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

    Superb. It was amazing. Love the hospitality, great vibes and beautiful scenery. The rooms are absolutely stunning with a nice stone town touch to them. The staff are very welcoming and pleasant. Definitely will be coming back here again! Thank you, Kisiwa House.

    Tiya M, August 2025

  • Kisiwa House

    Exceptional service and Zanzibari design in Stone Town. Incredibly warm and hospitable boutique hotel in the heart of Stone Town. Exceptional service, great food, and very accommodating for our family of 3 travelling with a 5 year old. Friendly note to keep in mind: (like all hotels in Stone Town) there are lots of stairs in this converted hotel that was once a family home.Great views across to the... Read this review

    Dreamer250993, August 2025

  • Kisiwa on the beach

    Perfect! We stayed at the Kisiwa on the Beach for our honeymoon. The staff was really attentive and attentive. The night we arrived, there was a typical Swahili music show, it was very nice! The food was very good and the room/villa was very nicely decorated. We loved staying there for 5 nights.The environment is great, close to the beach. That is appreciable. On the last night, bartender Melk... Read this review

    Micaela M , August 2025

  • Kisiwa on the Beach

    10/10 hotel. We had an unforgettable stay at Kisiwa On The Beach. From the moment we arrived, the staff made us feel truly at home. What impressed us most was the incredible attention to detail and the genuine care they showed — especially when it came to the food. They went out of their way to adjust the menu to our personal preferences and dietary needs, and every meal... Read this review

    גל כ, August 2025