BOOK DIVING NOW
LEARNING CENTRE
Call Us +254700934854

How Much Should I Be Tipping in Kenya?

AboutFrequently Asked Questions (FAQs)How Much Should I Be Tipping in Kenya?

Planning a trip to Kenya? Amazing! You’ll meet friendly people and receive excellent service. But tipping customs might confuse you. Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered.

Let’s walk through exactly how much to tip in Kenya, and when.


Is Tipping in Kenya Expected?

No, tipping isn’t mandatory. However, it’s a common part of the culture—especially in tourism.

Most service workers earn low base salaries. That’s why your tip matters. It directly supports the people helping you enjoy your trip. While tipping is optional, it’s often expected and always appreciated.

So, if someone offers great service, go ahead and tip.


General Tipping Guidelines in Kenya

Now, let’s break it down by situation.

At Hotels and Lodges

You’ll meet porters, housekeepers, waiters, and more. Here’s how to tip:

  • Porters: Tip Ksh 100–200 per bag.
  • Housekeeping: Leave Ksh 200–500 per night.
  • Tip box: Many hotels have one at reception. Drop in Ksh 1,000–2,000 per night. It gets split among all staff.

This system ensures everyone benefits—front and back of house.

At Restaurants and Bars

When you eat out, tipping is easy.

  • Standard tip: Add about 10% to your bill.
  • Already included? Check for a service charge. If it’s there, tipping extra isn’t necessary—but still nice if service was great.

On Safari

Your guides and drivers work hard. They deserve a good tip.

  • Driver-guides: Tip $10–$20 USD per person, per day.
  • Spotters or trackers: Add $5–$10 if they’re part of your team.

You can give the tip in cash at the end of your safari.


Tipping While Scuba Diving in Kenya

Diving in Kenya? You’re in for a treat—warm waters, vibrant reefs, and dedicated crew.

But don’t forget your dive team. They do much more than guide you underwater. They keep you safe, carry gear, prep tanks, drive the boat, and manage logistics.

Who Should You Tip?

  • Instructors – They train, brief, and supervise you.
  • Divemasters – They guide dives and handle safety.
  • Boat crew – They manage equipment, tanks, and transport.

Every person plays a key role. So it’s best to tip fairly across the team.

How Much Should You Tip?

  • Per dive trip: Tip Ksh 500–1,000 per diver, per dive trip.
  • Dive packages: Tip 10–15% of the total package price.
  • Outstanding service? Tip more! It goes a long way.

How Do You Tip?

You’ve got two easy choices:

  1. Tip directly. Hand cash to your instructor or divemaster.
  2. Use the communal tip box. It’s often at the dive shop. All tips get split equally between instructors, divemasters, captains, and crew.

Want to be sure? Just ask the staff how they prefer it.


Quick Tips for Tipping

Let’s keep it practical:

  • Use Kenyan Shillings. Locals prefer it. However they won’t say no if you have USD (after 2013 notes)
  • Carry small bills. Makes tipping simpler.
  • Tip at the end. Especially for multi-day dives or safaris.

Final Thoughts

In Kenya, tipping isn’t just polite—it’s powerful. It shows gratitude, supports local workers, and builds goodwill. Whether you’re checking out of a lodge, finishing a dive, or leaving a restaurant, a small tip makes a big difference.

So go ahead. Tip with confidence—and enjoy your trip!

KEEP EXPLORING

Scuba Instructor- Your Passport to Travel

Becoming a scuba instructor doesn’t just give you a career. It gives you a passport to the world. With your certification in hand, you...

Empowering Disabled Divers: Understanding the SSI Classified Diver Program

Scuba diving can be life-changing for anyone — especially for people with disabilities. With proper training and support, the underwater world becomes more accessible...

FAQS

How to Improve Your Air Consumption as a Scuba Diver

How to Log Your Dives the Right Way – And Why...

Related Articles

How to Improve Your Air Consumption as a Scuba Diver

If you’re looking to stay underwater longer and feel more in control of your...

Cancellation and Refund Policy: Everything You Need to Know

At Ocean Tribe, we understand that plans change. Whether it’s due to unexpected weather,...

How to Log Your Dives the Right Way – And Why It Matters

Logging your dives might seem like a simple afterthought—just ticking a few boxes and...

How to Apply for a Visa for Kenya: A Step-by-Step Guide

Planning a trip to Kenya? Whether you’re coming for a beach holiday, safari, scuba...

How Long Does a Scuba Dive Last at Ocean Tribe?

Many divers ask, how long does a scuba dive last? At Ocean Tribe in Diani Beach,...

Can You Try Scuba Diving Without Certification in Kenya?

Thinking about trying scuba diving while visiting Kenya? Great news — You can go...

Which Scuba Training Agency Should You Learn To Dive With?

Embarking on your scuba diving journey is an exciting endeavour. A pivotal question arises: Which...

How Deep Can You Dive? Understanding Scuba Diving Depth Limits

Scuba diving opens up an extraordinary underwater world. But one of the most common...

SPECIAL OFFER
LEARN TO DIVE COMBO PACKAGES
Get extras on top of your Open Water Diver course for less
(All materials and fees included)

Open Water Course on its own (3 Days)- $499
Open Water & Perfect Buoyancy (4 Days)- $550 
Open Water &  Enriched Air Nitrox (3 Days)- $540
Open Water & Advanced Open Water (6 Days)- $750
Open Water + Enriched Air + Deep Diving + Navigation Diving (6 Days) - $750
Open Water & Sea Turtle Ecology (3 Days)- $540
Open Water & Any Ecology Specialty (3 Days) - $540
  • Get better buoyancy and your first specialty diver rating
  • Get certified to use Nitrox as well as learn to dive
  • Get your Open Water and Advanced courses
  • Do full Advanced Packages once you have learned to dive
FIND OUT MORE
close-link
Ocean

Book Online and Save

Save on our in-Diani rates by booking online now and getting $10 off 
BOOK NOW
Terms and Conditions apply
close-link
Click Me
Mark

Mark

Ocean Tribe Dive Team

I will be back soon

Mark
Hi there! I will be delighted to assist you with your diving enquiry. How can I help you today?
WhatsApp Chat with Us