Shooting Star Lodge

Recharge your spirits at this laid-back tropical island lodge

The world has many tropical destinations, but Zanzibar is definitely special. And Shooting Star is in a category of its own, perched on a cliff at the island's northern end overlooking the ocean.

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Jonty

Eve

Kristin

4.9 out of 5 stars Average guest rating

About Shooting Star Lodge

Set on a cliff 20 metres above the white sands of Kiwengwa Beach, overlooking an ocean so blue it sings and a rich coral reef, is a secluded boutique hotel with a relaxed atmosphere. Shooting Star is one of the island's oldest hotels – 17 years ago it was a simple beach bar with a few guest bandas. Today it's a stylish getaway with makuti-roofed guestrooms, castle-style villas, private pools, well-tended gardens alive with birdsong, and the ocean, whose ever-changing colour will keep you captivated.

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From $120 person/night

Lodge

16 Rooms

Zanzibar, Tanzania

Highlights

The views. Sit on the deck or float in the rim-flow pool and imagine journeys across those wide, wide waters.

Wandering down to the beach (it's a bit of a walk so may not be suitable for those with mobility issues) to sunbathe on the beach or explore the reef at low tide (when seaweed often litters the beach).

Diving or snorkelling on the coral reef.

The property

The main features of this clifftop lodge are its bar/restaurant and pool areas, which offer outstanding views. Don't miss taking a dip in the salt-water infinity pool and watching the ocean – the world seems full of blue! You can expect good food too – the Zanzibari chef has a long-established reputation for fine seafood and vegetarian dishes. Relaible wi-fi is available at a nominal charge. There's a bar on the beach and loungers sheltered beneath palms.

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The rooms

The flavour is local, with 14 rooms built in traditional Zanzibari style with lime-washed walls, high beamed ceilings and large windows. The rooms are divided into three types. Stay in one of two villas (two bedrooms, air conditioning and private pool), an air-conditioned cottage with a veranda overlooking the ocean, or in a smaller but nevertheess comfortable lodge room (no air conditioning). There are also two Monsoon Villas, named for the southern and northern monsoon winds – the Kusi and Kaskazi – for honeymooners.

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One more thing...

This is the place to go with someone special to forget all your troubles and rediscover everything you love about living. TIP: Arrive with cash to pay the watersports vendors. If you bring US dollars, they need to be new notes.

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Activities

Cultural

Snorkelling

Fishing safari

Scuba Diving

Dive or snorkel the lovely reefs, sunbathe on the beach, paddle in the pool or explore local Kiwengwa village on foot or by bicycle. It's not a very active village – each morning you can watch the local women heading out to harvest seaweed as the fishermen return with their catch, but it does provide opportunities to shop for trinkets, carvings and brightly coloured, wraparound cotton sarongs or kangas at the local bazaar. Life is leisurely here, enjoy it.

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Reviews

Cathie Chomcy

2 years ago

Such a dreamy place!!! It was just before the busy season so we almost had the whole place to ourselves! The sea view from our own balcony was amazing! The staff loved working there, and the owner came to talk to us also, and was such a nice man! The maasai security was such a nice touch, and were very helpful. All the sand walk ways and the 2 infinity pools along with the thatch roof rooms made it a wonderful retreat after a busy safari week. There were monkeys and lizards to watch along with beautiful birds! Way better than a large impersonal resort!

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5 out of 5 stars

Frank Cox

6 years ago

The wait staff were polite, but lacked experience and confidence. The place was clean and neat. The owner friendly. He stopped to check on folks several times. The only real complaint was dinner portions were small. I don’t usually eat dessert, but I did there to not go hungry. Quality was good.

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3 out of 5 stars

About Zanzibar

Zanzibar

Flaming sunsets, sandy beaches and luxe hotels are easily accessible on a classic Zanzibar getaway.

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Wildlife in Zanzibar

In the gin-clear ocean around Zanzibar, marvel at bright corals with over 450 species of tropical fish, octopus, stingrays, moray eels, green turtles, hawksbill turtles, dolphins, humpback whales, and if you are very lucky: whales sharks and manta rays. In the coastal forests, spot the colobus and Sykes monkeys, bush babies, more than 50 species of butterfly, as well as brilliant bird species.

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