Helpful Swahili Phrases for Travelers

Kilimanjaro Swahili Words, Here are a few Swahili words and phrases that you may find useful while climbing Kilimanjaro and traveling in East Africa. A handful of words are simple to learn, they may go a long way in making your adventure even more enjoyable. Locals will appreciate your effort to communicate in their language, and your simple exchange of Swahili words may help you will feel more connected with them and proud of your understanding.

Now, let’s get talking in basic Kilimanjaro Swahili!

Some of the below words and phrases—such as pole pole, asante, or karibu—no doubt you will hear so often that you will remember them long after your climb. Other phrases—such as poa kichizi kama ndizi—will surely impress your guides if you remember them correctly, or make them laugh otherwise. Have fun!

General terms
ChildMtoto
Come in / WelcomeKaribu
FineNzuri
Good-byeKwaheri
HelloJambo
How are you?Habari Yako?
How much?Ngapi?
May I take your picture?Nikupige picha?
MisterBwana
MadamBibi
NoHapana
PleaseTafadhali
SlowPole pole
TodayLeo
Thank you very muchAsante Sana
TomorrowKesho
TonightLeo usiku
WaitNgojea
What does it cost?Shilingi Ngapi?
Where is …?Iko wapi …?
YesNdio
Numbers
OneMoja
TwoMbili
ThreeTatu
FourNne
FiveTano
SixSita
SevenSaba
EightNane
NineTisa
TenKumi
Animals
CheetahDuma
ElephantTembo
GiraffeTwiga
HippoKiboko
LionSimba
Wildebeest Nyumbu
Food and drink
BeefNyama
BeerPombe
BreadMkate
ChickenKuku
CoffeeKahwa
ColdBaridi
EggsMayai
FinishedKuisha
FishSamaki
IceBarafu
LambKondoo
MilkMaziwa
SugarSukari
TeaChai
More general terms
Do you speak English?Unazungumza Kiingereza?
StopSimama
Bring me hot water please!Lete maji moto, tafadhali!
PorterMpagazi
RopeKamba
SlowlyPole pole
Drinking waterMaji ya kunywa
Toilet paperKaratasi ya choo
LeftKushoto
RightKulia
Carry on straightNenda mojakwa moja
I am lostNimepotea
I want to go downNinataka kwenda chini
Do you have a map?Unayo ramani?
Where are we?Sisi tupa wapi?
How far is it?Ni umbali gani?
I am thirstyNaona kiu
I am tiredNimechoka
I am coldNinahisi baridi
My head achesKickwa kinauma
DiarrheaKuhara
NauseaNataka kutapika
VomitingKutapika
I feel betterAfadhali sana
There has been an accidentPametokea ajali
Don’t move himUsimsogeze
Get a doctorUmwite daktari
Please bring blanketsTafadhali ulete blanketi
He has fallenAmeanguka
He has faintedAmepoteza fahamu
KILIMANJARO GEAR
Kilimanjaro Climbing Gear
PREACHING THE GOSPEL