We are heading to Tanzania for three weeks so I bought a cd and phrase book (lonley Planet) to pick up a few key phrases in kiwahili...it is really a simple language.I listen to the cd while driving and look at the phrasebook during tv commercials and while walking on the treadmill at the gym. I know all my numbers and greetings, how to bargin, etc. )probably a vocabulary of 100...should I continue? By the time we leave I could increase that to about 1000 words/phrases. Will knowing some kiswahili help me or will everyone be speaking English anyway?

oops...excuse my typos...haven't had my coffee yet....

Is your trip a safari or something similar? If so, then if you can add the common animals to your Swahili vocab (which will add to your fun in the vehicles) you will be one of the best spoken tourists in Tanzania! If you are working in the community, then I'd go for the 1000 words.

On safari, almost everyone you encounter will know enough English to communicate successfully with you. But they will get a kick out of your knowledge of Swahili and you should have some enjoyable exchanges.

Safari njema.

Asante Lynn,
We will be 15 days on Safari and have planned trips to an orphanage and a school (to drop off supplies) and then we will heading to Zanzibar for 5 days.

When visiting anywhere where English may not be the primary language, it's always good to have some knowledge of the local language. In order to greet people, ask for the bathroom, need travel information, reading a menu and road signs. However, you will find that your guide and the staff at lodges and camps all speak English. English is taught in schools, where the children will probably greet you in English.

So, it's up to you, how much Swahili you wish to learn if only a visitor. Generally, like most languages... if you don't use it regularly, you'll remember a few words/phrases... the rest will go by the wayside.

Silverparrot, go ahead, the knowledge of Swahili isn’t a heavy burden to bear, especially as you find the language simple.

You can also pepper your trip report with Swahili phrases here and there. And you'll have a base for your next trip.