Tipping in Kenya – A Complete Guide for Travelers
Do You Tip in Kenya?
Tipping is not mandatory in Kenya, but it is highly appreciated as a way to recognize excellent service. In Kenya’s tourism industry, safari guides, hotel staff, and drivers often rely on tips as part of their earnings.
To help you navigate Kenya’s tipping culture, this guide provides recommended amounts for safari guides, drivers, hotels, restaurants, and more.
How Much to Tip in Kenya?
| Service Provider | Recommended Tip (USD per day/person) | Tip (KES Equivalent) |
|---|---|---|
| Safari Guide (Private Tour) | $10 – $20 per person | 1,500 – 3,000 KES |
| Safari Driver (Group Tour) | $5 – $10 per person | 750 – 1,500 KES |
| Hotel Porter | $1 – $3 per bag | 150 – 450 KES |
| Housekeeping Staff | $2 – $5 per night | 300 – 750 KES |
| Waiters at Restaurants | 10% of the bill | Varies |
| Private Driver (City Transfers) | $5 – $10 per transfer | 750 – 1,500 KES |
📌 Tipping in Kenya is best done in cash, preferably in Kenyan Shillings (KES) or US Dollars (USD).
Tipping on Safari in Kenya
Safari guides and lodge staff work long hours to make your experience exceptional. A typical safari tipping guideline includes:
✔ Safari Guide (Private Safari) – $10 – $20 per person, per day
✔ Safari Driver (Group Safari) – $5 – $10 per person, per day
✔ Safari Lodge Staff (General Tip Box) – $5 – $10 per night
📌 Tip discreetly at the end of your stay in an envelope or tip box at the lodge reception.
Tipping at Hotels & Lodges
At hotels and lodges, tipping is usually pooled among the staff. Suggested amounts:
✔ Porters: $1 – $3 per bag
✔ Housekeeping: $2 – $5 per night
✔ General Staff Tip Box: $5 – $10 per night
💡 Tip in local currency (KES) whenever possible to make it easier for staff to use the money.
What Currency Should You Tip In?
💰 Best Currency for Tipping in Kenya:
✔ Kenyan Shillings (KES) – Preferred by locals.
✔ US Dollars (USD) – Accepted but only notes from 2010 onwards.
✔ Euros & British Pounds – Less common but can be exchanged.
🚫 Avoid tipping in coins from foreign currencies (they cannot be exchanged in Kenya).
Kenya Tipping Etiquette – Do’s & Don’ts
✅ Do’s:
✔ Tip in local currency (KES) when possible.
✔ Place tips in envelopes for safari guides & hotel staff.
✔ Tip at the end of your service (not upfront).
❌ Don’ts:
🚫 Avoid tipping with foreign coins – they are hard to exchange.
🚫 Do not feel obligated to tip if service was poor.
🚫 Don’t tip police officers or government officials – bribery is illegal in Kenya.
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FAQs About Tipping in Kenya
No, but it is highly appreciated, especially in the tourism industry
$10 – $20 per person per day for private safaris, $5 – $10 for group safaris.
Kenyan Shillings (KES) are preferred, but USD notes (from 2010+) are accepted.
