Swahili words you'll hear on Kilimanjaro
Here are the Swahili words you'll hear on the mountain, from my own list: how to say hello, welcome, thank you, friend, no worries, sleep well and goodbye, and the phrase for slowly, slowly.
Which words will I hear on the mountain?
| Swahili | English |
|---|---|
| Jambo | Hello |
| Karibu | Welcome |
| Asante | Thank you |
| Pole pole | Slowly, slowly |
| Rafiki | Friend |
| Hakuna matata | No worries |
| Lala salama | Sleep well |
| Kwaheri | Goodbye |
What does pole pole mean?
Pole pole means slowly, slowly. As the saying goes, pole pole ndio mwendo: slowly, slowly is the way.
[NEEDS JOSEPH: in your words, why the crew says it so often, and what it means for your pace.]
How do I answer when someone says jambo?
[NEEDS JOSEPH: the usual reply to this greeting, and any other greetings climbers should know.]
How do I thank the crew in Swahili?
Asante means thank you. Asante sana is thank you very much.
[NEEDS JOSEPH: anything else you’d like climbers to say at the tipping ceremony.]
Which songs will the crew sing?
[NEEDS JOSEPH: the songs your crews sing at camp or at the ceremony, if any, with the words and what they mean.]
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