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. With it, you will help me buy treats for my dog and parrot, build the time machine, and travel back in time to see dinosaurs and interview stone crafters on Easter Island. Thank you! Read more in Disclaimer.
Searching for essential Swahili travel phrases for your adventure in East Africa?
You are at the right place!
If you’re venturing into the land of The Lion King, knowing basic Swahili words will be your key to enriching African experiences. I’m talking beyond Swahili words in Lion King, like Hakuna Matata or Asante Sana. Those were easy swahili words to learn before traveling to Zanzibar, Tanzania. But there are other beautiful Swahili words you should know.
Learning some common Swahili 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.

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 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!
for ESSENTIAL TRAVEL PHRASES:
• 73+ Essential ENGLISH Travel Phrases and Words You Should Know
• 73+ Essential ARABIC Travel Phrases for Tourists in Arab Countries & Free PDF
• 73+ Essential GREEK Travel Phrases for Tourists on a Greek Holiday & Download
• 73+ Essential JAPANESE Travel Phrases for Tourists Visiting Japan & Free cheat sheet
• 73+ Essential SLOVENIAN Travel Phrases for your trip to Slovenia & Free Download
• 73+ Essential SWAHILI Travel Phrases for Travelers to East Africa + Free Download
for WORDS & PHRASES in 101 different languages:
• How to say You have beautiful eyes in 101 different languages
• How to say What is the WiFi password in 101 different languages
• How to say Hello in 101 different languages spoken around the World
• How to say Love in 101 different languages spoken around the World
• How to say Thank you in 101 different languages spoken around the World
• How to say Friend in 101 different languages spoken around the World with Pronunciation
for ITINERARY idea:
• HOW TO SPEND TWELVE DAYS IN ZANZIBAR: PERFECT ITINERARY
for Zanzibar TRAVEL TIPS:
• WHAT ARE THE BEST BEACHES TO STAY IN ZANZIBAR
• ZANZIBAR COST OF TRAVEL AND DETAILED BUDGET BREAKDOWN
• HOW TO BARGAIN ON YOUR TRAVELS: 17 ESSENTIAL BARGAINING TIPS
• 73+ Essential Swahili Travel Phrases for Travelers to East Africa + Free Download
for ACCOMMODATION suggestions:
• STAYING AT NEW TEDDY’S ON THE BEACH IN JAMBIANI, ZANZIBAR
• TOP 12 MOST AMAZING BEACH HOTELS IN JAMBIANI, ZANZIBAR
• 15 BEST PLACES TO STAY IN STONE TOWN, ZANZIBAR
for CAPTION IDEAS:
• 115 BEST ZANZIBAR CAPTIONS FOR INSTAGRAM – CUTE AND WANDERLUST
• 107 FANTASTIC PALM TREE CAPTIONS FOR INSTAGRAM – LAVISH AND STRONG
• 77 EPIC COCONUT CAPTIONS AND COCONUT PUNS – TROPICAL COCONUT BONANZA
• 77 BEAUTIFUL PINEAPPLE CAPTIONS FOR INSTAGRAM – SWEET AND JUICY
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 a 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.
Don’t have time to read now? Pin it for later!


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:
a | car | gari | n | none | hakuna |
b | bay | ghuba | ng | ring | pete |
ch | cheetah | duma | o | ocean | bahari |
d | dog | mbwa | p | plane | ndege |
dh | though | ingawa | r | rainbow | upinde wa mvua |
e | elephant | tembo | s | sun | jua |
f | fun | furaha | sh | shop | duka |
g | get | pata | t | time | wakati |
gh | garage | karakana | th | thatch | nyasi |
h | hole | shimo | u | moon | mwezi |
i | see | ona | v | van | gari |
j | jump | kuruka | w | win | kushinda |
k | cow | ng’ombe | y | yellow | njano |
l | lion | simba | z | zebra | pundamilia |
m | monkey | tumbili |
Pinning is winning and sharing is caring! What are you choosing?


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.
ENGLISH | SWAHILI |
---|---|
Hi | Habari |
Please | Tafadhali |
Thank you | Asante |
Excuse me | Nakuomba radhi |
Sorry | Samahani |
Yes / No | Ndiyo / Hapana |
I don’t understand | Mimi 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? |
ALSO READ:
• How to Spend Twelve Days in Zanzibar Itinerary
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 are allowing you to initiate conversations and make a positive first impression.
ENGLISH | SWAHILI |
---|---|
Hello | Jambo |
Goodbye | Kwa heri |
Good morning | Habari za asubuhi |
Good day | Siku njema |
Good evening | Habari za jioni |
Good night | Lala Salama |
Nice to meet you | Nafurahi 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.
ENGLISH | SWAHILI |
---|---|
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 / there | hapa / pale |
North / South / East / West | Kaskazini / Kusini / Mashariki / Magharibi |
left / right / straight / back / up / down | kushoto / kulia / moja kwa moja / nyuma / juu / chini |
car / bus / train / taxi / metro / plane | gari / basi / treni / magari-moshi ya chini ya ardhi / ndege |
bathroom / restaurant / hotel / bank / pharmacy / hospital | bafu / mgahawa / hoteli / benki / duka la dawa / hospitali |
ALSO READ:
• WHAT ARE THE BEST BEACHES TO STAY IN ZANZIBAR
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.
ENGLISH | SWAHILI |
---|---|
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 free | mlo wa mboga / mlo usio na nyama wala bidhaa za wanyama / mlo usio na gluteni |
sweet / bitter / sour / salty / spicy | tamu / chungu / siki / chumvi / viungo |
coffee / tea / water / juice / wine / beer | kahawa / chai / maji / juisi / divai / bia |
milk / eggs / fish / peanuts / shellfish / wheat / soybeans | maziwa / mayai / samaki / karanga / samakigamba / ngano / soya |
Pinning is winning and sharing is caring! What are you choosing?


3.5. Basic Swahili phrases for shopping
Essential Swahili phrases for inquiring about prices, negotiating, and asking for sizes or colors are handy when exploring markets and boutiques.
ENGLISH | SWAHILI |
---|---|
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 / smaller | kubwa / ndogo |
1 one / 2 two / 3 three / 4 four / 5 five / 6 six / 7 seven / 8 eight / 9 nine / 10 ten | 1 moja / 2 mbili / 3 tatu / 4 nne / 5 tano / 6 sita / 7 saba / 8 nane / 9 tisa / 10 kumi |
50 fifty / 100 hundred / 1000 thousand | 50 hamsini / 100 mia / 1000 elfu |
white / yellow / orange/ red / blue / green / pink / purple / grey / brown / black | nyeupe/ 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.
ENGLISH | SWAHILI |
---|---|
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 / dinner | kifungua kinywa / chakula cha mchana / chakula cha jioni |
toilet paper / key / towel | karatasi sashi / ufunguo / taulo |
air conditioning / fan / heater / hairdryer | hali ya hewa / feni / kipasha moto / mashine ya kukausha nywele |
3.7. Helpful Swahili phrases in case of emergencies
Here you will find helpful Swahili phrases in case of emergencies, natural disasters, or if you will be needing assistance in difficult or dangerous situations.
ENGLISH | SWAHILI |
---|---|
Help | Saidia |
I am lost | Nimepotea |
There is a … | Kuna … |
Please call the … | Tafadhali piga simu kwa … |
I lost my passport | Nilipoteza pasipoti yangu |
My money was stolen | Pesa zangu ziliibiwa |
fire / flood / earthquake | moto / mafuriko / tetemeko la ardhi |
police / firemen / ambulance | polisi / wazima moto / gari la wagonjwa |
3.8. Swahili words and 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;
ENGLISH | SWAHILI |
---|---|
Love | Mpenzi |
Friend | Rafiki |
You have beautiful eyes | Una macho mazuri |
You have a beautiful smile | Una tabasamu zuri |
Pinning is winning and sharing is caring! What are you choosing?


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
Pinning is winning and sharing is caring! What are you choosing?


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 landscapes. How to say Hello in Kenyan language and how to say thank you in Tanzanian language. Common Swahili phrases for directions, Zanzibar phrases for ordering food, and checking in a hotel.
Which of these useful Swahili phrases have you managed to memorize so far?
Let me know in the comments!
Safari Salama,
Anja
for ESSENTIAL TRAVEL PHRASES:
• 73+ Essential ENGLISH Travel Phrases and Words You Should Know
• 73+ Essential ARABIC Travel Phrases for Tourists in Arab Countries & Free PDF
• 73+ Essential GREEK Travel Phrases for Tourists on a Greek Holiday & Download
• 73+ Essential JAPANESE Travel Phrases for Tourists Visiting Japan & Free cheat sheet
• 73+ Essential SLOVENIAN Travel Phrases for your trip to Slovenia & Free Download
• 73+ Essential SWAHILI Travel Phrases for Travelers to East Africa + Free Download
for WORDS & PHRASES in 101 different languages:
• How to say You have beautiful eyes in 101 different languages
• How to say What is the WiFi password in 101 different languages
• How to say Hello in 101 different languages spoken around the World
• How to say Love in 101 different languages spoken around the World
• How to say Thank you in 101 different languages spoken around the World
• How to say Friend in 101 different languages spoken around the World with Pronunciation
for ITINERARY idea:
• HOW TO SPEND TWELVE DAYS IN ZANZIBAR: PERFECT ITINERARY
for Zanzibar TRAVEL TIPS:
• WHAT ARE THE BEST BEACHES TO STAY IN ZANZIBAR
• ZANZIBAR COST OF TRAVEL AND DETAILED BUDGET BREAKDOWN
• HOW TO BARGAIN ON YOUR TRAVELS: 17 ESSENTIAL BARGAINING TIPS
• 73+ Essential Swahili Travel Phrases for Travelers to East Africa + Free Download
for ACCOMMODATION suggestions:
• STAYING AT NEW TEDDY’S ON THE BEACH IN JAMBIANI, ZANZIBAR
• TOP 12 MOST AMAZING BEACH HOTELS IN JAMBIANI, ZANZIBAR
• 15 BEST PLACES TO STAY IN STONE TOWN, ZANZIBAR
for CAPTION IDEAS:
• 115 BEST ZANZIBAR CAPTIONS FOR INSTAGRAM – CUTE AND WANDERLUST
• 107 FANTASTIC PALM TREE CAPTIONS FOR INSTAGRAM – LAVISH AND STRONG
• 77 EPIC COCONUT CAPTIONS AND COCONUT PUNS – TROPICAL COCONUT BONANZA
• 77 BEAUTIFUL PINEAPPLE CAPTIONS FOR INSTAGRAM – SWEET AND JUICY
➤ What you should read next …
📌 Like it? Pin it!



✈ Travel like a PRO
Are you ready to travel like a PRO?
Save time and money with these travel tips and resources.
I personally use these companies to save time and money. They do the work by providing a list of options, prices, and reviews from actual guests, for anywhere I am traveling worldwide.
✈️ FLIGHTS: I use Google Flights where the explore feature is perfect to find amazing flight fares. I book directly with an airline or pair it with Iwantthatflight for the best deals.
🏨 ACCOMMODATION: Booking.com is my favorite site for finding great hotel deals. They return the best rates and reviews are from actual guests!
🚘 RENTAL CARS: Discover Cars are my go-to, when planning an epic road trip.
🗽 TOURS & ACTIVITIES: I like to wander around on my own, but when I want to explore with a group, skip the line with an entrance ticket, I book it with GetYourGuide or Viator.
❤️🩹 TRAVEL INSURANCE: I never, under any circumstances travel without insurance. In most cases, I use yearly global travel medical insurance. But, if you don’t have that and some impromptu travel plans occur, use SafetyWings. With them, you can buy travel insurance even when you are already abroad. Better be safe, than sorry!
📲 PHONE AND ONLINE SAFETY: NordVPN keeps your devices browsing safe and malware free. Stream shows from around the world, access social media in countries where they are blocked and buy cheap flights by changing your virtual location.
🗨 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 basic words and 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 basic words and popular Swahili phrases 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 travel safely in Swahili?
Safe travels in Swahili is safari salama.
Learn more phrases like safe travel 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 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.