Kisawa opened in 2021 on about 300 hectares of coastal forest, dunes and beach on Benguerra Island. The bungalows and residences are set far apart, each with its own pool and stretch of sand, and the design uses local thatch, timber and handmade details. Next door is the Bazaruto Center for Scientific Studies, a marine research station founded alongside the resort.
Days are about the water. You can snorkel and dive the reefs of the Bazaruto Archipelago National Park, sail on a traditional dhow, kayak and paddleboard, and visit the research center to learn about its work on the archipelago's reefs and megafauna. Humpback whales pass from about July to October, and dugongs live in the archipelago's seagrass beds, though sightings are never certain.
Kisawa suits families, groups and couples who want a lot of room and an unhurried pace. It is remote: most guests fly from Johannesburg to Vilanculos and then cross by helicopter or boat, so it pairs best with a safari in the Sabi Sand or Greater Kruger. January to March is hot, humid and the main cyclone risk.
Kisawa Sanctuary is a small, private beach retreat on Benguerra Island in Mozambique's Bazaruto Archipelago, with thatched bungalows spread through forest and dunes. It is our pick for families or couples who want space, privacy and a serious ocean focus after a safari in South Africa.
Marine life
Birdlife
Tell us what you have in mind and we will build a trip around this stay.
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