Question 1

Should I bring cash or will cards work?

Accepted Answer

Bring some cash and rely on cards for the rest. Cities, airports and most lodges take Visa and Mastercard. Cash matters for tips, curios, roadside stops and the odd small camp with no card machine or signal. US dollars are widely accepted across the safari countries; in South Africa the rand is king. Tell us your route and we will tell you how much cash to carry.

Question 2

How much should I tip my guide and the lodge staff?

Accepted Answer

As a guide: around US$10 to US$20 per guest per day for your safari guide, a little less for a tracker, and roughly US$5 to US$10 per guest per day into the general staff box that is shared with the people you never see. Tipping is a thank-you, not a tax — adjust it to the service. Most lodges have a sealed box at reception and your guide is tipped directly.

Question 3

How much spending money do I need day to day?

Accepted Answer

Less than people expect, because the bush is largely all-inclusive. Your real spend is tips, curios, premium wines and anything you do between lodges. For most trips a few hundred dollars in cash across a week covers it comfortably. Cape Town and city days need more, since restaurants and shopping are on you there.

Question 4

What currency should I carry?

Accepted Answer

US dollars are the safe common currency across the safari countries, and small, newer notes are best for tips. In South Africa, use rand for day-to-day spending. Change a little into local currency at the airport for incidentals, keep the rest in dollars, and lean on your card for larger payments.

Money & Tipping

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