We really like Shooting Star for a number of reasons: the view is stunning, the pool superb, the rooms are all spacious with the added bonus of air-con and the food really is good. The management and overall atmosphere is relaxed and informal but still attentive and very friendly. The price is superb when compared with elsewhere and the beach is as good as pretty much anywhere else on the island. The lodge can arrange any activities that anywhere else on Zanzibar can. Overall, a stunning property with great value and great atmosphere. You will feel welcome here from the start one of our favourites! In this category, our preference is Echo Beach, but this is an equally as good alternative.
Shooting Star - The Facts
16 rooms including 2 suites
diving and snorkelling available
swimming pool
suites with private pools
Shooting Star - The Detail
Shooting Star is a lovely intimate property on the eastern shores of Zanzibar. Owner run by local Tanzanian Elly and his English wife Lesley, Shooting Star has been around for years offering good value and an absolutely excellent beach, one of the most beautiful settings on the whole of Zanzibar.
Raised up high on a coral cliff, the lodges infinity pool and lounge area have stunning views out to sea and down across the Kiwengwa beach below. Each of the 14 rooms have been built in a traditional Zanzibari style with thick Makuti thatch roofing. They all come complete with air conditioning and each has a private veranda on which to relax and take in the surrounds.
There are a range of different room types at Shooting Star. The garden view rooms are the most simple rooms, set back from the main area of the lodge, with views over the gardens. The sea view cottages however have a share of the superb view and the 2 spectacular suites, Kuzi and Kaskazi, are split over 3 floors, have private plunge pools and sala beds on the top floor.
The communal area consists of a good restaurant that serves interesting local food with fresh seafood as standard. The bar serves a range of good, strong cocktails and there is always a place to get away to the peace and quiet to enjoy the view and take in the lodges beautiful surroundings.
