Just as diverse as the Tanzanian landscape – we only say mountains, savannahs, jungles, crater, lakes, crater lakes – are the people calling this East African gem their home. The country is inhabited by over 100 ethnic groups, who of course all have their own language. With more than 120 languages and dialects, Tanzania has more than any other African country, creating an unparalleled cultural depth.
Even without this information, you might have wondered whether your English will see you through when travelling to Tanzania, right? Spoiler alert: you’ll be fine! Nevertheless, we’ll have a look at the main languages spoken in Tanzania and even provide you with some basic Swahili skills. The more you know…
How many languages are there in Tanzania?
A total of 126 languages are spoken in Tanzania, with Swahili and English being the two official ones. On top of these, there are approximately 18 developing, 58 vigorous, 40 endangered, and 8 dying languages.
What is the most spoken language in Tanzania?
Spoken by approximately 90% of the Tanzanian population, that would be Swahili. It’s also called Kiswahili by Tanzanians, and it is the primary social, political, and educational language.
The second institutional language is English. It has, however, been used as a second or third language and is taught in schools. The level isn’t the best, though, so people might be able to read the language but might have a harder time understanding it.
The history of Swahili in Tanzania
It’s generally accepted that the language developed as a result of trade between the coast people of East Africa and the Arabs, and that its core originates in Bantu languages. Around the 19th century, many Tanzanians and Kenyans started identifying as Swahili. After the country’s independence, Swahili became Tanzania’s national language to unify the new nation.
As of today, Swahili is the primary language used in Tanzania, and the government keeps advocating for it to become the one and only official Tanzanian language. Swahili has recently become the primary language used throughout the educational system.
The history of English in Tanzania
English was the dominant language in Tanzania during the British colonial period from 1919 to 1961. After Tanganyika and Zanzibar became the independent United Republic of Tanzania, however, it was dethroned by Swahili.
For a long time, English remained the primary language of secondary and higher education. This is no longer the case, with Swahili now being the language used across the educational system.
Still, English remains relatively popular, and you’re sure to encounter numerous English speakers on your Tanzanian adventures, especially in major cities and tourist areas.
Other widely spoken languages in Tanzania
Now that we’ve given you an overview of the official languages of Tanzania, it’s time to look at some lesser-known yet still widely spoken languages. These include:
- Kisankasa (Bantu language spoken by the Kisi people in Njombe region)
- Pare (spoken by the Pare people in the northeast)
- Bemba (spoken in southern Tanzania, DR Congo, and Zambia)
- Hehe (native to the Iringa region, spoken by fewer than 200,000 people)
- Maasai, Digo, Datooga, and Chindali (various indigenous languages)
Tanzania languages that have lost usage
It’s natural for languages to slowly fade and eventually die. One of these languages in Tanzania is Asa, which is no longer spoken natively. Political decisions play a big role in language preservation, with Swahili being widely promoted while indigenous languages struggle to survive.
Other languages in Tanzania worth mentioning
Some imported languages spoken in Tanzania include French, German, Portuguese, Gujarati, Arabic, and Hindustani. French has even become part of the school curriculum, with an estimated 1.5 million Tanzanians proficient in it.
In the tourism industry, most tour operators work with guides speaking English, and sometimes even Spanish, French, Italian, German, and Japanese.
Some Swahili words to help you out
Greetings:
- Hello: Harabi or Mambo
- Goodbye: Kwaheri
- How are you?: Habari gani
- Nice to meet you: Nafurahi kukuona
Use in Conversation:
- Yes: Ndiyo
- No: Hapana
- Thank you: Asante
- Please: Tafadhali
- Excuse me: Samahani
Navigation:
- Where is the (insert place)?: (insert place) iko wapi?
- Bus station: Stesheni ya basi
- Train Station: Kituo cha treni
- Bank: Benki
- Market: Soko
Health and Emergency:
- I need a doctor: Nahitaji daktari
- I’m sick: Mimi ni mgonjwa
- It hurts here: Inauma hapa
Some tips for a smooth trip
You don’t need to be fluent in Swahili before your trip. However, here are three tips to help you navigate Tanzania smoothly:
- Note down the most important Swahili phrases on your phone or a small notebook.
- Get an English-Swahili translation app.
- If nothing works, simply ask your guide and smile. 😊
For more guides and information about Tanzania, check out our blog. And if you have specific questions regarding travelling to Tanzania, don’t hesitate to contact us directly. We’ll be more than happy to help you plan your next big adventure!
A handful of Swahili phrases can go a long way on safari. Here's a beginner's guide to greetings, thanks, and safari-specific vocabulary. This guide focuses on the decisions a traveler must make before requesting or accepting a quotation.
Quick facts
| Primary topic | Learning Swahili Safari Useful Words Phrases |
|---|---|
| Best planning input | Travel month, available nights and preferred pace |
| Confirm before booking | Exact route, named accommodation, transport and current rules |
Start with the route and available time
Cultural tourism should be hosted respectfully, explained accurately and connected to transparent local benefit. Communities are partners, not staged attractions.
What changes by season or location
Travelers should ask who runs an activity, how payments are distributed and what conduct or photography rules apply. Specific answers are more useful than claims of authenticity.
How to compare your options
Conservation claims also need evidence. Park fees, employment, procurement, water, waste and wildlife practices should be described without presenting tourism as impact-free.
Questions to put in the quotation
Ask I Artist Adventure to identify the exact locations, number of nights, transfer legs and inclusions relevant to learning swahili safari useful words phrases. Record any important requirement before accommodation or permits are confirmed.
Common planning mistakes
Avoid treating learning swahili safari useful words phrases as a guaranteed event or a label that means the same thing in every itinerary. Check current conditions, allow realistic transfer time and keep expectations tied to the written plan.
Who this trip suits
This subject is most useful for travelers who want learning swahili safari useful words phrases to influence the route rather than appear as a brief add-on. It can be adapted for private departures, couples, families or solo travelers where the relevant rules allow.
Four I Artist Adventure trips to compare
- 2-Day Tarangire & Ngorongoro Safari
- 3-Day Serengeti & Ngorongoro Safari
- 5-Day Tanzania Northern Circuit
- 7-Day Tanzania Northern Circuit
Frequently asked questions
How early should I plan learning swahili safari useful words phrases?
Start once your dates are reasonably firm. Permit, flight and lodge availability may determine the route.
Can a wildlife sighting or weather condition be guaranteed?
No. Seasonal information supports planning, but actual conditions remain variable.
What should a quotation show?
It should identify the route, nights, transport, guide, accommodation, major fees, meals and exclusions.
Can this be combined with another Tanzania experience?
Often yes, provided the transfer time and available nights make the combination sensible.
