Local Languages & Cultures

Local is lekker
Lekker is an Afrikaans word meaning, Awesome, and loosely translated, this South African phrase means that things that are from home are awesome. This applies to the Kruger Lowveld region, where we have all things lekker-people, food, attractions and the vibe!

Language
Our region is a melting pot of cultures with a variety of languages, with the most widely spoken being siSwati, isiZulu, Xitsonga and Afrikaans. Here a few phrases in the siSwati that may not only prove useful when in the region, but will also be warmly welcomed.

Hello/ good day Sawubona
Sanibonani (plural)
Yes Yebo
How are you? Unjani
Ninjani (plural)
I am well Ngikhona
Sikhona (plural)
I am well (alternative) Ngiyaphila
Siyaphila (plural)
No Cha
Please Ngicela
Thank you Ngiyabonga
Siyabonga (plural)
Goodbye Sala kahle
Salani kahle (plural)
I’m sorry Ngiyacolisa
It’s nice/delicious Kumnandzi
Go! Hamba
It’s hot Kuyashisa
It’s cold Kuyabandza
I don’t know Angati

Food
Just like our region is know for its array of cultures, the local cuisine is no different. Each town has unique restaurants, pubs and eateries to cater for every taste. Head on over to the town of Komatipoort and you’ll be met by the town’s strong Portuguese influences through their cuisine. We’re talking finger licking prawns, with the best peri-peri that you’ve ever tasted. You may need to wash this down in Sabie, where craft beer is a specialty. If gin is your thing, make your way to White River or Dullstroom. Home to the pancake, Graskop’s eateries have given new meaning to this circular piece of cooked batter, fried to perfection. Here you can have your pancake with sweet or savoury fillings, which include Thai style chicken with marmalade or biltong with mozzarella, which is a winning South African combination!
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can experience African traditional cuisine such as umbhidvo (cooked pumpkin leaves) and inhloko (cow head) at different roadside nooks-just ask a local. For those with a more conservative palate, there are numerous dining options through the region that will tantalize your taste buds. Wherever you choose to explore, rest assured that there’ll something exciting for you to try!