Useful Swahili Phrases for Your East African Adventure
Knowing a little bit of Swahili before you set off to Tanzania, or any other East African adventure will start your trip off right.
And no matter where you go in East Africa, or how little you know, local people will always appreciate your effort to learn basic phrases and words in Swahili. We can assure you that your most shyly-whispered;"Jambo Rafiki…" will be met with smiles and sheer delight.
And, if you're still not entirely convinced, we have 3 more reasons to get you on board.
- Swahili is one of the easiest African languages to learn for a native English speakers. You simply pronounce the words as they are written. We can almost hear your sigh of relief.
- Swahili is the national language of Tanzania, Kenya, and the DRC. Even Uganda has a large number or Swahili speakers. So, you really can get around!
- And lastly, who doesn't want to be able to add an African language to their repertoire? :)
Greetings
- Jambo - Hello
- Habari - Hello, but generally used when speaking to older people.
- Habari Gani? - How are you?
- Nzuri - Fine/ Nice / Good
- Kwa heri - Goodbye
- Tutaonana - See you later
A few extra
- Asante - Thank you
- Asante sana - Thank you VERY much.
- Tafadhali - Please
- Samahani - Excuse me
- Pole - Sorry
- Ndiyo / Hapana - Yes / No
- Sawa - Ok
- Rafiki - Friend
Food
- Chakula - Food
- Kahawa - Coffee
- Chai - Tea
- Bia - Beer
- Maji - Water
- Maji ya kunywa - Drinking water
Places
- Benki - Bank
- Soko - Market
- Choo - Toilet
Just In Case
- Unaongea kiingereza - Do you speak English?
- Sielewi - I don't understand
- Hatari - Danger
If there are any other words that you have found to be very useful during your time in Tanzania, please leave a comment and let us know what it was. We'd love to know!
Getting there?
Interested in visiting Tanzania — but not sure which tour, or agency to take? Easy Travel pride themselves on their 30+ years of experience providing amazing encounters, from safari tours to hiking tours as well as day tours. Check out our selection of tours here!Our Ngorongoro Tortilis Camp is a Special oasis nestled under a forest canopy at the end of a Valley.
As a visitor who has selected this Romance and Honeymoon-style safari, you can expect some special experiences, such as an intimate Bush Dinner!
Discover its narrow streets and patchwork of architectural styles, before dropping the pace even further with a three-night stay by the beach.
This eight-day safari will take your breath away, filling you with lifetime memories of Tanzania’s outstanding wildlife encounters in its most extraordinary locations.
Recomended Tours
Whether you are on the search for “The Big Five”, or wanting to see the majestic Wildebeest Migration, we will make sure your holiday is unforgettable!.
Why Us
Easy Travel: turning your dreams into experiences, and your experiences into memories.
your choice
A wide range of
unforgettable adventures
Everything from safari to beach, from hiking to honeymoon.
Designed by you, exactly as you wish,
but with our expert help and advice.
From Luxury to Basic , choose your accommodation style.
Excellent value to suit your budget
built on trust
Family-owned, family-run;
we really care.
Over 30 years of top-quality service
From start to finish, 100% customer care.
Constant commitment to be the best we can. Socially and environmentally responsible
We listen to and value our guests
by Tanzanians
We’re Tanzanians,
we know Tanzania
We’re Tanzanians,
we love Tanzania. We care for our country, its wildlife, its people and its culture.
50% of our staff are female
We love what we do,
we hope we do it well. We’re not just a tour operator, we’re your Tanzanian friend!
not just knowledge
Our reservation team will help you design the perfect trip.
We have the best expert guides, passionate as well as knowledgeable
We do everything ‘in house’ – no subcontracting
The best vehicle fleet, rigorously maintained
Tanzania is special, we want to share it with you