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

    Hakuna matata life guaranteed Wonderful place to finish your holidays, as we did, after a safari. Clean swimming pool, gym and massage to stay on good shape.The hotel gives straight on the beach.Giving straight on the beach, the view on the Indian Ocean is amazing when waking up. Regarding the food and the service, it was perfect. From the beginning until the departure we felt welcome. All the staff... Read this review

    MandJ M, August 2024

  • Kisiwa House

    Really nice hotel in the old town, would recommend!The hotel is in a prime location, furnished beautifully and has a nice terrace. Located in the middle of the old town, in one day we could visit the old streets and beautiful houses of Stone Town and it‘s interesting history.The staff is really gentle and wants you to feel at home.

    Melina R , September 2024

  • Kisiwa House

    Amazing hotel in Stone Town, Very good staff and services. Beautiful location in the middle of Stone Town. Very good food at the restaurant in the rooftop! Very good staff and services. Beautiful location in the middle of Stone Town. Very good food at the restaurant in the rooftop!

    Matteo C, August 2024

  • Kisiwa on the Beach

    Staff and resort that goes above an beyond ! Great Experience !! A wonderful place to start our 2 week safari in East Africa. Great food, friendly staff, and when we arrived late due to flight issues; they made sure we had something to eat and drink and all prepped in our rooms. The staff and rooms were amazing, clean, and well maintained. Our luggage got lost on our... Read this review

    Sharma Family, July 2024

    USA