Shooting Star Lodge
The Shooting Star Lodge is a small, relaxed family run hotel, located on a headland on the eastern side of Zanzibar. Set amongst lush tropical gardens, Shooting Star Lodge overlooks the beautiful fine white sands and coconut palms of Kiwengwa beach. The atmosphere is intimate and tranquil, with spectacular views across a coral reef to the azure Indian Ocean beyond.
Venture out across the coral reef which unfolds like a carpet at the foot of the beach steps and explore the marine life amongst its tidal pools; visit fishing villages just next door where you'll be warmly welcomed by the inhabitants. Shop for trinkets, carvings and brightly coloured, wrap-around cotton sarongs or "kangas" at Kiwengwa's local bazaar. Witness the morning rituals of the local women farming seaweed and the fishermen returning with their catch. And in the hazy late afternoons, lie back and listen to the lively melodies of children singing as they gather cockles and mussels in the shallows.
Bicycles are available for hire and are an ideal way to cruise around the local area and become a part of this rhythmic tropical tapestry. On other days, simply immerse yourself in the balmy waters of the Indian Ocean when the tide is high. You might also like to try a floodlit swim in the crystal clear pools of a limestone cave. For those with more energy to burn we can easily arrange recreational scuba diving, snorkelling, fishing, boat trips and wind surfing. Visits to Zanzibar Town, the Red Colobus monkeys of Jozani Forest, Spice Tours, Sunset Cruises and trips to many sights of historical interest can also be organised.
The accommodation at Shooting Star is built to a high standard in traditional Zanzibari style, with white limewashed walls, high beamed ceilings and large windows. The 10 air-conditioned Sea View Cottages are light, spacious en-suite rooms, with high beamed ceilings and large windows. All have traditionally carved wooden Zanzibari beds, with mosquito nets and Tanzanian ‘vintage' bed covers, along with coconut wood wall mirrors and other hand-made teak wood furniture. Four of the Sea View Cottages are set out on two levels and are ideal for families: the ground floor has a large air-conditioned double bedroom, shower room and separate closet, and a staircase leads up to a twin children's room in the roof space, whilst there is a separate wash basin area on the upper level, the shower and toilet are shared with the ground floor. The three Garden Lodge rooms at Shooting Star are smaller and simply furnished (white linen and batik cushions), some with Zanzibari beds. They have aircon and ceiling fans and are also en-suite.
The open-air restaurant and bar have views over the tropical gardens and the stunning blue ocean panorama. A wide variety of African and international cuisine is served, and the hotel specialises in lobster, meat grills and smoked fish, using traditional African recipes.