Nestled along the remote southwest coast of Zanzibar, just minutes from the sleepy fishermen's village of Kizimkazi Dimbani, stands Kizikula a boutique hotel born from childhood dreams and decades-old friendship. Here, amidst a thriving permaculture farm overlooking the Indian Ocean, simple guest houses blend communal spaces with private retreats, creating a sanctuary where travelers can reconnect with nature's sensual rhythms. Designed as a place where neighbors become friends and privacy inspires deep connection with the surrounding landscape, Kizikula represents the extraordinary vision of two childhood companions whose shared dream of Zanzibar has finally taken root in this rugged, unspoiled corner of the island.

Shahbaa Hamad, Partner at Kizikula: Photo courtesy of Kizikula

A FRIENDSHIP THAT BLOSSOMED INTO A COASTAL DREAM

For Shahbaa Hamad and Adel Abubakar, two childhood friends who grew up together in Dubai one with Zanzibari roots coursing through their veins Kizikula represents more than just a boutique hotel. It embodies a youthful promise that has matured over decades, finally bearing fruit on Zanzibar's untamed shore.

"Kizikula is a personal project by two childhood friends (one with Zanzibari roots) who grew up in Dubai and used to dream about retiring in Zanzibar," explains Shahbaa Hamad, partner at Kizikula. "When an opportunity to buy land on the sleepy coast of Kizimkazi came up in our early careers, there was no hesitation."

Shahbaa and Adel purchased the plot with the dream of someday retiring in Zanzibar, letting their vision simmer gently as their lives unfolded elsewhere. Years later, that early investment has transformed into a family-owned and operated retreat a collection of humble guest houses with a pool and restaurant that serves as both personal sanctuary and welcoming haven for travelers seeking Zanzibar's quieter side.

"Kizikula is designed to feel like a communal home with ample spaces to meet your neighbors and just enough privacy to be inspired by the surrounding sensual nature."
— Shahbaa Hamad, Partner at Kizikula

Unlike massive resorts that dominate other parts of the island, Kizikula embraces intimacy and connection. The property has become particularly beloved among honeymooners and couples seeking romantic seclusion without sacrificing community. "Honeymooners and lovers have become our primary guest profile," Shahbaa notes. Later this year, the founders plan to open a more family-friendly extension, expanding their welcome while maintaining the property's intimate scale.

CULTIVATING BEAUTY WHERE PERMACULTURE MEETS HOSPITALITY

Set within a working permaculture farm, Kizikula stands as a living testament to sustainable hospitality. The land itself tells a story of patience and careful cultivation purchased in youth, tended with vision, and now blooming with purpose as both productive farm and soul-nourishing retreat.

"We are set in a permaculture farm," Shahbaa states simply, highlighting one of the property's most distinctive features. This integration of hospitality and sustainable agriculture creates a unique experience where guests can witness the full cycle of food production while enjoying the bounty of the land.

The design philosophy embraces both Zanzibari heritage and the founders' cosmopolitan backgrounds. Each structure reflects thoughtful consideration of the island's traditional aesthetics while incorporating influences from the friends' shared experiences in Dubai and beyond. The result is a space that feels both rooted in place and expansively worldly a perfect reflection of its creators' journeys.

What makes Kizikula truly special is its integration with the natural environment. Guest houses are positioned to maximize ocean views and cooling breezes, while communal spaces encourage spontaneous gatherings under star-filled skies. The sea-facing pool frames Kizimkazi's legendary sunsets blazes of amber and violet that melt into night while spacious rooftops offer perfect platforms for stargazing.

"It's been a learning curve to understand the business environment in Zanzibar. We are hoping to expand by developing a small village that is anchored by Kizikula."
— Shahbaa Hamad, Partner at Kizikula

For the founders, the journey hasn't been without challenges. Navigating Zanzibar's unique business landscape required patience and flexibility. Yet these obstacles have only strengthened their commitment to creating something truly exceptional a destination that honors both the land and the local community.

EXPERIENCING THE GENTLE RHYTHMS OF ISLAND LIFE

Days at Kizikula unfold at their own unhurried pace, guided by ocean tides and shifting light. Guests wake to the gentle sounds of farm life and distant waves, taking breakfast with ingredients harvested just steps from their door. The property's restaurant celebrates Zanzibari cuisine, highlighting local flavors and techniques while incorporating influences that reflect the founders' global experiences.

For those seeking adventure beyond Kizikula's boundaries, the surrounding area offers treasures waiting to be discovered. Shahbaa recommends visits to "Fahari off the grid, Mtende beach, Assalam foundation" local gems that provide authentic glimpses into the region's natural beauty and vibrant community life.

The property attracts travelers seeking more than just a beautiful backdrop for their vacation photos. Kizikula guests value authenticity, sustainability, and meaningful connection with nature, with fellow travelers, and with themselves. Whether practicing yoga overlooking the ocean, sharing stories around evening meals, or simply watching dolphins play offshore, visitors find themselves slipping into a gentler rhythm of being.

"We are a personal project by two childhood friends who used to dream about retiring in Zanzibar. When an opportunity came up in our early careers, there was no hesitation. Decades later, we are building a sanctuary that welcomes guests to enjoy this quiet and rugged part of Zanzibar."
— Shahbaa Hamad, Partner at Kizikula

A SANCTUARY FOR THE SOUL IN AN ACCELERATING WORLD

In an era of increasingly frenetic travel, Kizikula offers something increasingly rare the luxury of slowness. Here, amid the farm's bounty and the sea's embrace, guests rediscover the profound pleasure of unstructured time and natural beauty. Phones are forgotten as conversations deepen, books are finally finished, and the mind clears to make space for genuine presence.

"Kizikula is a family owned and run boutique hotel on the remote south-west coast of Zanzibar just a few mins away from the sleepy fishermen's village of Kizimkazi Dimbani," Shahbaa describes, capturing the essence of what makes this place special. This simple statement speaks volumes about the values that guide the property: family, authenticity, and deep connection to place.

The property draws inspiration from beloved destinations like XVA in Dubai, The Inn San Francisco, and The Slow in Bali places that have shaped the founders' understanding of hospitality as something deeply personal and transformative. These influences can be felt throughout Kizikula, from the thoughtful design touches to the warm, personalized service.

As Kizikula continues to evolve, Shahbaa and Adel remain committed to maintaining its essential character while thoughtfully expanding its offerings. Their vision of "developing a small village that is anchored by Kizikula" promises to create even more opportunities for connection while preserving the intimate scale that makes this retreat so special.

For those seeking freedom from noise and the chance to experience Zanzibar's untouched beauty, Kizikula offers more than just accommodation; it promises a profound journey into the heart of island serenity a personal sanctuary where dreams take root and friendships, both old and new, have room to flourish under the vast Zanzibari sky.