About Us

Nestled on the northeast coast of Zanzibar's Unguja Island is a remarkable story of collaboration, innovation, and resilience. The Kiwengwa Honeybee Cottage is a social enterprise lead by a group of dedicated women beekeepers and it is equally a beacon of empowerment and sustainability.

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It all began with a simple yet compelling idea. During a meeting with Barefoot College International Zanzibar (BCIZ), Khadija Ali Juma and Fatuma Ali Naimu envisioned a way to elevate their beekeeping craft. Trained through BCIZ's Enriche Beekeeping Programme, the women in the community mastered the art of managing hives and harvesting honey. With Zanzibar's growing tourism industry, the innovative idea would go beyond mere honey production to create a unique visitor experience — one that people could also bring back home.

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By inviting visitors to engage with their work, the women beekeepers saw the potential to create a steady income stream while simultaneously raising awareness about the importance of bees in supporting local ecosystems. The income generated supports the women and their families, enabling them to invest in their children's education and other essential needs. The project has also fostered a sense of pride and confidence among them, showing them the power of their skills and their potential to innovate.

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While the brilliant women remained at the project's core, it took the collective effort of the entire community to bring the dream to life. A traditional hut was built for displaying the pure honey and various honey products up for sale, and a sturdy fence was put together to protect the apiary.

 

The tour itself offers an educational and immersive experience. From seeing the traditional construction techniques of the beehives to sampling one of the world's most delicious freshly harvested honey, the must-visit attraction is unique and unforgettable.

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Looking ahead, the Kiwengwa Honeybee Cottage aims to broaden its impact by collaborating with beekeepers across Zanzibar and enriching the visitor experience with an expanded selection of honey. From the lush vegetation of the south to the coastal flora of the east and rich mangroves of the west, each region's unique plant life imparts distinct flavours to the honey, offering visitors a delectable taste of Zanzibar's remarkable biodiversity. This success story stands as a shining example of how ecotourism and community empowerment can work in harmony. Open to all who wish to experience the sweet buzz of Zanzibar, the Kiwengwa Honeybee Cottage invites you to book a tour, support this inspiring initiative, and join a journey that celebrates women's resilience.