Elsie Kathomi
Nairobi, Kenya. 3 years teaching Swahili online.
Grammar makes sense when you use it straight away, so every lesson ends with you saying something real.
Book a trial with ElsieLive Kiswahili lessons · Native teachers
Speak Swahili with confidence, from your very first lesson
Live one-to-one lessons with native teachers, recordings you can replay and notes you can keep. Built for travellers, expats, residents and anyone who wants to really talk with people.
- Live, one-to-one
- Every lesson recorded
- Notes and exercises
- Pick your own time zone
Why SemaAfrica
A Swahili academy that starts with how people actually talk
Real-life Swahili
Markets, matatus, offices and family visits. You learn the Swahili words and phrases you will use this week, in Kenya, Tanzania or anywhere Kiswahili is spoken.
Live online lessons
Book one-to-one or small-group Swahili lessons at times that suit your time zone, then replay the recording whenever you like.
Grammar made clear
Swahili noun classes and verb prefixes explained step by step, with exercises to practise each one.
Your teachers
Meet your Swahili teachers
Native speakers who teach the Swahili people really speak, so you speak from your very first lesson. Every lesson is live, one-to-one and recorded, so you can replay it between classes.
The lessons
What you will learn
Every topic is taught step by step, with vocabulary, example conversations and practice. Your teacher picks the next lesson with you.
Start here
Your first lesson: 25 relaxed minutes, no pressure
You do not need to know any Swahili. We find your level, you say your first sentences, and you leave with a clear plan.
- Minutes 0–5
We meet
You tell your teacher why you want Swahili: travel, work, family or fun. They listen and ask a few questions.
- Minutes 5–20
You speak
Greetings, introductions and a few useful phrases, spoken out loud with your teacher. Mistakes are welcome.
- Minutes 20–25
You get a plan
Your teacher suggests what to learn next and how often to have lessons. No pressure to continue.
Simple steps
How learning Swahili with SemaAfrica works
Book a trial lesson
Meet your teacher, tell us your goals and your current level.
Learn live online
Join a 45-minute live lesson from anywhere. Speak from the very first class.
Review and practise
Replay recordings, use your notes and exercises, and track your progress.
Pricing
Swahili courses and pricing
Trial lesson
Meet your teacher and set your goals.
$5 / 25 min
- One live lesson
- A simple plan for what to learn next
- No commitment
Single lesson
Pay as you go, whenever you need a lesson.
$12 / 45 min
- One live lesson
- Recording and notes
- Book any open slot
4 lessons a month
One lesson a week. The steady way to progress.
$40 / month
- 4 live lessons, 45 min each
- Recordings, notes and exercises
- Progress tracking
- About $10 per lesson
8 lessons a month
Two lessons a week for faster progress.
$75 / month
- 8 live lessons, 45 min each
- Recordings, notes and exercises
- Progress tracking
- About $9.40 per lesson
Lessons are live online with your teacher. KES prices are rounded from the USD price.
Try it now
Free Swahili mini-lesson for beginners
Hujambo
Hello (to one person)
Hello (to one person)
Sijambo
I am fine
I am fine
Habari yako?
How are you?
How are you?
Nzuri
Good / fine
Good / fine
Asante
Thank you
Thank you
Karibu
Welcome / you're welcome
Welcome / you're welcome
Kwaheri
Goodbye
Goodbye
Tap a phrase to hear it. Sound uses your device's voice, which may not support Swahili yet. Real teacher audio replaces this later.
Enjoyed that? Say these words out loud with a real teacher.
Book a trial lessonWhat students say
“Placeholder testimonial. Ask your first learners for two honest sentences and a photo.”
“Placeholder testimonial. Mention what they can now do, like bargaining at a market.”
“Placeholder testimonial. Short, specific and real works best.”
Good to know
Frequently asked questions about learning Swahili
How long does it take to learn Swahili?
With one lesson a week plus short daily practice, most learners can handle greetings, shopping and simple conversations within two to three months. Reaching comfortable conversation usually takes six to twelve months.
Is Swahili hard for English speakers?
Swahili is one of the more approachable African languages. Pronunciation is regular and it uses the Latin alphabet. The main challenge is noun classes and verb prefixes, which we teach step by step.
Do I need any prior knowledge?
No. Lessons start from your level, whether you are a complete beginner or already know some Swahili.
How do the live online lessons work?
You book a time that suits your time zone and meet your teacher live online. Every lesson is recorded so you can replay it, and you receive notes and exercises.
Can I learn Swahili for travel to Kenya or Tanzania?
Yes. We teach practical Swahili for markets, transport, restaurants, offices and family visits, so you can use it as soon as you arrive.
What does a lesson cost?
A 25-minute trial lesson is $5, a single 45-minute lesson is $12, and monthly plans are $40 for 4 lessons or $75 for 8 lessons. Prices are also shown in Kenyan shillings.
Start learning Swahili today
Create your account to book lessons, watch recordings and track your progress.
Haba na haba hujaza kibaba.Little by little fills the measure. One short lesson a day adds up.