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

    The staff are exceptionally warm and welcoming. The property is a beautifully preserved historic building. The rooms were spacious and tastefully decorated. The breakfast and dinner were excellent. It is an ideal location if you are planning to explore Stone Town by foot. We highly recommend staying here!

    Sashen M , December 2025

  • Kisiwa House

    A Stone Town Gem. Staying at Kisiwa House was honestly such a pleasure. We have nothing but good things to say about our stay.The staff were so warm and welcoming. Mr Frank Tiba went above and beyond explaining the house's rich history. The building itself is beautifully preserved and tastefully decorated.Our room was comfortable and well stocked.The breakfast was tasty and the supper was truly delicious. Overall, a wonderful... Read this review

    Mikeshnie P, December 2025

  • Kisiwa on the beach

    Christmas Bliss at Kisiwa on the Beach. December 19th will remain for us as a small shock before wonder. First, the dismay: discovering the hotel we had originally booked — a shabby place, damp, full of cockroaches, utterly unsuitable for a family holiday, especially with young grandchildren and understandably worried parents. In the middle of the Christmas season, with suitcases barely unpacked, we had to decide fast, on the... Read this review

    J Christophe D, December 2025

  • Kisiwa on the Beach

    There are no words to describe how amazing this place is, but I will try! There are places you visit and enjoy and then there are places that stay with you long after you leave. Kisiwa Resort is absolutely the second. From the very first moment we arrived, everything felt special, intentional, and deeply human. We were greeted by one team member of every team.. even the chef! The... Read this review

    This is Me - C, December 2025