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.
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 ten 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 beautifully dyed mosquito net canopies and matching 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.
There are two luxury suites called Kusi and Kaskazi (after the tradewinds). Each suite is located on the hill overlooking the sea view cottages and are reached by a sandy path through the lodge. Each suite has private gardens. Entering through amazing carved Zanzibari doors the suites are furnished in local antiques and patterns and are fully air conditioned. The ground floor (60sq m) has a huge hallway opening to a terrace with a private pool and verandah. A shower and toilet are accessed from the hallway. Extra beds can be added downstairs. There is a fridge and a kettle and fresh fruits are delivered daily. The outsides have lounge areas as well as kitchen space so the chefs may prepare outdoor meals for you. Up the stairs to the first floor takes you to a large bedroom with panoramic views along the coast. Shuttered windows offer you the choice of ocean breezes or air conditioning. There is a large shower and toilet. On the roof top there is lounging space to relax and watch the sunrises and sunsets! These suites have netted beds on the roof so you may sleep under the stars if you with and there is a huge bath on the roof top.
The open-air restaurant and bar have views over the tropical gardens and the stunning blue ocean panorama. Guests and other visitors enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner surrounded by natural beauty while soaking up the gentle sounds of birdsong and the sea. 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. The lodge is less than an hour's journey from Zanzibar Town by road.
Activities - You can venture out across the coral reef and explore the marine life amongst its tidal pools; visit fishing villages, or shop for trinkets, carvings and brightly coloured, wrap-around cotton sarongs or "kangas" at Kiwengwa's local bazaar. Bicycles are available for hire and are an ideal way to cruise around the local area, or you may prefer to simply immerse yourself in the balmy waters of the Indian Ocean or try a floodlit swim in a limestone cave. For those with more energy to burn, recreational scuba diving, PADI courses, snorkelling, fishing, boat trips and wind surfing can all be arranged.
