101 Simple Swahili Phrases for Travelers to Kenya (Complete 2026 Guide)
Planning a trip to Kenya? Whether you are heading on safari in the legendary Maasai Mara, relaxing along the beaches of Mombasa, or exploring vibrant Nairobi, learning a few simple Swahili phrases for travelers to Kenya can completely transform your experience.
Swahili (Kiswahili) is one of Kenya’s national languages and is spoken widely across East Africa. Even though many Kenyans speak English, using basic Swahili shows respect, builds rapport, and often earns you warm smiles and better service.
101 Simple Swahili Phrases for Travelers to Kenya (Complete 2026 Guide)
In this guide, you will discover 101 simple Swahili phrases for travelers to Kenya, carefully organized by real-life travel situations, greetings, transportation, restaurants, safaris, shopping, emergencies, and more.
Let us get started!
Why Learn Simple Swahili Phrases for Travelers to Kenya?
Before diving into the list, here is why learning simple Swahili phrases for travelers to Kenya is worth your time:
- ✅ Shows cultural respect
- ✅ Makes interactions warmer and friendlier
- ✅ Helps in rural areas where English is less common
- ✅ Improves bargaining experiences in markets
- ✅ Makes safari experiences more immersive
Plus, locals genuinely appreciate the effort.
Basic Greetings (Essential Simple Swahili Phrases for Travelers to Kenya)
Greetings are extremely important in Kenyan culture. Always greet before asking for help.
- Hello – Jambo
- Hi (informal) – Habari
- How are you? – Habari yako?
- I’m fine – Mzuri
- I’m very well – Mzuri sana
- Good morning – Habari za asubuLi
- Good afternoon – Habari za mchana
- Good evening – Habari za jioni
- Good night – Usiku mwema
- Welcome – Karibu
- You Are welcome – Karibu
- Nice to meet you – Nimefurahi kukutana nawe
- What is your name? – Jina lako nani?
- My name is… – Jina langu ni…
- Goodbye – Kwaheri
Tip: You Will hear “Karibu Kenya!” everywhere, it means “Welcome to Kenya.”
Polite Expressions
Politeness goes a long way when using simple Swahili phrases for travelers to Kenya.
- Please – Tafadhali
- Thank you – Asante
- Thank you very much – Asante sana
- No, thank you – Hapana, asante
- Yes – Ndiyo
- No – Hapana
- Excuse me – Samahani
- Sorry – Pole
- It’s okay – Sawa
- No problem – Hakuna shida
You may recognize “Hakuna Matata” from The Lion King, it actually comes from Swahili!
Getting Around Kenya
Whether navigating Nairobi traffic or heading to safari camps near Amboseli National Park, these simple Swahili phrases for travelers to Kenya are essential.
- Where is…? – … iko wapi?
- How much is the fare? – Nauli ni ngapi?
- Take me to… – Nipeleke…
- Stop here – Simama hapa
- I want to go to the airport – Nataka kwenda uwanja wa ndege
- Is it far? – Ni mbali?
- Is it near? – Ni karibu?
- Turn left – Geuka kushoto
- Turn right – Geuka kulia
- Go straight – Nenda moja kwa moja
At the Airport
If you land at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, these will help:
- Passport – Pasipoti
- Visa – Visa
- Luggage – Mizigo
- Where is baggage claim? – Mahali pa mizigo iko wapi?
- Customs – Forodha
Hotel & Accommodation
From budget stays to luxury lodges near Lake Nakuru National Park:
- I have a reservation – Nina nafasi
- Do you have a room? – Mna chumba?
- How much per night? – Ni bei gani kwa usiku?
- Hot water – Maji ya moto
- Cold water – Maji ya baridi
- WiFi password – Nenosiri la WiFi
- Breakfast included? – Kifungua kinywa kimejumuishwa?
- I need help – Nahitaji msaada
- Key – Funguo
- Checkout – Kulipa
Food & Restaurants
Kenyan cuisine is delicious, try nyama choma and ugali!
- I’m hungry – Nina njaa
- I’m thirsty – Nina kiu
- Menu – Menyu
- Water – Maji
- Tea – Chai
- Coffee – Kahawa
- Food – Chakula
- Delicious – Kitamu
- The bill, please – Bili tafadhali
- No sugar – Bila sukari
Safari Phrases (Wildlife & Adventure)
If you are visiting Tsavo National Park or the Maasai Mara:
- Lion – Simba
- Elephant – Tembo
- Giraffe – Twiga
- Zebra – Punda milia
- Rhino – Kifaru
- Buffalo – Nyati
- Leopard – Chui
- Cheetah – Duma
- Bird – Ndege
- Beautiful – Mzuri
Shopping & Markets
Markets in Nairobi and Mombasa are lively and fun.
- How much? – Ni ngapi?
- Too expensive – Khali sana
- Cheaper please – Punguza bei
- I’m just looking – Natazama tu
- I like it – Ninapenda
- I don’t like it – Sipendi
- Do you accept card? – Unakubali kadi?
- Cash – Pesa taslimu
- Change – Chenji
- Receipt – Risiti
Numbers in Swahili
Useful for bargaining!
- One – Moja
- Two – Mbili
- Three – Tatu
- Four – Nne
- Five – Tano
- Six – Sita
- Seven – Saba
- Eight – Nane
- Nine – Tisa
- Ten – Kumi
Emergencies & Health
Important simple Swahili phrases for travelers to Kenya:
- Help! – Msaada!
- I need a doctor – Nahitaji daktari
- Hospital – Hospitali
- Police – Polisi
- I am lost – Nimepotea
- Call the police – Piga polisi
- I feel sick – Ninajisikia vibaya
- Where is the pharmacy? – Duka la dawa liko wapi?
- It hurts here – Inauma hapa
- Fire – Moto
- Danger – Hatari
Cultural Tips When Using Simple Swahili Phrases for Travelers to Kenya
To truly benefit from these simple Swahili phrases for travelers to Kenya, keep these cultural tips in mind:
- Greetings Matter
Always greet before asking questions. Jumping straight to business can feel rude.
- Smile Often
A smile plus basic Swahili works wonders.
- Use “Pole” Generously
If someone bumps into you or experiences bad luck, say Pole, it shows empathy.
- Don’t Worry About Perfection
Kenyans appreciate effort more than perfect pronunciation.
Swahili is phonetic – words are pronounced exactly as written.
Final Thoughts: Mastering Simple Swahili Phrases for Travelers to Kenya
Learning these 101 simple Swahili phrases for travelers to Kenya will enrich your trip in ways that go beyond convenience. It creates connection.
From negotiating in local markets to spotting wildlife in the Maasai Mara, your experience becomes more authentic when you engage in the local language.
Kenya is warm, welcoming, and vibrant. When you say “Asante sana,” you are not just saying thank you, you are building a bridge.
Karibu Kenya!
At Maseke Adventure, we do not sell safaris, we design experiences that stay with you for a lifetime.
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