Words and Phrases You Will Hear in East Africa Safari
Every journey begins with a word. In East Africa, those words carry warmth, rhythm, and history. From greetings in Swahili to the terms used out in the bush, these are the voices of the land. Learning them is the first step of your safari. The next step is living the journey with us at Carolle Tours.
Swahili Greetings and Common Phrases
- Hakuna matata – No worries, no problem.
- Pole pole – Slowly, slowly (often used by guides during game drives).
- Pori – The wild.
- Safari – Journey, trip
- Safari njema -Safe trip
- Twende – Let’s go.
- Wanyama – Animals.
- Wanyama pori – Wild animals.
Common Animal Names
- Chui – Leopard
- Fisi – Hyena
- Kiboko – Hippopotamus
- Kifaru – Rhinoceros
- Mamba – Crocodile
- Ndege – Bird
- Nyati – Buffalo
- Nyumbu – Wildebeest
- Punda milia – Zebra
- Simba – Lion
- Swara – Antelope
- Tembo / Ndovu – Elephant
- Twiga – Giraffe
Essential Phrases and Etiquette
- Asante – Thank you
- Asante sana – Thank you very much
- Habari? – How are you?
- Hapana – No
- Jambo – Hello
- Karibu – Welcome (one person)
- Karibuni – Welcome (more than one)
- Kwaheri – Goodbye
- Lala salama – Good night
- Ndiyo – Yes
- Nzuri – Good, fine
- Rafiki – Friend
- Sawa – OK
- Tafadhali – Please
Words for Food and Drink
- Chakula – Food
- Maji – Water
- Maji baridi – Cold water
- Matunda – Fruit
- Nyama choma – Grilled meat
Travel and Safety
- Choo – Toilet
- Duka – Shop
- Hatari – Danger
- Moto – Fire
- Nisaidie – Help me
- Pesa – Money
- Pesa ngapi? – How much?
- Wapi? – Where?
Safari and Wildlife Terms
- Big Five – Lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, rhino
- Boma – Traditional homestead enclosure
- Campfire – Nightly gathering spot
- Game Drive – Guided drive to see wildlife
- Guide / Ranger – Local experts
- Mara – Maasai Mara National Reserve
- Savannah – Wide open grasslands