Kisiwa On The Beach: Our full report

Located on Zanzibar's south-east coast, near Paje, Kisiwa On The Beach is an excellent option if you're looking ...

... for a small and comfortable resort with a lovely swimming pool and white sandy beach.

On arrival at Kisiwa On The Beach you enter through a commanding traditional Zanzibari-style lobby, leading down steps to a network of paths and well-manicured tropical gardens. The 22 villa rooms, all similar in style, are dotted throughout the property. They have the typical local green mabati (corrugated-iron) roofs.

They are categorised into four room types:

Bahari Grand Beach Front Villas - These 3 villas are the largest rooms and closest to the beach.
Bahari Grand Villas - 2 villas which are also large, but set a little further back from the beach.
Raha Luxury Villa - 6 smaller villas set behind the Bahari rooms. They offer garden views but are nicely spaced apart.
Starehe Luxury Villa - 11 smaller villas, furthest from the ocean and set towards the back of the property in lush vegetation. These villas are a little closer together, and some are interconnected, making them a good choice for families.

Internally the rooms are similar and all feel spacious and comfortable. The furnishings are simple, but are modern and spotlessly clean, with a king-sized Zanzibari bed with fitted net, fan and very efficient air-conditioning. There is a seating area, satellite TV and tea- and coffee-making facilities. The ensuite bathrooms are functional but include a bathtub as well as a shower. Toiletries are provided, as is a hairdryer. Outside each villa is a small veranda with a couple of campaign, folding chairs.

The large, sparkling swimming pool, is located in front of the open-fronted makuti-thatched dinning room, and is inviting for guests of all ages. There's a good number of sun-beds and parasols, both here and down on the beach just beyond the pool area.

Alongside the small, well equipped and air-conditioned gym is the hotel's 'Blossom' spa. The spa has two treatment rooms and offers a range of treatments including hot stone massages, exfoliating body scrubs and manicures. Prices start from $40 and you can book treatments at reception.

Many guests simply choose to spend their time here relaxing on the beach, or around the swimming pool, but a variety of activities can be arranged. This area is particularly well known for its excellent kite-surfing, and Kisiwa makes use of the Zanzibar Kite Paradise centre, which is located right next door. The centre caters for all abilities, but the kitesurfing is best from June to September, and in December and January. Snorkelling and scuba-diving trips (both activities are best done by going out to the reef by boat) can also be easily arranged.

It is also possible to organise a guided walk into Paje village and the nearby seaweed farming centre. Zanzibar's capital, Stone Town, can be explored in a day-trip from the beach, or stay for a little longer and spend the night at sister property Kisiwa House located in the heart of the old town. Do speak to your Expert Africa consultant for more ideas and details.

Our view

With 22 rooms Kisiwa On The Beach is a wonderful mid-size property that offers good value and comfortable accommodation. The property is located on a picturesque stretch of beach, overlooking turquoise waters, and is a good option for both couples and families.

Jessica Plumb

Zanzibar expert

Geographics

Location: Michamvi Peninsula, Zanzibar
Ideal length of stay: 4 nights – or even longer if you love relaxing on a beautiful beach.
Directions: It takes around 30 minutes to fly to Zanzibar from Dar es Salaam, then it is approximately an hour by road to Kisiwa On The Beach.
Accessible by: Fly-and-Transfer

Food & drink

Usual board basis: Half Board
Food quality: Most guests will stay at Kisiwa On The Beach on a Half Board basis.

Guests have breakfast and dinner in the Bembe Restaurant overlooking the swimming pool.

Depending on the number of guests dinner may be served as a buffet, or a set menu with a few options for each course. If there is a buffet there will always be a 'live cooking' station, to ensure that everything is fresh and hot. We found the food at Kisiwa On The Beach to be varied and tasty. We enjoyed a Swahili buffet, with a selection of seafood, meat and vegetable dishes.

Breakfast is usually served from 7am and includes a range of fruits and cereals with hot food cooked to order. We loved the fluffy pancakes! An à la carte menu is available from the Poa bar for lunch and snacks throughout the day.
Dining style: Individual Tables
Dining locations: Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Further dining info, including room service: Room service is possible – a tray charge will be added.
Drinks included: Drinks (reasonably priced) are an additional cost and payable locally.

Children

Attitude towards children: Kisiwa On The Beach welcome children of all ages.
Property’s age restrictions: There are no age restrictions.
Special activities & services: Babysitting (not professional) can be arranged informally with a member of staff.
Equipment: Kisiwa On The Beach can provide baby cots, extra beds for children, and high chairs in the dining area.
Generally recommended for children: Yes.

Communications

Power supply notes: 24/7 electricity - charging points in room and A/C.
Communications: WiFi is provided in guest rooms.
TV & radio: There are small satellite TVs in rooms.
Water supply: Borehole
Water supply notes: All bathrooms have flush toilets and showers are plumbed.

Health & safety

Malarial protection recommended: Yes
Medical care: There is a comprehensive first aid box on site. The hotel has access to an on-call doctor and there is medical clinic in nearby Paje. For more serious matters guests would be taken to Stone Town.
Dangerous animals: Low Risk
Security measures: Kisiwa On The Beach has discrete security guards around the property and on the beach front.
Fire safety: There are fire extinguishers in all the main areas and outside the rooms.

Activities

Cultural excursion
Kayaking
Scuba-diving
Snorkelling
Watersports

Extras

Disabled access: On Request
Laundry facilities: Additional cost - 24 hour service.
Money: There are electronic safes in the rooms. Small amounts of major foreign currencies can be exchanged at reception.
Accepted payment on location: All major cards are accepted, with a 6% surcharge.