Tipping in Kenya
KESLast reviewed · Feb 2026
Tipping is customary in Kenya, especially in tourism. In cities, restaurants often tip 10-15%, while safari guides, lodge staff, and drivers follow their own separate tipping patterns.
Tipping customaryMost common situations
Restaurant
Standard:10-15%
Exceptional:15%
Show details
+Check the bill for service charge first
+In Nairobi and tourist areas, 10-15% is common
−Casual local places may only need rounding up
Bar
Standard:Round up
Taxi
Standard:Round up
Exceptional:100-300 KES
Show details
+Round up for longer trips or luggage help
−Short rides usually only need rounding up
How to tip in Kenya
•Check the bill for service charge in city restaurants
•Use KES for everyday tips and small extras
•Treat safari guides, lodge staff, and city service separately
Quick tips
Safari guides often get 10-20 USD per guest per day
Lodge tip boxes are common on safari
City tipping is lighter than safari tipping
Other situations (8)
DeliveryRound up
Hairdresser / BarberRound up
Spa & MassageRound up
Hotel Staff100-200 KES per bag
Tour guides10 USD per person per day
Valet ParkingRound up
Airport Services100-200 KES per bag
Car Services / UberRound up
Travelers also check
Next step for your trip
Travel essentials
Helpful tools for planning your trip to Kenya
We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Tipping questions in Kenya
Tipping Terms Glossary
- Service charge
- A mandatory fee added to the bill by the establishment, separate from optional tips.
- Round up
- To increase the total bill amount to the nearest convenient whole number or denomination.
- Exceptional service
- Service that exceeds standard expectations, often warranting a higher tip percentage or amount.
- Cash preferred
- A preference for cash tips over card tips, often because card tips may not reach staff directly.