Have you ever been on an African Safari in Kenya? Kenya is the hub of the total safari experience. If not, it definitely should be on your bucket list! Safari is a Swahili word that means “journey,” For many people, safari means an adventure of a lifetime. Even if you have been on safari before, there are some keywords and phrases you should know to make the most of your experience.
This blog post will outline some of the most common words and phrases used in an African wildlife safari. With some preparation, you’ll be ready to navigate the language barrier and truly enjoy your safari experience! The Wild Springs Adventures way.
The African Safari Lingo is a language that Tour Drivers use to communicate with each other while at the park. I’ve heard some exciting wildlife jargon from our guides; what about you?
Kichwa = Lion
Masikio = Elephant
Pembe– Rhino
Shingo= Giraffe
Madoadoa Chafu= Hyena
Madoadoa ya juu= Leopard
Madoa doa ya= Chini
The Big Five= buffalo, elephant, leopard, lions, and rhinoceros
Hakuna Matata= is Swahili for ‘no problem’ or ‘no worries’
The Ugly Five
The Ugly Five are the unfortunate African animals that do not meet the unrealistic beauty standards set by the Big Five. These poor souls include the hyena, wildebeest, warthog, vulture, and marabou stork.
The Special Five