Here are a few Swahili words and phrases that you may find useful while climbing Mount Kilimanjaro and traveling in East Africa more broadly. While 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 mutual understanding. It is especially helpful when speaking to your porters who carry most of your luggage up the mountain including your sleeping tents, cooking items, water, and essentials. Being more aware of the staff who are helping you to climb Kilimanjaro safely and also your social responsibility towards local workers is important for any conscious traveller. 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!
Essential Kilimanjaro Swahili
| Slow |
Pole pole |
| Thank you (very much) |
Asante (sana) |
| (Very) welcome |
Karibu (sana) |
| Yes |
Ndio |
| No |
Hapana |
| Let’s go! |
Twende! |
| I’m sorry / excuse me! |
Samahani! |
| OK! |
Sawa! |
| Danger! |
Hatari! |
| Great! |
Nzuri! |
| I’m tired |
Nimechoka |
| Water |
Maji |
| Toilet |
Choo |
| Hot |
Moto |
| Cold |
Baridi |
| Much |
Mengi |
| Little |
Kidogo |
| Fast |
Haraka |
Greetings in Swahili on Kilimanjaro
| Hello |
Jambo |
| How are you [informal greeting] |
Habari |
| (Very) good [response to habari] |
Nzuri (sana) |
| Hello [to an older person; literally “I touch your feet”] |
Shikamoo |
| Fine [response to shikamoo; literally “I acknowledge your respect”] |
Marahaba |
| What’s up [casual slang greeting] |
Mambo (vipi) |
| Cool [response to mambo (vipi)] |
Poa |
| Crazy cool like a banana (in the fridge) [reponse to mambo (vipi) if you feel particularly well] |
Poa kichizi kama ndizi (ndani ya friji) |
Addressing people in Swahili on Kilimanjaro
| Sir |
Bwana |
| Madam; grandmother [addressing a woman of older age] |
Bibi |
| Grandfather [addressing a man of older age] |
Babu |
| Friend |
Rafiki |
| Sister [addressing a woman of similar age] |
Dada |
| Brother [addressing a man of similar age] |
Kaka |
Other useful words in Swahili for Kilimanjaro
| What is your name? |
Jina lako nani? |
| My name is … |
Jina langu ni … |
| Where are you from? |
Unatoka wapi? |
| I’m from … |
Natoka… |
| Naomba … |
I need … |
| Naraka … |
I want … |
| Congratulation |
Hongera |
| European (white foreigner) |
Mzungu |
| Strong like a lion |
Nguvu kama simba |
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