Published January 22, 2026

30+ Useful Swahili Phrases for Safari Travelers (With Audio)

By Karlis A. from GetSafariTours

You don’t need to be fluent to survive a safari in Tanzania. Your guides will speak excellent English. But if you want to move from being a "tourist" to a "guest," learning a few common Swahili phrases changes everything.

When you greet a local with a proper Swahili greeting, their face lights up. You suddenly get better service, warmer smiles, and a deeper connection to the culture.

We’ve compiled the ultimate guide to Swahili phrases for safari, complete with audio pronunciation guides so you can say them with confidence.

The "Big 5" Greetings: How to Say Hello in Swahili

Most guidebooks will tell you to say "Jambo." While this isn't wrong, it’s a dead giveaway that you are a tourist. If you want to impress your safari guide or the staff at your lodge, try these instead.

1. Jambo (Hello)

The classic standard. You will hear this everywhere. It is simple, polite, and safe.

Reply: "Jambo."

2. Habari? (How are you?)

This is what locals actually say to each other. It shows you have taken a real interest in the Swahili language.

Reply: "Nzuri" (Good) or "Nzuri sana" (Very good).

3. Shikamoo (Respectful Greeting)

Pro Tip: This is the most important phrase you can learn for elders. In Tanzanian culture, age is highly respected. If you see an older person, bow your head slightly and say "Shikamoo."

Reply: You will hear them say "Marahaba." You have just earned major respect points.

4. Karibu (Welcome)

You will hear this the moment you step off the plane.

Reply: "Asante" (Thank you).

5. Mambo? (What's up?)

Very casual slang. Use this with younger people or friends, but avoid using it with elders or authority figures.

Reply: "Poa" (Cool).

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Safari Lingo: Talking to Your Guide

Your safari guide is your best friend in the bush. Using these phrases helps you communicate better during game drives, especially when you spot something amazing!

6. Pole pole (Slowly, slowly)

Photographers, memorize this! If your driver is moving too fast past a leopard, calm them down by saying "Pole pole." In Africa, life moves pole pole. There is no rush.

7. Simama (Stop)

Use this if you drop your camera or spot an animal the guide missed.

8. Twende (Let’s go)

Ready to move to the next spot? "Twende."

9. Hatari (Danger)

You likely won't need to use this, but you might see it on signs.

10. Asante Sana (Thank you very much)

Use this generously. Tipping is important, but verbal gratitude goes a long way, too.

The "Lion King" Dictionary: Real Meanings

Disney got a lot right, but let's look at the real translations of the names you grew up with.

11. Hakuna Matata

Does it really mean "No Worries"? Yes! It literally translates to "No troubles." While locals don't say it every five minutes, they will happily say it to tourists to reassure them.

12. Simba

Literal translation: Lion.

13. Rafiki

Literal translation: Friend. You might hear a vendor call you this: "Rafiki, come look at my shop!"

14. Safari

In English, "Safari" means a wildlife trip. In Swahili, it simply means Journey.

Safari njema = Have a safe journey.

Marketplace & Bargaining

If you visit Stone Town in Zanzibar or the curio markets in Arusha, you will need these phrases to handle the "tourist price."

15. Bei gani? (How much?)

Ask this while pointing to an item.

16. Ghali sana! (Too expensive!)

Say this with a smile and a shocked expression. It is part of the game.

17. Punguza bei (Reduce the price)

Friendly bargaining is expected in markets.

18. Hapana, asante (No, thank you)

Vendors can be persistent. A firm but polite "Hapana, asante" works better than ignoring them.

Essentials & Emergency Vocabulary

For a full list of what to bring, check our safari packing list.

19. Ndiyo – Yes

20. Hapana – No

21. Maji – Water (Vital in the heat!)

22. Chakula – Food

23. Choo – Toilet (Very important on long drives)

24. Daktari – Doctor

25. Lala salama – Goodnight / Sleep well

FAQ: Common Questions About Swahili

Is Swahili hard to learn for English speakers? Swahili is actually one of the easiest African languages for English speakers. It uses the same alphabet as English and is phonetic—you pronounce words exactly as they are written.

Do safari guides in Tanzania speak English? Yes. All professional guides in Tanzania speak excellent English. Many also speak French, German, Spanish, or Italian. You learn Swahili for connection, not out of necessity.

What is the difference between Jambo and Habari? "Jambo" is a general greeting often used for tourists. "Habari" asks "How are you?" and is used more commonly among locals. Using "Habari" shows a deeper understanding of the culture.