Swahili is the official language
Although you'll hear several dialects spoken in Tanzania, Swahili is the country's official language. You may think that you don't speak a word, but, without realizing it, you probably do... You've no doubt organized a trip to Tanzania to go on 'safari'. Well, the word 'safari' is the Swahili for 'journey'.
Lion King fans will know the phrase 'hakuna matata', the Swahili for 'no worries'. Indeed, you'll hear 'hakuna matata' and 'pole pole' (slowly, slowly) being said everywhere, all the time! In any case, you'll find it relatively easy to pick up the most common words of this Bantu-derived language. Even if you just manage to say 'hello' in the official language, Tanzanians will be pleased that you're making an effort. As for conversations, you can always speak English, Tanzania's 'second' language.
The alternatives
Even though the list of words shown below will give you the basics, you won't have enough to chat away in Swahili during your Tanzanian vacation. As mentioned, English is the country's second language, so you should have no problem getting by.
Shakespeare's mother tongue is spoken throughout the country. Everyone working in the tourist industry, alongside most of the population, will be an English speaker. Obviously the accent is different from the British, but you'll soon tune in and get used to it. English will be the language you need in Tanzania, if you want to chat to locals.
