In the heart of Tanzania’s most popular safari destinations, it’s not unusual to hear your guide speaking in what sounds like code. You may know that ‘lion’ is ‘simba’ in Swahili, but don’t be surprised if you catch the word ‘Sharubu’ over the radio or pick it up between guide conversations. This is the safari animal nicknames. These insider terms and phrases are part of a practical, and often playful, guide language – safari animal nicknames if you will – used to share quick updates without alarming wildlife or puzzling guests.
If you overhear ‘Mbogo’ mentioned, your guide is talking about a buffalo. Wondering what happened to ‘nyati’? Both words mean the same animal, but ‘Mbogo’ highlights the buffalo’s reputation for being unpredictable and dangerous. Similarly, while ‘tembo’ refers to elephant, you may hear a different nickname altogether when a guide spots one across the plains.
Here’s a quick list of the most common safari animal nicknames you will hear while traversing the Serengeti, Ngorongoro or more.
Safari Animal Nicknames List
| English Name for the Animal | Swahili Name for the Animal | Safari Animal Nicknames |
| Lion | Simba | Sharubu (literally meaning whiskers) |
| Elephant | Tembo | Masikio or Mkonga (literally meaning ears, trunk) |
| Rhino | Kifaru | Pembe / Kipusa (meaning horn, ) |
| Buffalo | Nyati | Mbogo / |
| Leopard | Chui | Wa juu (literally meaning “of above”) |
| Cheetah | Duma | Wa chini (literally meaning “of below”) |
| Wildebeest | Nyumbu | Wahamiaji |
| Zebra | Pundamilia | Miraba Stripes |
| Giraffe | Twiga | Shingo (literally meaning neck, called so for their long necks) |
| Hippo | Kiboko | Nguruwe maji |
| Hyena | Fisi | Malebo |
| Crocodile | Mamba | Mikasi |
| Birds | Ndege | Vinayvoruka (literally meaning “those that fly”) |
| Phyton | Chatu | Mikanda (literally meaning rope) |
| Warthog | Ngiri | |
| Thomson’s Gazelle | Swala | Mbuzi wa miraba (literally striped goat) |
| Grant’s Gazelle | Swala | Mbuzi wa kubwa (literally meaning big goat) |
| Wild Dogs | Mbwa Mwitu | Mwanariadha (literally meaning runner) |
So the next time you hear a coded term that doesn’t quite sound Swahili, nor English, check the list. Better yet, have a friendly interaction with your safari guide about it – they will be more than happy to share their slang and vocabulary with you.
