Shooting Star Lodge is one of our favourite boutique lodges on Zanzibar. Privately-owned and family-run, it has a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere, as well as a great location on the quiet Eastern coast of Zanzibar.
The term “barefoot luxury” might have been coined to describe Shooting Star Lodge. It’s a beautifully-presented lodge, but it doesn’t feel overly fussy or laboured; the design is very natural. Its public areas conform to the traditional Zanzibari-style—whitewashed walls, high beamed ceilings, and intricately carved wooden furnishings—lending it a rustic vibe, while the gorgeous crescent-shaped infinity swimming pool adds a more modern touch.
From its position on a low coral cliff, Shooting Star Lodge overlooks the pristine sands of Kiwengwa Beach. Sun loungers and beach bandas line this quiet stretch of sand, inviting you to relax and admire the view. The sea is safe for swimming, and the reefs offer excellent diving (Shooting Star Lodge lacks a dive centre, but guests have access to the PADI centre at nearby Bluebay Resort).
Accommodation
Shooting Star Lodge offers ten en-suite Sea View Cottages built in the classic Zanzibari style, with high-beamed ceilings and elaborate woodwork. Inside, they are brightly furnished, and feature as their focal point large Swahili-style beds draped in mosquito nets and made up with Maasai fabrics. The cottages are all air-conditioned.
Four of the Cottages are family units, built on two levels with a double bedroom on the ground floor and a twin room upstairs.
In addition to the Cottages, there are two suites, Kusi and Kaskazi, set on a hill a short distance from the main guest villas. Each suite is laid out on three floors with two bedrooms, bathroom, lounge area, and a private plunge pool. They are decorated with traditional Zanzibari furnishings carved from teak wood and vibrant fabrics. The roof of each suite is accessible, offering magnificent views of the beach and ocean; there’s even an open-air bathtub and netted bed for bathing or sleeping under the stars!
There are also four garden rooms, located in a long thatched building with a shared verandah. These are smaller and more simply furnished than the cottages, and not as private. They have ceiling fans and full en-suite facilities, but lack air-conditioning.
Dining
Shooting Star's thatched, open-air restaurant and bar overlooks the gardens and beach, and offers a respite from the sun during the heat of the day. The food is excellent. Three-course dinner menus change daily. Expect lots of seafood, smoked fish and grilled meats. It’s a good idea to give advance notice if you have any particular dietary requirements.
Private sunrise breakfasts are offered, as are beachside barbecues.
Shooting Star Lodge can be booked on a B&B, half- or full-board basis.
Facilities
- Infinity swimming pool
- Dining area
- Beach bar
- Lounge
Activities
- Spice tour
- Variety of water sports
- Diving and snorkelling
- Fishing
Child Policy
Children of all ages accommodated. Four of the Sea View Cottages and both suites offer two bedrooms, making them suitable for small families.
