Giving a tip to people who have committed their time, skills and knowledge for the best of your safari experience is a way to show gratitude and thanks when you are out on your once-in-a-lifetime adventure of gorilla trekking. It is not obligatory, but it is important and motivating. Tipping is customary and expected, whether it is for a driving guide, a hotel or lodge waiter or receptionist, a porter or ranger guide.
There is no set price or item that must be dictated; instead, we do our best to provide information on how to proceed in order to avoid a situation in which a ranger guide or anybody else takes advantage. Be aware that your hiking permit covers the cost of the ranger guide; therefore a tip is not mandatory but rather an appreciation. Porters have own prices for their services, usually between 10$ to 15$, although they can be tipped for providing great services.
Gorilla trekking in Uganda is a thrilling but exhausting exercise that takes place on foot in a dense forest with slopes, thorns and shrubbery, among other things. After going through the ordeal together, it’s important to recognize the team’s unwavering commitment and contributions at every turn.
What to do?
It is advisable to wait to tip after the whole trip or gorilla trekking exercise. This is to reduce the excitement and keep the person or the entire team concentrating from the start to the end of the adventure.
Don’t limit yourself by “how much is a tip” and don’t ask the person, unless convicted to do so. Give what you can, in consideration of the service offered and how much you have enjoyed the company.
If you are handled by a group, then we advise you tip the entire group rather than an individual. This you can do by giving the team leader, and then instruct in the presence of everyone that the tip can be divided.
You can tip in any currency at hand, either US Dollars, Francs, Euros or Ugandan currency. It can range from $5 to any amount you so wish.
Don’t be forced or influenced to tip, but rather let it come from your heart. Also, let no one stop you from tipping a group or person you wish. In a situation where a facility like the lodge has a specific tipping box, then put the money in a staff tipping box so that all members can get a share.
Where to do gorilla trekking?
Gorillas are only found in the continent of Africa and so are tracking them. Find the rare mountain gorilla species and Eastern lowland gorillas in the East and central part of Africa.
Gorillas are man’s closest relatives, sharing about 98% of the human genes. They feed on primary foliage such as the fruits, roots, stems and bamboo.
You can now find and track the gorillas at their misty jungle of Africa – some of the oldest tropical forests in the world. Visit Volcanoes National Park in the Republic of Rwanda, Virunga National Park and Kahuzi – Biega National Park in Democratic Republic of Congo and Bwindi Impenetrable National park and Mgahinga gorilla national Park in Uganda. Gorilla trekking starts very early in the morning, with a briefing by park rangers at the headquarters and sessions last for about 30 minutes. Depending on your tracking speed, the trekking exercise lasts for roughly 2-6 hours, plus an extra hour for photos and observing the apes.
The trekking permit is a compulsory trekking document costs $700 for Uganda, $1500, and $400 for the Democratic Republic of Congo, per person per day. The money covers the park entrance, ranger fee, and some contributions to the local community living outside the park.
Tipping during a gorilla trekking safari is a good gesture and highly recommended but not mandatory. Above are some ideas you may use while on your trip to Uganda or any other destination for gorilla trekking. Book your gorilla trekking safari today.
