Kisiwa House (Kisiwa means ‘island’ in Swahili) is a luxurious boutique hotel in Stone Town, noted for its elegant sophistication and gracious Swahili hospitality. History, drama and mystique are all waiting to be discovered and enjoyed by you in this charming old mansion!
Kisiwa House is superbly located on a quiet street in the heart of historical Stone Town, within easy walking distance of famous landmarks, museums, antique shops and restaurants.
Located in a quiet, very authentic street in the upmarket Shandrani district of Stone Town
Kisiwa Hotel offers understated luxury, tranquility and service
A great mix of contemporary and Zanzibari style, with all the mod cons
Set in a fresh Swahili style, all 11 rooms are luxurious and spacious – like gems in a tranquil setting. The plush interiors with sleek clean lines speak of sophistication, while the lustrous colours and textiles whisper relaxation and romance.
Choose from the sumptuous Burdani deluxe rooms, Malkia Junior suites or Sulaima Senior suites.
The Burdani Deluxe rooms are the standard rooms. Burdani is a swahili word that means relaxation.
The Malkia Junior Suites (Malkia Meaning Queen)
The elegant setting of the Malkia Junior Suites reflects the elegance, leisure and sophistication associated with a Queen. Two of the Malkia Suites have a stand alone shower and a freestanding bath. One of them has a separate sitting area.
The Sulaima Senior Suites, named after the emblematic owner of the house, are the superior rooms. They are spacious and have a bigger sitting area.
Each of the rooms are named after aromatic flowers found on the island, and all come with the following amenities:
- Flat-screen TV
- Satellite television
- Wireless Internet
- Air-conditioning
- Personal safe
- Telephone
- Mini-bar
- Tea & coffee-making facilities
- Hairdryer
- En-suite bathroom
- Toiletries
Entering the Kisiwa House restaurant Darini is like stepping into a past of refinement and indulgence. Its fine décor, soft lighting and antique fixtures are specifically designed to create a warm and relaxed ambiance.
Darini is a unique restaurant featuring both traditional and continental specialties inspired by the island’s aromatic spices and flavours… all revealing a fascinating cuisine.
Tantalize your palate with the Chef’s true Zanzibar Delights while enjoying a breathtaking view of Stone Town and the Indian Ocean.
Kisiwa House was constructed in 1840 by Nassor ibn Abdullah Al Barwani, a rich and influential Omani merchant. The property was one of the first buildings in Stonetown, and was built during the reign of the greatest 19th-century sultan of Oman, Said ibn Sultan, who made Zanzibar his main place of residence in 1837.
Kisiwa House has been in the same family for generations, and was only recently renovated into a luxury boutique hotel. The impressive wooden staircase and the brass-studded door date back to its construction some 170 years ago.
Faithfully restored and lavishly embellished with a private collection of antique furniture, brass fixtures, Persian rugs and original photographs. The interior design concept is a fusion of authenticity and opulence that reflects the very essence of Zanzibar history.
Sulaima bint Salim Al Barwani was one the most emblematic owners of Kisiwa house. A woman of strong character, she was one of the wealthiest people in Zanzibar at the turn of the 20th century. In her later years, Sulaima lived on the top floor of the building – leaving the rest of the house to her children and their respective families. They then started calling her “Bibi wa Darini” meaning ‘rooftop grand mother’. Today, Kisiwa House belongs to her great grandson.
Map & Location
