Essque Zalu Zanzibar is the north coast’s large-scale luxury option, built as a collection of spacious suites and private villas rather than a conventional block of rooms. The accommodation ranges from suites to three- and four-bedroom villas, with garden, sea and partial sea views, which makes the resort particularly attractive to families, groups of friends and multi-generation trips that want room to spread out without being split across different buildings. Facilities include an outdoor pool with loungers and umbrellas, a separate children’s pool, two restaurants serving breakfast to dinner, a poolside bar, two cafes and a spa offering body treatments, facials and aromatherapy. A jetty on the shoreline gives access to the sea. It is rated as a five-star hotel, and all-inclusive rates are available on some dates, which simplifies budgeting. The resort sits in Nungwi but not directly on the busiest stretch of sand, so it feels calmer and more private than the beachside strip, and it is a base for the sea trips, sunset dhow cruises and village visits described elsewhere on this site.
Location and getting around
The resort is in Nungwi, at the northern tip of the island, roughly an hour and three-quarters by road from Zanzibar’s airport, and Nungwi Beach and Kendwa Beach are about five kilometres away, so most guests use the resort’s transfers or a taxi to reach them. An airport shuttle is available for a fee. Tours to Mnemba Atoll, Tumbatu and the sunset sails all start from the north coast, so pickup is short.
Rooms
The key advantage is space. Suites suit couples who want a large room and terrace, and the multi-bedroom villas work for families or friends sharing, with the benefit of private living space. Pick a sea-view category if the view matters to you, since some rooms face the garden. Air conditioning and Wi-Fi are provided, parking is free, and babysitting is offered for a surcharge, although there is no dedicated children’s club.
Who it suits
Families and groups who value privacy and space, honeymooners who want a villa, and travellers who like a quieter resort over a lively beach strip. The trade-off is the beach itself: guest reviews note that swimming in front of the resort depends on the tide, so plan to use the pool at low water or head to Nungwi or Kendwa, where the sea is deeper at most states of the tide.
Good to know
Check-in is in the afternoon and check-out is at noon, with early arrival and late departure available for a fee. Pets are not allowed. Book well ahead for late December to February and for July and August, and ask about all-inclusive rates if you want drinks and meals covered.
Why stay here
- ✓Outdoor pool
- ✓Children’s pool
- ✓Two restaurants
- ✓Poolside bar
- ✓Spa
- ✓Jetty on the sea
- ✓Suites and multi-bedroom villas
- ✓Babysitting on request
Good questions
What types of accommodation does Essque Zalu have?+
It offers suites and three- and four-bedroom villas, with garden, sea and partial sea views. The villas suit families and groups.
Is Essque Zalu on a swimming beach?+
The resort has a jetty on the sea, but guest reviews say swimming depends on the tide. Many guests use the pool or visit Nungwi and Kendwa beaches.
Is Essque Zalu suitable for children?+
Yes, it has a children’s pool and babysitting for a surcharge, but no dedicated kids club is offered.
