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

    Simply awesome. Kisiwa house is nicely situated and the location is perfect for access.The room is amazing, Infact the whole ambience of Kisiwa is great with the attention to detail up to the turn down service in the evening.To top it up, the staff are extremely helpful kind and polite.As we were leaving early they even offered to make us up a breakfast to go box!Amazing service!

    Damianakeju, February 2026

  • Kisiwa House

    Excellent and authentic hotel in the middle of Stonetown. High standard rooms with authentic and beautiful decor. Exceptionally attentive staff, and high quality breakfast.Close to all the attractions in Stonetown and only 3 minutes from the beach.Really couldn’t ask for more.

    Mark T, February 2026

  • Kisiwa on the beach

    Amazing hotel. Our stay at Hotel Kisiwa was absolutely outstanding and truly unforgettable. The hotel is incredibly beautiful, blending perfectly with its natural surroundings and creating a peaceful, luxurious atmosphere. The staff were amazing—warm, attentive, and always ready to help with a genuine smile. Special thanks for our waiter Khalfan for introducing us on Zanzibar traditions and for the wonderful atmosphere during the dinners.. such a dedicated and kind... Read this review

    Viktorija Ž, January 2026

  • Kisiwa on the Beach

    A wonderful place… Every once in a while we come across a place that is truly special. Kisiwa on the Beach proved to be one of those places. After a week of a two centre wildlife safari in Kenya, we chose to treat ourselves to a week at the beach and the lure of a stay in Zanzibar resulted in booking 6 nights at Kisiwa on the Beach. From... Read this review

    crustythefish, January 2026