Sauti za Busara Music Festival
The word means “Sounds of Wisdom in Kiswahili”. This event is recognized as the premier music festival in East Africa, showcasing the best in established and upcoming artists.
The event brings together music groups from different countries to perform over four nights of the festival and all performing groups present inspired and inspiring music with a message. This event takes place each year in February. Beds sell out quickly during that time of the year, so plan ahead! Find out more:
www.busaramusic.org
Fashion Week Zanzibar
Fashion Week Zanzibar is a new initiative dedicated to celebrating fashion created in or inspired by the beautiful island of Zanzibar, Tanzania. The festival of fashion will be held at locations around Unguja, the main island of the Zanzibar archipelago. Find out more:
www.fashionweekzanzibar.com
ZIFF- Film Festival of the Dhow Countries
The Festival of the Dhow Countries is the largest annual cultural event in East Africa, and among the eight major festivals in sub-Saharan Africa. It is scheduled annually around the first two weeks in July.
The festival celebrates the arts and cultures of the African Continent, India, Pakistan, Gulf States, Iran and the Indian Ocean islands. It features an international film and video competition, music, theatre and performing arts, workshops, seminars, conferences and other related arts and cultural programs. Find out more:
www.ziff.or.tz
Jahazi Literary & Jazz Festival
This is the first festival of its kind in Zanzibar, aiming to inspire youth through literature and music. It takes place each year in the beginning of September. Find out more:
www.jahazifestival.com
Kizimkazi Cultural Music Festival
The festival aims to establish “a village within a village”, it houses artists, performers, volunteers, backpackers, and other travelers, offering a multitude of activities. This takes place each year end of December. Find out more:
www.kizinoor.org
Mwaka Kogwa
Mwaka Kogwa is a four day celebration, best observed at Makunduchi, a village in the South of Zanzibar. It is one of the oldest traditional festivals which marks the arrival of the new year or “Nairuz” according to the Shiraz calendar. Some of the events include huge bonfires and mock fights. Find out more:
www.mzuri-kaja.or.tz
Kiponda Bed&Breakfast
Kiponda Bed and Breakfast is a historical house dating back to the 18th century when it was built as part of the palace; simple and functional yet friendly and welcoming, nested in the charming Stone Town of Zanzibar. This beautiful old original Swahili house is just a walking distance from the harbor and a stone throw from Forodhani Garden and the House of Wonders.
The small and simple B&B is an integral part of the neighborhood – meet our friendly neighbors and feel at home in the middle of this buzzing town rich in culture and full of stories. Peaceful, authentic, comfortable and furnished simple but with style, this place has it all if you are out for the true experience.
Built in Arabic style – with one interior portico, thick walls and plenty of natural ventilation – sitting at the roof top seating area where we also serve breakfast makes it easy for you to dream up your own story of ancient times.
Kiponda B&B is one of those special little hotels you‘ll want to return to again and again, and that’s what many of our guests do. We offer simple quality accommodation and services without fake luxury – a true Zanzibar experience.
The Building
Previously managed by a Dutch group it is now owned by a local Zanzibarian company. With a lot of experience in tourism, local network of handyman and lots of hard work, the building was slowly and carefully renovated over the past years to offer en suite bathrooms for most of the rooms. Renovation and conservation of this historical building is an ongoing challenge, only using local and traditional materials such as boritis (colonnade), chalk and clay. Room and bathrooms upgrade has been done carefully between keeping Zanzibari tradition while upgrading to 21st century comfort.
The Management
Kiponda B&B is locally registered company in Zanzibar. The company is owned and managed by two Tanzanian women, supported by a network of friends of Kiponda, some of whom had been coming regularly for over 20 years!
Salma was born and raised in Zanzibar, an expert in local culture and traditions. She very energetic and capable trained tour operator. She is the face of Kiponda B&B and the main contact for our guests. She is taking care of daily operations and has been in the industry for the past ten years. She is always available to give guests advice and a big smile, ensuring that their visit to stonetown will remain a memorable one.
Beatrice is from mainland Tanzania and holds a Master in Business Administration. She has a background in the hospitality industry and is responsible for book keeping and business development.
The Team
Most staff have been with the place for more than a decade, which is a clear statement of its own. They know every corner and every stone of the place, just ask them anything!
Our team is almost entirely composed of Zanzibari residents, in the true spirit of providing our guests an authentic experience. The team is striving to offer the budget traveler high quality pure Zanzibar experience to make your stay the most enjoyable one.
