-21.9118, 35.4452

Kisawa Sanctuary

Kisawa Sanctuary, Africa — Minimalist bedroom suite with arched timber ceiling, wooden louvered doors opening to living pavilion, striped natural fiber rug, mid-century furniture, and diffused tropical light.

Images Courtesy of Kisawa, Elsa Young

Kisawa embodies resilience, symbolized by its name, which means "unbreakable." Led by founder and creative director Nina Flohr, Kisawa's commitment to fostering meaningful connections between people and place, life and land, is evident. Through meticulous research and strategic decision-making, Kisawa strives to create a positive impact on the people of Mozambique and preserve its natural beauty.

Book

Nestled on the southern tip of Benguerra Island, Kisawa spans 300 hectares of lush forest, pristine beachfront, and majestic dunes. Located 14 kilometers off the coast of Mozambique, Benguerra Island is part of the Bazaruto Archipelago, renowned for its rich and largely unexplored subtropical ecosystems within the neighboring National Marine Park in the Indian Ocean.

Kisawa Sanctuary, Africa — Aerial view of curved boardwalk and kidney-shaped pool nestled in white sand surrounded by sparse vegetation and turquoise ocean waters.
Kisawa Sanctuary, Africa — Thatched-roof pavilions with curved architecture overlook turquoise pool surrounded by sand, native vegetation, and rocky hills at dusk.
Kisawa Sanctuary, Africa — Coastal lounge with circular porthole window, dark wooden beams, pendant lighting, sage upholstered seating, and ocean views through glass doors.
Kisawa Sanctuary, Africa — Aerial view of luxury resort with wooden boardwalks, white sand, turquoise pool, scattered palms, and minimalist architecture in tropical setting.
Kisawa Sanctuary, Africa — Thatched-roof pavilion with wooden table and woven chairs overlooking turquoise ocean and white sand beach.
Kisawa Sanctuary, Africa — Thatched beach pavilion with infinity pool overlooking turquoise ocean, palm fronds, white umbrellas, wooden decking, tropical luxury resort architecture.
Kisawa Sanctuary, Africa — Minimalist bedroom with warm earth tones, wooden platform bed, olive curtains, open terraces overlooking white sand beach and ocean.
Kisawa Sanctuary, Africa — Thatched pavilion with wooden dining table overlooking palm-lined beach and turquoise ocean, natural light filtering through woven roof.
Kisawa Sanctuary, Africa — Travertine side tables with sculptural wooden stool, terracotta vessel, and minimalist décor in warm-toned lounge with checkered tile flooring.
Kisawa Sanctuary, Africa — Luxury beach bathroom with sculptural wooden furniture, stone bathtub, and ocean views through floor-to-ceiling doors overlooking tropical landscape.
Kisawa Sanctuary, Africa — Minimalist bedroom with warm terracotta walls, pleated brass lamp, travertine side table, and flowing linen bedding in natural light.
Kisawa Sanctuary, Africa — Warm-toned living room with curved ceiling, pendant chandelier, cream sofa, terracotta chairs, geometric rugs, and floor-to-ceiling glass doors opening to landscape.
Kisawa Sanctuary, Africa — Coastal bathroom with stone soaking tub, thatch-roof pavilion, ocean view, natural materials, and minimalist tropical design.
Kisawa Sanctuary, Africa — Curved cream limestone sink with wavy edge, wooden sculptural vessels, dark glass bottles, brass fixtures, and woven baskets in serene spa bathroom.
Kisawa Sanctuary, Africa — Minimalist bedroom with sage green headboard, woven ceiling detail, cream linen bedding, and natural light from floor-to-ceiling curtains.
Kisawa Sanctuary, Africa — Warm-toned workspace with curved brass desk lamp, open book, amber glass decanter, and golden curtains filtering natural light over dark wood surface.
Kisawa Sanctuary, Africa — Terracotta leather armchair overlooking pristine beach, woven ceiling, olive curtains, wooden tables, coastal modernist interior design.
Kisawa Sanctuary, Africa — Spa bathroom with stone vessel sinks, wooden chairs, and panoramic views of lavender fields and acacia trees through glass doors.
Kisawa Sanctuary, Africa — Travertine round table with cascading string-of-pearls succulent in glass vase beside leather-bound book, dappled sunlight across patterned floor.
Kisawa Sanctuary, Africa — Minimalist villa bedroom with teak wood ceiling, curved archways, terracotta walls, and open-air lounge overlooking tropical gardens through floor-to-ceiling doors.

Kisawa Residence

Kisawa Sanctuary, Africa — Minimalist villa bedroom with sage headboard, woven wood doors, cream plaster walls, natural light, and sculptural furnishings.

One-Bedroom Residence

Kisawa Sanctuary, Africa — Twin beds with golden headboards, thatched ceiling, wooden floors, and ocean views through open doors to beachfront terrace.

One-Bedroom with Annex

Kisawa Sanctuary, Africa — Ochre living room with terrazzo floors, leather seating, and open doors to tropical garden views.

Two-Bedroom Residence

Kisawa Sanctuary, Africa — Minimalist bathroom with curved limestone sink, large mirror, exposed wooden beams, and ocean view through open terrace doors.

Three-Bedroom Residence

The Details

What makes it Kobu

Kisawa is a happy pairing of innovation and tradition. They believe in inclusive design and have worked with skilled artisans from Benguerra Island as well as patented 3D printing technology. Decisions have been careful to protect the environment and we have ensured a light footprint on the natural landscape where possible. Kisawa vision has been to blend rather than interrupt.

Positioned at the opposite end of the island, the Bazaruto Center for Scientific Studies (BCSS) is an innovative platform hosting the first permanent ocean observatory focused on multi-ecosystem time series research in Africa. The non profit sister property to Kisawa uses its strategic location and data to support environmental management at a local level, facilitate regional collaboration and contribute to international scientific programs.

Local Favourites

Directions

Vilankulo (VNX)

The Destination

Africa

Africa_Cover

From Marrakech to Cape Town, the African continent boasts a breadth of speeds and experiences for any type of traveller. Spectacular coastlines, nature and wildlife, meet traditional culture, craftsmanship and cuisine — all the ingredients of an unforgettable journey of a lifetime.

Explore

Photography

Commissioned photography for luxury hospitality and properties.

Learn more

Selected work

Mandarin Oriental Bodrum, Turkey — Wooden terrace with linen curtains overlooking infinity pool, manicured trees, and Aegean Sea at golden hour.
Rosewood Mandarina, Mexico — Modern geometric architecture with warm ochre facade and expansive windows surrounded by palm trees at golden hour.
Maroma, A Belmond Hotel, Mexico — White-walled modernist courtyard with arched entryway, tall palm trees, terracotta floors, and mid-century wooden seating under clear blue sky.
Casa Lumeria, Mexico — Courtyard with limestone pool, wooden loungers, cream umbrellas, cascading vines on brutalist concrete architecture, minimalist luxury design.

Explore Further.

Farasha Farmhouse, Africa — Linear reflecting pool lined with cypress trees and pale stone terraces under clear sky, serene minimalist garden architecture.

Farasha Farmhouse

Marrakesh-Safi, Morocco

From $350/nt

Rosemary, Africa — Minimalist interior with cream walls, dark wood furniture, geometric artwork, and sculptural decor beneath woven ceiling fan.

Rosemary

Marrakesh-Safi, Morocco

From $250/nt

Maison Brummell Majorelle, Africa — Terracotta courtyard with arched doorway, palm trees, modern seating, and high walls creating intimate outdoor lounge space.

Maison Brummell Majorelle

Marrakesh-Safi 40, Morocco

From $185/nt

View All Hotels