I would add. It is important to make it personal. On those envelopes, put the person's name and hand it to them yourself. This way its kept clean and people feel appreciated even more.
I don’t know what you do for a job mate, but to turnaround and tell those watching they should not go on safari because they may disagree with tipping. Is in my opinion a very arrogant statement to make.There is many a man and woman out there that saved for years to go on safari..So your saying the hunter has to pay for the animals they shoot and by the sounds of it every bill the outfitters have.What I mean is your subsidising the outfitters.Well mate I,m a carpenter and nobody subsidises my wages ever.It’s a hard world out there.I also would like to say that American hunters have pushed the prices of hunting up around the world.Even down here in New Zealand
We never said don’t go on Safari. What we said was if you can’t afford to spend around $1,200 on tips during a 7 day Safari then you probably don’t need to go. Here’s the thing; most people will spend between $8k and $12k on there first trip which doesn’t include taxidermy. If tipping is going to put the trip out of reach financially then don’t go because if you can’t afford to tip then you certainly can’t afford the taxidermy.
David has a point. I too am in the service industry (property services) and I can count on 1 hand the tips I have received from clients over my 40+ year career. And we’re good at what we do, we always have a waiting list for our services. The same is true for our entire industry, at least in our area that’s how it is. And in my industry we too go the extra mile to take care of our customers. The safari prices are already quite substantial and out of reach for most folks. And then to add tips on top of that. Ouch. Okay, if that’s how it is then I’ll tip as per this video when I go. But still a lot of us out there in the service industry aren’t getting tipped. I do however always tip generously the wait staff at restaurants. Thanks for posting and cheers.
I just returned from my first Safari at Huntershill in South Africa. What a great trip. The worst thing about tipping, carrying all that damn cash. I was a nervous wreck! If you have a great experience, please tip what you can, most of those folks are working hard so you can have a memorable trip.
That’s awesome. Don’t discount the Free State or the Karoo. Both are also great places to hunt Springbok 👍🏻👍🏻🇿🇦🇿🇦 if you need a recommendation let us know . 🍻
@@saltlickoutdoorsworldwide Yes, please that would be amazing to get recommendations from somebody like you that has been multiple times. I would really appreciate any help or suggestions.
Sir, you should feel very lucky to still only be paying $300.00 for day fee's, that is below average by a fair margin. If you don't mind us asking who is the outfitter and how are they on their game prices? Or is this a package kinda deal?
Holy Cow - coming from a country (Australia),where we never tip (and on the odd occasion we ever do, people look at you as if 'what's this bloke up to'), sounds as if the tipping will cost as much as the trip. Oh Boy!
It’s a very small fraction of the overall cost of the trip. But we understand your concern. Remember the folks in this industry get paid very little a day, they rely on tips to actually survive and hopefully get ahead.
Don't forget safari staff aren't working set hours. The days can be 18hours long 7 days a week. For a 2 or even 3 week safari, you'll expect top service the entire time, so the incentive is the knowledge that at the end of the hunt a nice bonus is coming. Staff are taught to not expect tips but they are extremely grateful when they get it
@@jangulherme2243 Awesome. Please don't think my comment in anyway implied that those folk don't deserve a tip - I understand that they certainly do. I hired a driver recently for a 5 week photographic trip around India. He was awesome and I know his boss did not pay him very much. So even though we don't tip in Australia and I don't travel with that mentality, I gave my guy a tip well over $300 and he thought that all of his birthdays had come at once!
You have to realise that minimum wage in Australia is $20+ dollars an hour, so tips are not necessary. Where in Africa minimum wage is a $1 an hour, or even $60 dollars a month. So the people rely on your tips
Suggest you get local currency for most of the tips. It is not easy sometimes for the staff to change dollars or euros to South African Rand. If they do it will be at a bad rate. Should be ok to tip your PH in USD or Euro though. You can confirm this with your PH before your trip as well.
In some countries the inflation is beyond what you can imagine. Tipping in USD is a way for safari staff to save for the future. If you tip in local currency it will worthless in a very short time
I bring thank you cards with me...instead of just envelopes...and write little thank you notes in each one in order to make it really personal. These people work so HARD and deserve our respect and gratitude. One question though, does this vary country to country. For example, we just went to Zimbabwe and I'm not sure if we lived up to the standards presented here although everyone seemed very happy. (We did ask for advice from our PH)
So a few points to make... Tips are not mandatory, but if you roll into camp in day one and tell everyone not to expect a tip, don't expect everyone to bend over backwards. Staff really do rely on tips, not that they aren't paid enough, but just to get ahead a little in life. Think of it as paying it forward, think about the guy coming in after you. If the last client has tipped well the staff will be motivated to give 110% for the next one Bear in mind the season can be short and hunts back to back, which means little or no time off and long, long days. It's nice to think that at the end there's a little something extra Lastly in some cases, guys are literally putting their lives or at least their health in the line to make sure your safari goes as planned
I find the amounts quite high. Aiming for 7,5-10% of the total cost as the total tip seems reasonable. $100 per day for a PH would be a very good tip in my experience.
In Europe as a general rule we start at 5% and never go above 10%. In some European countries you don't tip at all and in some Asian countries tipping it is even considered an insult.
@christianuscarolus6890 well on Safari you should probably follow the minimums I suggested and not use 5% or any percentage for that mater. Don’t know about Asia, but I do know South Africa well
Hope my reply would not be seen as arrogant seeing I am an African PH I agree tipping is not mandatory it is expected Here is a few facts of our industry 40 years ago there were but a handful of PH’s in Africa also the amount of game farms were but a fraction than what it is today These days you kick a bush and 5 PH’s fall out every young boy struggling to get a job in Africa wants to become a PH although hunting prices went up for the oversea hunter the PH fee went down or stayed the same for the past 15years There are just to many PH’s around and that makes the industry so competitive for us that if you are not a world renowned name you wont get work from game farm owners if you charge a fair wage for your work done as PH That is also a very big problem in our industry where someone takes out clients with not enough experience and that is were things can go horribly wrong bad calls bad advise and bad experiences all happen because of that And before I get shot by my own community please understand that most PH’s you will encounter will give you the Safari of a live time it is just that the competition is so high that a farm owner or outfitter can get a PH to conduct a hunt for him these days at a very low rate and again not all game farms or outfitters is like that That is why I want to thank all hunters that gives us a fair tip we try Our best to give you the experience of a lifetime on every trip and your tips help us to pay the bills where in some cases we get paid way below par we have to take the work if the pay is fair or not we have families depending on us and your tips bring it back to par for us There is nothing more frustrating than sitting at home waiting for someone to call and ask you to do a hunt for him sometimes weeks can pass also cancelling hunts means that the game farm owner or outfitter gets his deposit the PH gets nothing but a empty space on his or her calendar with no hunts to fill that gap I thank you for your channel and all you mean for hunting
Thank you for sharing your insights and experiences as a professional hunter in South Africa. Your perspective sheds valuable light on the complexities and challenges faced by PHs in today's hunting industry. We recognize that the landscape has evolved significantly over the years, with an increase in competition and the economic pressures you mentioned. It's eye-opening to understand just how these dynamics impact PHs, especially when it comes to fair compensation and job security. Your point about the importance of experience and expertise in ensuring safe and rewarding hunts cannot be overstated. It highlights why tipping isn't just a gesture of appreciation but also a crucial support to professionals like you who are committed to providing exceptional experiences, often under challenging conditions. We're grateful to you and all the PHs who work tirelessly to make each safari unforgettable. Thank you for taking the time to engage with our content and for everything you do in the field. Your efforts don't go unnoticed, and your feedback is incredibly valuable to our community. Keep watching, and thank you again for contributing to a more informed and respectful hunting community.
I agree! The PH is the poor bugger who does the hard yard and sometimes risks his/her life to save the client's arse. Then he has to pay the Concession holder their HUGE fees, all the Govt fees, then pay his workers, and recoup costs - and take home what's left (which isn't very much!!). 👍
This was only about amounts and if there was one word about etiquette my mind must have wandered. (Not uncommon) How and when are the tips presented to avoid any awkwardness? Do I need a leather pouch on my belt beside my cartridge pouch just to carry tip bills in? LOL Do I hand my PH a couple of Benjamins on the ride back to the hacienda? I always tip at least 20%----or more at the bar if the experience is lighthearted. The power of tipping is in the choice of withholding a tip when there is "dawdling service" as former Texas Ranger, Gus McRae (Lonesome Dove), might allude to. I think an experienced PH would steer me in the right direction regarding tipping, but I had hoped to learn more from this vid, although it was somewhat informative.
Ah yes, because when I searched for 'Safari Tipping Etiquette,' I was *definitely* expecting a deep dive into the ethics of hunting instead! But since you asked, we hunt these beautiful animals because responsible hunting funds conservation efforts, supports local communities, and ensures the wildlife populations are well-managed. Plus, I’d love to keep them all as pets, but my HOA doesn’t allow lions in the front yard, so hunting it is!
All I have to say about this is Europeans think Americans are nuts on the tipping issue. This guy's perspective is very provincial. Go on the US state departments web site and you will find that in most African countries average income is less than $100/month.
Thank you for sharing your perspective. Everyone is certainly welcome to their own opinion on tipping. However, it's important to consider the broader context. Many individuals working in the service industry in South Africa are still earning the same wages they did 15-20 years ago, despite the significant rise in the cost of living. In many Western countries, wages have generally increased over the past two decades to keep up with inflation and the cost of living. It would be unrealistic to expect an American or European to work for the same wages they earned 15-20 years ago. Tipping can help bridge the gap between stagnant wages and the rising cost of living, providing much-needed additional income to those who rely on it. While the average income in many African countries may be low, tipping can make a substantial difference in the lives of those working in the tourism and service sectors. It’s not just about adhering to local customs but also about recognizing and appreciating the hard work and dedication of the individuals who contribute to making our experiences memorable.
So American, tipping is a No No, Pay staff well, so no tip is needed. We will be causing favouritism and tipping then becomes expected even with poor service. All cost up front. Don't bring American ideas to the rest of the world, We are happy the way it is. That's my 2 cents worth.
@saltlickoutdoorsworldwide Sure was born in Zimbabwe, have lived in South Africa, and travel worldwide, including the USA. I'm not against tipping for good service on occasion, I'm against an expected tipping system. I've seen the complicaticates it cause among employees. If we pay well, then there is no need for extra payments for the job you do day in the day out. If there is a payment for extra ordinary service, then it should be split evenly among all employees. Cash can be replaced with food or small gift. Regards
That’s a fantastic response it makes it easier to know where you’re coming from. We totally understand and thanks for being a part of this debate. It appears there is most definitely not “one system fits all”. Cheers 🍻
Wow Sir.. Jolly interesting video.. Thank you.. Most Generous of you indeed...!! Every One to there own.. Do what makes you happy..!! And if indeed you can afford those "Tremendous Tips" then Do it..!! You do know that the Staff and entire camp compilation are very well rewarded through your initial Safari fee/Charge... If they were not.. They would have fled for "Greener Pastures" Pay attention to fleecing yourself..!! And Fucking it up for others.. Anyhow thank you... Regards From Zimbabwe.. Cheers 🍻
Hello from Saltlick Outdoors, and thanks for your engaging feedback! I appreciate your perspective and understand that the upfront costs of a safari can seem comprehensive. It's true that the initial fees contribute to staff wages, but tipping is often a direct way to acknowledge the individuals who go above and beyond during our stay. It's about valuing their exceptional service on a personal level. While I agree that everyone should tip according to their own discretion and financial ability, our aim is to encourage a culture of gratitude and fairness. It's not about fleecing oneself but about fairly compensating for outstanding service that enhances our experience. Thank you for sharing your thoughts, and cheers from Saltlick Outdoors! 🍻
@saltlickoutdoorsworldwide Many thanks for the quick response.. As you rightly mention, tips are an important part of the experience and I do indeed agree with a tip.. It's a bit of Bugger to explain Boetie..!! If you over tip especially the African Staff.. (I am African... Fully African.. 3rd Generation Rhodesian..) they tend not to conceptualise that different strokes for different folks and some folks do things differently.. They then put start Fucking the cat to demand good tips are always "Expected" if you get my Drifft Boetie..!! Anyhow.. I do appreciate your video.. And as I say one must do what one must do.. And besides who am I to tell anyone what to do or think..?? Just my head...!!! Cheers 🍻 and Respect A Zimbabwean Lad.. 👍
@@charlieking-williams9725 just curious, do you think that the range we gave for tipping was too high? and if so would you like to give us your recommendations?
@saltlickoutdoorsworldwide Good Evening Sir.. Mate.. Honestly yes I do.. Several reasons.. A) Firstly you are seriously paying top Dollar for your Safari.. (This goes for All South African and Zimbabwean, Namibian, Zambian, Botswana Visitor's) We were brought up with a rifle in our hands, no shoes and eat what you shot.. Regardless...!! and taught to shoot straight.. Game was plentiful and Farms where managed correctly.. We never paid to Hunt...!! Just like your for fathers in the States...!! B) THE Communist/Socialist Fucking Agenda has Spread like Wild Fire across Europe and your Once Beautiful U.S.A. C) It is about Money now Boetie.. Greed.. Yes And Granted there are Stunning Conservation Folk out there And Respect to them... No one in my Mind should have to pay so much for Nature's Bounties.... It's our Natural Right.. But do not abuse it...!! I could go on and on.. Cheers 🍻
I think his tip schedule is fine. On the “top end” it’s under 2K. What’s 2 K on a Safari hunt??? Maybe hunters need to keep saving or hunt locally and avoid having to stiff the staff. I do many guided hunt and his tip schedule is fine.
Well Sir. I guess it’s because people in the service industry make less (generally) than people working in other fields, as such a majority of their income is derived from tips. If not for the tips they couldn’t support their families. Which country are you from? And does no one tip there?
Good catch. Was wondering when someone would bring that up. We like to keep the same format from a rate perspective just divide it by 2. In that if you are hunting 2 on 1 and you were going to tip your PH say $150 per day, make it $75 per hunter per day.
@faksen13 most times your room will have a safe or your outfitter will have a safe that you can store your cash. But in my experience you really don’t have to worry about theft when on Safari. These outfitter’s don’t put up with it at all and set very high standards for their staff. If you are uncomfortable you can always bring it with you in the field. We all carry day packs and it can easily be stowed there where it’s always at your side
I have been lucky to have hunted in Africa and North America and tipping is a real problem , i have had guides in NA that have started talking about how much they have been tipped by the previous hunter ( very rude) and they turned out to be a shit guides. The problem as i see it is that 99% of hunts are in US $ or Euro ,so people coming from a country with a much lower exchange rate basically have to pay near double for the hunt . So adding an extra couple of hundred each day for tips on top of the existing day rate is a real killer . As you said tipping is up to the individual
@user-nz1er3se6b at the end of the day the video was put out as a guide for those who aren’t sure the ins and outs of tipping. For bad service tip less or tip more for better service. At the end of the day it’s the hunter that has to make that decision after the hunt. I do agree that if a guide talks about a tip he got from another client it puts a warning sign up right away.
Per day???? Are you out of your mind? A whole monthly salary in South Africa is around 300-400 usd/month and im going to tip them half a salary per day???? Thats crazy- been to safaris, been a good client/hunter and left decent tips- but your method its certainly over tipping
So because you’ve been (once with someone who told you that they’ve been before) and you think PH’s make $300-$400 per month you’re now the expert? Not Sorry to say you are out of your mind and 100% wrong. I appreciate the comment but you’re living in a different reality.
