The short answer
Tipping is expected and service wages are low. Car-guards who watch your parked car expect a few rand — it's normal.
What to tip, service by service
- Restaurants
- 10–15% at restaurants.
- Bars & cafés
- Round up or 10%.
- Taxis & rideshare
- 10% of the fare.
- Hotels
- 10–20 rand per night housekeeping; 5–10 rand per bag.
- Tour guides & drivers
- 10–15% for guides; on safari, tip the ranger and tracker daily.
Good to know
Car-guards who watch your parked car expect a few rand — it's normal. Customs shift over time and by venue, and tourist areas often expect more than locals give. When in doubt, a small tip in the local currency and cash is rarely wrong.