FAQ

About Kisawa Sanctuary

Kisawa Sanctuary is a new standard in luxury hospitality, pairing cultural celebration and environmental conservation on Benguerra Island, Mozambique. Kisawa invites guests to discover their own rhythm, in a spectacular natural setting.

Eleven bespoke Residences are carefully positioned over a 300-hectare stretch of forest, beach and sand dunes, ensuring optimum privacy, minimum disturbance and maximum appreciation of the natural environment. Skirting the coastline of the southern point of Benguerra Island, each Residence has its own beachfront, private swimming pool and day area – with an outdoor kitchen, dedicated service team and a pantry stocked to individual preference.

Kisawa’s mission is to blend wilderness and service together, carefully and comfortably.

Guest experience rates

All Residences are available on the Cove or Ocean side of the island, to best suit individual preference.

Residence Types	Adults Per Residence	Guest Experience Rate (Euro)
One-bedroom Residence	2	€ 5000 +
One-bedroom Residence with Annex	3	€ 7000 +
Two-bedroom Residence	4	€ 10000 +
Three-bedroom Residence	6	€ 15000 +
Kisawa Residence – Two-bedroom	4	€ 12000 +

+ 17.6% Hotel Tax to be added

Introducing the Kisawa Guest Experience rate

Welcome to Kisawa.

Throughout your stay at the sanctuary transactions and in-room charges are not required. It is our intention to let guests enjoy their Mozambican home and fully recharge and reconnect while staying with us and not worry about daily expenses.

The daily Kisawa guest experience rate therefore includes:

• Your dedicated service team, including a tailor-made butler service

• Culinary Experiences and dining across all four Kisawa restaurants, beach cafes and bars

• In-Residence dining (including room service and pool side snacks)

• All water, soft beverages, local beer, house wine lists, and cocktails

• One welcome 60-minute Jet-lag recovery treatment & massage at the Natural Wellness Center (NWC) for all guests. For children 14 and under a 30 minute adaptation will be offered. (The treatment is non transferable).

• Private use of a dedicated electronic Mini Moke for the full duration of stay

• Select Kisawa leisure experiences, including sunset sailing on the Kisawa dhow and Glamping

• Non motorised water sports including sea kayaking, stand up paddle boarding and snorkelling from the beaches of Benguerra Island

• Complimentary laundry + packing services

• Complimentary WiFi

• For stays of 7 nights or more, the return helicopter transfer to the Kisawa helipad from Vilankulo airport (VNX) is complimentary

Additional chargeable guest experiences includes:

Kisawa butlers are delighted to arrange additional guest services such as:

• All return Vilankulo airport (VNX) transfers by helicopter are at an additional charge of €450 EUR per person, including service and taxes*

• Vintage wine and cigars from the house cellar, the Wine Room

• Additional massages and treatments at the Natural Wellness Centre, as well as comprehensive wellness packages

• Private yoga courses, other wellness sessions and treatment packages

• Kisawa Experiences including moonlight celebration and sunset on red dune

• Select boat excursions, PADI diving, kite surfing, horse riding and helicopter safaris

• Babysitting and extended children activities

*The helicopter transfer is shared. For private transfers, all 4 x seats are required to be booked for a total of 1800 EUR return. Baggage weight restrictions are applied – please contact the reservations team for more details.

**Activities and services are subject to change and prevailing weather conditions at short notice.

About our Residences

One-bedroom Residence – Ocean or Cove

Bespoke interiors featuring generous living room, king bedroom, two dressing rooms, a joint bathroom and two individual powder rooms
An open-air deck space with a separate day area, an outdoor kitchen, an outdoor living room, an outdoor shower and an infinity pool
Support accommodation for additional visitors are available upon request
Housed within one acre of private space

One-bedroom Residence with Annex – Cove

The same dimensions and features as a One Bedroom Residence, this accommodation includes an additional, self-contained annex
The annex is suitable for young children, support personnel and older children looking for a level of independence. A choice of twin beds or a king bed, the annex features one dressing room and one bathroom with shower and bathtub
The annex and main Residence are connected via a joint open-air deck and share the same pool and day area with an outdoor kitchen, an outdoor living room, an outdoor shower and an infinity pool
Support accommodation for additional visitors are available upon request
Housed within 1.25 acres of private space

Two-bedroom Residence – Cove

Two bungalows are connected via an open-air deck each with bespoke interiors featuring generous living rooms, king bedrooms, two dressing rooms each, joint bathrooms and two individual powder rooms per bungalow
The bungalows share an open-air deck space with a separate day area, an outdoor kitchen, an outdoor living room, an outdoor shower and an infinity pool
Support accommodation for additional visiting personnel are available upon request
Housed within 1.75 acres of private space

Three-bedroom Residence – Cove

Three individual bungalows featuring bespoke interiors, generous living rooms, king bedrooms, two dressing rooms each and two bathrooms per bungalow
The bungalows share an open-air deck space with a separate day area, an outdoor kitchen, an outdoor living room and an outdoor shower
A large stand-alone infinity pool and a smaller infinity pool connect the bungalows
Support accommodation for additional visitors are available upon request
Housed within 2.5 acres of private space

Kisawa Residence

The founding Residence. Featuring two bedrooms with similar dimensions and features as the two-bedroom Residence
Two bungalows are connected via an open-air deck each with bespoke interiors featuring generous living rooms, king bedrooms, two dressing rooms each, joint bathrooms and two individual powder rooms per bungalow
The bungalows share an open-air deck space with a separate day area, an outdoor kitchen, an outdoor living room, an outdoor shower and an infinity pool
It comes with a unique view of both the ocean and cove sides of the island, and includes personal touches such as a pan-African antiques and art collection. Bookings are subject to availability
Support accommodation for additional visitors are available upon request
Housed within 2.25 acres of private space

Residence design

Kisawa is a happy pairing of innovation and tradition. Considered design has involved artisans from Benguerra and neighbouring islands merged with a patented 3D printing technology used across the sanctuary
Kisawa has used design as a tool not as a style, to ensure the guest experience is integrated, culturally and environmentally to Mozambique. Kisawa has studied the local vernacular, its materials and techniques, making the best use of local craftsmanship and what is available in sustainable supply
Each Residence has been individually furnished, with a bespoke interior and colour palette featuring predominantly custom designed and African made furniture
The feeling of privacy is achieved through distance and volume; high ceilings and abundant private deck space, connecting day areas and personal pools that are not in view of neighbouring bungalows
Each Residence has its own dedicated personal butler and housekeeper. Plus dedicated mini mokes.

Kisawa Sanctuary Residences

Total size, including interior spaces, deck space + outdoor day areas and pool

6 x One-Bedroom Residences – 541m² on a 1-acre plot
1 x One-Bedroom Residence with Child Annex – 642m² on a 1.25 acre plot
2 x Two-Bedroom Residences – 1067m² on a 1.75-acre plot
1 x Three-Bedroom Residences – 1700m² on a 2.5-acre plot
1 x Kisawa Residence – 1067m² on a 2.25-acre plot

Exclusive Kisawa Hosting

For larger parties, special events or to ensure more complete privacy, Kisawa is available for customised Residence buyout bookings. Our reservation team will work with you on several configurations, including:

The Cove Residences – all seven cove side Residences/12 bedrooms
The Cove Residences plus Kisawa Residence – full Cove side – eight Residences/14 bedrooms
Ocean Residences – all three ocean side Residences/3 bedrooms
Entire Sanctuary – All eleven Residences/17 bedrooms

Please contact us directly for assistance: reservations@kisawasanctuary.com

Payment conditions

A non-refundable 30% deposit (of the total room charge) is required to confirm reservation, which is payable within 7 days
The remaining 70% is required 40 days prior to arrival

Cancellation policy

Confirmation of a reservation means acceptance of Kisawa’s cancellation policy terms and conditions. Kisawa reserves the right to release the booking without prior notice if the full payment is not received at the stipulated time.

There is a non-refundable 30% deposit at time of booking
There is a 100% penalty for cancellations received from 40 days prior to arrival onwards, in case of no-show or early departure
Guests are kindly urged to purchase travel insurance prior to confirming a reservation, to cover refunds of the cancellation deposits
Kisawa reserves the right to refuse exemptions from its cancellation policy for medical matters or any other unforeseen circumstances
Payment of all incidental charges must be settled prior to departing the Sanctuary
In case of exclusive and buyout bookings, special cancellation conditions will apply due to respective planning necessities

Payment conditions for Christmas and New Year

Christmas and New Year dates are defined as 22 December – 4 January

A non-refundable 50% deposit (of the total room charge) is required to confirm reservation which is payable within 7 days
The remaining balance is required 60 days prior to arrival
Cancellations made less than 60 days prior to arrival will be charged 100% of the total room cost, in case of no-show or early departure.

No-show policy

In the event of a no-show (i.e. if you neither use nor cancel your reservation), a fee equivalent to the value of the entire stay will be charged. All fees and penalties are inclusive of taxes.

Early departures

Early departures or cancellations due to inclement weather conditions are fully chargeable.

Length of stay

A minimum of 3 night length of stay on any Kisawa booking
A minimum of 7-nights is required during the Christmas and New Year period

Child rates

Age 0 to 12 years

Age 13-18 years

• No additional charges apply

• Max one extra bed for child in One Bedroom Residence and One Bedroom with Annex

• Max two extra beds for children in Two Bedroom Residence and Kisawa Residence

• Max three extra beds for children in Three Bedroom Residence

• Fee of €450 per night ++

• Max one extra bed in One Bedroom Residence and One Bedroom with Annex

• Max two extra beds in Two Bedroom Residence and Kisawa Residence

• Max three extra beds in Three Bedroom Residence

• Extra charge covers all inclusions

Guests with children under 12 years old are encouraged to book Cove side Residences. Please note that Ocean Residence are not highly recommended for families with small children due to the stronger ocean swell. Otherwise, Kisawa requires the primary guest to duly sign the mandatory waiver form
Kisawa will not accept reservations for children under the age of 12 occupying a residence alone. Children aged 13-17 can occupy a residence alone if parental figure is present in the resort at the same time as the above mentioned children.

Arrival by helicopter

Kisawa offers seamless helicopter transfers from Vilankulo Airport (VNX) to the Kisawa helipad
After touching down in Vilankulo, a Kisawa airport host will meet and assist guests through immigration – as well as assist guests with luggage through the transfer process
All return Vilankulos airport (VNX) transfers by helicopter are at an additional charge of €450 EUR per person, including service and taxes.
For stays of 7 nights or more, the return helicopter transfer to the Kisawa helipad from Vilankulo airport (VNX) is complimentary.

Commonly asked questions about the helicopter transfer:

What is the helicopter flight time?

It is 7 mins From Vilankulo (VNX) to the Kisawa helipad .

Is the helicopter transfer private?

The helicopter transfer is shared. For private transfers, all 4 x seats are required to be booked for a total of 1800 EUR return.

What are the baggage weight restrictions?

Baggage weight is restricted to 15kg per person (20kg if soft), including hand luggage. Should the baggage exceed the restrictions, a prior arrangement must be made with Kisawa before the departure of the flight. (Additional charges may apply).

Can my infant travel with me on the helicopter?

Children below 2 years are able to travel, secured on the lap of the parents free of charge. From 2 years onwards, children must use seats and pay as adult passengers.

What happens if my party is bigger than 4 guests?

The same helicopter will do two or more journeys.

What is the make of the helicopter?

It is an EC 1208, seats 4 x passengers and operates with 1 engine.

Payment options

Kisawa accept all three major credit cards, AMEX, Master & Visa

Wire transfer details

Available on request to reservations@kisawasanctuary.com

Image policy

In order to preserve the brand consistency and exclusivity, should you wish to feature Kisawa in your brochure, website or any other communication material, sample copies of the layout or feature must be sent to Kisawa Sanctuary for proofreading and approval before publishing or release.

Explore Kisawa

Culinary

Experience a team of dedicated food enthusiasts carefully trained to adjust to guest’s 24/7 needs. Across four dining venues, two bars and multiple on-location culinary experiences, at Kisawa, cuisine is focused around local produce and personalisation.

Our culinary experiences include:

The Cove Mussassa – a relaxed, outdoor beach cafe with an emphasis towards laid back dining, Mediterranean flavours and plates designed to be shared. Open all day and night
The Ocean Mussassa – our shoreline hugging beach bar, specialising in crudo and ceviche for lunch into the afternoon. Open April 2023
The Main Terrace – the extended living room, offering refined global cuisine throughout the day.
The Baracca – serving Mozambican dishes with homegrown flavours, this secluded part of the sanctuary enjoys spectacular sunset views
A customised Pizza Tuk Tuk offering fresh oven pizza, for lunch and dinner
On location dining on sand dunes, beachside or personalised picnics
Curated in-Residence dining service, prepared by chefs available on call 24/7

Wellness

At Kisawa, wellness is more than a treatment list – it’s our underlying philosophy.

Kisawa’s spa specialises in integrated medicine, housed in the Natural Wellness Centre. The architecture is inspired by the island’s thatched houses and community buildings. Offerings are centred on achieving wellbeing through unity of mind, body and spirit.

Comprehensive detox and fitness packages are available on request.

Yoga and meditation can be practised from sunrise to sunset throughout the property and privately in Residence. Guests can also keep fit at the fully equipped and air conditioned Gym adjacent the to the Natural Wellness Center.

Kisawa’s 25 meter central Lagoon Pool is closely connected to the Natural Wellness Center ensuring guests can either swim laps or relax pool side post treatment or after a day of water activities at the nearby Sports Locker.

Dodeca Reservations FZ-LLC, Floor 1, Building 12, Dubai Internet City, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Email : reservations@kisawasanctuary.com

Phone : + 971 4 875 2323

On behalf of Kisawa Sanctuary we look forward to welcoming you.

Residence and design photography shot by Elsa Young. Select beach imagery shot by Andrea Ferrari.