When traveling through Tanzania on safari, learning a bit of Swahili can greatly enhance your experience. Swahili is the national language of Tanzania and is widely spoken across East Africa. While many safari guides and lodge staff speak English, using Swahili will not only help you connect with locals but also show respect for their culture.
Here’s a quick guide to essential Swahili phrases that will help you navigate your safari adventure like a pro!
1. Greetings & Basic Phrases
Swahili greetings are very important in Tanzanian culture. Before diving into any conversation, a warm greeting is expected.
| English | Swahili | Pronunciation |
|---|
| Hello | Jambo* | JAHM-boh* |
| How are you? | Habari? | Hah-BAH-ree? |
| I’m fine, thanks | Nzuri, asante | N-ZOO-ree, ah-SAHN-teh |
| Nice to meet you | Nafurahi kukuona | Nah-foo-RAH-hee koo-koo-OH-nah |
| Goodbye | Kwaheri | Kwa-HEH-ree |
*Note: “Jambo” is often used for tourists, but locals usually say “Habari” or “Shikamoo” (for elders).
2. Essential Safari Vocabulary
These phrases will come in handy when talking to guides, spotting wildlife, or asking for help.
| English | Swahili | Pronunciation |
|---|
| Safari | Safari | Sah-FAH-ree |
| Animal | Mnyama | M-nyah-mah |
| Lion | Simba | SEEM-bah |
| Elephant | Tembo | TEM-boh |
| Giraffe | Twiga | TWEE-gah |
| Rhino | Kifaru | Kee-FAH-roo |
| Leopard | Chui | CHOO-ee |
| Buffalo | Nyati | N-YAH-tee |
| Where is…? | Iko wapi…? | EE-koh WAH-pee…? |
| Stop here | Simama hapa | See-MAH-mah HAH-pah |
| Let’s go! | Twende! | TWEN-deh! |
3. Useful Phrases for Lodges & Camps
| English | Swahili | Pronunciation |
|---|
| Thank you | Asante | Ah-SAHN-teh |
| Thank you very much | Asante sana | Ah-SAHN-teh SAH-nah |
| You’re welcome | Karibu | Kah-REE-boo |
| Please | Tafadhali | Tah-fah-DHAH-lee |
| I need help | Nahitaji msaada | Nah-hee-TAH-jee M-sah-AH-dah |
| Where is the bathroom? | Choo kiko wapi? | CHOH kee-koh WAH-pee? |
| Water | Maji | MAH-jee |
| Food | Chakula | Cha-KOO-lah |
4. Phrases for Interacting with Locals
If you visit a Maasai village or local market, these phrases will make your interactions smoother.
| English | Swahili | Pronunciation |
|---|
| How much is this? | Hii ni bei gani? | HEE nee BAY GAH-nee? |
| Too expensive! | Gali sana! | GAH-lee SAH-nah! |
| Can you lower the price? | Naweza kupata punguzo? | Nah-WAY-zah koo-PAH-tah Poon-GOO-zoh? |
| It’s beautiful! | Ni nzuri! | NEE N-ZOO-ree! |
| I love Tanzania! | Napenda Tanzania! | Nah-PEN-dah Tahn-zah-NEE-ah! |
5. Fun Phrases to Impress Your Guide
Want to make your safari guide smile? Try these!
| English | Swahili | Pronunciation |
|---|
| No worries! (Common Swahili phrase) | Hakuna matata! | Hah-KOO-nah Mah-TAH-tah! |
| Slowly, slowly (for game drives) | Pole pole | POH-leh POH-leh |
| Amazing! | Ajabu! | Ah-JAH-boo! |
| I love this place! | Napenda hapa! | Nah-PEN-dah HAH-pah! |
| Let’s go find the big cats! | Twende tukatafute paka wakubwa! | TWEN-deh TOO-kah-tah-FOO-teh PAH-kah wah-KOO-bwah! |
Final Tips for Speaking Swahili on Safari
✔ Use gestures & smile – Even if your pronunciation isn’t perfect, people will appreciate your effort.
✔ Start with greetings – Tanzanians value politeness, so always greet before asking for something.
✔ Have fun with it! – Locals will love it when you try Swahili, even if you make mistakes.
Learning a few Swahili phrases can make your safari even more immersive and enjoyable. Whether you’re spotting simba (lions) in the Serengeti or thanking your guide with a heartfelt asante sana, a little effort goes a long way!
Karibu Tanzania! (Welcome to Tanzania!) 🇹🇿
