As I have traveled over the years, the key thing I have discovered is that the most important phrase to learn in the local tongue is “thank you”. 

And it has been reinforced again and again while I have experienced different cultures here in Africa. A heartfelt, sincere “thank you” with a genuine smile goes so far in ingratiating you to the locals.

Thus far, whether I have said “asante sana” (Swahili in Tanzania & Kenya), “murakoze” (Kinyarwanda in Rwanda) or “natolela sana” (Bemba in Zambia), the look I continue to get on people’s faces is priceless.

It is rare for them to experience a tourist who takes the time to learn even one local phrase. From moto-taxis to shop clerks to waiters, so many have appreciated that a visitor took the time to learn more about them and their culture. On the flip side, it’s disappointing that tourists don’t even take the time to learn something while they are visiting.

While I try to learn at least a few other key phrases while I’m in their communities, it’s always a priority for me to at least learn “thank you”.