Language guide
Tanzania Safari Language Guide — Essential Swahili
A few words go a long way. Here is the Swahili you need for a Tanzania safari.
Why Learn Swahili?
English is widely spoken in Tanzania's safari industry, but Swahili is the national language and the language of daily life. A few words show respect, build rapport, and open doors — from better service at lodges to warmer smiles in villages.
Essential Phrases
Greetings
- Jambo — Hello (tourist Swahili)
- Habari — How are you?
- Mzuri — Good / Fine
- Asante — Thank you
- Asante sana — Thank you very much
- Tafadhali — Please
- Samahani — Excuse me / Sorry
- Ndiyo — Yes
- Hapana — No
Safari Vocabulary
- Safari — Journey (also means trip)
- Simba — Lion
- Duma — Cheetah
- Chui — Leopard
- Tembo — Elephant
- Kiboko — Hippo
- Nyati — Buffalo
- Punda milia — Zebra (striped donkey)
- Twiga — Giraffe
- Farasi — Wildebeest
Numbers & Basics
Numbers
- Moja — One
- Mbili — Two
- Tatu — Three
- Nne — Four
- Tano — Five
- Kumi — Ten
- Ishirini — Twenty
- Mia — One hundred
Useful Phrases
- Unasema Kiingereza? — Do you speak English?
- Sielewi — I do not understand
- Choo kiko wapi? — Where is the toilet?
- Bei gani? — How much?
- Nina njaa — I am hungry
- Maji — Water
- Chakula — Food
Pronunciation Tips
- Every letter is pronounced. There are no silent letters.
- A — Always "ah" (like father)
- E — Always "eh" (like bed)
- I — Always "ee" (like see)
- O — Always "oh" (like go)
- U — Always "oo" (like food)
- Stress is usually on the second-to-last syllable
The Bottom Line
You do not need to be fluent. A dozen phrases will earn you respect, better service, and genuine smiles. Asante sana for trying.
Plan Your Tanzania Safari
Ready for your adventure? Book your safari with Trail Safari Explorers.
Read our timing guide,cost guide, or planning guide.
Read our cultural tours guide,Maasai culture guide,Maasai village visit guide, or etiquette guide.
Browse our journal for more resources, or check travel resources.
