April 2023 | Travel | Vol 9
KISAWA
The first 3D hotel or an ‘unbreakable’
Conventional construction alone is responsible for 11 percent of carbon emissions on our planet! The only thing that can be an alternative to these constructions with an emission rate of almost zero are projects started with three- dimensional (3D) printer technology. We were thrilled when the Striatus pedestrian bridge, designed in 3D by Zaha Hadid Architects, was exhibited at the 2021 Venice Architecture Biennale. Within a short period of time, 3D home projects began one after another. In fact, we covered these projects in detail in the 5th issue of Yuzu. Now you have the world’s first 3D-printed hotel, the Kisawa Sanctuary. Built from a clever mix of sand, soil, and saltwater using 3D printers, Kisawa is located on Benguerra Island, 14 kilometers off Mozambique.
THE TREASURE OF THE ENTERPRISING PRINCESS
Nina Flohr is the investor and creator of this truly ecological resort with
22 bungalows spanning 750 hectares. She is the creative director of Vistajet, founded by her father, Thomas Flohr, in 2016. Nina also has royal roots: A princess of Greece and Denmark.
Kisawa is Nina’s most precious treasure. So much so that Nina Flohr designed Kisawa’s ecological attitude and every detail of its identity and design. The most striking example: because she wanted the design to reflect the people and traditions of Mozambique, Nina has worked with the local community since the beginning of the project, giving preference to women on the team.
She also collected various items and accessories from across Africa “to celebrate African craftsmanship”. Clay pots from the Nupe tribe in Nigeria, hand-carved chairs from the Makonde people in Tanzania, and antiques and artwork from Senegal and Ghana are elegant ethnic elements of Kisawa.
THE BOND BETWEEN EARTH, LIFE, AND SOIL
Kisawa, which means “unbreakable”, describes its mission as “connecting the earth, life, and the soil”. Indeed, with its unique design, Kisawa makes this connection from the very first moment. Of course, this winery is also very comfortable: each bungalow has a private beach, outdoor terrace, infinity pool, outdoor seating, and kitchen.
OBSERVATORY AT THE OTHER END OF THE ISLAND
The Bazaruto Scientific Studies Center (BCSS), located at the other end of the island, is Kisawa’s sister facility founded by Nina Flohr. The BCSS is the first African ocean observatory to monitor multiple ecosystems and climate change and is a non-profit center. This solar- powered field research facility, operated with a zero- waste strategy, is also a dream of Flohr’s. Noting that African tourism is mostly about safaris, Flohr wants BCSS to draw attention to the rich marine life in Africa. Guests staying at Kisawa can participate in activities such as tagging marlin fish and sharks with BCSS scientists.
WHAT ELSE TO DO
While in Kisawa, be sure to:
- Take a boat trip and see dugongs and dolphins.
- Visit Crocodile Lake and have a breakfast there.
- Hike with a nature guide and spot more than 150 species of birds. - Climb the red dune to see the sunrise over the Indian Ocean.
- Visit the permaculture garden and choose your own lunch.
WHEN AND HOW TO GET THERE
- You can reach Benguerra Island directly from Johannesburg (JNB), Maputo (MPT), and Kruger Mpumalanga (MQP) airports.
- When is the best time to visit Kisawa and Benguerra Island?
The warmest months are December, January, February, and March.
