I hunted cow elephant for seven days in the Zambezi Valley.

I was told by someone a lot of the camp staff in the Zambezi had been spoilt by excessive tips and now often complain to the PH at the end if the tip wasn't big enough.

I paid what was recommended to the Game Scout and the Chief tracker. I paid the Game Scout well as he was decisive and made decisions quickly. When asked can we cull this cow elephant with its trunk cut two-thirds off. He immediately said "YES". Then asked "For meat and skin only? No fee?" He replied "YES". So I was able to cull the ele as a true cull saving from US$1500 to US$2500. Plus during the safari while he did little tracking - many game scouts do - he always offered to carry one or more of my cameras.

So I tipped him the recommend $US100.

The Main tracker is the "head" staff member so I tipped him the same.

Obviously it was a good tip as the videocameraman said "They will be happy with that!"

I tipped the other tracker maybe $50.

I'm not big into tipping every man and his dog. And prefer to tip mainly for direct personal service. And I'm there to hunt so trackers come first.

It was recommended one tip for the whole camp be handed to the cook. As no one helped carry my bags to the Landcruiser on the last morning even though they were just standing around, it got cut from US$125 to US$100. Yep I'm an Australian and a prick.

I'm sure that was NOT appreciated but there were NUMEROUS clients in camp so if everyone gave the same, they would have done well enough.

I tipped my cameraman Shaun Buffee US$225 as it didn't seem fair for less after what the trackers got. Also he acted virtually as an assistant PH and only charges US$75 a day for camera work so doesn't make much. He helped me save some $$$ elsewhere too and is a genuine honest fellow.

On the other hand he did not have to pay for a vehicle so actually does quite well if "tagging" along as a cameraman. He also does PH work now as well. I think $225 was generous in amount - well more than 15%.

The PH ended up paying for my charter flight home as his temporary "hired" vehicle (problems in Zim and forex as usual meant his new cruiser was 'late') broke down on the drive home, so I gave him something more than I usually would. If he made anything from the week he would have been lucky. The vehicle "breakdown" was fun and a typical African "event".

BTW a PH in Zim in the Zambezi Valley gets between US$150 to US$250 a day but must provide a vehicle for that. The outfitter supplies fuel. A vehicle is costed at about $50 to $100 per day.

My attitude to tipping is well known so needed be repeated, but I expect WAGES to be included in the actual fees charged.

I don't believe in HARD formuals for tips. Ask the PH and then pay what you think is fair. Find out what peers pay, but remember you do not have to match "money bags" clients.

I hope my personal experience helps.