Kisawa Sanctuary reveals a raw, authentic side to Mozambique’s Bazaruto Archipelago, showcasing the essence of the Inhambane Province, layered in luxury and all of the prerequisites for a dreamy island escape.

Part of a real seaside escape, is breathing out, feeling your body shuck its defences, and anticipating every possible adventure and exciting new experience. only began to find its full international tourism feet over the last 15 years, and open the way for a very special beach break. Santorini embodies the evolution of this magical, wild place. Where the beaches of , stretch around the ankles of this breathtakingly beautiful spot in Africa.

Picture five kilometres of pristine Mozambique coastline, where twelve deeply private and magnificently luxurious residences rest on Benguerra Island. Some are in coves, others sheltered by dunes, all have magical views of the Bazaruto Archipelago beachfront, and enchanting forest. There’s so much peaceful breathing space, you can hear your heart beat. When here, it feels like the entire Inhambane region is all yours, that you’re in harmony with the surrounding nature, and all is well. Which it is, on so many levels.

Kisawa Sanctuary operates hand-in-hand with its sister property, the Bazaruto Centre for Scientific Studies – Africa’s first permanent ocean observatory. Revenue from the Kisawa residences enable ongoing marine conservation, and guests have the privilege of experiencing real time marine conservation efforts, like shark tagging. So by simply enjoying the tropical island holiday of a lifetime, important conservation efforts are being sustained.

But there’s much more to the living philosophy of Kisawa. The local people are paramount. Their hands built the light footprint lodge of 22 natural thatch bungalows. Inside are design elements that use sand and seaweed mortar, others are created using patented 3D sand-printing technology. Each sleeps two, some bungalows stand alone and others are configured for both privacy and communal time with family or friends; all have pools.

Tides of tranquillity

Decorated in natural textures and tones, with local weavers, carpenters and textile makers showcasing their heritage and flair, the bungalows are sanctuaries of calm. At all times, culture and nature are respected and blended with integrity into the creation of magical Kisawa. You see it and feel it when you are there.

And then there’s still the beautifully grounded offerings of the Natural Wellness Centre tucked in the dunes, and offering guests individual and personal treatments and programmes to promote glowing wellness. The seven culinary locations at Kisawa follow the natural ethos too, and serve freshly delivered or picked local organic fare-infused with Mozambican and African flavours – and delectable cracking fresh seafood.

In between, spend time spotting whales and dugongs, turtles and rays, dolphins and over 150 bird species. Go boating, snorkelling picnicking like castaways, sunning, swimming or simply stay in your residence and nap in the shade. Whatever you choose will be memorable and meaningful, for that is the spirit and essence of Kisawa and it’s very reason for being. The people, the place, the culture and magnificent nature – the full circle of vibrant life, in harmony just as it should be.

Written by Keri Harvey