Tipping is not a common practice in Uganda, so most people working in the service industry do not expect tips after providing a service.
If you are a tourist on safari in Uganda and wondering if tipping is required, you should know that it is not. Tipping is your choice. You can decide how much to tip or whether to tip at all.
Should you leave a tip? Yes, giving a tip when you can is highly encouraged. Why? Because most workers in the service industry earn very little money and struggle to make ends meet.
A tip can help improve their lives and the lives of their families by increasing their income.
Who Should I Tip?
People who go out of their way to provide excellent service are the ones who truly deserve to be tipped.
Here are some people to consider tipping:
- Tour Drivers: The tour driver is your closest companion on a guided trip, such as a safari to Murchison Falls National Park. This person ensures that your trip is enjoyable and provides valuable information about local people, places, and activities. The driver also makes sure you travel safely.
- Activity/Destination Guides: At many locations, a guide will meet you, walk you through the activity or site, provide information, and make sure you enjoy your visit. For example, a guide will be with you during adventures like gorilla and chimpanzee trekking. Guides are also available at local attractions, art galleries, monuments, and museums.
- Trackers: Trackers are the people who go ahead of your group to find gorillas and chimps. They inform your guide so that you can reach the animals. Although often overlooked, trackers are highly skilled at spotting these primates in the wild and ensuring you do not miss them. You will see the trackers near the gorillas or chimps shortly before you see the animals.
- Waiters & Waitresses: These workers will serve you in hotels and restaurants during your journey.
- Porters: If you need help carrying your backpack or assistance during difficult trekking conditions, you can hire a porter for $20. At the end of the activity, you may also give an extra tip.
- Security Personnel: Security guards are stationed at the gates of lodges and may also accompany you while hiking in the park. Since they do not interact much with visitors, they are often overlooked when it comes to tipping. However, they do an important job of keeping you safe, and they are among the lowest-paid workers.
