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Kisawa Sanctuary

THE ORIGINAL GUIDED SAFARIS® LUXURY SAFARI LODGES • MOZAMBIQUE

Signature Guided Safaris®

Kisawa Sanctuary

One of Guided Safaris® most remote diving paradise islands, Kisawa sanctuary is on Benguerra Island, part of the Bazaruto archipelago’s five islands, situated off the coast of Southern Africa. About 750 acres with 11 private luxury villas, the island is authentically African with its nostalgic stretch of sandy dunes and tropical forests teeming with birdlife. Guided Safaris® offer exclusive PADI certified private diving experiences at Kisawa Sanctuary that include deep sea diving packages to seek marlins, yellowish tuna, bull sharks, manta rays, tiger sharks, sail fish and more - as well as snorkeling with sea turtles.

Safari Films

A moment
in the wild

Kisawa Sanctuary

Safari experience

Reconnect with your inner rhythm. Here, at Kisawa, one is guided by the surrounding ecosystem from sunrise to sunset. Access to this authentically African beach hideaway is first by plane and then by helicopter, giving you a sense of how remote this location really is. Kisawa sanctuary is home to some of the richest and least explored subtropical ecosystems in the Indian Ocean. The sanctuary’s 14 spacious bungalows, housed within 8 Residences, embody a philosophy that harmonizes people with the land, life with nature. Each residence is thoughtfully situated on the island’s serene cove, occupying its own private plot of at least one acre, ensuring seclusion and allowing guests to fully appreciate the natural surroundings. Each bungalow accommodates two guests, with some standing alone for complete solitude, while others are grouped to offer families or friends a balance of privacy and connection.

Kisawa Residence • Kisawa Mozambique LuxurySafariLodges.com
Kisawa Sanctuary Mozambique LuxurySafariLodges.com
Kisawa Sanctuary

Kisawa Sanctuary

One can choose the ultimate retreat, enjoying the privacy of their bungalow and its surroundings, or set off to explore the wonders of Benguerra Island and the Bazaruto Archipelago—home to some of the Indian Ocean's most untouched and rich marine ecosystems. Whether seeking solitude or adventure, the pace and rhythm of the journey are entirely up to you.

Step aboard one of our Axopar boats at the Baracca and set sail to the idyllic islands of Bazaruto, Paradise, or Margaruque. As you cruise through the crystal-clear waters, keep an eye out for one of the last 200 dugongs in the region, a species uniquely found at these shores. You may also encounter resident dolphins—Common, Spinner, or Humpback—playing in the island channels or further out at sea. Bird enthusiasts will be delighted by the variety of bird species that grace our archipelago reserve, all while enjoying light snacks and refreshments aboard. For a deeper connection with nature, hike with the Kisawa nature guide across Benguerra Island to uncover over 150 bird species and spot the graceful gazelles roaming the landscape. For a more adventurous perspective, take a helicopter ride over the Bazaruto National Marine Park, where you'll witness rare marine life, extraordinary ecosystems, and the dazzling array of blue hues that the Indian Ocean offers. During your journey, stop at Santa Carolina Island, also known as Paradise Island, for a personalized picnic on its serene, untouched beach, a perfect setting for a peaceful 30-minute escape amidst nature’s beauty.

When is the best time to visit Kisawa Island for whale watching?

July to October. During these four months, the Mozambique Channel becomes the ideal breeding and nursing ground for humpback whales.

  • Deep sea cruises to see dugongs and dolphins
  • Go behind-the-scenes with BCSS scientists
  • Help tag turtles, marlins and sharks
  • See large flocks of flamingos on the beach
  • Canoeing through mangrove ecosystems

Kisawa Sanctuary

Safari experience

Witness the majestic journey of humpback whales as they navigate their Indian Ocean odyssey from July to September, a time when the Mozambique Channel transforms into an ideal sanctuary for these magnificent creatures to breed and nurse. During these months, the protected, shallow waters of the Bazaruto Archipelago come alive with the sights and sounds of mother whales and their calves. In the 2022 season, up to 100 whales were spotted each day, breaching, slapping their fins and tails, and playing in the sea. Join us aboard the Kisawa boat, where you'll have the unique opportunity to observe this awe-inspiring spectacle up close. Guided by the expert insights of the marine science team from our sister property, the Bazaruto Center for Scientific Studies (BCSS), you'll witness humpback whales in their most natural behaviors—breaching, rolling, and tenderly caring for their young as they move through these calm waters. This is a seasonal marvel you won’t want to miss.

Kisawa Sanctuary Mozambique LuxurySafariLodges.com
Kisawa Residence - LuxurySafariLodges.com
Kisawa Sanctuary

Kisawa Sanctuary

Situated on a larger private plot, it’s enriched with personal touches, including a curated collection of pan-African antiques and art, adding a distinctive charm to the space. Two bungalows are seamlessly connected by an open-air deck, each offering bespoke interiors and thoughtful design. Inside, you’ll find a spacious living room, a king-sized bedroom, two dressing rooms, and a shared luxurious bathroom.

Your Residence experience includes: Personalized butler service, Your own dedicated electric Mini Moke for island exploration, A private infinity pool with an open-air sun deck, A relaxing day area and outdoor living space, complete with an outdoor shower, Signature welcome drink and curated amenities, King-sized beds for ultimate comfort, Smart TV and WiFi, Stunning views of Turquoise Cove.

This private haven spans 570m², with 300m² dedicated to bedroom and living interiors, and an additional 270m² for the pool and outdoor area—all set within an exclusive 2.25-acre plot, creating a serene and luxurious retreat just for you.

Kisawa Sanctuary

Safari experience

Kisawa's hospitality is deeply personal, and the service leaves lasting memories. Kisawa honors each guest with genuine care and attention. Led by a dedicated team of 196 individuals, affectionately known as Kisawis, with about 90% of the operational team hailing from Mozambique. The rest of Kisawa's staff brings diverse expertise from around the globe, creating a perfect blend of local knowledge and international experience. Under the leadership of Kisawa's founder and creative director, Nina Flohr, every decision is driven by thoughtful research and a commitment to positively impacting both the people of Mozambique and its natural environment. At Kisawa, we are proud to weave care for our guests with care for the land and community around us. As part of Kisawa Sanctuary’s Island Residence series, Malick Bodian, model and artist, has documented the rich rhythm and cultural landscape he encountered on his first visit to the country in beautiful photographic essays for WWD.

Kisawa Mozambique LuxurySafariLodges.com

Facts + Features

Kisawa Sanctuary

Kisawa guests are invited to actively partake in BCSS research, joining scientists to observe the abundant marine wildlife in the region, gather data and join the team on live fieldwork via becoming ‘Scientist for a Day‘. The purpose of our ‘Resort to Research’ approach: hospitality contributing directly to marine science and conservation.

Always Tailormade

Every detail defines an experience in your private safari.

Our custom safaris are meticulously planned journeys where nothing is left to chance, so you can enjoy unique moments with your loved ones in total luxury and privacy. Having the ultimate say in your preferences from start to finish allows you to explore our exclusive destinations in absolute freedom, whenever you want. No set dates; no groups, ever.

Talk to our Chief Designers

(415) 814 6676ext. 5

Pacific time • 9am ‑ 4pm • Mo‑Fr

Guided Safaris®

30+ year unparalleled expertise in Private African Journeys

San Francisco, California • The Original Luxury Safari Camps + Lodges collection

Immersive, remote wilderness

At the very heart, the idea for the Guided Safaris® collection of experiences was to be poetic and endlessly inspiring: for you, as an explorer, to interpret your dreams with these visual stories and breathe life into each safari. We invite you to discover our Signature Journeys.

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Conservation at the
heart of every journey

  • 30 year legacy

    Official Guided Safaris®

  • Always tailormade

    No groups, no set dates

  • Finest in Africa

    Luxury safaris, exclusively