Shooting Star Lodge stands on top of a coral cliff, affording stunning views of the powdery-white Kiwengwa Beach, and is a firm favourite amongst our travellers. It was built and is run by an engaging and very welcoming Tanzanian called Elly, his lovely English wife Lesley and their 4-year old son, Jacob. It attracts a real mix of characters, who usually come together around the bar area during the day and in the evening – the result is a lovely social atmosphere.
The central lounge bar is the main hub area - there are lots of cushion covered booths to sit in on either side of a walk-way which leads to the pool. Perhaps challenge someone to the traditional Zanzibari game of bao on one of the lodges boards. The bar is behind this area and people tend to congregate around here before and after dinner for a few drinks from the well stocked bar. Next to this is the dining area. When we were last here in Dec 2009 we ate out on the decking in the open air overlooking the pool - while others chose to sit under the thatch. The food was very good - although not outstanding, and the service was friendly.
In front of the dining area at Shooting Star Lodge is the beautiful horse-shoe infinity pool. It really is hard to tell where the pool ends and the sea begins - although it can be difficult to get a spot on one of the loungers around here at busy times. However, there are plenty of loungers down on the white sandy beach to relax on if you prefer a slightly more private spot. When the tide is in it's lovely to swim in the ocean from here, and when it's out, the exposed reef is an interesting walk. There is also a small beach bar where you can get some drinks or enjoy a lunch.
Shooting Star Lodge can arrange diving and snorkeling trips with the nearby PADI centre at Bluebay Beach Resort. We were collected from Shooting Star and dropped back in time for lunch after doing a double dive on the beautiful Mnemba Atoll. Other resorts along the beach can offer catamaran and windsurfing hire and fishing trips (usually catch and release).
There are three different types of rooms - Garden Suites are the most simple and basic, with Sea View Cottages being a bit more spacious. Just over a year ago two new private suites were finished - the Kusi Suite and the Kaskazi Suite - these are really something special and allow one of the few views of the sunset on the east coast. Shooting Star also has two day rooms which are available for use free of charge.
There is a spa which can offer a range of treatments, and Agnus, the therapist, was trained in South Africa.
With only 16 rooms, Shooting Star is a small and personal lodge with a great atmosphere, helped by the friendly team who run it. The three resident cats and one dog who live at the lodge are also very friendly, so don't be surprised if you find them relaxing on your veranda with you!
Directions: It takes around 35 minutes to fly to Zanzibar from Dar es Salaam, and then it's a further one hour by car to Shooting Star Lodge.
Accessible by: Fly-and-Transfer
Key personnel
Owner: Independent / Owner Run – by Lesley and Elly
Food & drink
Usual board basis: Half Board
Food quality:Breakfast at Shooting Star is served from 7:30 - 10am (although this is slightly flexible if you are going diving early). It consists of a variety of fresh fruit as well as toast and eggs cooked how you like them.
Lunch is an a la carte menu consisting of a variety of international cuisine, featuring meals such as fresh fish dishes, pizzas and pasta.
Dinner is then a 3-course meal, with a number of choices being offered for the starter and main. When last there, in December 2009, we enjoyed crab soup, prawns in piri piri sauce and a mango flan. The food was good although not spectacular. However, generally the feedback we get from our travellers has been very positive – mentioning fresh produce, great afternoon tea and cakes and excellent seafood.
Dining style: Inidividual Tables
Dining locations: Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Room service: Yes – though there are no phones in the rooms. Any room service will therefore need to be arranged in advance.
Drinks included: Drinks are not included. Soft drinks are about $2.50, beer around $3.50 and a bottle wine averages $35.
Special interests
Honeymoons: When we were last at Shooting Star, Lesley and Elly told us about the things that they try to do to surprise honeymooners, and make them feel extra special. There is no doubt that they would spoil you rotten and make your stay very memorable.
- See more of our suggestions of the best places for honeymoons in Zanzibar
Beach holidays: The beach at Shooting Star is a lovely long stretch of white sand. When the tide is in, the crystal clear turquoise water is very inviting. Then when the tide is out, you can't swim but the exposed inter-tidal zone is a fascinating place to walk.
- See more of our suggestions of the best places for beach holidays in Zanzibar
Wellbeing: The beach-side spa offers a variety of pampering treatments, with massages from $25, to full seaweed body wraps at $60. Pedicures, manicures and waxing treatments are also on offer.
- See more of our suggestions of the best places for wellbeing in Zanzibar
Children
Attitude towards children: Shooting Star welcomes children
Age restrictions: There are no age restrictions at Shooting Star
Activities: They will happily organize baby-sitting. Parents should simply tip the nanny, who is arranged through the housekeeping team.
Equipment: There are cots and highchairs at Shooting Star
Generally recommended for children: Yes
Notes: Shooting Star is a very friendly and welcoming place, which will happily cater to children. There is a lovely pool and stretch of beach for playing, though there are no special facilities or activities for children.
Central communications
Power supply: Mains Electricity
Communications: There is cell-phone coverage at Shooting Star, as well as a fax machine and the internet which guests are welcome to use when the office isn't too busy.
There is wireless internet access and phones in the suites. Guests should buy a phone card at reception to pay for any calls they want to make.
TV & radio: There is no TV or radio at Shooting Star
Health & safety
Malarial area: Yes
Medical care: There is an on-site first aid kit, and there is usually a doctor on call nearby (in one of the larger lodges) that Shooting Star Lodge can access in the case of a medical emergency. There is a small hospital nearby.
Dangerous animals: Low Risk
Security measures: Shooting Star employs its own watchmen for the hotel and beach. There is a padlocked Zanzibari chest in each room, and valuables can be left in the safe at reception.
Fire safety: There are fire-extinguishers dotted around Shooting Star Lodge.
Extras
Disabled access: Not Possible
Laundry facilities: Full Laundry Service - Extra Charge
Money: You can exchange US$, Euros and Pounds as well as travellers' cheques at Shooting Star. Travellers' cheques incur a 10% surcharge.
Accepted payment: The preferred form of payment at Shooting Star is cash, however you can also pay for any extra costs using travellers' cheques, Visa or Mastercard. However there is a 10 percent charge for anything other than cash.
Great place to unwind
A wonderfully relaxing small lodge on the beach. The staff wonderfully welcoming and service very good. New managers Chris and Amy very welcoming and Elli takes time to speak to all the guests and is...
Shooting star lodge review
Our stay started badly, when we were not picked up at the airport (not shooting stars fault however) so had to get a taxi which got stopped by the police etc. But we eventually got there!
Beautifu...
Fantastic honeymooners accomodation
This accomodation was a true highlight of our trip. The location is superbe, right on the beach. The infinity pool a real attraction, as was the food, service and general relaxed and understated luxur...
We want you to understand more about Shooting Star Lodge. We're also confident that a trip there with us cost you the same or less than booking it any other way, even directly. So follow the links below.
Shooting Star homepage Nice website with a scattering of clear, helpful pictures; well worth a look.
