Celebrating Heritage Day at Shumbalala Game Lodge

Learning a bit of local lingo

South Africa is one of the most linguistically diverse countries in the world, with twelve official languages, including the recent addition of South African Sign Language (SASL). Each carries its own traditions, history and way of seeing life.

When you visit Shumbalala Game Lodge, you’ll start to notice this diversity in the words and turns of phrase you hear around the lodge and out on safari. To give you a head start, here are a few expressions you’re most likely to come across:

Braai – A South African-style barbecue and as much a social occasion as a meal. At Shumbalala Game Lodge, a braai usually takes place outdoors under the stars, with glowing fires and meat sizzling on the coals, served alongside traditional sides and local flavours.

Sundowner – An evening drink enjoyed as the sun sets on safari. Your guide will stop at a scenic spot, set out drinks and snacks, and give everyone time to take in the view and the quiet of the bush before returning to the lodge.

Lekker – An Afrikaans word meaning nice, great or tasty. It might be used for a breathtaking leopard sighting, a crisp glass of wine on the deck, or a particularly good dessert. If someone says “that was lekker”, you know it was something special.

Howzit? – A friendly, informal “hello, how are you?”. You’ll hear this from our team often — a small phrase that immediately makes you feel part of the Shumbalala Game Lodge family.

Baie dankie (pronounced “buy-a-donkey”) – “Thank you” in Afrikaans. A simple phrase that always brings a smile, and one many of our guests love to try out during their stay.

Eish! – An exclamation of surprise or disbelief, often said when something unexpected happens — like when a pack of wild dogs suddenly appears on the move during a game drive.

Shame – A South African expression of affection or sympathy. It’s often used when something is endearing, such as spotting a very tiny rhino calf staying close to its mother’s side.

Voetsek! – A firm “go away”, usually heard when a cheeky vervet monkey gets too close to the breakfast table.

Many of our guides and trackers also converse in Shangaan, the local language of this area. 

Listening in on game drives, you may notice words such as:

Bamba – “Little one”, often hinting that cubs or calves are nearby.

Ingwe – Leopard, a word sometimes whispered between guides so the surprise of the sighting isn’t spoiled too soon.

These snippets of language are part of the rhythm of safari at Shumbalala Game Lodge. They give you not only a way to connect with the wildlife around you, but also with the people and culture that bring the bush to life.

Heritage in the bushveld

Heritage Day is about celebrating our roots, and here at Shumbalala Game Lodge, language is one of the special ways culture comes alive on safari.

So, next time you are sitting around the fire with us or heading out on a game drive, keep an ear out. You may find yourself joining in with a “Howzit?” to the team, a “Baie dankie” after dinner, or quietly recognising Ingwe when your guide has spotted a leopard.

And who knows — you might leave with a few new favourite words to take home, little pieces of your adventure with us that will always remind you of your time in the bush.