Tipping Your Guide for a Hunt

Because hunting guides are part of the service industry, it is customary, but not always expected, that a guide receives a gratuity from the client. Here are some “tips” on tipping your guide for a hunt.

Recommended gratuity - A typical gratuity is between 10-20% of your hunt or daily rate total for a safari. This total amount is normally split between the PH or Outfitter and their staff. Please be aware that tipping your guide is not required, but is very much appreciated and is considered supplemental income for the people who work hard to make your hunt a successful and memorable experience. *If you feel a guide, PH or particular staff member had a significantly positive impact on your safari experience, please feel free to reward that person accordingly.

Non-hunting Observers are also encouraged to show their appreciation in the form of a lesser amount (i.e. – 10-15% of daily observer rate split between PH and other staff members)

On an International hunt, USD cash is the preferred form of tip, as many foreign banks charge a large commission to exchange checks into currency.

Other items to keep in mind when considering when tipping your guide

Gratuities are not required, though they customary, and are an excellent way to show appreciation to your guide, if you had a positive experience.
The amount of gratuity (usually) depends on your level of satisfaction with your guide(s) and the trip.
A 10% to 20% tip is customary.
When planning to tip your guide, be prepared to give a cash gratuity. Sometimes this means having the cash with you on the outing, as upon your return to the lodge or base camp. You may not be able to access an ATM, bank, or get to your pocket book at a hotel, before you part from your guide. Have your tip for your guide with you on the hunt.
If in a group setting, with multiple guides, consider selecting a leader among the clients to organize a donation pool for the gratuity to be split between the guides. Choose an appropriate time to present the gratuity, making sure all the guides are present, and that they know the gratuity is to be shared equally among them. Consider dividing the cash equally and present to each guide their tip at the same time, if possible.
When hunting with a guide you have had numerous hunts with, perhaps working on many different objectives over the years, your personal relationship with your guide is such on a different level, that your gratuity not always be consistently the same. Your gratuity may vary from trip to trip, and may include as a combination or supplement to your normal cash gratuity, a useful and applicable gift, such as known needed equipment, a bottle of your guide’s favorite fine spirits, or other items that you have learned to be personal and appropriate for the guide you have come to know over the years.