy dinner included. The following morning the friendly Guide came to pick us up with a very neat safari vehicle. (I must admit I was quite impressed)

To keep things short, Lion Roar Safaris exceeded our expectations. Everything was seamless, professional and well planned, from the arrangements with the office, the accommodation, pick-up, transfers, payments, to the pre-arranged catered picnic at one of the picnic spots – which was absolutely fabulous may I add – to all the information we received during the day that included information about animals, conservation, anti-poaching efforts to mention but a few.

I would strongly recommend Lion Roar Safaris to anyone, whether you want to go on a private safari or arrange a special safari like ours with friends, or just because, do it! You won’t regret it and I’m sure you will come back for more. I know I will…

Thank you once again Lion Roar Safaris!

Sylvia4157H, TripAdvisor Review
Fantastic Safari Experience

My family and I enjoyed a safari experience with Lion Roar Safaris recently. We had an amazing time! Liz and Lizelle took fantastic care of us and went out of their way to make sure my elderly grandmother was comfortable. Their personal touches like the ponchos and the snack boxes were greatly appreciated. They were very knowledgeable and answered all of our questions. We all learned so much! I highly recommend them to anybody wanting to enjoy a unique Kruger Park experience.

Andrea M, TripAdvisor Review
Great experience

The team went out of their way to ensure we enjoy our game drive and we manages to see 4 of the big 5’s which was impressive

Trip17716264367, TripAdvisor Review
Romantic Private Kruger Safari

Had the most Amazing Private tour of the Kruger National Park.
We had an early morning which was Beautiful from the moment Liezel picked us up from our hotel in Nelspruit until the end when she dropped us off.
Even though we didn’t see any cats of the day, we had to accept that we will only see what The Kruger decides to give on that day.
He knowledge of the animals and the park makes You want to know more and shows how much passion she has for the animals.
We even forgot by the end of the tour that we did not see any cats(LOL).
I will Definitely do more tours with Lion Roar Safaris and will recommend it to anyone I know that wants to do a tour of The Kruger National Park.
A Great big Shout to Liz for the seamless booking a few days before the tour and once again to Liezel for a Great tour of The Kruger National Park…

kutlwanor, TripAdvisor Review

Some of the services Lion Roar Safaris Offer…

Upmarket Luxury Safaris  I  Tailored Safaris  I  Professional Personal Holiday Photographer   I  Hire a Professional Field Guide  I  Hire a Private Safari Vehicle   I   Accommodation in and around Kruger   I  Photographic Safaris   I   Safari catering – picnic lunches, dinners and BBQ’s and more…

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Summary
Tipping in South Africa
Article Name
Tipping in South Africa
Description
In all honesty, tipping is never mandatory, yet tipping someone for their service by showing your appreciation is always a great gesture that goes a long way. “A small act of kindness goes along way”. Think about it this way, all humans (well all humans I know, including myself) thrive on approval. We all want to be rewarded for our actions! This is only a small percentage of what makes us human. Rewards and positive feedback also helps us grow and strive to be better each day!
Author
Publisher Name
Lion Roar Safaris (Pty) Ltd, Kruger National Park South Africa
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