RatedOtels
8.6/10Wonderful Kisiwa House
Hotel in Zanzibar
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Hotel in Zanzibar

Kisiwa House Kisiwa House Zanzibar

8.6/10 Wonderful | 202 Reviews
4-star hotel
Kisiwa House Kisiwa House Zanzibar

572 Baghani Street, Stone Town, 609, · Zanzibar, Tanzania View Map

8.6 Wonderful 202 Reviews View Map

Overview

Highlights, description and the facilities guests use most.

  • Front desk [24-hour]
  • Great food & dining
  • Free Parking
  • Located in heart of Zanzibar

About Kisiwa House Zanzibar

A restored 19th-century merchant house offering an intimate stay in the historic heart of Stone Town, Zanzibar.

Kisiwa House is a small heritage boutique hotel set inside a restored 19th-century merchant residence in the heart of Stone Town, Zanzibar. The property blends Swahili and Omani architectural details with understated modern comforts, creating a stay that feels intimate and rooted in history rather than staged. Rooms are arranged around quiet interior spaces, while the rooftop restaurant opens up views across the old city toward the Indian Ocean. From the front door, Stone Town’s narrow streets, historic houses, and waterfront landmarks unfold on foot, making Kisiwa House a natural base for travelers drawn to Zanzibar’s cultural core rather than resort isolation.

Top Amenities

  • Free parking
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Restaurant
  • Airport shuttle

See all 39 amenities

Rooms at Kisiwa House

Stay in Zanzibar - Rooms for Every Budget

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In every room: Air conditioning · Flat-screen TV · Bath or Shower · Coffee/tea machine

No photo yet Suite 1 Double bed

Suite

560 ft²

This spacious, air-conditioned suite is equipped with a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a seating area with 4 sofas, mosquito nets, a mini-bar and a telephone. The bathroom contains a spa bath with free toiletries.

Seating area
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No photo yet Deluxe Double Room 1 Double bed

Deluxe Double Room

345 ft²

This air-conditioned room is equipped with a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, mosquito nets, a mini-bar and an electric kettle. The bathroom contains a spa bath with free toiletries.

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No photo yet Deluxe Twin Room 2 Single beds

Deluxe Twin Room

356 ft²

This air-conditioned room is equipped with a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, mosquito nets, a mini-bar and a telephone. The bathroom contains a spa bath with free toiletries.

Seating area
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Kisiwa House at a glance

Location, travel times, listing details and guest feedback

Kisiwa House is in Shangani, Zanzibar. Its address is 572 Baghani Street Stone Town. Rooms with two single beds have separate beds for guests travelling together.

What guests say

Summary of recent guest reviews

The historic house’s carved details and traditional furnishings give it a strong sense of Stone Town’s past. Guests praise breakfast on the rooftop terrace, where the à la carte menu includes fresh fruit and made-to-order eggs.

Often praised

  • Bright inner courtyard
  • Large bathrooms with bathtubs
  • Air-conditioned rooms

Good to know

  • There is no lift, and the stairs are steep.

Places of Attractions nearby

Explore the best attractions, shopping destinations, and important places near Kisiwa House.

View Map© Mapbox © OpenStreetMap

Botanical Gardens and Zoos

1
  • Victoria Gardens0.6 km

Airports

1
  • Zanzibar - Kisauni6.7 km

View Map

Services & Facilities

39 amenities in 10 categories.

Cleanliness & disinfection

9 items
  • All plates, cutlery, glasses and other tableware have been sanitized
  • Protective screen or physical barriers in appropriate areas
  • Staff follow all safety protocols as directed by local authorities
  • Free face masks
  • Daily disinfection
  • Hand sanitizer in guest accommodation and key areas
  • Physical/social distancing guidelines
  • Linens, towels and laundry washed in accordance with local authority guidelines
  • Contactless check-in/out

Food & Drink

3 items
  • Food delivery
  • Takeout dining services available
  • Restaurant(s)

General

4 items
  • Non-Smoking Rooms Available
  • Key access
  • 24-Hour Front Desk
  • Non-smoking property

Media & Technology

1 item
  • Free Wi-Fi

Outdoors

2 items
  • Sun Deck
  • Garden

Room Facilities

8 items
  • Ironing amenities
  • Fire extinguishers
  • balcony/terrace
  • Safety Deposit Box
  • Room Service
  • Family Rooms
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Air Conditioning
Show 4 more categories

Safety & security

1 item
  • CCTV security in common areas

Safety features

3 items
  • First aid kit available
  • Access to health care professionals
  • Process in place to check health of guests

Services & Extras

4 items
  • Cashless payment available
  • Luggage storage & lockers
  • Laundry services
  • Guests can opt-out of daily cleaning service

Transportation

4 items
  • On-site parking
  • Shuttle service (charges may apply)
  • Free Parking
  • Airport shuttle (charges may apply)

Policies

Check-in, check-out and house rules.

  • Check-in
    13:00
  • Check-out
    11:00
  • Front desk [24-hour]

Where You’ll Be Staying

Explore Zanzibar

Stone Town is Zanzibar’s historic core—dense, atmospheric, and shaped by centuries of trade across the Indian Ocean. The neighborhood around Kisiwa House is defined by narrow streets, coral-stone buildings, carved wooden doors, and a steady rhythm of daily life rather than resort crowds. Cultural landmarks such as the Old Fort, House of Wonders, and the waterfront sit within walking distance, as do small cafés, local shops, and ferry connections to the mainland. The area remains active throughout the day, with evenings quieter and more residential, offering a grounded sense of place at the center of Zanzibar’s UNESCO-listed old city.

Nearby Attractions

  • Old Fort (Ngome Kongwe) – Stone Town’s oldest surviving structure, now hosting cultural events, craft stalls, and shaded courtyards.
  • House of Wonders – An iconic landmark on the waterfront, historically significant for its architecture and role in Zanzibar’s past.
  • Forodhani Gardens – A lively evening food market along the seafront, known for local street dishes and sunset views.
  • Freddie Mercury Museum – A small museum located near the singer’s birthplace, offering insight into his early life in Zanzibar.
  • Stone Town Waterfront – A short walk to the harbor area, ferries, and open views across the Indian Ocean.

What to Expect Around Here

Stone Town moves at its own pace, shaped by foot traffic rather than cars. Streets are busy during the day, quieter after dark, and best explored without a fixed plan. The area favors history and atmosphere over polish, rewarding curious walkers with small discoveries around nearly every corner.

See what’s available at Kisiwa House Zanzibar.

FAQs about Kisiwa House Zanzibar

How far is Kisiwa House from Zanzibar City city center?
The property is about 2.2 km from Zanzibar City city center in a straight line.
Is parking available?
No, the property lists no parking. All amenities at Kisiwa House
What are the check-in and check-out times?
Check-in starts at 13:00, and check-out is by 11:00. All policies at Kisiwa House
Is Wi-Fi available, and is it free?
Yes, free Wi-Fi is available in all areas, including rooms.
Are pets allowed?
No, pets are not allowed.
Can I cancel my booking?
Cancellation terms depend on the rate you choose. Each rate shows its terms before you book, so you can compare them. Rooms and rates
Does the property have anything for families with children?
The room list includes these suites or family rooms: Suite and Junior Suite. Children of any age are welcome.

Guest Score and Reviews

Loved by Guests, Trusted for Excellence

8.6 /10
Wonderful
Based on 202 Reviews
A
Andrew
Jan 30, 2024
V. good

Very friendly and attentive staff.

M
Minenhle
Oct 27, 2023
Pleasant

Friendly staff members

N
Naeema
Oct 26, 2023
Superb

The staff were lovely and the hotel has a lovely historical feel about it.

Y
Yakub
Oct 25, 2023
Wonderful

My recent stay at this hotel was an absolute delight. The location is a traveler's dream, with all the major attractions just a stone's throw away. Place is beautifully decorated with history of zanzibar stone town . Bed was super comfortable after a long tiring flight The staff deserves special praise for their exceptional service - they were not only helpful but also accommodated an early check-in, making my trip even more convenient. This hotel truly knows how to make guests feel welcome and appreciated. Highly recommended! All utilities are near by

S
Seckin
Oct 19, 2023
Pleasant

The staff is amazing. They are very helpful, cheerful, polite and kind. The rooftop for the breakfast was nice and the bed was comfortable. Very spacious bathroom .. and the location wise you are right in the center of stonetown.

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