Swahili (also called Kiswahili) is widely spoken in Tanzania and Kenya, as well as parts of Uganda, Rwanda, and beyond. Knowing just a handful of key words and phrases can help you connect more deeply with local cultures, ease day-to-day communication, and make your entire safari experience more enjoyable.
This article presents 25 essential Swahili words to learn before you head off on your safari. Each entry includes a brief definition, context on when it’s used, and practical tips for pronunciation or usage. Whether you’re greeting your guide, ordering food at a lodge, or bargaining in a local market, these terms will help you feel at home in East Africa.
1. Jambo (JAHM-boh)
Meaning: “Hello”
Context & Usage:
- A friendly, all-purpose greeting that you can use when meeting someone for the first time.
- Although you might hear local speakers use “Jambo” with tourists, you might also notice that among themselves, Swahili speakers prefer other greetings like “Habari?” or “Shikamoo.” Even so, “Jambo” remains the most recognized Swahili word among visitors.
Tip: Pair “Jambo” with a smile to instantly break the ice and show respect for local culture.
2. Habari? (hah-BAH-ree)
Meaning: Literally “news?” but used like “How are you?” or “What’s the news?”
Context & Usage:
- Often used as a short form of “Habari gani?” meaning “What’s the news?” or “How are things?”
- Locals might answer with “Nzuri” (good), “Salama” (peaceful), or other quick replies indicating their wellbeing.
Tip: If someone says “Habari?” to you, simply reply with “Nzuri!” (pronounced n-ZOO-ree, meaning “good”).
3. Shikamoo (shee-kah-MOH)
Meaning: A respectful greeting that literally means “I touch your feet.”
Context & Usage:
- Used when greeting someone significantly older or of higher status as a sign of respect.
- The expected response is “Marahaba,” roughly meaning “I acknowledge your respect.”
Tip: In many Tanzanian cultural settings, it is polite for younger people to greet elders this way. If you’re unsure of someone’s age or status, using “Shikamoo” shows humility and is seldom taken negatively.
4. Asante (ah-SAHN-teh)
Meaning: “Thank you”
Context & Usage:
- A key expression of gratitude in almost any situation—from thanking your safari guide to acknowledging a kind gesture.
Tip: If you want to say “Thank you very much,” add “sana” at the end: “Asante sana.”
5. Karibu (kah-REE-boo)
Meaning: “Welcome” or “You’re welcome”
Context & Usage:
- Often used by locals to greet guests in homes, lodges, or shops: “Karibu!” means “Welcome!”
- Can also mean “You’re welcome,” in response to “Thank you.”
Tip: If you hear “Karibu Tanzania,” the speaker is warmly welcoming you to the country.
6. Pole Pole (POH-leh POH-leh)
Meaning: “Slowly, slowly”
Context & Usage:
- Reflects the relaxed, easy-going pace of East African culture.
- Guides may say “pole pole” when advising you to walk or drive slowly during a game drive or when trekking uphill.
Tip: Embrace the “pole pole” spirit on your safari; it will help you appreciate every moment without rushing.
7. Hakuna Matata (hah-KOO-nah mah-TAH-tah)
Meaning: “No worries” or “No problem”
Context & Usage:
- Popularized globally by Disney’s The Lion King, but it’s a genuine Swahili phrase.
- Used to reassure someone that everything is fine, or there’s no cause for concern.
Tip: You’ll likely hear it a lot in tourist areas. Feel free to respond with “Asante” when someone assures you, “Hakuna matata.”
8. Safari (sah-FAH-ree)
Meaning: “Journey” (in Swahili), but commonly used to mean a wildlife trip or expedition
Context & Usage:
- In Swahili, the word “safari” can refer to any journey, not just a wildlife expedition.
- It’s now universally used to describe wildlife-watching tours in Tanzania, Kenya, and beyond.
Tip: Locals might say, “Safari njema!” meaning “Have a good journey!”—a nice phrase to know when you set off on game drives.
9. Rafiki (rah-FEE-kee)
Meaning: “Friend”
Context & Usage:
- A casual way to address someone you are friendly with: “Habari, rafiki?” = “How are you, friend?”
- Also famously the name of the wise mandrill in The Lion King, which is part of why travelers often remember it.
Tip: Use it respectfully and not too casually with people you’ve only just met, unless the friendly vibe is mutual.
10. Nzuri (n-ZOO-ree)
Meaning: “Good” or “Fine”
Context & Usage:
- A catch-all positive response or adjective. If someone asks, “Habari gani?” (“How are things?”), you can say “Nzuri.”
- Can also describe something you find good, e.g., “Chakula ni nzuri” (“The food is good”).
Tip: For emphasis, you could say “Nzuri sana” (“Very good”).
11. Ndiyo (n-DEE-yoh)
Meaning: “Yes”
Context & Usage:
- A straightforward affirmation in everyday conversation.
- Example: If your guide asks, “Uko tayari?” (“Are you ready?”), you can answer, “Ndiyo.”
Tip: “Hapana” (hah-PAH-nah) is “No” if you need the opposite meaning.
12. Tafadhali (tah-fah-DHAH-lee)
Meaning: “Please”
Context & Usage:
- Use it when asking for help, ordering a meal, or requesting anything politely.
- Example: “Tafadhali, nisaidie” means “Please help me.”
Tip: Tanzanians and Kenyans appreciate courtesy, so toss in “tafadhali” liberally when making requests.
13. Samahani (sah-mah-HAH-nee)
Meaning: “Excuse me” or “I’m sorry”
Context & Usage:
- You might say this if you bump into someone by accident, or if you need to get someone’s attention.
- Example: “Samahani, una muda?” = “Excuse me, do you have a moment?”
Tip: Pair it with a friendly tone and a slight nod for best effect.
14. Maji (MAH-jee)
Meaning: “Water”
Context & Usage:
- Vital for safari life, especially in Tanzania’s hot climate.
- Ask for “maji” at a lodge or shop to purchase or refill your bottle.
Tip: “Maji ya kunywa” (kunywa = “to drink”) specifies drinking water, as opposed to “maji ya kuoga” (bath water).
15. Chakula (cha-KOO-lah)
Meaning: “Food”
Context & Usage:
- You might hear phrases like “chakula cha mchana” (lunch) or “chakula cha jioni” (dinner).
- If you’re unsure of what’s being served, politely ask, “Chakula ni nini?” (“What is the food?”)
Tip: Add “tamu” (tah-mu) to say “Delicious!”—“Chakula ni tamu!”
16. Koti (KOH-tee)
Meaning: “Coat” or “jacket”
Context & Usage:
- Although Tanzania is generally warm, some safari destinations (like Ngorongoro Crater or early morning game drives in the Serengeti) can be chilly.
- If you need warm layers, a light “koti” is essential.
Tip: “Baridi” means “cold,” so you might say, “Ni baridi. Nahitaji koti” (“It’s cold. I need a jacket”).
17. Njoo (n-JOH)
Meaning: “Come” (imperative)
Context & Usage:
- You may hear a guide beckon you: “Njoo hapa” = “Come here.”
- Useful if you’re guiding a friend to look at something interesting: “Njoo, ona simba!” = “Come, see the lion!”
Tip: Avoid using it in a harsh tone, or it can sound commanding. Keep it friendly.
18. Kuja (KOO-jah)
Meaning: “To come” (the verb form)
Context & Usage:
- If you’re learning a bit more grammar, “Nakuja” means “I am coming.”
- Could be handy when you want to assure someone you’re on your way.
Tip: Don’t confuse “njoo” (the direct command) with “kuja” (the infinitive).
19. Sawa (SAH-wah)
Meaning: “Okay” or “Alright”
Context & Usage:
- A universal confirmation that something is okay, agreed upon, or understood.
- Also used to conclude or settle a discussion: “Sawa basi” = “Okay, that’s it.”
Tip: If someone says “Twende?” (“Shall we go?”), you can respond with a nod and “Sawa!” indicating readiness.
20. Pole (POH-leh)
Meaning: “Sorry” (in the sense of showing empathy)
Context & Usage:
- Swahili uses “pole” to express sympathy when someone is hurt or experiencing misfortune—like “I’m sorry for you.”
- If your guide trips or someone has a headache, you might say “Pole!”
Tip: To intensify, say “Pole sana,” meaning “I’m very sorry” or “I feel for you a lot.”
21. Mara Moja (MAH-rah MOH-jah)
Meaning: “Immediately” or “Right away”
Context & Usage:
- If you need quick action, e.g., “Tunaondoka mara moja” = “We’re leaving right away.”
- Guides may use it to indicate something happening instantly: “Simba aliruka mara moja” = “The lion jumped immediately.”
Tip: Pair with a polite tone—demanding “mara moja” can sound abrupt if not used gently.
22. Mchana (m-CHAH-nah)
Meaning: “Afternoon”
Context & Usage:
- Helpful when discussing safari schedules: “Game drive ya mchana” = “Afternoon game drive.”
- Also used in “Habari za mchana?” (“How’s the afternoon?”).
Tip: Other time-related terms include “asubuhi” (morning), “jioni” (evening), and “usiku” (night).
23. Gari (GAH-ree)
Meaning: “Car,” “Vehicle”
Context & Usage:
- When referencing the safari vehicle, you might say “gari la safari.”
- If you’re heading out, someone might announce “Twendeni kwenye gari” = “Let’s go to the car.”
Tip: If you need a taxi in a city, you might say “Natafuta gari” (“I’m looking for a car/taxi”).
24. Tembo (TEHM-bo)
Meaning: “Elephant”
Context & Usage:
- One of the “Big Five” you may see on safari. Guides often point out wildlife using local names, so it’s fun to learn them.
- Other useful wildlife words could be “simba” (lion), “chui” (leopard), “kifaru” (rhinoceros), “nyati” (buffalo).
Tip: If you visit Tarangire National Park, known for large herds, you’ll hear “tembo” often.
25. Twende (t-WEN-deh)
Meaning: “Let’s go”
Context & Usage:
- You’ll hear it frequently before a game drive, a meal, or any group activity.
- The safari guide might say, “Twende sasa!” = “Let’s go now!”
Tip: If you’re ready to set off, respond “Twende!” back, enthusiastically.
Conclusion: A Little Swahili Goes a Long Way
Learning these 25 Swahili words and phrases can greatly enhance your safari experience in Tanzania, Kenya, or other Swahili-speaking regions of East Africa. From greeting guides with a cheerful “Jambo” to thanking lodge staff with a polite “Asante,” you’ll find that locals appreciate any effort to speak their language. Even simple phrases like “Nzuri” or “Karibu” help foster goodwill, break cultural barriers, and demonstrate your respect for local customs.
Remember, you don’t need to be fluent to make a difference in your interactions. Practicing a few key words can transform routine exchanges—like ordering water or starting a conversation—into genuine cultural connections that define your trip. So, before you pack your camera and binoculars, take a moment to tuck this Swahili cheat sheet into your safari bag. In the spirit of pole pole, go forth with curiosity, warmth, and an open mind—your newfound language skills are sure to make your safari truly unforgettable.
Safari njema! (Have a good safari!)
