Ranger guides, trackers, and porters are undeniably the unsung heroes of Gorilla safaris. It is possible that you have just returned from your gorilla trekking adventure and you are filled with admiration for how the enthusiastic porter has carried your backpack, camera equipment and held your hands while you hiked to higher elevations or descended slopes. Or you enjoyed the diversity of knowledge of the Park Ranger, or maybe you enjoyed a mouth-watering breakfast at one of the Safari Lodges around Volcanoes National Park. Whatever the case, you received some incredible service and you would like to leave a tip.
However, sometimes tipping etiquette can feel like a bit of a minefield. You might have too little and be perceived as stingy, ungrateful or ungenerous. While there are countries where tipping is a must and often expected, it is actually not mandatory in Rwanda but if you appreciate a service, it is a good idea to leave a tip. The question of tipping is one of the concerns we have received from travelers, especially towards their gorilla safaris. Visitors have always asked “do you have to tip each member of the team individually?”, Do you tip the Ranger guide the same as trackers?” If you are traveling as a group, do you tip collectively or separately?” “Is the tip given discreetly or openly””
Our article provides information on every visitor’s tipping etiquette during Gorilla safaris. From this article, you will understand how much to tip the guides, trackers, porters, Hotel/Lodge staff, and the safari driver during your gorilla safari. The Lodge and restaurant staff should also be considered when tipping during gorilla safaris. Nonetheless, it is important to note that these are merely suggestions and not rules to be followed. Remember it is not mandatory but rather courteous to leave a tip.
For Rwanda (like most African countries), leaving a tip is expected (although not mandatory) for an excellent service but the amount is at the discretion of the traveler. However, we recommend a daily tip of $10 to $15 per person per day for a porter. You will definitely need to tip the porter who works incredibly hard to carry your backpack and camera equipment as well as hold your hands when hiking to higher altitudes
For safari drivers, it can be around $5 to $10 per guest per day.
We also recommend tipping Park Rangers and trackers, whom we recommend about $15 to $20 per day for the Rangers and the same for trackers. In this case, you can tip collectively (with other members of the group) and can be handed over to the lead Ranger guide to be shared amongst all members of the team.
When it comes to Safari Lodge, hand tips can be given after a service has been performed (for instance carrying your bags upstairs) but what about other staffs that don’t directly interact with guests (such as Chefs)? Therefore, we recommend leaving a tip in their tipping boxes and the recommended amount is $5 to $10 per day.
For restaurants (especially during en-route lunches) on your way to Volcanoes National Park, it is recommended to add at least 10% to the total bill.
When is the best time to go for gorilla safaris?
The months of June to September and December to February are popular for gorilla safaris, with the precipitation levels reduced and temperatures warmer. These make forest trails less challenging (drier). These months also provide wonderful visibility for gorilla trekkers, and this the best time.
While gorilla treks are also possible in the wet months (March to May, and October to November), they are more challenging and dangerous because of heavier downpours, and high humidity. However, gorilla treks are shorter because mountain gorillas move to the borders of the forest and if you hope to enjoy discounts on accommodation, these months are the best.