On Zanzibar's east coast, Shooting Star Lodge occupies a stretch of clifftop facing the Indian Ocean, roughly a hundred meters from the white sand beach of Kiwengwa. The property combines traditional Zanzibari architecture, a focus on locally sourced seafood, and water-based activities organized on-site.

Why choose Shooting Star Lodge

The lodge capitalizes on a rare setting: a low cliff overlooking the sea, with an infinity pool oriented toward the horizon and direct access to the beach below. The scale remains intimate—around twenty units spread across four categories—preserving a quiet atmosphere far removed from the island's larger beach resorts. At table, the Monsoon Restaurant showcases Zanzibari cuisine and locally caught seafood.

Atmosphere and architecture

The buildings honor Zanzibar's traditional architectural style: whitewashed walls, soaring timber-beamed ceilings, large windows opening onto gardens or sea views. Furnishings blend dark wood with colorful textiles, avoiding unnecessary ornamentation. The whole ensemble sits within a tropical garden descending toward the cliff, crossed by sandy pathways leading to the different accommodation categories, the restaurant, and two pools.

Accommodations

The lodge offers four accommodation categories, totaling 17 units:

• 5 Garden Suites: set within the garden, straightforward layout, enhanced with cushions and colorful artwork.
• 4 Family Cottages with sea view: perched on the cliff, two bedrooms, capacity up to 4 people—ideal for families.
• 6 Sea view Cottages with veranda: more spacious, each with a shaded veranda fitted with loungers.
• 2 Private Kusi and Kaskazi Suites: the premium categories, each with two guest bedrooms included at no extra charge.

All units feature air conditioning, a minibar, lounge area, and outdoor spaces (patio or terrace with furnishings).

Dining and services

Monsoon Restaurant & Bar

An open-air restaurant centered on Zanzibari cuisine: lobster, smoked fish, grilled dishes prepared using traditional recipes, accompanied by fresh local produce. Breakfast is served with flexibility for guests departing early for diving. Lunch offers à la carte selections (fish, pasta, pizzas), and dinner features a three-course menu.

Beach Bar

By day, the Beach Bar serves tropical juices and light fare with sea views. In the evening, it hosts a seafood barbecue with a bonfire on the beach.

Pools and spa

Two pools: an infinity pool perched on the cliff with ocean views, and another surrounded by a small artificial sand beach. The lodge's spa offers massages and body treatments.

Activities

The team arranges snorkeling excursions to Mnemba atoll (renowned for marine biodiversity), fishing trips with local fishermen, and guided visits to Stone Town and Jozani Forest—habitat of endemic red colobus monkeys.

Location

The lodge sits in Kiwengwa, on Zanzibar's east coast, roughly 100 m from the white sand beach. Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (Zanzibar) is about 50 km away, or one to one-and-a-half hours by road depending on traffic. The center of Kiwengwa village is accessible within a few kilometers.

Nearby beaches and sites

• Kiwengwa Beach: 100 m, fine white sand typical of the east coast.
• Pwani Mchangani Beach: about 2.3 km north.
• Matemwe Beach: about 7 km, the classic departure point for Mnemba.
• Pongwe Beach: about 9 km south.

To compare other options on Zanzibar's east coast, see Karafuu Beach Resort or Breezes Beach Club & Spa. To combine beach and safari, Karatu Simba Lodge in the crater region makes a classic staging point beforehand.

Planning your stay

Shooting Star Lodge fits naturally into an itinerary combining mainland safari and beach relaxation in Zanzibar. To build a custom-tailored itinerary, explore our Tanzania journeys.