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73+ Essential Swahili Travel Phrases for Travelers to East Africa + Free Download

Searching for essential Swahili travel phrases for your adventure in East Africa?
Thinking about what are common Swahili words?

You are at the right place!

If you’re venturing into the land of The Lion King, knowing Swahili travel phrases will be your key to enriching the African experience. I’m talking beyond basic Swahili words in Lion King, like Hakuna Matata or Asante Sana. Those are easy Swahili phrases to learn before traveling to Zanzibar, Tanzania. But there are other beautiful Swahili words you should know.

Learning some common Swahili travel phrases will be beneficial when visiting Tanzania and Zanzibar. Easy Swahili words will come in handy when on a safari in Kenya or when going on a gorilla trekking tour in Uganda or Rwanda. Want to know, what are those common words in Swahili for tourists?

🗩 If you have been wondering “What is Anja’s favorite Swahili word?”, you will find the answer hidden in the blog.


Swahili travel phrases


East Africa, or the land of Swahili, is a place that is on almost everyone’s bucket list. Scenery from the Lion King for nature lovers, safaris in Serengeti and Gorilla spotting for animal lovers, Zanzibar with pristine beaches for tropics enthusiasts, and Maasai culture paired with a rich history.

Knowing basic Swahili travel phrases when visiting countries from Tanzania and Kenya to Uganda and Rwanda. Swahili basic greetings beyond “Karibu sana” (You’re very welcome) will help you to speak to warm-hearted people of East Africa.

In this comprehensive guide on useful Swahili phrases for tourists, you’ll find important Swahili phrases for greetings, asking for directions, ordering food, bargaining at local markets, and much more. Inside the post you will also find a FREE Swahili phrases pdf, with Swahili sentences translated to English.

Let’s begin your easy Swahili adventure, one essential Swahili travel phrase at a time!

KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • Swahili is spoken widely across East Africa and serves as a lingua franca between different linguistic groups.
  • Swahili language basics are relatively easy to learn due to its phonetic pronunciation and straightforward grammar.
  • Essential Swahili travel phrases, besides Hakuna Matata and Asante Sana, cover greetings, directions, ordering food, shopping, emergency words, and compliments.


Disclosure: This essential Swahili travel phrases article may contain affiliate links. If you click it and buy something you like, I’ll earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you! Read more in Disclaimer.


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1. Where is Swahili spoken?

Did you know that around 15 million speak Swahili as a mother tongue and that there are around 85 million that speak Swahili as a second language?

That is a lot of Hakuna Matata’s and Polepole’s.

Swahili, also known as Kiswahili, is a language spoken in East Africa. It is the official language in Tanzania, Kenya, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Uganda. Swahili is used as a second language in various other countries in East Africa, like Rwanda and Burundi.

The Swahili language is widespread as a lingua franca across ethnic and linguistic groups in East Africa. It serves as a common language for trade, education, and social interactions among people with different mother tongues.

Due to its historical importance in trade and cultural exchanges along the East African coast, some Swahili words have been incorporated into the vocabulary of Arabic and Portuguese.

Because of its poetic sound, straightforward grammar, logical spelling, and simple pronunciation patterns, it is an easy language to learn. You can learn beautiful words in Swahili with online apps, by downloading a cheat sheet or coming to East Africa on a holiday.

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2. Swahili language basics: alphabet and pronunciation

Before you proceed to the list of Swahili words every traveler to East Africa should know, it is important to familiarize yourself with Swahili language alphabet (Alfabeti ya Kiswahili) and how to pronounce a certain letter in a word.

Swahili alphabet has 29 letters. Most of them are similar to the letters in the English alphabet, without q and x. It does have some letter clusters that make the sounds dh, gh, ng, sh, and th.

Is Swahili easy to learn? Pronunciation of Swahili common words and phrases is phonetic. This means that each letter has only one specific sound and it is pronounced the same all the time. If you know the letter sound, you will know how to say it. So, it is easy to learn Swahili.

A simple guide to Swahili alphabet and pronunciation with similar English sounds:

acargarinnonehakuna
bbayghubangringpete
chcheetahdumaooceanbahari
ddogmbwapplanendege
dhthoughingawarrainbowupinde wa mvua
eelephanttembossunjua
ffunfurahashshopduka
ggetpatattimewakati
ghgaragekarakanaththatchnyasi
hholeshimoumoonmwezi
iseeonavvangari
jjumpkurukawwinkushinda
kcowng’ombeyyellow njano
llionsimbazzebrapundamilia
mmonkeytumbili

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3. Essential Swahili travel phrases

3.1. Basic Swahili words and phrases

Those Swahili words to know combine expressions that showcase politeness and cultural respect, encouraging positive interactions with locals and serving as a basis for every communication.

ENGLISHSWAHILI
HiHabari
PleaseTafadhali
Thank youAsante
Excuse meNakuomba radhi
SorrySamahani
Yes / NoNdiyo / Hapana
I don’t understandMimi sielewi
Do you speak [language]?Unasema …?
What is the WiFi password?Nenosiri la WiFi ni lipi?
Could you take my picture?Unaweza kunipiga picha?
Where is the bathroom?Bafu / Choo kiko wapi?

3.2. Common Swahili phrases for greetings and introductions

Common Swahili words and phrases for greetings lay the foundation for any interaction. Swahili African greetings phrases allow you to initiate conversations and make a positive first impression.

ENGLISHSWAHILI
HelloJambo
GoodbyeKwa heri
Good morningHabari za asubuhi
Good daySiku njema
Good eveningHabari za jioni
Good nightLala Salama
Nice to meet youNafurahi kukuona
How are you?Habari gani?
My name is …Jina langu ni …
How do you say […] in [language]?Unasemaje … kwa …
Speak slowly, please.Ongea polepole, tafadhali.

3.3. Essential Swahili travel phrases for directions and getting around

Basic Swahili phrases for asking for directions will enable you to navigate unfamiliar streets and find your way around.

ENGLISHSWAHILI
Where is …Ni wapi …?
What time is …… ni saa ngapi?
How do I get to …Nawezaje kufika …
How far away is …… ni umbali gani?
Do you have a map?Je, una ramani?
When does the next … arrive?… inayofuata inawasili lini?
How long does it take to get to….?Inachukua muda gani kufika …?
here / therehapa / pale
North / South / East / WestKaskazini / Kusini / Mashariki / Magharibi
left / right / straight / back / up / downkushoto / kulia / moja kwa moja / nyuma / juu / chini
car / bus / train / taxi / metro / planegari / basi / treni / magari-moshi ya chini ya ardhi / ndege
bathroom / restaurant / hotel / bank / pharmacy / hospitalbafu / mgahawa / hoteli / benki / duka la dawa / hospitali

3.4. Useful Swahili phrases for traveling when ordering food and drinks

Swahili language phrases for ordering meals, asking for recommendations, and specifying dietary preferences ensure enjoyable dining experiences and help you explore local cuisines.

ENGLISHSWAHILI
Cheers!Afya!/
Is this …Hii ni …
I’m allergic to …Nina mzio wa …
The bill, please.Bili, tafadhali.
I would like to have …Ningependa …
May I see the menu?Ninaweza kuona menyu?
What do you recommend?Je, unapendekeza nini?
vegetarian / vegan / gluten freemlo wa mboga / mlo usio na nyama wala bidhaa za wanyama / mlo usio na gluteni
sweet / bitter / sour / salty / spicytamu / chungu / siki / chumvi / viungo
coffee / tea / water / juice / wine / beerkahawa / chai / maji / juisi / divai / bia
milk / eggs / fish / peanuts / shellfish / wheat / soybeansmaziwa / mayai / samaki / karanga / samakigamba / ngano / soya

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3.5. Basic Swahili phrases for shopping

Essential Swahili travel phrases for inquiring about prices, negotiating, and asking for sizes or colors are handy when exploring markets and boutiques.

ENGLISHSWAHILI
How much?Kiasi gani?
May I try this on?Je, ninaweza kujaribu hii?
Do you have this in …Je, una hii katika …?
Excuse me, I’m looking for … Samahani, ninatafuta …
Is this on sale?Hii inauzwa?
When do you open/close? Je, unafungua/kufunga lini?
Do you accept credit cards?Je, unakubali kadi za mkopo?
bigger / smallerkubwa / ndogo
1 one / 2 two / 3 three / 4 four / 5 five / 6 six / 7 seven / 8 eight / 9 nine / 10 ten1 moja / 2 mbili / 3 tatu / 4 nne / 5 tano / 6 sita / 7 saba / 8 nane / 9 tisa / 10 kumi
50 fifty / 100 hundred / 1000 thousand50 hamsini / 100 mia / 1000 elfu
white / yellow / orange/ red / blue / green / pink / purple / grey / brown / blacknyeupe/ njano/ machungwa/ nyekundu/ bluu/ kijani / waridi/ zambarau / kijivu / kahawia / nyeusi

🗩 “What is Anja’s favorite Swahili word?” Rafiki, which means friend.

3.6. Useful phrases in Swahili for traveling when checking in a hotel

Phrases in Swahili you will need when checking in a hotel, asking for towels, Swahili common phrases for fixing air conditioning, enquiring what time is breakfast, and what is included in your room rate.

ENGLISHSWAHILI
What time is …… ni saa ngapi?
… is not working.… haifanyi kazi.
Do you have WiFi?Je, una WiFi?
Can I drink the tap water?Je, ninaweza kunywa maji ya bomba?
breakfast / lunch / dinnerkifungua kinywa / chakula cha mchana / chakula cha jioni
toilet paper / key / towelkaratasi sashi / ufunguo / taulo
air conditioning / fan / heater / hairdryerhali ya hewa / feni / kipasha moto / mashine ya kukausha nywele

3.7. Helpful Swahili phrases in case of emergencies

Here you will find helpful Swahili travel phrases in case of emergencies, natural disasters, or if you will need assistance in difficult or dangerous situations.

ENGLISHSWAHILI
HelpSaidia
I am lostNimepotea
There is a …Kuna …
Please call the …Tafadhali piga simu kwa …
I lost my passportNilipoteza pasipoti yangu
My money was stolenPesa zangu ziliibiwa
fire / flood / earthquakemoto / mafuriko / tetemeko la ardhi
police / firemen / ambulancepolisi / wazima moto / gari la wagonjwa

3.8. Swahili words and Swahili phrases to compliment someone

If you’re like me and really love learning a few phrases in new languages, expand your study beyond the essential travel phrases and learn best Swahili words. I always learn how to say please and thank you, never visit without knowing the local word for “coffee” and never leave without knowing how to say;

ENGLISHSWAHILI
LoveMpenzi
FriendRafiki
You have beautiful eyesUna macho mazuri
You have a beautiful smileUna tabasamu zuri

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4. Best language App for traveling abroad

Learning a language is a long process. If you think you won’t have time to learn basic Swahili words, or if the situations come your way when above mentioned common Swahili phrases won’t be enough, use Google Translate. This is my favorite language app, that I use on (almost) every trip.

4.1. Google Translate

Google Translate is the most popular language travel app that can be used everywhere. I personally use it on all my travels, when going to Tanzania to learn what some Swahili words mean, when in Mexico to help with my not-the-best Spanish, when in Italy, in Japan and other places.

I’m sure you are familiar with the language app already. The most obvious feature is it will help you translate the destination language into your own one. But the absolute best feature is that it can translate the text using ‘camera translation’.

All you have to do is open the app, point your camera toward the text in a foreign language and Google Translate will do the rest. Perfect for menus! It also translates text from the photos on your camera roll. And it also works offline, when you download the language pair on your phone.

Language: 133 languages
Download: iOS | Android | Website
Price: Free

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5. Final thoughts on Essential Swahili Travel Phrases and Words

Whether it’s a warm greeting, ordering a meal, or expressing gratitude, basic phrases in Swahili not only open doors to easier communication, but also show respect and will help you to understand warm-hearted African people, and their culture in a different way.

Before traveling to Kenya, Tanzania or Uganda, learn Swahili language words that will help you to navigate through this movie-like African landscape. How to say Hello in the Kenyan language and how to say thank you in the Tanzanian language. Common Swahili travel phrases for directions, Zanzibar phrases for ordering food, and checking in a hotel. 

Which of these useful Swahili travel phrases have you managed to memorize so far?

Safari Salama,
Anja

6. BONUS: Tanzania and Zanzibar travel planning guide

Do you want to travel more and spend less?

I have created a list of best Tanzania and Zanzibar travel resources for you. This is a collection of the best travel resources when it comes to transportation, accommodation, travel insurance, and more.


All of these are products that I use and recommend to others.

Choosing the best travel resources from the beginning will save you time and money. Trust me, by using these travel resources, you will be able to travel further than you ever imagined.

6.1. Do I need travel insurance for Tanzania & Zanzibar?

YES
Enjoy peace of mind on your travels with a plan from SafetyWing. You can choose between monthly coverage or insurance for specific travel dates. They are one of the biggest names in the travel insurance world, and also give you the option to get insured while already abroad! Stay and be safe!

6.2. Do I need to book my accommodation in advance?

NO, BUT IT IS RECOMMENDED
I have found plenty of accommodation options in Zanzibar. If you have a specific hotel or resort in Zanzibar in mind, I would recommend booking a place to stay before you arrive. If you are planning a safari in Tanzania, I would book lodges in advance, since they have limited availability, especially during peak season. Booking.com has a great feature on some stays, where you can reserve your room and cancel it for free if your plans change.

6.3. Will my phone work in Tanzania?

MAYBE
It depends on your mobile provider and the plan you are on. There is WiFi in some hotels, but some basic accommodations do not have it. You can buy a local Sim card once there or travel carefree and buy an Airalo eSim before your travels.

6.4. Is it safe to rent a car in Tanzania?

YES IN GENERAL
Renting a car in Tanzania and Zanzibar is safe with some precautions. Check the rates at Discover Cars to make sure renting pays off. Having a car gives you the freedom to explore. But if planning a safari, it is better to go with a tour so you will potentially only need a car when on Zanzibar.

6.5. Do I have to book tours in Vanuatu before I arrive?

SOME OF THEM
If planning a safari or Mount Kilimanjaro hike, then you should book those in advance. You can choose between GetYourGuide or Viator. I would also book Stone Town walking tour and Prison island tour but those are not as ‘urgent’ and can be booked when on destination. You can explore some areas in Tanzania and Zanzibar without a tour or book one on the spot.


What you should read next


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Travel Resources | Travel more & Spend less

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🗨 FAQ

Where is Swahili spoken in Africa?

Swahili, also known as Kiswahili, is a language spoken in East Africa. It is the official language in Tanzania, Kenya, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Uganda. Swahili is used as a second language in various other countries in East Africa, like Rwanda and Burundi.


How to say No worries in Swahili?

Hakuna Matata

Learn more Swahili basic phrases and popular Swahili phrases for tourists on Anja On Adventure blog. There you can also FREE DOWNLOAD Swahili for travellers pdf and coloring pages with Swahili words and phrases.


How to say Thank you in Swahili?

Asante sana

Learn more Swahili travel phrases in Swahili for tourists on Anja On Adventure blog. There you can also FREE DOWNLOAD Swahili phrases pdf and coloring pages with Swahili words and phrases.


How to say Hello in Swahili?

jambo / hujambo / ​salama

Multiple ways on how to say hello in Tanzania. What does jambo mean in Swahili? Hi! Learn more basic Swahili greetings and common phrases in Swahili on Anja On Adventure blog. There you can also FREE DOWNLOAD Swahili for beginners pdf and coloring pages with Swahili words and phrases.


How to say How are you in Swahili?

Habari gani?

This is how are you in Tanzania language, Swahili. Learn more Swahili basic words and popular Swahili words for tourists on Anja On Adventure blog. There you can also FREE DOWNLOAD Swahili greetings and responses pdf and coloring pages with Swahili words and phrases.


How to say Please in Swahili?

tafadhali

Learn more Swahili travel phrases and popular Swahili phrases for tourists on Anja On Adventure blog. There you can also FREE DOWNLOAD Swahili travel phrases pdf and Swahili phrases like Hakuna Matata


How to say travel safely in Swahili?

How to say safe travels in Swahili?
Safe travels in Swahili is safari salama.


Learn more phrases like safe trip in Swahili, Swahili expressions and basic words in Swahili for tourists on Anja On Adventure blog. There you can also FREE DOWNLOAD Basic Swahili phrases pdf and coloring pages with Swahili words and phrases.


About Anja On Adventure

anja on Adventure

Anja On Adventure is a travel blog, a collection of insider tips and information on destinations, that I visited as a solo female traveler, tour guide, teacher, yacht stewardess, and Survivor challenge tester.

Anja, is a thirty-something adventure-seeking, sun chasing, beach hopping, gin-loving, tropics enthusiast with a creative mind and sarcastic spirit, who loves coconut and mango but doesn’t like chocolate and sweets. I am passionate about all things travel, maps, and puzzles. Click here to learn more About me.

About the author: Anja

Photo of author
Anja is a travel blogger and the founder of Anja on Adventure travel blog. Originally from Slovenia, she was also living in Australia, New Zealand, Samoa, and Fiji. She loves traveling to tropical destinations, as well as beach destinations with endless summer. But you can also find her eating her way through Italy or Mexico, learning about ancient cultures in Easter Island, visiting bucket list places in Peru, or taking road trips through the USA. She is passionate about world cultures, travel, maps, and puzzles. For the past 15+ years she has been traveling the globe, as a solo traveler, and as a tour guide. Her goal is to visit every tropical destination in the World. Anja On Adventure is here to provide helpful travel guides and personalized itinerary ideas to travelers that she has gathered from first-hand experience.