Swahili for beginners - Jambo and Kwaheri

A beginners guide to Swahili. Get to know the basics to give yourself a head start.

Ben
Ben
Africa Specialist and CEO
Published on
06 Oct 2017
Updated on
28 Apr 2025
Kibera Children

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……..

Hakuna Matata

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

Kirurumu Ngorongoro Pakulala Camp People
Kirurumu Ngorongoro Pakulala Camp

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!

Gibbs Farm Buffet
Gibbs Farm Buffet
Chem Chem Lodge Light Lunch
Chem Chem Lodge Lunch

And when the bar opens….

Tanda Tula Drinks Stop On Game Drive
Tanda Tula Lodge Game Drive

Remember the essentials....

Beer……........….Bia Wine……........…Mvinyo

Water…........….Maji Cheers….......….Afya


Don’t forget the wildlife……

Grumeti River Camp Lion Image
Grumeti River Camp Lion
Little Chem Chem Game Drive
Little Chem Chem Game Drive

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....

Kwando Lebala Sunset Reflection
Image provided by Kwando Lebala

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!


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I have just returned from the most amazing trip to Tanzania, booked with Far & Wild. Everything went so smoothly from the first time I spoke with them. The planning was great, the itinerary was perfect for us, and the lodges were amazing. We spent 10 nights with an amazing guide, travelling through Northern Tanzania and even got to see the migration, which was a lifetime ambition of mine. This wasn't our first safari, so we were nervous as to how it would compare, but it was spot on. We're particularly grateful that she suggested a private 'bush lunch' in the Ngorongoro Crater as the public picnic spot was very busy! I will certainly be using them again to book our next trip....we're thinking of a relaxing beach stay next time to get over the excitement of safari!

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Just back from another amazing F&W organised trip to Namibia with the family (8 adults). Having been there before, Alistair tailored our trip to include our favourite locations and added a new one for us, Okonjima Plains camp, which we loved.The quality of accommodation and guiding, activities, food and drinks was exceptional throughout. Although not inexpensive I felt it was good value for the level of luxury we had. Kwessi Dunes, Shipwreck lodge, Ongava, Okonjima with pit stops Windhoek (city tour recommended ), Swakopmund (Sandwich Harbour and Walvis Bay tour) and Grootberg lodge (best sundowner drive )

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We had a wonderful trip to São Tomé and Príncipe - a small island nation in the Gulf of Guinea with paradise (almost empty) beaches and jungle forest. It was all well organised by Far and Wild and we stayed at Omali lodge at Sao Tome, then on Roca Sundy, and Sunday Praia at Principe - a great combination of different types of resorts/hotels. Omali is close to Sao Tome town with its colonial buildings, markets, hustle and bustle. Roca Sunday gives an old plantation experience and Sundy Praia a luxury beach experience. Very friendly (from time to time a bit slow) service, great fresh food, specifically if you like fish/seafood, vegetables and fruits (almost all sourced locally). Nice temperature between 23 and 30 degrees Celsius, nice swimming conditions. We really recommend this for those who want to experience a pristine destination with few other tourists and friendly and welcoming people. The islands also feel (and I believe are) very safe. At Principe, there are no dangerous animals, snakes or whatever, and it was great to be able to hike in the jungle without being very conscious of where to put your hands and feet. Go before everyone else does!

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Back home again, basking in the joys of a superb safari. Every aspect you arranged for us, including linking up with Mack Air and Wild Horizons locally to transport us. The choice of camps, Camp Hwange in Zimbabwe and Muchenenje Safari Lodge in Botswana, was spot on and exactly what we had hoped for - ideally situated, comfortable, in good surroundings, and with excellent wildlife on the doorstep and throughout the wider country. The service staff in each looked after us very well, catering was excellent, and the game guides were professional, knowledgeable and helpful. The weather was, as usual for that part of the world, also good at the time of our visit. Blue skies and stunning sunsets. Warm but not too hot during the day, although quite cold at sunrise when viewing game. The viewing started. You made us happy, and we recommend you to similar safari enthusiasts with confidence.

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Far and Wild went above and beyond to make sure my trip to Zambia was special. I would definitely recommend them and their services to anyone wanting to travel to Africa.

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Lovely holiday at the amazing Almanara on Galu beach, a beach like no other. Far and Wild excelled themselves from beginning to end of our holiday in beautiful Kenya.... What a country!,

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It was a dreamy holiday on the Kenyan Coast - Far and Wild, their efficiency and professionalism allowed us to relax and be the happiest family alive !! We cannot fault them, their care and understanding of what we wanted from a holiday ensured we had the most memorable trip. We will be booking with them again for sure!

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