Planning a trip to Kenya and wondering whether to tip during your stay? While not mandatory, tips are highly appreciated by locals who do not earn high salaries. We explain when to tip in Kenya and what amounts to budget for...

Should you tip in Kenya?

Tipping is not mandatory in Kenya. Nevertheless, it is always greatly appreciated by locals who do not earn high salaries (see box below). By tipping, you can help support Kenyans and their families. Especially since it doesn't take much to make a real difference, as the exchange rate of Kenyan currency to euros equals (as of July 30, 2024):

• 1 euro = 140.26 Kenyan shillings

• 1 Kenyan shilling = 0.00713 euro

What is the average salary in Kenya?

In Kenya, the minimum monthly salary is 15,120 Kenyan shillings, or just over 100 euros. Of course, as everywhere else, the cost of living is not the same across the entire country: in major cities like the capital Nairobi and tourist beach resorts like Mombasa, the average salary is generally higher (up to 400 euros per month).

Who should you tip in Kenya and how much should you budget?

In Kenya, it is customary to tip in certain situations, the main ones being:

Tipping hotel staff

In most accommodations in Kenya, you will very often encounter baggage handlers who will help you carry your belongings up and down to your room. To thank them, it is customary to give at least 1 US dollar per bag (approximately 130 Kenyan shillings per bag carried).

Moreover, you can also tip hotel staff members (housekeeping, receptionists, servers, etc.) if you are satisfied with their service. In this case, it is advisable to give the amount that seems fair to you at the end of your stay by depositing it in the tip box you will find at reception. The tips will then be shared among all hotel employees.

Tipping at restaurants

Most dining establishments generally charge an additional 10% of the bill for service. If this is not the case, it is customary to leave a tip of the same amount.

Tipping on a Kenya safari

Planning a wildlife safari in Kenya? Then, we recommend setting aside some money in your safari budget for tips.

Here's who to tip and what amounts to budget for on a safari:

Tips for lodge and tent camp staff during a safari

In the same way as for other types of accommodation, it is customary to leave tips for baggage handlers present inthe different types of accommodations available for sleeping on safari in Kenya.

Again, you can budget at least 1 US dollar per bag carried (approximately 130 Kenyan shillings per bag). To thank the staff, who will cater to your every need throughout your stay, you can also set aside a small amount to put in the reception tip box (tip box) when you leave. The amount will then be shared fairly among all staff members.

Tips for drivers and guides on a safari

If there are tips not to overlook on a safari, they are those for guides and drivers. And for good reason, they will be entirely at your service throughout your safari in the national parks and reserves of Kenya. And often, they will do everything possible to make your adventure unforgettable. Of course, there is no set rule and tips are not mandatory, but if you are satisfied, they are welcome!

Generally speaking, it is customary to give 10 US dollars (approximately 1,300 Kenyan shillings) per day and per person to your guide. The same applies to your driver. If you sleep in the bush, also budget the same amount for the cook who will accompany you.

How to do it? The best way is to put all your group's tips in a sealed envelope and hand it personally to your guide and driver at the end of the safari.

What currency should you use for tipping in Kenya?

Although Kenya's national currency is the Kenyan Shilling, it is almost always possible to pay in US dollars at accommodations, restaurants and tourist sites like national parks. Some establishments also accept payment in euros.

But then, what currency should you budget for tipping in Kenya? You can keep reserves in Kenyan Shilling, US dollars or euros. But be careful! If you want to give tips in foreign currencies (dollars or euros), plan only bills. Indeed, coins are not accepted by banks and exchange offices.