Tipping Guide for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park – Tipping is the act of giving extra money, usually in appreciation of services rendered by a person.
In Uganda, tipping is not a tradition and is therefore not mandatory after a service.
However, visitors from countries or places where tipping is common find it reasonable to tip and sometimes wonder how it is done in Uganda, even though it is not a cultural practice among the citizens.
Below is a simple guide on how tipping can be done and some reasons why it could be considered, even in a country like Uganda, where tipping is not a tradition.
Most of the people who are often tipped are members of the service industry who earn very small wages. Tipping them could greatly help supplement their budgets.
The exact amount to offer as a tip is entirely up to the tourist or visitor. It is often received with love and excitement as a heartfelt moment of sharing and unexpected generosity.
People Who Can Be Tipped
Tour Drivers
Tourists spend most of their time being driven by friendly drivers who update them on different communities, animals, and interesting locations.
They also provide firsthand information during the journey, making it more exciting and lively. Therefore, tipping them would be greatly appreciated.
Activity or Destination Guides
These individuals carefully explain different sites, their importance, and even the smallest details of a place, providing great value to the tourism experience.
Tipping them is more than just an act of love and appreciation.
Trackers
This applies in the case of gorilla trekking, where trackers go ahead of tour guides and trekkers to ensure that gorillas are easily found. They contribute significantly to a mind-blowing wildlife adventure.
Trackers are usually encountered shortly before tourists see the gorillas and chimps, and their work is often overlooked.
Therefore, tipping them as a way of appreciating their contribution to a successful trekking experience would be worthwhile.
Waiters and Waitresses
These individuals have direct interactions with tourists and their families, making their tourism experience more than just an adventure but also a cherished family moment.
They provide first-class services in the best possible time. Tipping them as a token of appreciation for a fulfilling and pleasant day would make the experience even better.
Porters
Although porters receive a standard wage of $20, tipping them a little extra for carrying a tourist’s items and being hospitable would greatly support them and their families.
Tourists can also assist porters by carrying some belongings in steep areas when the porters are exhausted, portraying kindness and love for fellow humans.
Security Personnel
These include game rangers and other security personnel assigned to protect tourists during their activities. Tipping them could motivate them to work even harder in ensuring the safety of future tourists.
People Who May Not Need Tipping
While tipping some people is advisable, tipping others may not be necessary. Such groups include:
Company Owners and Managers
These individuals are high-ranking and receive excellent salaries for their services. Therefore, tipping them is not necessary.
Chefs
Chefs often fall under the category of company owners and managers and receive good salaries, so additional tipping is not required.
However, in cases where a chef prepares a special meal that the tourist has never tasted before and the tourist wishes to show appreciation, tipping may be considered.
Tipping in Uganda is not a tradition and is therefore not compulsory. However, it is entirely at the discretion of the tourist or visitor, and the amount given depends on the individual offering it as a token of appreciation.
Tipping in Uganda is not a tradition and is therefore not compulsory. However, it is entirely at the discretion of the tourist or visitor, and the amount given depends on the individual offering it as a token of appreciation.
