The Swahili word for lion is simba. You probably knew that one already. Swahili, or Kiswahili, is the national language of Tanzania and is spoken across East Africa. Learning a few animal names and phrases is fun, and guides and camp staff always appreciate the effort.
The Big Five in Swahili
| English | Swahili |
|---|---|
| Lion | Simba |
| Leopard | Chui |
| Elephant | Tembo or ndovu |
| Buffalo | Nyati or mbogo |
| Rhino | Kifaru |
Read our guide to the Big Five in Tanzania for where to see them.
Other safari animals
| English | Swahili |
|---|---|
| Cheetah | Duma |
| Giraffe | Twiga |
| Zebra | Punda milia (striped donkey) |
| Wildebeest | Nyumbu |
| Hippo | Kiboko |
| Hyena | Fisi |
| Crocodile | Mamba |
| Warthog | Ngiri |
| Baboon | Nyani |
| Vervet monkey | Tumbili |
| Impala | Swala pala |
| Gazelle | Swala |
| Eland | Pofu |
| Jackal | Mbweha |
| Wild dog | Mbwa mwitu |
| Ostrich | Mbuni |
| Snake | Nyoka |
| Bird | Ndege |
| Animal | Mnyama (plural: wanyama) |
A few surprises
- Mamba means crocodile. The snake called a mamba in English has a different Swahili name.
- Punda milia literally means “striped donkey”.
- Ndege means bird, and also aeroplane.
- Safari simply means journey. You can go on safari to the shops.
- Rafiki, the baboon’s name in The Lion King, means friend.
Useful phrases for your safari
| Swahili | English |
|---|---|
| Jambo / Hujambo | Hello |
| Mambo? – Poa | How’s it going? – Cool (informal) |
| Habari? – Nzuri | How are you? – Fine |
| Karibu | Welcome |
| Asante (sana) | Thank you (very much) |
| Tafadhali | Please |
| Ndiyo / Hapana | Yes / No |
| Pole pole | Slowly, slowly |
| Hakuna matata | No worries |
| Twende! | Let’s go! |
| Kwa heri | Goodbye |
| Lala salama | Sleep well |
Using Swahili on safari
English is widely spoken in lodges and by guides, so you do not need Swahili to get by. But greeting staff with jambo, thanking them with asante sana and asking your guide the Swahili name of each new animal makes the trip more personal. Guides enjoy teaching it, and children pick it up quickly.
Pole pole on Kilimanjaro
If you are climbing Kilimanjaro, you will hear pole pole constantly. Walking slowly is the most important rule for acclimatising to altitude.
More to read
Before you travel, read things to know before your first Tanzania safari. To see as many of these animals as possible, try Serengeti & Crater or The Northern Loop, and read animals in the Serengeti.
Frequently asked questions
Simba is the Swahili word for lion. It can also be used to describe a strong or brave person.
Safari means journey. It comes originally from Arabic and is used for any trip, not only wildlife tours.
In Swahili, mamba means crocodile. The snake known in English as a mamba is called koboko in Swahili.
