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Alistair
Ottilie
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Ben
Africa Specialist and CEO
Published on
06 Oct 2017
Updated on
28 Apr 2025
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Swahili is the most widely spoken language in sub-Saharan Africa, and is the official language in Tanzania and Kenya. Don’t Panic, English is widely spoken in both of these areas however we do recommend learning a few key phrases to enhance your experience in Africa, you’ll get both respect and a broad grin…
Here is some Swahili for beginners, but you may already know more that you realise……..
It’s not just a song performed by a cartoon Meercat, from Disney’s The Lion King …. Hakuna Matata is in fact a real Swahili expression which means no worries/no problems. Simba translates to Lion and Rafiki to friend!
Some additional phrases that make us chuckle - Say them out aloud and you’ll should be able to work them out…
Baisikeli
Computa
Keepilefti - often seen at traffic circles/roundabouts
Saying Hello is a must in Eastern Africa, always start an interaction with a friendly Jambo. Some additional basics include:
Jambo……………………….Hello Ndio…………………….Yes
Karibu………………….......Welcome Hapana…………………No
Safari………………………..Journey Tafadhali…………….Please
Samahani………………...Excuse me
Another important one to remember is Chakula, which means food, if someone announces it then we recommend following that voice!
And when the bar opens….
Remember the essentials....
Beer……........….Bia Wine……........…Mvinyo
Water…........….Maji Cheers….......….Afya
Don’t forget the wildlife……
Whilst on Safari, the important ones are:
Lion…………....Simba Giraffe………...Twiga
Rhino……..…...Kifaru Hippo………....Kiboko
Elephant….......Tembo Zebra……….....Punda Milia
Some nice phrases to know….
Shikamo literally means “I hold your feet” which is a respectful greeting used for your elders.
Pole means ‘I am sorry for your misfortune’ and can be used for everything from tripping over to sneezing!
Sijui, said with a shrug of the shoulders, means ‘I don’t know’.
Pole pole which means ‘slowly slowly’, everything is pole pole in Africa, a much better pace of life.
And when it is time to go home....
Goodbye…………………..Kwaheri
Thank you………………...Asante
Thank you very much…..Asante Sana
Hopefully this mini lesson in Swahili will give you a little taster of whats to come on your travels to Africa, I have been practissing hard and cant wait to use what I have learnt on next months trip to Tanzania.
Happy travels everyone!
