Essential Swahili Phrases for Safari Travelers
Learning a few basic Swahili phrases will go a long way in showing respect, engaging with locals, and enhancing your safari experience. Tanzanians genuinely appreciate the effort!
Greetings & Politeness:
- Jambo! (JAHM-boh): Hello! (Simple, common greeting to tourists)
- Habari? (hah-BAH-ree): How are you? (More common general greeting)
- Response: Nzuri sana! (N-ZOO-ree SAH-nah): Very good!
- Mambo? (MAHM-boh): How are things? (More informal, youthful greeting)
- Response: Poa! (PO-ah): Cool! / Fine!
- Asante (sana)! (ah-SAHN-teh SAH-nah): Thank you (very much)!
- Karibu (sana)! (kah-REE-boo SAH-nah): Welcome (very much)! / You’re welcome!
- (Used when welcoming someone, or as a response to ‘Asante’)
- Tafadhali (tah-fah-DHAH-lee): Please
- Ndiyo (N-DEE-yoh): Yes
- Hapana (hah-PAH-nah): No
- Pole pole (POH-leh POH-leh): Slowly slowly / Take it easy (You’ll hear this often on safari!)
Safari Specific & Useful Phrases:
- Simba (SEEM-bah): Lion
- Tembo (TEHM-boh): Elephant
- Chui (CHOO-ee): Leopard
- Kifaru (kee-FAH-roo): Rhino
- Nyati (NYAH-tee): Buffalo
- Twiga (TWEE-gah): Giraffe
- Punda milia (POON-dah MEE-lee-ah): Zebra
- Maji (MAH-jee): Water
- Chakula (cha-KOO-lah): Food
- Safari (sah-FAH-ree): Journey / Trip (The word itself!)
- Nzuri! (N-ZOO-ree!): Good! / Beautiful! (Use when you see something nice!)
- Lala salama (LAH-lah sah-LAH-mah): Sleep well
- Kwaheri (ya kuonana) (kwah-HEH-ree yah koo-oh-NAH-nah): Goodbye (until we see each other again)
Tips for Using Swahili:
- Don’t Be Afraid to Try: Even imperfect attempts are appreciated.
- Listen to Your Guide: Pick up phrases from your guide and lodge staff.
- Practice: The more you use them, the easier they’ll become.
Using even a few of these phrases will undoubtedly enhance your interactions and create a more memorable connection with the people of Tanzania.