KIU Kiswahili Na Utamaduni Zanzibar, Tanzania 
Stone Town at ZSTC Building, Behind Azam ferry booking office. - 71100 Zanzibar - see on mapPay less than booking at the school
What we like about the school
- Best rated school in Tanzania
- Small class sizes
- Excellent rating of teaching quality5
- Free assistance in finding flats for long-term students.
What we dislike about the school
- Younger students should consider that the average age of students at this school is significantly higher than at most other schools.
Location: Kiswahili Na Utamaduni (Kiu) Zanzibar is a Swahili language and culture institute located in the city of Zanzibar, on the Tanzanian island of Unguja. The school is close to the port and the ferry terminal, within walking distance of amenities, shops, eateries, attractions and places of interest. Sites of interest within walking distance of the school include the Hamamni Persian Baths, the Old Fort, the Old Dispensary, the Old Slave Market Museum and many more.
Getting around: Kiswahili Na Utamaduni (Kiu) Zanzibar is within walking distance of many attractions and sites of social and cultural interest. Additional transport services available locally include Dala-dala, which are jeep-style vehicles that hold around 20 passengers, taxis, and car or motorbike rentals.
*Course selection:** Course selection is available for individual students of all levels in small groups. Kiswahili Na Utamaduni (Kiu) Zanzibar provides Swahili lessons to students of all levels over several schedules and intensities. In addition to this, online group programmes are also readily available.
Social and cultural: Kiswahili Na Utamaduni (Kiu) Zanzibar can help students with any information needed to make their trip and stay with the school as fulfilling and informative as possible. The school can also issue cultural training courses to students and businesses alike, ensuring that the Cultural Awareness Training programmes can assist foreigners working in East Africa.
Swahili Courses
General Language
Swahili Course
20 lessons per week | 8 students (max)Offer!from$160$152 / week More
Swahili Course
20 lessons per week | 8 students (max)
Offer!from
$160$152 / week
More
FREE changes
| Weeks | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price at school ($) Our price ($) | 320 304 | 480 456 | 640 608 | 800 760 | 960 912 | 1,120 1,064 | 1,280 1,216 |
See Availability
- Starting dates
- 2026: 05 Jan 2026, 02 Feb 2026, 02 Mar 2026, 06 Apr 2026, 04 May 2026, 01 Jun 2026, 06 Jul 2026, 03 Aug 2026, 07 Sep 2026, 05 Oct 2026, 02 Nov 2026, 07 Dec 2026
Course specific data
- General course schedule
- 4 daily lessons of 60 minutes will take place within the following possible time slots. The exact schedule will be assigned on the first day of class according to your level:
Morning: 8:00 - 12:30 - Possible course durations
- 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 weeks
- Minimum required student age
- 18 years
- Students per class
- Maximum: 8 / Average: 7
- Lesson duration
- 60 min
Student reviews about "Swahili Course" at KIU Kiswahili Na Utamaduni
Cosima Laura
"Basic course."
Ginebra
"No."
Additional information for all courses
See Availability
Lunch Time Swahili Course2 lessons per week | 8 students (max)Offer!from$17$17 / week More
Lunch Time Swahili Course
2 lessons per week | 8 students (max)
Offer!from
$17$17 / week
More
FREE changes
| Weeks | 12 |
|---|---|
| Price at school ($) Our price ($) | 200 190 |
See Availability
- Starting dates
- 2026: 06 Jan 2026, 03 Feb 2026, 03 Mar 2026, 07 Apr 2026, 05 May 2026, 02 Jun 2026, 07 Jul 2026, 04 Aug 2026, 01 Sep 2026, 06 Oct 2026, 03 Nov 2026, 01 Dec 2026
Course specific data
- General course schedule
- 0-1 daily lessons of 60 minutes will take place within the following possible time slots. The exact schedule will be assigned on the first day of class according to your level:
Afternoon: 12:30 - 13:30 - Possible course durations
- 12 weeks
- Minimum required student age
- 18 years
- Students per class
- Maximum: 8 / Average: 7
- Lesson duration
- 60 min
Additional information for all courses
See Availability
Super-Intensive Swahili Course25 lessons per week | 8 students (max)Offer!from$163$155 / week More
Super-Intensive Swahili Course
25 lessons per week | 8 students (max)
Offer!from
$163$155 / week
More
FREE changes
| Weeks | 6 |
|---|---|
| Price at school ($) Our price ($) | 980 931 |
See Availability
- Starting dates
- 2026: 05 Jan 2026, 02 Feb 2026, 02 Mar 2026, 06 Apr 2026, 04 May 2026, 01 Jun 2026, 06 Jul 2026, 03 Aug 2026, 07 Sep 2026, 05 Oct 2026, 02 Nov 2026, 07 Dec 2026
Course specific data
- General course schedule
- 5 daily lessons of 60 minutes will take place within the following possible time slots. The exact schedule will be assigned on the first day of class according to your level:
Morning: 8:30 - 13:30 - Possible course durations
- 6 weeks
- Minimum required student age
- 18 years
- Students per class
- Maximum: 8 / Average: 7
- Lesson duration
- 60 min
Additional information for all courses
See Availability
Evening Swahili Course3 lessons per week | 8 students (max)Starts weekly (every Monday)Offer!from$30$29 / week More
Evening Swahili Course
3 lessons per week | 8 students (max)
Starts weekly (every Monday)
Offer!from
$30$29 / week
More
FREE changes
| Weeks | 8 |
|---|---|
| Price at school ($) Our price ($) | 240 228 |
See Availability
- Starting dates
- Every Monday
Course specific data
- General course schedule
- 0-1 daily lessons of 60 minutes will take place within the following possible time slots. The exact schedule will be assigned on the first day of class according to your level:
Afternoon: 16:00 - 19:00 - Possible course durations
- 8 weeks
- Minimum required student age
- 18 years
- Students per class
- Maximum: 8 / Average: 7
- Lesson duration
- 60 min
Additional information for all courses
See Availability
Weekend Swahili Course2 lessons per week | 8 students (max)Starts weekly (every Sunday)Offer!from$30$29 / week More
Weekend Swahili Course
2 lessons per week | 8 students (max)
Starts weekly (every Sunday)
Offer!from
$30$29 / week
More
FREE changes
| Weeks | 8 |
|---|---|
| Price at school ($) Our price ($) | 240 228 |
See Availability
- Starting dates
- For all levels except of absolute beginners:Every SundaySee starting dates for absolute beginnersStarting dates for absolute beginners who have not taken a Swahili course before:
03 Jan 2026, 07 Feb 2026, 07 Mar 2026, 04 Apr 2026, 02 May 2026, 06 Jun 2026, 04 Jul 2026, 01 Aug 2026, 05 Sep 2026, 03 Oct 2026, 07 Nov 2026, 05 Dec 2026
Course specific data
- General course schedule
- 0-1 daily lessons of 60 minutes will take place within the following possible time slots. The exact schedule will be assigned on the first day of class according to your level:
Morning: 10:30 - 12:00 - Possible course durations
- 8 weeks
- Minimum required student age
- 18 years
- Students per class
- Maximum: 8 / Average: 7
- Lesson duration
- 60 min
Additional information for all courses
See Availability
Online
Online Group Course10 lessons per week | 8 students (max)Starts weekly (every Monday)Offer!from$73$70 / week More
Online Group Course
10 lessons per week | 8 students (max)
Starts weekly (every Monday)
Offer!from
$73$70 / week
More
FREE changes
| Weeks | 3 |
|---|---|
| Price at school ($) Our price ($) | 220 209 |
See Availability
- Starting dates
- Every Monday
Course specific data
- General course schedule
- 2 daily lessons of 60 minutes will take place within the following possible time slots. The exact schedule will be assigned on the first day of class according to your level:
Morning: 10:45 - 11:45 - Possible course durations
- 3 weeks
- Minimum required student age
- 18 years
- Students per class
- Maximum: 8 / Average: 7
- Lesson duration
- 60 min
Additional information for all courses
See Availability
Our prices for KIU Kiswahili Na Utamaduni include
- INCLUDED Organized activities
- INCLUDED Wireless LAN zone at school
- INCLUDED Free certificate of course attendance
- INCLUDED Language level placement test at first day of classes
- INCLUDED For adult courses: a minimum of one free organized leisure activity per week
- INCLUDED Free assistance in finding flats for long-term students
Student opinions about KIU Kiswahili Na Utamaduni, Zanzibar
5.0
Overall school rating of
KIU Kiswahili Na Utamaduni, Zanzibar
KIU Kiswahili Na Utamaduni, Zanzibar
2 authentic ratings from students who booked with us
School
Location of the school
Facilities
Organisation
Course
Quality of teaching
Value for money
Verified reviews only, uncensored. All student opinions from students who booked a course at the school with LanguageCourse.net.
Cosima Laura
35 yearsOverall rating
5.0
“Super great teacher. She adapted to my needs. The head teacher was also always very helpful.”
Quality of teaching / language progress: Basic course.
Verified
Course: Swahili Course - 3 weeks
Review date: 30. Jan. 2025
Ginebra
40 yearsOverall rating
5.0
“Hamisi is a great teacher.”
“No place for self-study.”
Quality of teaching / language progress: No.
Other comments: Hamisi is an amazing teacher.
Verified
Course: Swahili Course - 2 weeks
Review date: 6. May. 2024
Ratings of KIU Kiswahili Na Utamaduni compared to ratings of all schools in Tanzania
| KIU Kiswahili Na Utamaduni Zanzibar | Average of all other schools in Tanzania | |
|---|---|---|
| Overall school rating | ||
| Location of the school | ||
| Facilities | ||
| Social activities | ||
| Organisation | ||
| Quality of teaching | ||
| Value for money | ||
| Homestay | ||
| Shared flat |
KIU Kiswahili Na Utamaduni
- Accreditations and Quality seals
National Kiswahili Council of Tanzania (BAKITA), National Kiswahili Council of Zanzibar (BAKIZA)- Swahili teacher qualifications
- 80% hold a university degree20% hold a recognised language teaching qualification
- Languages spoken by school staff (cannot be guaranteed by school)
- Student gender mix
- 60% male / 40% female
- Offer for returning students
- When you book here, you will be refunded/waived the school's administration fee if you have already attended a course previously at KIU Kiswahili Na Utamaduni.
- Year of school foundation
- 1985
General school facilities
Restaurant
Microwave for student use
Fridge for student use
Drink vending machine
Cafeteria
Library
Free after-class access to language learning software
Rooftop terrace
Student support desk
Copy machine
Printer for student use
Self-study areas
Free parking
Free WIFI
Free water dispenser
Free coffee
Non-smoking (all indoor areas, but not all outdoor areas of school)
Tourist information
Assistance with entrance ticket purchases
Assistance with reservations for restaurants, bars, clubs
Assistance with organizing transportation
Guidance for further higher education (free)
Facilities for islamic students
Available area to pray at the school
Facilities to wash feet before praying
Halal food offered at the school
Homestay option that can prepare halal food
Homestay option for female islamic students where no men are living in household and that prepare halal food
Classroom equipment
TV in some classrooms
Air conditioning in all classrooms
Ample natural light in most classrooms
- Number of classrooms: 4
- Number of public PC workstations: 2
Student Age / Nationality
Top student nationalities
| Student Nationality | Percentage of students |
|---|---|
| USA | 30% |
| Japan | 30% |
| England | 20% |
| Korea | 10% |
| Germany | 5% |
| France | 5% |
| Spain | 5% |
| Sweden | 3% |
| Netherlands | 2% |
| Turkey | 2% |
| Brazil | 1% |
| Venezuela | 1% |
| Vietnam | 1% |
| Switzerland | 1% |
| Italy | 1% |
| Chile | 1% |
| Saudi Arabia | 1% |
Age of students
| Percentage of students | |
|---|---|
| 1-18 years | 2% |
| 18-24 years | 20% |
| 25-34 years | 50% |
| 35-50 years | 20% |
| >50 years | 8% |
- Average number of students
- Adult courses - In summer: 20Adult courses - Throughout the year: 50Junior courses - In summer: 10Junior courses - Throughout the year: 30
- Minimum age of students
- 18 years7 years for specific Junior courses
- Average number of levels
- Adult courses In summer: 3Adult courses Throughout the year: 3Junior courses In summer: 4Junior courses Throughout the year: 4
- Average age of students
- In summer: 45 yearsThroughout the year: 28 years
Information for all courses offered by KIU Kiswahili Na Utamaduni
- Lesson duration
- 60 minutes
- School's administrative fee
- $15
- Course material
- Generally, course material has to be purchased by all students at the school. The costs of course material will be approximately $70 per course level.
- Individual classes
- Single individual lessons of tuition can be reserved at 15 US$. The combination of group and individual lessons is highly recommended. Individual lessons will encourage you to actively speak the foreign language and will offer you the opportunity to discuss individual problems and weaknesses.
- Days without class
- In 2026 (including national and regional bank holidays):
01 Jan 2026, 12 Jan 2026, 20 Mar 2026, 21 Mar 2026, 03 Apr 2026, 06 Apr 2026, 07 Apr 2026, 26 Apr 2026, 01 May 2026, 27 May 2026, 07 Jul 2026, 08 Aug 2026, 25 Aug 2026, 14 Oct 2026, 09 Dec 2026, 25 Dec 2026, 26 Dec 2026.In 2027 (including national and regional bank holidays):
01 Jan 2027, 12 Jan 2027, 09 Mar 2027, 26 Mar 2027, 29 Mar 2027, 07 Apr 2027, 26 Apr 2027, 01 May 2027, 16 May 2027, 07 Jul 2027, 15 Sep 2027, 09 Dec 2027, 25 Dec 2027, 26 Dec 2027.School policy regarding bank holidays:Full number of lost classes are made up - Level test
- A test to assess your exact language level takes place at the school on the first day of the course.
Lessons needed per Swahili language level
The data above gives some guidance. For more details consult our page How long does it take to learn a language or reach a specific level.
Leisure activities
Leisure programme for adults (sample):
Pamphlet and Activities
View
Examples of leisure activities organized by the school
Adults - Free activities
- - Beaches
- Swimming. Adults - Paid activities
- - Visit historical sites
- Spice farms tours
- Snorkeling.
FAQ about KIU Kiswahili Na Utamaduni, Zanzibar
What is the best price for a course at KIU Kiswahili Na Utamaduni, Zanzibar?
“Swahili courses at KIU Kiswahili Na Utamaduni start at 17 US$ for a Lunch Time Swahili Course course with 2 lessons per week. When booking here you benefit from an exclusive discount.”
Is it possible to take a course at KIU Kiswahili Na Utamaduni as an absolute beginner?
“Yes. The following courses can be attended as an absolute beginner: Weekend Swahili Course”
Which countries are students of KIU Kiswahili Na Utamaduni from?
“The highest Nationality percentage at KIU Kiswahili Na Utamaduni comes from USA with a 30% representation, followed by students from Japan (30%) and England (20%).”
KIU Kiswahili Na Utamaduni offers courses for which ages?
“KIU Kiswahili Na Utamaduni offers courses from 18 years to 99. The average age is 45 during the summer and 28 the rest of the year.”
Terms of KIU Kiswahili Na Utamaduni
- First day of course
- Written and oral level test is performed. Students should arrive at 8:30
- Payment methods accepted for payments made directly to the school
- Legal name/parent company
- Kiswahili Na Utamaduni Ltd. | Tax registration ID: 100-747-022
Visa Documents
- Full payment of all fees required before school dispatches documents required for visa application
- No
- Express shipment fee (via courier)
- 50 US$
- Preferential cancellation terms in case of visa refusal
- School agreed that students booking online on this site will benefit from preferential cancellation fees in case of visa refusal, and in this case will never exceed EUR 180.
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How the school data is collected and measures taken to ensure data accuracy
KIU Kiswahili Na Utamaduni Zanzibar | Reviews
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