Sanctuary
Remote Indian Ocean eco-luxury. Think barefoot but never basic. Wave-shaped thatched roofs, carved stone bathtubs, pan-African art collections and your own electric Mini Moke. The vibe is serious privacy with a side of conservation purpose.
Book Residence 2 for the most secluded bungalow — positioned at the top of a dune and the most private of all
Why It Matters
One of the most remote luxury resorts in Africa, and globally notable as the world's first (partial) 3D sand-printed resort. Founder Nina Flohr co-created the Bazaruto Center for Scientific Studies (BCSS) — Africa's first permanent Ocean Observatory — and resort revenue funds the nonprofit research unit directly. Guests can dive with marine scientists or tag sharks from a BCSS vessel. Whale season (July–October) brings up to 100 humpback whale sightings a day.
Kisawa Sanctuary sits on the southern tip of Benguerra Island — 14 km off Mozambique's coast in the Bazaruto Archipelago — across 300 hectares of forest, sand dunes and private beach. Eight standalone Residences are spread so far apart you can go an entire day without seeing another guest. The resort pairs world's-first (partial) 3D-sand-printed architecture with Ayurvedic wellness, farm-to-table cooking and a genuine research partnership with the on-island Bazaruto Center for Scientific Studies.
Where You'll Stay
5 room types available
Kisawa Residence (Founder's Residence)
The most storied address on the property — the founder (Nina Flohr)'s original residence. Two bungalows on a larger-than-standard 2.25-acre plot with a unique dual aspect: views of both the Indian Ocean and the Cove side of the island. Personal touches include a curated pan-African antiques and art collection throughout. Same configuration as the Two-Bedroom Residence but with more generous grounds and a premium positioning.
King (x2) · 570 sqmOne-Bedroom Residence
Standalone bungalow set on a one-acre private plot skirting the turquoise cove. Interior is 150 m² of bespoke living — king bedroom, two dressing rooms, joint bathroom — plus 220 m² of outdoor pool deck and day area. Each has its own infinity pool, outdoor kitchen, outdoor shower and a personally stocked bar. Wave-shaped thatched roof, high ceilings and hand-carved stone throughout.
King · 370 sqmOne-Bedroom Residence with Annex
Same as the One-Bedroom Residence but with a self-contained annex connected by a shared open-air deck. The annex is ideal for children, a nanny or older kids who want independence — it has its own dressing room and a bathroom with shower and bathtub. All pool and day areas are shared between the main bungalow and annex. Total footprint is 430 m² across 210 m² of interior plus 220 m² of pool and day area, on a 1.25-acre plot.
King + Twin or King (annex) · 430 sqmThree-Bedroom Residence
Three individual bungalows spread across a 2.5-acre plot — the largest accommodation at the property. Two bungalows are connected by an open-air deck; the third is a short sandy footpath away. Each has bespoke interiors, a generous living room, king bedroom, two dressing rooms, and an expansive bathroom with standalone bathtub plus shower. Two separate infinity pools serve the compound. Good for larger families, friend groups or private multi-generational escapes.
King (x3) · 840 sqmTwo-Bedroom Residence
Two fully standalone bungalows linked by an open-air connecting deck, on a 1.75-acre plot. Each bungalow has its own living room, king bedroom, two dressing rooms and a joint bathroom. One shared private infinity pool serves both. The setup is ideal for two couples or a family who want neighbouring but separate sleeping quarters — distance between bungalows means real privacy.
King (x2) · 570 sqmThe Property
Eat & Drink
8 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Learn traditional rock fishing and ancestral fishing techniques of the Benguerra Island community. Rock fishing is also possible directly from the beach in front of your Residence.
Spend a night under the stars in Kisawa's custom tents between dune, forest and shore. Hand-made tents and open-air canopy settings with picnic lunches on the shoreline.
Guided hike with the Kisawa nature guide to discover 150+ local bird species and suni antelopes across Benguerra Island.
A helicopter expedition over the Mozambique Channel with a BCSS ocean science team guide. Witness the 'Big Five of the Ocean' from above — humpback whales (June–October), dolphins and dugongs among them.
Sunset sailing on the Kisawa traditional fishing dhow around the calm cove. Included in the all-inclusive rate. A classic Mozambican experience.
Evening cocktails and canapés served from a bespoke bar on the lantern-lit Baracca dune. A signature Kisawa sundowner ritual.
Visit Flamingo Beach to watch flamingos feed and flock on the tidal flats. A seasonal highlight.
Between July and October, the Mozambique Channel serves as a breeding and nursing ground for humpback whales. Peak season sees up to 100 breaching, pectoral fin-slapping mother-and-calf pairs per day. Guided by BCSS research scientists for optimal vantage points.
Explore Benguerra Island's three villages — Chirringhome, Bavene and Chizungune — home to a combined population of 2,013. Learn about the island's history directly from long-standing Kisawi team members who grew up here.
Non-motorised water sports available directly from in front of each Residence. Paddle the calm cove side of Kisawa at your own pace.
House reefs accessible directly from the shore. Equipment available from the Sports Locker. Guided snorkelling excursions to Margaruque Island also available.
The Bazaruto Archipelago has some of the best kite surfing conditions in the world. Kisawa brings in local professional instructors who guide guests to optimal locations around the Archipelago. Beginner through advanced, and 1–3 day courses available.
Kayak through a mangrove ecosystem with typical drop-shaped bird nests. A guided educational experience about this important coastal environment.
Board one of the Axopar vessels at the Baracca to travel to Bazaruto, Paradise or Magaruque Islands. Keep watch for one of the estimated 200 remaining dugongs in the region.
Floyd, Kisawa's resident artist, will paint or draw guest portraits in the comfort of your Residence.
Join scientists from the Bazaruto Center for Scientific Studies (BCSS) on live fieldwork — observe marine wildlife, gather data, tag sharks or survey coral reefs. This 'Resort to Research' program directly funds conservation in the Mozambique Channel.
Three house reefs plus excursions to Margaruque Island and 2 Mile Reef. Equipment available from the Sports Locker at the Baracca. Guided dives coordinated with the BCSS team.
Learn Tchuva — a traditional Mozambican strategy board game — taught by members of the Kisawa leisure team who are the local masters.
Join in or cheer for the Benguerra Island school children during beach football. Sunday afternoons the Kisawa team plays in the village — guests are welcome to join.
Beginners' wood carving workshop led by Andre, the resident craftsman responsible for the carved wooden statues throughout the property.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Each Residence has its own designated private beachfront on the 5 km of pristine shoreline. Sun loungers set out exclusively for each Residence.
Fully equipped air-conditioned gym adjacent to the Natural Wellness Center. Includes Pilates reformer machines.
An honorary bar stocked to each guest's individual preference, plus a fully stocked pantry in the Residence.
Every Residence day area includes a fully equipped outdoor kitchen where chefs prepare in-Residence dining.
Every Residence has its own private infinity pool — 55 m² for one- and two-bedroom options, 80 m² for the three-bedroom. Not shared with any other guest.
A 25-metre communal pool situated between the dunes and the shore, for guests who want to swim laps or relax after activities.
Each Residence has a dedicated, personalised butler available throughout the stay — from meal coordination and bar stocking to unpacking luggage and organising activities.
A pesticide-free permaculture garden supplying fresh herbs, fruits and vegetables to all Kisawa kitchens and the Garden Nursery restaurant.
Each Residence receives a dedicated electric Mini Moke for the duration of the stay. These are the primary way guests get around the 300-hectare sanctuary.
Shared return helicopter charter from VNX to the Kisawa helipad. Takes 5–12 minutes. Costs €620 per person return. Complimentary for stays of 7+ nights.
Home of all water sports equipment: scuba gear, snorkels, paddleboards, kayaks. Located at the Baracca near the cove.
BUILD YOUR KISAWA SANCTUARY PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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