Welcoming Intrepid Wanderers Home for Generations

Our Kisiwa story starts during the reign of Sultan Said ibn Sultan, who fell deeply in love with Zanzibar and made it his home for a time. During this period, in the year 1840, the wealthy Omani merchant, Nassor ibn Abdullah Al Barwani embarked on the construction of a building in the heart of Stone Town.

This iconic landmark was later presented to our great-grandmother, Sulaima bint Salim Al Barwani, as a wedding gift in the early 20th century. Fondly called Bibi wa Darini, meaning rooftop grandmother, Sulaima chose to reside on the top floor of the building in later years, leaving her great-grandson to run the luxury hotel now known as Kisiwa House. 

One of the oldest heritage hotels in Stone Town—an official UNESCO World Heritage Site—the rich cultural legacy of this building infuses all we do. Today, both Kisiwa House and our beachfront offering in Paje, Kisiwa on the Beach, retain the essence of family, eliciting a heartfelt connection with everyone who walks through their doors.

Discover Stone Town and Paje

Reviews

  • Kisiwa on the beach

    Magnificent / Splendid! Impeccable A more than magnificent hotel.The authentic environment, very calm swimming pool and the white sand beach with its deckchairs allows you to fully enjoy it.The rooms are spacious and very well maintained.The room service is perfect and attentive.The restaurant is very very clean with its open kitchen and the meals are varied and to everyone's taste thanks to a diverse cuisine.As for the staff, never... Read this review

    Yassine L , March 2024

  • Kisiwa House

    Great Anniversary Great experience First time in Zanzibar celebrating our 1st wedding anniversary best hotel option so peaceful to have a great staycation best guest service from airport pick thanks to Mr Ali arrived at night on a rainy day but was there paging smooth checkin clean room with great setup n fruit platter. Loved the traditional vibe with a custom morden touch great meals enyoyed the dinner on... Read this review

    Kudzyjoks O, May 2024

  • Kisiwa House

    Historisch, orientalisches Boutique-Hotel mit stilvoller EinrichtungAuthentisch restauriertes, historisches Haus aus 1840, wo man sich vom ersten Moment an wohl fühlt. Stilvolle Dekoelemente, sehr freundlicher Service, gutes Frühstück auf dem Roof Top und ausgezeichnete Betten. Das Kisiwa Hous befindet sich mitten in der historischen Altstadt, umgeben von Restaurants, und Shops und sehr nahe am Meer. Trotzdem sehr ruhig. Wir können es nur empfehlen.

    Swiss Caroline, January 2024

  • Kisiwa on the Beach

    Where dream comes true...Kisiwa on the beach This is real paradise from the start. All the staff is very professional, welcoming and smiling. The food was amazing, everything is fresh and savory. The villas and all amenities are very clean, and well maintained. Everything is done in the details, with a lot of special attention. We also had the signature massage, one of the best! The spa is a... Read this review

    Minouchinha , March 2024