Shooting Star Lodge, Kiwengwa Beach

We visited the Shooting Star Lodge on Kiwengwa Beach for a friends wedding and took over the whole resort for a period of 5 days. We had the most amazing experience from start to finish.

The SSL sits at the north end of Kiwengwa Beach, away from the large resorts to the southern end and has 20 or so lodges. This gives the "resort" a very small, compact and friendly feeling.

The resort lies above the Indian Ocean which is reached by a small flight of stairs which also takes you to the Star Bar, the lodges beach bar. This is a great place to sit and enjoy a cocktail made by some of the friendly staff.

Accommodation was in a charming bungalow overlooking the beach. The bungalow had a large Zanzibari bed with mozzy net set in an amazing room looking out through slatted windows to the ocean. In addition we had a toilet, shower room and large dressing room. Some of the lodges were even more luxurious.

Fresh coffee or tea was delivered to the balcony outside the room every morning at a time of your choice. A great way to start the day...

The only downside to the coffee delivery is the local cat, who likes to knock over the milk and drink it before you get up. It's pretty persistent...

Food at the lodge is amazing. We were on a half board basis so evening meal and breakfast were included and lunch was purchased on the basis of either 1, 2 or 3 courses. Every meal we had at the SSL was of the highest quality. The day of the wedding started with breakfast, a small lunch and then after the ceremony we had the most amazing canapés. By the time we sat down for the wedding meal most of us were already quite full! The best of the food is based around seafood.

Staff were friendly and helpful at all times. Elly, the owner, and Patience, the manageress, are as relaxed as it is possible to be whilst still being awake and it’s not long before this rubs off on any new visitor.

In short, this is an amazing place to go and relax for a short time. It is quite confined and it is not easy, or advisable, to walk anywhere after sunset. This isn’t a problem as you won’t want to be anywhere else…