Tipping is a common and valued way to show gratitude for good service. While it is not required in Etosha National Park, visitors often tip as a polite gesture to staff. It is important for travelers to know when and how to offer tips for different services, whether dining out, joining a guided game drive, or staying at accommodation.
At some safari lodges and NWR camps in Etosha, it is recommended to give tips at the end of your stay rather than after each service. Many restaurants have a central tip box at the front desk so that tips can be shared fairly among all staff members, including waiters, cleaners, chefs, and maintenance workers.
Guides play an important role in making your safari memorable by using their knowledge and skills to help you spot and identify wildlife. In Etosha, it is common to tip between N$50 and N$100 per person for group game drives and up to N$150 per person per day for private game drives. If there is a spotter or tracker on the drive, consider giving them half the amount you give the guide, especially if they contributed greatly during the excursion.
When dining at a restaurant or resort, a tip of 10% to 15% is generally offered for table service if the service is good. In casual places such as roadside cafés or bars, rounding up the bill or leaving N$10 to N$20 is considered generous. Tipping is usually not expected for buffet meals or self-catering services unless someone personally assisted you.
Since many employees in these areas may not have easy access to banks or card payments, it is recommended to keep small notes in Namibian dollars for tips. This ensures the money goes directly to the person who provided the service. Asking lodge management about tipping customs at a specific location is also acceptable and shows you want to be respectful.
Find out more about money exchange near Etosha and see our detailed guide on ongava airstrip.
