Money & Tipping

CURRENCY & GRATUITIES

Except for Zimbabwe, which currently uses US dollars, all other countries in which we operate have their own currency and this is used as standard tender when paying by either cash or credit card, with applicable exchange rates being taken into account.

Please ensure that all US dollar notes are the 2006 series or after with “large heads/presidential portraits”. While some banks may accept notes issued before 2006 with “small heads”, this is the exception. We recommend that currency should only be changed at banks and/or hotels that offer this service.

Tipping

Tipping is not compulsory but always encouarged. If you want to tip because you have received good service, we have enclosed a brief guideline to assist you; it is not offensive to tip more than what is suggested. We do recommend that you address the question of tipping with the lodge manager, with whom you will meet upon checking in at each lodge—each lodge can have different customs and norms.

Camp, Game Lodge and Specialist Guides: US$10-$15 per guest per day.

The General Safari Camp / Lodge Staff: US$10-$15 per guest per day for safari camps. This should be placed in the communal tipping box to be distributed equally amongst all the staff. Some lodges have slightly different gratuity schedules, but these are usually stipulated in the camp’s documentation, or by the camp manager. For example, some camps share the tips which would mean that ALL camp staff are placed in a communal kitty so that everyone receives an equal share (a figure of approximately US$ 100.00 per guest for the 3-night safari is suggested by the camp).

Restaurants / Hotels: 10% is customary on meal accounts if you are satisfied with the service.

Mokoro Paddlers and Trackers: Each paddler receive US$5 per guest per day and that camp / lodge trackers receive US$5 per guest per day.

Kamp Kalahari, Botswana

Pre-Travel Information

CURRENCY & GRATUITIES

Tipping

Pre-Travel Information