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In my naive ignorance, before I went on my first safari last year I thought most PH's were pretty
loaded (i.e rich) Stewart Grainger types. I was soon disabused of this idea when I got there. They work bloody hard (up at 4.30 or 5) finishing late. My PH worked his arse off for me, a young guy (28)...

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One of my PH's family was worth many hundreds of millions of dollars.

However many are not doing it JUST as an interest.

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I consider the tip part of the cost of the safari. If I can't afford the tip I can't afford the safari. Tips are all the compensation some camp staff receive. Given the economy of countries like Zimbabwe, most rural Africans need all the help they can get. They earn it too.

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Interesting is the argument is tipping is essential because the staff is so poorly paid yet ...

... one outfitter has an annual European holiday after each hunting season, a house in town, a country house, and a house boat on Lake Kariba ...

... another has seven houses in Australia as investments ...

Most established ones are fairly well off.

Nothing wrong in being successful at business but don't expect customers to pay more than the agreed price just because the employer refuses to pay fair wages.

But other examples ...

... apprentice PHs paid about $25 per day ...

... PHs (dangerous game qualified) paid about $200 per day INCLUDING supplying own vehicle, but given fuel to use on the safari ...

What price are these staff being charged out at?

... staff charged for equipment (radio equipment) damaged, and when it was damaged by the outfitter (owner) himself ...

Tipping is definitely demographic and depends heavily on where the customer is from. As often do prices actually charged.

I should keep my mouth shut more.

PS I do tip, meant as a meaningful gift, but not as a substitute for wages not paid. I do not like the practice at all and find it demeaning to both customer and staff.