TIPPING GUIDE FOR MOUNT RWENZORI – Tipping is a kind way of showing appreciation, but you are advised to tip wisely so that you also keep money for other needs such as buying handicrafts, clothes, or ornaments.
Tipping is voluntary and done after appreciating the service given to you, either during activities in the national park or in restaurants at your lodge. Some park staff are tipped as a group, while others are tipped separately depending on the rules. Always break your money into smaller notes to make it easy to share among the staff.
The amount you tip will depend on the length and difficulty of your Rwenzori trip, and the number of staff who helped you. Do not feel forced to tip, and if any staff member pressures you for money, report it to the park office, as it is against park policy.
As a guide, you can tip the chefs about $15–20 per day for preparing meals and offering good service. Assistant guides can be tipped around $10–15 per day, and cooks about $10–15 per day as well. Porters can receive around $8–10 per day, which is always appreciated. Drivers are usually tipped at the end of your safari. For trekking guides, you can give around $10–25 per day, depending on how challenging the journey was.
There is no fixed currency for tipping, but it is best to use the local currency since many staff live far from towns. Make sure to withdraw enough cash before the trip, as there are no nearby banks, forex bureaus, or ATMs. Also remember that exchange rates change daily, so the rate today may not be the same tomorrow.
The best time to tip is after receiving a service or when saying goodbye. You may also use this moment to share advice or suggestions about areas that can be improved. Giving tips in an envelope, especially for porters and guides, is considered a thoughtful gesture.
