150 Common Swahili Words and Phrases for Travelers is the simplest and most practical way to build real human connection when you arrive in Tanzania and East Africa. Even a few respectful words in Swahili can completely change how people welcome you, guide you and support you during your journey. Language opens doors, builds trust and shows that you care about the culture, not only about taking photos and moving on quickly.
This carefully selected language guide is designed for visitors who want deeper interaction with drivers, guides, lodge staff, local families and park rangers. When you travel with a professional local team such as Eddy Tours & Safaris, using simple Swahili expressions helps you enjoy warmer communication, smoother logistics and more meaningful conversations throughout your safari and cultural visits.
Why 150 Common Swahili Words and Phrases for Travelers matter for respectful travel
Language is a key part of cultural protection and social sustainability. Institutions such as UNESCO and the SIL International language research network emphasize that local languages strengthen identity, dignity and social inclusion. Linguistic documentation initiatives supported by Ethnologue and academic research centres such as the SOAS University of London highlight the importance of respecting regional languages when visiting multicultural destinations like Tanzania.
Community development research shared by UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs, cultural studies supported by British Council research and social science programmes from Harvard University research confirm that visitors who make small efforts to speak the local language create more balanced relationships and reduce cultural misunderstanding.
150 Common Swahili Words and Phrases for Travelers – greetings and daily conversation (1–25)
1. Habari – Hello / How are you 2. Habari yako – How are you 3. Nzuri – Fine 4. Asante – Thank you 5. Asante sana – Thank you very much 6. Karibu – Welcome 7. Tafadhali – Please 8. Samahani – Sorry / Excuse me 9. Pole – Sorry / I sympathize 10. Jambo – Hello 11. Mambo – Hi (informal) 12. Sijambo – I am fine 13. Shikamoo – Respectful greeting 14. Marahaba – Response to Shikamoo 15. Kwaheri – Goodbye 16. Tutaonana – See you later 17. Ndiyo – Yes 18. Hapana – No 19. Labda – Maybe 20. Sawa – Okay 21. Hakuna shida – No problem 22. Pole pole – Slowly 23. Karibu sana – You are very welcome 24. Usiku mwema – Good night 25. Asubuhi njema – Good morning
150 Common Swahili Words and Phrases for Travelers – transport and movement (26–50)
26. Wapi – Where 27. Hapa – Here 28. Pale – There 29. Kituo – Station 30. Barabara – Road 31. Gari – Car 32. Dereva – Driver 33. Nenda – Go 34. Simama – Stop 35. Subiri – Wait 36. Haraka – Fast 37. Polepole – Slowly 38. Kushoto – Left 39. Kulia – Right 40. Moja kwa moja – Straight ahead 41. Uwanja wa ndege – Airport 42. Hoteli – Hotel 43. Nisaidie – Help me 44. Nimepotea – I am lost 45. Naenda – I am going 46. Ninarudi – I am coming back 47. Tiketi – Ticket 48. Gharama – Cost 49. Nafuu – Cheap 50. Ghali – Expensive
150 Common Swahili Words and Phrases for Travelers – food and restaurants (51–75)
51. Chakula – Food 52. Maji – Water 53. Baridi – Cold 54. Moto – Hot 55. Njaa – Hungry 56. Nimeshiba – I am full 57. Chai – Tea 58. Kahawa – Coffee 59. Kuku – Chicken 60. Samaki – Fish 61. Nyama – Meat 62. Mboga – Vegetables 63. Wali – Rice 64. Ugali – Maize meal 65. Matunda – Fruits 66. Ndizi – Banana 67. Nanasi – Pineapple 68. Embe – Mango 69. Sukari – Sugar 70. Chumvi – Salt 71. Tafadhali niletee – Please bring me 72. Naomba – I request 73. Ladha – Taste 74. Nzuri sana – Very good 75. Imepikwa vipi – How is it cooked
150 Common Swahili Words and Phrases for Travelers – shopping and daily needs (76–100)
76. Duka – Shop 77. Soko – Market 78. Nunua – Buy 79. Uza – Sell 80. Bei – Price 81. Punguza bei – Reduce the price 82. Nitachukua – I will take it 83. Sina pesa – I have no money 84. Fedha taslimu – Cash 85. Kadi – Card 86. Rafu – Shelf 87. Saizi – Size 88. Rangi – Colour 89. Kubwa – Big 90. Ndogo – Small 91. Mpya – New 92. Zamani – Old 93. Inafaa – It fits 94. Haifai – It does not fit 95. Natafuta – I am looking for 96. Zawadi – Gift 97. Kumbukumbu – Souvenir 98. Pakiti – Package 99. Fungua – Open 100. Funga – Close
150 Common Swahili Words and Phrases for Travelers – health and safety (101–125)
101. Daktari – Doctor 102. Hospitali – Hospital 103. Dawa – Medicine 104. Maumivu – Pain 105. Kichwa – Head 106. Tumbo – Stomach 107. Mkono – Arm 108. Mguu – Leg 109. Damu – Blood 110. Homa – Fever 111. Nimeumia – I am injured 112. Nisaidie tafadhali – Please help me 113. Polisi – Police 114. Hatari – Danger 115. Salama – Safe 116. Moto – Fire 117. Msaada wa kwanza – First aid 118. Pumua – Breathe 119. Haraka tafadhali – Please hurry 120. Simu – Phone 121. Piga simu – Make a call 122. Betri – Battery 123. Namba – Number 124. Wasiliana – Contact 125. Tatizo – Problem
150 Common Swahili Words and Phrases for Travelers – safari and nature (126–150)
126. Hifadhi – Park / Reserve 127. Wanyama – Animals 128. Simba – Lion 129. Tembo – Elephant 130. Chui – Leopard 131. Nyati – Buffalo 132. Twiga – Giraffe 133. Kiboko – Hippo 134. Punda milia – Zebra 135. Swala – Antelope 136. Ndege – Bird 137. Mto – River 138. Mlima – Mountain 139. Msitu – Forest 140. Jua – Sun 141. Mvua – Rain 142. Upepo – Wind 143. Baridi – Cold 144. Joto – Heat 145. Picha – Photo 146. Kamera – Camera 147. Kimya – Quiet 148. Angalia – Look 149. Twende – Let’s go 150. Tumefika – We have arrived
How 150 Common Swahili Words and Phrases for Travelers improve your safari experience
Learning a small set of Swahili words helps you communicate easily with guides, lodge staff and local communities during your trip. Social science research from International Labour Organization, community empowerment studies by Oxfam International and intercultural education projects supported by UNICEF all show that respectful communication improves trust, safety and service quality in community-based tourism environments.
If you plan your safari with experienced local professionals through Tanzania safari programs, your ability to greet people and ask simple questions in Swahili makes daily travel smoother and more enjoyable.
Using language to travel responsibly in Tanzania
Cultural respect is directly linked to sustainable tourism. Community research published by World Bank Social Development and heritage protection frameworks promoted by ICOMOS confirm that visitors who respect language and tradition contribute to stronger cultural protection and local pride.
If your journey includes wildlife and cultural travel, you can combine your language preparation with carefully designed itineraries offered through Kilimanjaro and adventure programs and personalized planning support from local travel experts.
Why travelers love learning Swahili before arriving
When you use even a few of these expressions, you move from being a visitor to being a welcomed guest. The connections you build through language often become the most meaningful memories of your journey. A respectful greeting, a simple thank you and a friendly conversation can change the entire atmosphere of your travel day.
Preparing with 150 Common Swahili Words and Phrases for Travelers gives you confidence, cultural understanding and a warmer experience across Tanzania’s parks, villages and cities.