Benguerra, Republic of Mozambique
Kisawa means unbreakable, and this defines our commitment: to build a bond between people and place, life and land.
Our mission is to bring wilderness and wellbeing together, carefully and comfortably. Our hospitality is generous and personalised, with a core sense of care at its heart. In all that we do, we want to support and enable our guests to do as they wish, when they wish.
Kisawa is a happy pairing of innovation and tradition. We believe in inclusive design and have worked with skilled artisans from Benguerra Island as well as patented 3D printing technology. Decisions have been careful to protect the environment and we have ensured a light footprint on the natural landscape where possible. Our vision has been to blend rather than interrupt.
We have created Kisawa with our hearts to be a sanctuary that brings nature, culture and service together.
Led by founder and creative director Nina Flohr, we have made strategic decisions informed by extensive research in creating a positive impact for the people of Mozambique and its natural surroundings.
Kisawa is a combination of 8 one, two and three bungalow Residences, positioned within a 300 hectare stretch of forest, beach and sand dunes.
Each Residence has its own private beach, an open-air deck, an infinity pool and outdoor day area. Carefully spaced along the calm cove of Benguerra Island, each bungalow sleeps two guests. Some stand alone, while others are positioned in groups, so family or friends can enjoy a balance of privacy and togetherness.
Kisawa is a 300-hectare sanctuary of forest, beach and sand dunes, located on the southern tip of Benguerra Island.
Benguerra Island is situated 14 kilometres off Mozambique, on the Eastern coast of Africa. Part of the Bazaruto Archipelago, the neighbouring National Marine Park is home to some of the richest and least explored subtropical ecosystems in the Indian Ocean.
You can get here in two ways.
The nearest airport is Vilankulo with direct weekly commercial flights from Johannesburg, Maputo and seasonally from Mbombela Kruger Mpumalanga. Private travel arrangement can also be made through VistaJet and XO.
The anchorage of private vessels at Kisawa is welcome to non-residing guests for lunch and dinner with 48 hours prior notice.
You can also get here by Helicopter. After touching down in Vilankulos & exiting customs, the Kisawa airport host will meet & assist guests, guiding them into the Kisawa lounge.
The shared transfer from Vilanculo Airport (VNX) to the Kisawa Helipad is typically 5-12 minutes.
A tailored menu of activities to engage and immerse guests in the culture and environment of Mozambique. Witness the spectacular marine wildlife and the power of the West Indian Ocean through our work with sister Ocean Observatory, Bazaruto Center of Scientific Studies (BCSS).
Our award winning stand-alone spa specialises in integrated healing.
Focused on achieving wellbeing through unity of mind, body and spirit, the NWC offers a progressive holistic experience drawing from a comprehensive Ayurvedic suite. Our aim is to help guests connect to nature, leaving them with a deep sense of inner peace amid the environment.
Treatments available at the NWC or in-Residence. The NWC offers personalised treatment plans designed to realign, recenter & restore.
A state of the art Japanese lyashi dome sauna uses gentle yet powerful infrared technology to promote healing and rejuvenation.
Discover our dedicated yoga space, or workout in our air-conditioned gym, located adjacent the to the Natural Wellness Center.
Situated between the dunes and the shore, guests can swim lengths or relax after a day of activities.
Explore the spectacular environment of the Bazaruto Archipelago
The natural ecosystem is evident in every step of your stay. From sunrise to sunset, your personal beachfront, and the clarity of the stars. Enjoy wilderness from the deck of your Residence or venture further afield to explore all the region has to offer.
Pitch one of our custom mini tents and spend a night under the stars nearby your Residence.
Meet Andre and Floyd, our resident artists and craftsmen for painting, hat weaving classes, or animal carving in the convenience of your Residence day area.
Meet the Beach team outside your Residence and learn how to paddleboard and Kayak in the gentle cove bay of Kisawa.
Rock Fishing. Stand on the edge of the beach and cast a line into the sea.
Kisawa guests are invited to actively partake in BCSS research, joining scientists to observe the abundant marine wildlife in the region, gather data and join the team on live fieldwork via becoming 'Scientist for a Day'.
The purpose of our 'Resort to Research' approach: hospitality contributing directly to marine science and conservation.
Join in or help cheer for the Benguerra Island school children during a football match by the shore. Or take to the field with the Kisawa team on Sunday afternoons in the village, and see the sides compete for best and fairest.
Experience the magic of whale season on Benguerra Island. From July to October the Mozambique Channel becomes the ideal breeding and nursing ground for humpback whales.
Last year the team observed up to 100 breaching, pectoral fin and tail slapping mother and calves per day, as they thrived in the shallow, protected waters of the Bazaruto Archipelago.
Be guided by the research team at BCSS to find the best vantage points to witness these magnificent mammals on their annual journey.
Take off for an incredible expedition where you will witness the rich marine life in the channel of Mozambique from above. Gazing across the blues of our turquoise Indian Ocean ocean, you will observe spectacular views of the Big Five, including humpback whales, dolphins and dugongs.
Your pilot will work witha member of the BCSS ocean science team, who will serve as a guide for this experience.
Visit Flamingo Beach to watch these special pink creatures feed and flock on the flats.
Kayak through an incredible mangrove ecosystem, full of the typical drop shaped birds nests, and learn more about this important environment.
Step aboard one of our Axopar vessels at the Baracca and travel to Bazaruto, Paradise or Magaruque Islands. Keep a lookout for one of the 200 dugongs left in the region and learn why they are unique to these waters.
Explore one of our three house reefs or travel to Margaruque Island or 2 Mile Reef for snorkelling adventures. Pick up a canoe or paddleboard in front of your Residence and paddle the cove side of Kisawa.
Benguerra Island is known for it’s dramatic high and low tides, however, there are always good swimming spots to be found within the sanctuary.
Evening cocktails and canapés, set with a bespoke bar on the lantern lit Baracca dune. Walk along the Indian Ocean at dusk, and enjoy sunset cocktails on Benguerra Island's Red Dune. Immerse yourself in the nature of Kisawa by camping between dune,forest and shore of one of our Kisawa beaches.
Kanhi Kwedho, meaning ‘our home’ is made up of three villages: Chirringhome, Bavene and Chizungune, with a combined population of 2013. Help us shape the Benguerra Island library by donating any used or unused books or travel guides to the school library.
Kite surf in some of the best water and wind conditions in the world around the Bazaruoto Archipelago. Our local kite surfing professionals meet you at Kisawa, before steering you to the best locations for kitesurfing around the Archipelago. Beginner or advanced lessons available – or partake in a 1-3 day course
Multiple culinary experiences to choose from, from beach cafe to late night dining. hroughout the mixed culinary venues of Kisawa the ethos remains the same; to bring the best of Africa in fresh and modern ways. We have built a network of farmers & fishermen from within the Inhambane province, supplying natural, local produce with as much as possible grown, cooked, smoked, grilled & baked in the Kisawa Kitchen.
Our extended living room, open all day, offering refined global cuisine. Serving breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner with the highest quality ingredients.
The Cove Mussassa – a relaxed, outdoor beach café&bar, open all day and late into the evening. Specializing in fresh seafood and share plates with a distinct Mediterranean influence.
Serving Mozambique dishes with fresh homegrown flavours, this secluded part of the sanctuary enjoys incredible sunset views. The Baracca is a vibrant and playful space, encouraging barefoot living, where guests are welcomed directly from the beach.
Our costumised Pizza Tuc Tuc offers fresh oven pizza, cooked to your preference. Open for lunch and dinner, daily.
Set within the Main Terrace, the dedicated wine room offers a carefully edited selection of new and old region wines and spirits. Guests may use the cellar to store personal wines throughout their stay at Kisawa.
To experience Kisawa is to experience its environment. Dine in any our select location – on sand dunes, beachside or on personalized off-property picnics.
Curated in-Residence dining prepared by our chefs, on call 24/7. Enjoy signature dishes with an emphasis on fresh, homegrown flavours from the privacy of your Residence.
Kisawa Sanctuary - is a great place for those who love luxury resorts as well as nature and African culture. You can spend here your honeymoon.