Kisawa Sanctuary
Kisawa Sanctuary is 300-hectares of beachfront calm and coastal forest on Benguerra Island, Mozambique. The Sanctuary not only offers guests the utmost privacy across 5 kilometres of Indian Ocean coastline, but enables them to support marine research and conservation, via its sister property, Bazaruto Center for Scientific Studies, Africa’s first permanent ocean observatory. Africa is home to magnificent properties contributing to discovery and conservation, however none of this calibre by the ocean.
17 spacious bungalows across 11 Residences reflect the beach haven’s philosophy of forming a bond between people and place, life and land. Some lie on the calmer cove side, others shelter in the dunes on the ocean side, yet all are carefully positioned within their own secluded plot of at least one acre of beachfront, sand dunes and forest; providing maximum privacy and optimum appreciation of the natural environment. Each bungalow sleeps two people. Some stand alone, while others are positioned in groups, so family or friends can enjoy a balance of privacy and togetherness.
A 24/7 personal service team, plus a colorful fleet of electric Mini Mokes, mean the Kisawa experience is intuitive and self-directed, with visitors able to choose complete privacy within their bungalow and surroundings, or to adventure at their own pace and rhythm, throughout Benguerra Island and the Bazaruto Archipelago; some of the richest, least explored parts of the Indian Ocean.
One Bedroom Residence
(1 ROOM)
* Bespoke interiors
• Generous living room
• King bedroom
• Two dressing rooms
• Bathroom
• Two individual powder rooms
• Open-air deck space
• Day area
• Outdoor kitchen
• Outdoor living room
• Outdoor shower
• Infinity pool
One Bedroom Residence with Annex
(2 ROOMS)
The same features of the One Bedroom Residence, plus an adjoining self-contained annex.
Annex features:
• Twin beds or king bed
• Dressing room
• Bathroom
• Shower
• Bathtub
Great for children seeking a level of independence or support personnel
Two Bedroom Residence
(2 ROOMS)
Two bungalows connected via an open air deck space, featuring:
• Generous living rooms
• King bedrooms
• Two dressing rooms each
• Joint bathrooms
• Two individual powder rooms per bungalow
• Day area
• Outdoor kitchen
• Outdoor living room
• Outdoor shower
• Infinity pool
Three Bedroom Residence
(3 ROOMS)
Three individual bungalows, featuring:
• Bespoke interiors
• Generous living rooms
• King bedrooms
• Two dressing rooms per bungalow
• Two bathrooms perbungalow
• Open-air deck space
• Day area
• Outdoor kitchen
• Outdoor living room
• Outdoor shower
• Large stand-alone infinity pool
• Smaller infinity pool
The Kisawa Residence
(2 ROOMS)
Two bungalows connected via an open-air deck, featuring:
• Bespoke interiors
• Generous living rooms
• King bedrooms
• Two dressing rooms each
• Joint bathrooms
• Two individual powder rooms per bungalow
• Open-air deck space
• Day area
• Outdoor kitchen
• Outdoor living room
• Outdoor shower
• Infinity pool
• Ocean and Cove views across the property
* Pan-African antiques and art collection
Sunset Sailing
Sail on the Kisawa Dhow around the southern bay with your choice of Champagne or wine and a selection of small bites. Kisawa’s traditional fishing dhow will collect you at the Baracca beach for your journey across the cove side of the sanctuary. No additional charge – once per stay.
Snorkeling
Explore one of our three house reefs or travel to Marguarque Island or 2 Mile Reef for snorkeling adventures. Duration: As per guest preference No additional charge for house reefs.
Sunset at Red Dune
Walk along the Indian Ocean at dusk, and enjoy sunset cocktails on Benguerra Island’s Red Dune. Enjoy spectacular views across the Indian Ocean as well as the interior island landscape. If you’re feeling adventurous, combine this with discovering the family of crocodiles that have been living in the lake for the past fifty years (morning only). Duration: 1 hour walk one way, or be picked up in your Residence by the Kisawa guest 4x4 for a 30min drive (one way).
Marine Life Expedition
Step aboard one of our Axopar vessels at the Baracca and travel to Bazaruto, Paradise or Margaruque Islands. Keep a lookout for one of the 200 dugongs left in the region and learn why they are unique to these waters. Spot the three types of resident dolphins within the island channel or out at sea; Common, Spinner or Humpback. Catch a glimpse of the many birds species who frequent our archipelago reserve while enjoying a light snack and refreshments.
Shell Hunting
Part of our family program: Join our beach team and collect rare shells (or even manta ray teeth). Just remember to leave some for the marine life! The beach team will meet shell hunters in front of their Residence. No additional charge.
Discovery walk
Hike with the Kisawa nature guide to discover the 150+ local bird species and gazelles of Benguerra Island. Cameras are encouraged and binoculars can be borrowed from the Kisawa leisure team, on request. Duration: Approximately 1H30M. No additional charge.
Catch and release fishing expedition
Part of our 'ocean observatory' program with sister property: Bazaruto Center for Scientific Studies — Fish sustainably by tagging migratory fish for scientific monitoring purposes. Join deep-sea expeditions looking for large migratory animals such as marlin, yellowfin tuna, wahoo, bull or hammerhead sharks to tag and release them. The work also involves recovering samples towards genetic (DNA) analysis, and learning about heavy metals in the fish tissue. Participants will follow birds and bait ball open ocean action to catch, tag, and release large migratory pelagic animals – and have the opportunity to deploy a satellite tag on fins without causing harm to the animals. Suitable for ages 18 years+. Guests will be collected and returned to the Baracca by BCSS boat. Kisawa will provide picnic lunch and necessities.
Moonlight celebration
In honor of the brightness and fullness of the Mozambican moon, guests are invited to choose from a variety of bespoke barbecue menus dining under starlight.
Helicopter safari + picnic
Chopper around the Bazaruto national marine park and spot rare marine mammals, incredible ecosystems and absorb the many brilliant blues of the Indian Ocean.
Explore Santa Carolina Island and enjoy your personalised picnic on this beautiful deserted beach, also known as Paradise Island (duration of the stop is 30 min).
Duration: 1hour 30min
For more information on Kisawa, click HERE
