By Katt Hendershot, Operations Specialist for The Wild Source
Getting ready for an African safari or dreaming about one? You’ll probably hear plenty of new words while you’re out in the bush or researching for your trip. Here’s your A to Z safari glossary to help you keep up with the lingo.
A
Asante Sana – Swahili for “Thank you very much.”
Acacia – Iconic African tree, often with flat-topped branches and sharp thorns for protection, common in savannas.
B
- Boma – In East Africa, a fenced enclosure originally used to protect livestock; today, also refers to walled areas at camps or lodges.
Binos – Often abbreviated to “binos,” binoculars are a safari essential. Read our blog post to learn how to pick the right pair.
Big 5 – Originally the most dangerous animals to hunt on foot (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, rhino), now iconic symbols of African wildlife.
Bush Walk – A walking safari led by an experienced guide and armed ranger.
Bucket Shower – A safari shower that looks like a regular indoor shower, but water is heated and supplied by staff using a bucket system.
C
- Concession/Conservancy – A specific area of land leased by a safari company for wildlife management and tourism, often with exclusive access.
D
- Dagga Boys – Older male African buffalo that have left the herd, often roaming alone or in small groups. They can be deaf and more aggressive without the safety of a large herd.
E
- Endemic – A species or plant that is native to and found only in a specific region.
F
- Fly-in – A temporary safari camp reached by small plane, usually for a night or two away from your main lodge, allowing access to remote wildlife areas.
G
Game Drive – A safari in a vehicle to see wildlife.
Game – Wildlife encountered on safari.
Gin & Tonic (G&T) – Classic safari cocktail, originally popularized in colonial Africa to make malaria tonic more palatable.
Great Migration – Annual movement of millions of wildebeest, zebras, and other animals across the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem.
Green Season – The rainy period in Africa when landscapes are lush and wildlife is active, offering lower prices and fewer crowds, though rain and thicker foliage can make animals harder to spot.
H
- Hides – Specially designed structures that allow safari-goers to observe wildlife up close without disturbing the animals.
I
- Ivory – The tusks of elephants, historically prized for carvings and trade.
J
- Jambo – Swahili greeting meaning “Hello!”
K
Khaki Fever – Feeling extremely attracted to a khaki-clad ranger or guide while on safari.
Kopje – A small, rocky hill or outcrop rising from the savanna, often used by animals for shelter or lookout points.
Karibu – Swahili for “Welcome,” commonly used to greet visitors in East Africa.
L
- Lekker – South African slang meaning “great” or “nice.”
M
Mokoro – A traditional dugout canoe used to navigate waterways like the Okavango Delta; guided by a poler using a long wooden pole.
Maasai – A semi-nomadic ethnic group in Kenya and Tanzania, known for their distinctive dress, beadwork, and connection to the savanna and wildlife.
Mobile Camp – A temporary safari camp that can be moved, often following wildlife migrations or remote locations.
N
- Night Game Drive – A game drive in a safari vehicle after dark, using a spotlight to observe nocturnal wildlife.
O
- Okavango Delta – A vast inland delta in Botswana where the Okavango River spreads into wetlands, creating rich wildlife habitat.
P
Pole Pole – Swahili for “slowly” or “take it easy.”
Pan – A flat, often salt-encrusted depression in the landscape, sometimes holding water after rains.
Q
- Quinine – A natural compound from cinchona bark, used to prevent and treat malaria in Africa.
R
- Rondavel – A traditional round African hut, often with a thatched roof.
S
Sundowner – A drink enjoyed at sunset, often a relaxing moment on safari.
Safari – From Swahili for “journey,” originally big-game hunting trips, now trips to observe wildlife.
Simba – Swahili for “lion.”
Star-Bed – An open-air safari bed, often with a mosquito net, allowing guests to sleep under the stars while safely enjoying the wilderness.
T
Tented Camp – Safari accommodation made up of canvas tents, often on raised platforms.
Tracker – A skilled guide who reads animal tracks and signs to locate wildlife and navigate the bush.
TseTse Fly – A biting fly found in parts of Africa.
U
- Ugly 5 – A playful take on the Big 5, referring to less “attractive” yet still amazing animals: warthog, vulture, hyena, marabou stork, and wildebeest.
V
- Veld – Open grassland in southern Africa.
W
- Waterhole – A natural or artificial spot where animals drink, often making for excellent wildlife viewing.
X
- Xerophyte – A plant adapted to dry conditions, such as baobab or acacia.
Y
- Yusuf Magoye – One of Wild Source’s Tanzanian wildlife biologists at Njozi Camp, specializing in big cat research. He combines lifelong park experience with a keen observational eye, expertly recording behaviors and documenting individual cats.
Z
Zulu – An ethnic group in South Africa, known for their rich culture, history, and language, also called isiZulu.