Kisawa Sanctuary

12/08/2026

03/08/2026

Awards. Kisawa Sanctuary Mozambique is recognised at number 4 in The World's Best 100 Resorts.

Congratulations to the entire Kisawi team on this wonderful accolade & recognition for our Benguerra Island Sanctuary. Incredibly proud to see this ranking - especially ahead of our 5th Anniversary milestone this November.

The independent 2026 ranking of the world’s 100 most exceptional ultra-luxury resorts, from private islands and desert retreats to safari lodges and mountain estates.

29/07/2026

Welcome Whale Sharks!

Why are whale sharks suddenly appearing in the Bazaruto Archipelago? 🦈🌊

The short answer is: we don't know for sure.
And that's what makes it so interesting.

Scientists believe whale shark presence may be linked to a combination of food availability, ocean currents, seasonal productivity, and environmental conditions. But despite being the largest fish on Earth, many aspects of whale shark ecology remain surprisingly poorly understood.

As sightings increase around Bazaruto, researchers are asking important questions:
What is attracting them here?
How long do they stay?
Are the same individuals returning?
And what can they tell us about the health of the wider ecosystem?

Every sighting, photograph, and observation helps build a clearer picture.

Through the BCSS Ocean Observatory and our Whale Shark Photo-Identification Expeditions, researchers and citizen scientists are working together to better understand one of the ocean's most enigmatic species.

📖 Read the full blog: https://bcssmz.org/bcss-whale-shark-research-expeditions-mozambique/

📸 Interested in contributing to whale shark research? Learn more about our Whale Shark Photo-Identification Expeditions and Scientific Training Program.

(Residents of SADC countries are encouraged to enquire about dedicated regional pricing available on selected diving experiences and program).

29/06/2026

Invitation. Throughout July, the Bazaruto Archipelago becomes a natural oasis; clear skies, a fresh ocean breeze, cool evenings & the magic of whale season. ⁠
⁠
Experience this seasonal refuge with our Island Time invitation: enjoy four nights for the price of three during July. Read on for all the details:

https://kisawasanctuary.com/island-time-july/

23/06/2026

18/06/2026

It begins! The first humpbacks of the season were spotted by the Bazaruto Center for Scientific Studies team on Monday, signalling the official beginning of the 2026 Whale Season in our region!

An incredible time of year - read more about what makes our vantage point so unique in this interview with cetacean researcher & BCSS team member Ekaterina Kalashnikova:

https://kisawasanctuary.com/great-east-african-blue-migration/

01/06/2026

Whale Season. June welcomes the beginning of Mozambique’s annual whale season, or more officially, the “Great East African Blue Migration”. 🐋

Kisawa’s position off the coastline allows guests the most incredible access to experience this natural marvel. Witness the return of humpbacks in remarkable numbers to the Bazaruto Seascape - a vital part of the Indian Ocean whale sanctuary.

📸 Salvador Colvee & Orlando Miranda in collaboration with Bazaruto Center for Scientific Studies

18/05/2026

The Dugong. Benguerra Island royalty, fabled muse of sailors, bewitcher of guests & all-round magical mammal.

The Bazaruto Archipelago hosts the largest subpopulation of dugongs in East Africa, with an estimated 145 mature individuals roaming the seascape.

Representing the last viable population in the region, dugongs are currently listed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN. Every sighting of these gentle “sea cows” is recorded & celebrated!

New Kisawi, Aliia was lucky enough to record this dancing individual on Friday, with the leisure team.