The cost for a non-hunting observer can be as low as $25 per day in some African safari camps. If everything has to be flown in it might cost quite a bit more. If staff only get room and board, and tips are expected to pay their wages then THAT cost is negligible!

If the client books an exclusive camp (ie no other clients), then theoretically he has already paid what the outfitter has asked for in terms of profits for the camp. The gross margin on the observers' fees is icing on the profit margin.

Nothing wrong with any of that. The word is "negotiation" when booking.

I got burned on my last safari for the video cameraman. I was asked for a full observer "client" daily rate. However the guy I hired as cameraman was accomodated in the PHs quarters and the place was over-full ie about 6 guys to one hut. No way was I going to pay $175 per day for that. I think I asked for $50 per day, and paid $70 in the end. Still too high. Cost would have been about $30 per day.

My point is next time I will negotiate this well before I sign on the dotted line.

The word is "negotiation".