Set in the coastal forest on Benguerra Island, Mozambique, Kisawa Sanctuary is a new environmental conservation resort.
Blending with its natural surrounds of coastal forest on Benguerra Island, Mozambique, Kisawa Sanctuary is an environmental conservation resort set on 300ha of beachfront in the Bazaruto Archipelago in the Indian Ocean.
It is the first hospitality project by Swiss entrepreneur, creative director, and philanthropist Nina Flohr of NJF Designs.
Its 22 bungalows across 12 residences were consciously constructed to leave a light footprint. Bungalows are positioned on the calmer cove side, or in the dunes on the ocean side. All are carefully positioned to be secluded and provide maximum privacy and appreciation of the natural environment. Each bungalow can sleep two people, with some positioned in groups to accommodate families and groups of friends.
Guests have access to a 24/7 personal service team, as well as a fleet of electric Mini Mokes, allowing for self-guided explorations throughout Benguerra Island and the Bazaruto Archipelago.
At the heart of the sanctuary lies a wellness centre amongst sand dunes offering treatments derived from Ayurvedic medicine, a state-of-the-art Japanese Iyashi dome sauna and a fully equipped gym.
Dining options at Kisawa include seven venues with a shared ethos: a commitment to sanctuary-grown produce, the practice of organic, seasonal gardening methods, operating a zero-waste policy and using no processed ingredients. The cuisine centres around Mozambican and African flavours, including seafood inspired by daily conversations with local fishermen.
Local Mozambican heritage is celebrated through artisan techniques such as weaving, thatching and carpentry. Carved chairs and tables were made from jambir and sambiri woods by local craftspeople; while artworks were sourced across Africa, including clay water pots from Nigeria, and chairs hand-carved in Tanzania.
Guests can support marine research and conservation by volunteering at Kisawa’s sister property, Bazaruto Center for Scientific Studies, Africa’s first permanent ocean observatory.