Bawe Island

Overview

A private paradise off Zanzibar’s coast

Just 15 minutes by speedboat from Stone Town, Bawe Island is a private-island oasis styled like a boutique coastal village. Set across 30+ hectares of native forest and white sand, this ultra-exclusive resort features 70 contemporary villas – ranging from beach- and lagoon-front suites to sprawling two- and three-bedroom villas – each with its own plunge pool, spacious deck, and dedicated butler.

Interiors reflect a sleek African-chic aesthetic with natural wood, stone accents, and large glass windows framing endless Indian Ocean views. All villas come equipped with air conditioning, indoor and outdoor showers, and indulgent Ritu spa amenities.

The resort’s heart is its social hub: a free-form swimming pool, four à la carte restaurants, several bars, a full spa & wellness pavilion, gym, padel and tennis courts, a kids’ club, and a boutique. Wellness is woven into island life with yoga and Pilates classes, beachside spa treatments, and a peaceful t’ai chi pavilion.

For adventure lovers, Bawe Island offers non-motorised water sports (snorkelling, kayaking, stand-up paddle), sailing, scuba, windsurfing, game fishing, bicycle riding through coconut-shaded paths – and optional helicopter or catamaran transfers.

Our Safari Expert Insight

Just 15 minutes by boat from Stone Town, Bawe works particularly well for travellers wanting a private-island feel without going remote, with an excellent water-sports offering and easy access from Zanzibar’s capital.

Highlights

When to go

Year Round

Experiences

Experiences off the beaten track.
Crafted for the bold + discerning.

Unique Experiences

Beyond the classic safari, photograph iconic vistas, savor world-class cuisine, cruise remote waterways, and track Africa’s rarest birds.

Off-Track Adventures

Venture beyond the vehicle, walk with wildlife, gallop across plains, or summit Africa’s highest peak on journeys that transform.

Luxury Safari Honeymoons

A honeymoon in Africa is a journey of shared wonder, where untamed beauty and thoughtful romance create something truly unforgettable.

Curated Packages

Signature journeys across Zanzibar

Our expert team crafts journeys that transcend luxury. Each itinerary is shaped by the spirit of the land and the wisdom of its people — opening doors to experiences few can imagine, and even fewer will ever access.

All Year Round

11 DAYS

Wild Hearts, Island Dreams: Luxury Safari Tanzania and Zanzibar

A luxury safari Tanzania and Zanzibar escape designed for meaningful moments, blending iconic wildlife encounters with barefoot island luxury.

All Year Round

12 DAYS

Tanzania and Zanzibar Safari

This exclusive trip unites luxurious XO Private properties for the ultimate Tanzania and Zanzibar safari, seamlessly blending bush and beach.

All Year Round

10 DAYS

Tanzania & Zanzibar Family Holiday

Crafted for families, this 10-day trip invites you to combine a stellar African safari experience with an idyllic island escape on the shores of Zanzibar.

All Year Round

12 DAYS

Tanzania & Zanzibar Honeymoon Safari

A romantic Tanzania & Zanzibar Honeymoon Safari getaway which perfectly balances an African Safari adventure with a barefoot luxury island experience.

June-February

13 DAYS

A Cultural Safari Tanzania Zanzibar

Journey through Tanzania and Zanzibar on a cultural safari showcasing the best of East Africa’s culture, people and wildlife.

Take a seat beside the campfire, where untold stories rise with the smoke, legends live in the land, and luxury is part of the wild.

What our
Travelers say

       EXCELLENT  
   Based on 79 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Sharon Kennedy 
 4 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. +7
We started planning our Namibia safari over a year in advance.  Natasha was perfect to set up our itinerary and Sarah to fill in the details.  They were both receptive to Zoom meetings and many emails.  Because we had both seen the Big 5 on previous safaris in other countries, we were interested in Namibia's wide-open space and few tourists.  The tented camp sites included in our itinerary provided our 2 requests.  Our guides were superior and camp management also.  Where next?  Rwanda?  Angola?  Wherever...K and D will be my Safari outfitter.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Elizabeth Hopkins 
 12 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. +9
My husband and I took what we had hoped would be the trip of a lifetime Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Rawanda and on Safari in Tanzania.  Our trip was personally curated for us by Tamsyn Young, Senior Travel Planner, Private Clients at Ker & Downey Africa.  We were impressed and overwhelmed by the care and attention to detail that went into planning this adventure for us.  I can honestly say that this trip surpassed our wildest expectations.  However, we’re hoping it’s not the trip of a lifetime as we’re considering  another trip with Ker & Downey in a few years to other parts of the African continent and completely expect that we will be equally amazed.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Philis Campana 
 13 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We recently returned from an unforgettable trip to South Africa, and we cannot say enough wonderful things about our travel agency from the beginning stages to the details of the trip itself, everything was handled with professionalism care and attention to detail. Our trip was so truly special and we are so grateful for the expertise and personal attention that made it such an incredible experience. We highly recommend this agency to anyone planning a trip to Africa again, thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Phyllis and Bob Fern.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Larry Eisman 
 14 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Tamsyn @ Ker & Downey Africa helped us plan an unforgettable trip to Cape Town & Sabi Sabi. 8 days and everything was perfect. Would not change a single aspect of this bucket list vacation.

Larry
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Hanna Heintz 
 17 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Tamsyn from Ker and Downey put together an incredible 3 week anniversary trip for my husband and me in South Africa and Seychelles. She took care of every detail, and I felt safe and well cared for while abroad. The lodges she chose for our safaris were a perfect mix of experiences to see both tented camps and luxury lodges. She was able to arrange some special surprises to help us celebrate while on our vacation. I couldn't recommend her more, and we will definitely be using her to plan our next African vacation!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Roberta Zallen 
 17 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had a wonderful time on our trip.  Tamsyn Young was our agent and was extremely helpful, answered our multiple questions and was very available with answers when needed.  Everything was arranged - people met us at airports, all flights were arranged which included many changes on small planes and all the information was communicated to us in a timely manner.  In addition, I sustained an injury and at the last minute needed  to get met by wheelchairs for our flights.  All was perfectly arranged.  We highly recommend  Ker and Downey!!!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Kyle Palmieri 
 20 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My father and I put our trust into Ker & Downey to put together a once in a lifetime trip to Egypt and they did not fail. Everything went flawless and K&D provided a true white-glove experience, that was above and beyond our expectations. I am so thankful we went with K&D, working with this team was fantastic and paid off. Thank you all.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Tracey de Kock 
 40 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The most incredible travel company I have ever dealt with! They tailor make your trip to exactly what suits you and do not miss a detail. No one else comes close to them when it comes to African safari curated holidays. Thank you we already looking at our next trip !
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Shani Dass 
 51 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We booked a safari in Kenya through Ker & Downey and had a wonderful experience. Sarah and the team were very professional and communication was exceptional and were always available. The hotels they recommended were great and matched what we requested. It was stress free from start to end.
We will definitely go with them again
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Lynn Beard 
 86 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We returned home from our safari in Tanzania about two weeks ago. It was arranged by the incomparable Tamsyn "Tam" Young of Ker & Downey and was hands down the best vacation we've ever experienced. From my first inquiry to today, Tam made the entire experience outstanding. She was with us when our flights to Tanzania (arranged by us) were all messed up by delays. While we were sitting in airports, she was busy rearranging our plans so we wouldn't miss a beat. The camps where Tam booked us were unforgettable and staffed by unforgettable people. Our game drivers were absolutely outstanding. We saw gobs of animals, including close ups with elephants, lions, leopards, and cheetahs. We also saw two wildebeest crossings on the same day. We are convinced our trip would not have been the same if not for Tam and Ker & Downey. Top notch service!
  
 
 
  
 
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