Good restaurant service commonly receives 10%. On safari, ask the lodge for its own guide, tracker and staff-pool recommendations: there is no single amount for every camp.
About 10%Dining quick answer
Guidance applies to the services described below; customs can differ by provider.
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Botswana tipping cheat sheet
Amounts, whether a tip is expected, and the exceptions that matter. Open a row for details.
RestaurantsAdvice & exceptionsAbout 10%
Good restaurant service commonly receives 10%. On safari, ask the lodge for its own guide, tracker and staff-pool recommendations: there is no single amount for every camp.
Before paying: Check for an included service charge or gratuity. If adding a card tip, confirm the total before completing payment; with cash, make clear what is a tip and what change you need.
Taxis & ride-hailingAdvice & exceptionsRound up
A fare round-up is sufficient for ordinary taxi service.
Hotels & resortsAdvice & exceptionsUS$5–10 / person / day
For the lodge staff pool, separate from ranger tips.
When & how: Use the reception tip box where provided.
Bellhop & luggage helpAdvice & exceptionsUsually within staff pool
The cited safari-lodge staff budget is shared; check the pool before separately tipping the porter.
HousekeepingAdvice & exceptionsUsually within staff pool
Use the lodge’s shared staff tip arrangement rather than automatically adding a second daily gratuity.
Tour guidesAdvice & exceptionsUS$10–15 / person / day
Original Travel’s safari-ranger guideline; the upper end rewards excellent guiding.
FROM ARRIVAL TO CHECKOUT
Your journey
Arriving & getting around
Keep a prepaid airport transfer separate from a metered taxi or a full-day driver. For tour budgets, check the unit and whether guide and driver tips are separate.
If you choose to give a personal cash tip, use a currency the recipient can spend and make its purpose clear. Card payment for the bill does not guarantee a card-tip facility. Check the final total before approving it.
For a prepaid tour or resort stay, read the gratuity inclusions. A service fee, a staff tip pool and an individual guide tip may cover different people.
