Shooting Star Lodge Zanzibar | Beach Holidays

Shooting Star used to be one of Zanzibar’s few trusted products. It still hold its own amongst its competition, but being rather dated now, it gets perceived as not being a good place to stay. It is exceptionally good value for money and makes an itinerary much cheaper than if you used a more modern beach lodge. The food is good, the rooms have air con, the views are as good and the pool and main area is superb. If you are looking to spend a bit more money, there are two amazing castle-like suites. Otherwise, have a look at Mchanga for a similar priced lodge or Ras Nungwi and Echo Beach for a noticeable step up in quality.

Shooting Star Lodge, Zanzibar - The Facts

The lodge is located on the north east coast of Zanzibar, with faint views of Mnemba Island. It is is an hour’s drive from Stone Town and Zanzibar is a 20 minute flight from Dar es Salaam.

Owner run by local Tanzanian Elly and his English wife Lesley, Shooting Star has been around for years, one of the first lodges on the whole island and it still offers good value and an absolutely excellent beach, one of the most beautiful settings on the island. Raised up high on a coral cliff, the lodge’s infinity pool and lounge area have stunning views out to sea and down across the Kiwengwa beach below. It always get good reviews and is a great beach option for your Tanzanian holiday.

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 relax, enjoy the view and take in the lodges beautiful surroundings.

Each of the 14 rooms has been built in a traditional Zanzibari style with thick Makuti thatch roofing. They all have air conditioning and each has a private veranda on which to relax and take in the surroundings. There are a range of different room types at Shooting Star. The garden view rooms are the simplest 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 two spectacular suites, Kuzi and Kaskazi, are split over three floors, with private plunge pools and sala beds on the top floor, very popular for a Tanzania honeymoon.

There are various activities at Shooting Star such a diving, snorkelling, kite surfing, show trips and the likes, which can all be arranged from the receptions. Usually these are outsourced.