Shooting Star Lodge: Our full report

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 6-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 September 2011 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.

Our view

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!

Geographics

Location: East Coast Zanzibar, Zanzibar

Ideal length of stay: 4 nights or longer if you have the time.

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.

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: Individual Tables

Dining locations: Indoor and Outdoor Dining

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 ideas 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 ideas 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 ideas for Wellbeing in Zanzibar

Children

Attitude towards children: Shooting Star welcomes children

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.