KISIWA HOUSE IN STONE TOWN ZANZIBAR

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Kisiwa House, a mid-range accommodation for your island trip of Zanzibar, is one of many structures that lends to the rich history of the Swahili lands. As one of the distinct historic residences in Stone Town, Kisiwa House takes you into the life of a prosperous Omani merchant — Nassor ibn Abdullah Al Barwani.



Built in 1840, the house was one of the first structures in Stone Town, giving our discerning AfricanMecca guests an authentic island experience. Upon entering the house, you are met by a gracious staff and a lovely coastal aroma known as “Udi,” a blend of rose water, sugar, fragrances, flowers and spices blended in a coconut shell and warmed by an incense burner.

The story of Zanzibar’s spice trade unfolds in the décor that features traditional Swahili elements in the common areas and 11 deluxe rooms and suites. Modern conveniences, though, are included in each room to ensure a comfy cultural holiday on East Africa’s Spice Island. Each room features tea and coffee maker, satellite television, air conditioning, wireless internet, en-suite bathroom, in-room safe, minibar and hairdryer.



The six Burdani Deluxe Rooms are the smallest room size and are distributed two per floor. Each of the three floors of the house also has the mid-sized Malkia Junior Suite. Two of these suites feature separate shower and free-standing bathtubs. One also has a separate sitting area, making it an excellent choice for a small family vacation in the heart of Stone Town. Should you prefer the largest available option, the two Sulaima Senior Suites offer a cozy and romantic setting.



A private tour of Stone Town from your hotel is a must for any exploratory outing, as the settlement is rich in Tanzanian history, beauty and grandeur. Start your morning with an aromatic cup of spiced tea or coffee and freshly baked pastries in the Courtyard Lounge or a hot breakfast at the rooftop. Your guide awaits you for a journey of modern day and yesteryear that begins with a shopping excursion to a local bazaar. Take your time perusing the many offerings, from trinkets, textiles, crafts and also fresh fruit, exotic spices and other items.



The leisurely pace continues along narrow roads lined with the architectural details of shops, residences and landmarks. Your AfricanMecca dedicated guide entertains and engages you with stories of trading that occurred at the many landmarks. You visit House of Wonders (Beit-al-Ajaib), Peace Memorial Museum (Beit-al-Amani), house of Tippu Tip, Old Fort (NgomeKongwe), Sultan’s Palace Museum (Beit-al-Sahel), cultural center at the old Indian Dispensary, the site of the Anglican Church that stands on the very spot of the slave whipping post and so much more!

As your body tires, your guide takes you back to Kisiwa House stopping along the way for you to indulge in a bit of local foods at a roadside restaurant. Rejuvenate your energy with a small nap before venturing out to a local spice plantation. Zanzibar’s spice farms are nestled within the rural countryside, a peaceful and relaxing complement to your morning bustling travel into Stone Town’s colorful past.



While at the farmstead, we encourage you to smell, taste and study every spice and fruit that your guide shares, as the experience is once-in-a-lifetime! This Indian Ocean Island offers guests an almost endless array of places to explore, including a protected forest! After leaving the spice farm, you take a walking safari of Jozani Forest Reserve where tiny creatures scurry about. Your guide skillfully locates rare red colobus monkeys and Syke’s monkeys in the tress overhead, and you may even spot an Aders’s duiker!

You will be amazed at how easily your guide reveals insects, butterflies, frogs, lizards, turtles and other inhabitants. Upon returning to Kisiwa House, you are embraced by the soft glow of brass lanterns and the enticing aroma of international and traditional dishes that highlight the island’s spices and other organic ingredients. In addition to being a perfect place for dinner, the rooftop setting of Darini Restaurant is admirable for cocktails at sunset.

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