Welcoming Intrepid Wanderers Home for Generations

Welcome to Kisiwa House, a timeless sanctuary where history meets elegance. Built in 1840 by the affluent Omani merchant Nassor ibn Abdullah Al Barwani, this estate is one of Stone Town's earliest treasures, embodying Zanzibar’s rich heritage.

As you step inside, you’ll discover intricate, original features like the wooden staircase, brass-studded door and exquisite antiques that beautifully blend Arabic and Swahili design.

Notably, the top-floor sanctuary once served as the home of Sulaima bint Salim Al Barwani, affectionately known as “Bibi wa Darini” (Rooftop Grandmother). Her legacy continues through her great-great-great-grandson, the current owner, whose vision preserves the home’s history for future generations.

As one of the oldest heritage hotels in Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kisiwa House reflects a rich cultural legacy central to our mission. Alongside our beachfront retreat, Kisiwa on the Beach, we cultivate a spirit of family and lasting connections with all who visit. We look forward to welcoming you to experience our stories and the enduring beauty of Kisiwa House.

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Reviews

  • Kisiwa House

    One night stay. Take a cab from the airport, streets are medina like so easy to get lostRoom was spacious, clean, everything worked - tv had lots of English speaking news, spots and film channels.Breakfast on the terrace was good.Above all the staff were fantastic.Location is very central 6 minutes walk from sea.

    Vera B, October 2025

  • Kisiwa House

    Lovely historic hotel. Lovely historic hotel providing a cool calm oasis in the busy world of Stonetown. We had a lovely, large & comfortable bedroom with a modern bathroom. A spacious shower with large bath towels & soft bathrobes.We had a delicious evening meal on the roof terrace accompanied by a musician playing traditional music.The breakfast was excellent, again on the roof terrace.The staff were very friendly and happy.We... Read this review

    Haylingoff, October 2025

  • Kisiwa on the beach

    If you want to be treated like royalty, go there! What a place! Beautiful, manicured and spotless clean. IVery well planned, in a manner one does not see one’s neighbors and each villa has complete privacy.The villas are beautiful, well equipped, vast and spacious. Four poster bed, bath & shower, his & hers sink, espresso machine, a desk and a sitting area. Real pleasure.Great swimming pool and a beautiful... Read this review

    Allony Taly , October 2025

  • Kisiwa on the Beach

    11/10 stay - Highly Recommend. My girlfriend and I came here having spent a few days in Tanzania on safari. As soon as we arrived, we were warmly welcomed by most of the staff who kindlyIntroduced themselves and gave us a tour. We opted for a private pool villa which was an incredible added bonus but not holy necessary but worth it if you want a romantic getaway! The... Read this review

    TheCharlieCraven, October 2025