Kisawa occupies 300 hectares of forest, beach and dune on the southern tip of Benguerra Island, 14 kilometres off the coast of Mozambique. The island belongs to the Bazaruto Archipelago, and the neighbouring Bazaruto National Park holds some of the least explored marine life in the Indian Ocean. The founder, Nina Flohr, built the place with craftspeople from the island, and the result sits lightly in the landscape. Guests stay in eight Residences of one to three bungalows each. Every Residence has its own private pool and shaded day areas for lounging and dining, so inside and outside run together, and a dedicated butler looks after each one. There are three separate places to eat, a permaculture garden that supplies the kitchen, and a spa. Kisawa's sister organisation, the Bazaruto Center for Scientific Studies, is home to Africa's first permanent ocean observatory, and guests can join its work at sea. Days can be spent diving, sailing or simply moving between beach and Residence. Most of the team are Mozambican, from Benguerra Island itself or from Vilankulo on the mainland, which gives the service a warmth that is hard to fake.
- Nearest airport
- Vilankulo Airport (VNX), then a short helicopter flight to the Kisawa helipad
- Rooms
- Eight Residences of one to three bungalows each, 14 bungalows in total
- Taken whole
- All eight Residences, for up to 28 adults plus 6 children in extra beds
Insider tip Book the Whale Shark Ocean Safari, a private half-day expedition with the Bazaruto Center for Scientific Studies, where guests can help photo-identify whale sharks for global research.
Why I choose it It pairs a safari in Botswana or South Africa with real seclusion on the Indian Ocean, and the marine research gives the stay depth beyond the beach.
