About Essque Zalu Zanzibar
Essque Zalu Zanzibar, located in the far north of Zanzibar, not far from Nungwi Town.
It is a modern, high-spec hotel with an open-plan design, lots of light, open spaces and an enormous makuti-thatch roof, reminiscent of the Sydney Opera House.
Essque Zalu Zanzibar is a larger property than most in our Zanzibar portfolio. However, it offers good food, an impressive pool and an excellent kids club, making it a great option for families. The suites and villas are spacious and of a high quality. Its northerly location means that it is one of the few places in Zanzibar where you can watch both the sunrise and the sunset over the ocean.
Our view
Essque Zalu Zanzibar is a larger property than most in our Zanzibar portfolio. However, it offers good food, an impressive pool and an excellent kids club, making it a great option for families. The suites and villas are spacious and of a high quality. Its northerly location means that it is one of the few places in Zanzibar where you can watch both the sunrise and the sunset over the ocean.
Accommodation
48 rooms
Children
Great for children of all ages.
Open
All year
Activities
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Scuba-diving
Snorkelling
Watersports
Traveller reviews of Essque Zalu Zanzibar
3 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.
Arrived 18 Feb 2020, 4 nights
"Great resort"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 8 Dec 2014, 5 nights
"Loved. loved, loved the Essque Zalu!"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 30 Jun 2014, 3 nights
"Beautiful location"
Overall rating: Good



























Expert Africa's gallery
When we travel we take lots of photos ourselves to give you a real and un-edited view of the holidays. See our 27 pictures and 1 videos of Essque Zalu Zanzibar to get the candid view.
View galleryEssque Zalu Zanzibar: Our full report
Essque Zalu Zanzibar, located in the far north of Zanzibar, not far from Nungwi Town.
It is a modern, high-spec hotel with an open-plan design, lots of light, open spaces and an enormous makuti-thatch roof, reminiscent of the Sydney Opera House.
The 40 suites at Essque Zalu all have identical facilities – a spacious master bedroom and separate lounge area, plus an outside terrace or balcony. There is also an en-suite bathroom with complimentary toiletries by Inaya Zanzibar. The views, though, differ from room to room – some look over the garden, while others face the sea. Air conditioning is standard, as are a wide range of other 'extras' such as hairdryers, TVs, WiFi, a fully stocked minibar, mosquito repellent, a phone, plus an electronic safe which ingeniously incorporates a UK style socket, allowing you to recharge your phone while it is locked away.
There are also eight villas at Essque Zalu, each with either three or four bedrooms. Built over two storeys, these each have a much more spacious lounge area than the suites, as well as a private pool, in-room massage area, and kitchen facilities. The bathrooms have large freestanding baths, suited for a relaxing soak. Some villas are located on the seafront, while some face the gardens.
There are a couple of different dining options at Essque Zalu:
- The Market Kitchen is a deli-style restaurant serving a range of tasty international dishes. It is a bright, cheerful space, and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
- The Jetty, appropriately at the end of the jetty, serves light lunches as well as more formal three course dinners. The menu features lots of fresh fish and seafood, all of which is beautifully cooked and presented. Next to The Jetty is a small shisha lounge where guests can relax with a drink and watch the sunset.
With its multicoloured underwater lights and whirlpool, the very large infinity pool is quite an attraction at Essque Zalu. At night both the pool and central structure light up, creating quite an impressive sight.
Then there's the well-equipped spa with several different treatment rooms, providing a wide range of traditional and modern treatments, including a 'hand and foot ceremony', involving organic oils and butters. They also offer a ‘Maasai Ritual’ using traditional, locally sourced products; you will visit a series of huts where you will experience a foot massage, full body scrub and massage, and finally an African facial. Here you'll also find a fitness centre, sauna, and an aromatherapy steam room.
While you are being pampered, keep the children amused at the excellent children's club, the Tinga Club, which will look after children between four and 12 years old and keep them entertained with a variety of activities.
At low tide you can access a beautiful stretch of white sandy beach. This is one of the few places on Zanzibar where you are able to swim in the sea throughout the day, even when the tide is out. At high tide the beach is completely submerged, however there are plenty of areas where you can lounge by the pool or at one of the many bars.
More general activities on offer at Essque Zalu include fishing, visits to a turtle centre and a local village, and a beach walk at low tide. On one side of the pool is a water sports centre operated by East Africa Diving; here you can book a range of water sports, snorkelling and diving excursions. There are also a number of bicycles that guests are free to use – you can easily cycle in to the lively town of Nungwi and explore the small shops and beach bars. The hotel offers cinema nights, as well as cookery courses in the kitchen with the sous chef, costing around $35. There's also a boutique selling a range of clothes, jewellery, books and gifts, and where you can book local excursions.
Geographics
- Location
- Northern Zanzibar, Zanzibar
- Ideal length of stay
- 5 - 7 nights
- Directions
- Stone Town is a 20-minute flight from Dar es Salaam. It is then about an hour’s drive from Stone Town to Essque Zalu Zanzibar.
- Accessible by
- Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Half Board
- Food quality
- Essque Zalu Zanzibar uses mostly fresh and organic produce from local growers and describes the food served in its restaurants as 'cosmopolitan'.
There are two restaurants to choose from serving a variety of food. The Market Kitchen is a deli-style restaurant serving salads, cured meat, fresh bread, and cheese. The al fresco Jetty focuses on fresh fish and seafood, although alternative options are available.
We did not eat here on our last visit in 2019, only having time to enjoy a fresh juice on the jetty. However on past visits we found the food to be very good. Breakfast consists of the usual range of fruit, pastries and cooked breakfasts. On a previous occasion we found the smoked swordfish, a rather more interesting breakfast choice, to be delicious!
Lunch is usually a la carte consisting of light meals. On one stay we had pumpkin cannelloni with pumpkin puree, this was served with roasted beetroot, carrots and green beans; it was both fresh and tasty.
For dinner we ate at the Jetty; we started with tapas dishes which included flatbread with hummus and olives and king prawns. For the main course we had ‘catch of the day’, which on this occasion was white snapper cooked in a garlic and herb sauce; this was followed by hot churros and a rich chocolate sauce. - Dining style
- Individual Tables
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
- Further dining info, including room service
- Free room service is provided.
- Drinks included
- All drinks are at an extra cost.
Special interests
- Family holidays
- Essque Zalu's suites and villas are well-designed, spacious, and feel full of light and very open. Consider staying here during your family beach holidays in Zanzibar for good food, an impressive pool and an excellent kids club with great activities!
- See ideas for Family holidays in Zanzibar
- Wellbeing
- Essque Zalu has a large spa with a number of different treatment rooms as well as a steam room, a sauna and a gym. A range of traditional and modern treatments are available. Essque Zalu would be great choice for an indulgent beach retreat.
- See ideas for Wellbeing in Zanzibar
Children
- Attitude towards children
- Essque Zalu Zanzibar welcomes children of all ages.
- Property’s age restrictions
- There are no age restrictions at Essque Zalu.
- Special activities & services
- There is a comprehensive children's club at Essque Zalu, offering a wide range of educational games and activities from their own room in the complex. Examples of activities include cookery, magic tricks, glitter painting, making jewellery, shell collecting and chemistry experiments.
- Equipment
- Cots and high chairs are available on request. Essque Zalu can also provide small beds for young children.
- Generally recommended for children
- Yes. Children 12 years and younger stay free when sharing a room with parents, which, combined with the children’s club, makes this a good option for families. There are no depth markings in the pool, and parents are advised to supervise children at all times.
Communications
- Power supply notes
- Adaptors are provided in all rooms.
- Communications
- Free WiFi is available throughout the complex, even on the jetty. There is a phone in every room.
- TV & radio
- TVs with DSTV (satellite channels) are in every room.
- Water supply
- Mains
- Water supply notes
- Two bottles of water are provided per room per day.
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- Yes
- Medical care
- There are two local doctors on call, one of them European. There is a hospital in Nungwi.
- Dangerous animals
- Low Risk
- Security measures
- The property is gated, and is guarded at all times, including on the beach.
- Fire safety
- Fire extinguishers are located in all rooms.
Activities
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Scuba-diving
Snorkelling
Watersports
Extras
- Disabled access
- On Request
- Laundry facilities
- A laundry service is available for an extra charge.
- Money
- Currency exchange is available for British pounds, euros, Tanzanian shillings and US dollars.
- Accepted payment on location
- MasterCard, Visa and Amex are all accepted. There is a 4% surcharge for card payments. Essque Zalu also accept cash payments in US dollars and Tanzanian shillings.
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Essque Zalu Zanzibar's location
Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Essque Zalu Zanzibar.
Excursions from Essque Zalu Zanzibar
Optional extra day-trips and excursions possible whilst you're staying at Essque Zalu Zanzibar. Talk to us: these are usually best arranged before you go.

Jambiani Village Tour
Half-day - mornings
Tear yourself away from the soft white sands of Zanzibar to get under the skin of the history and culture of Jambiani village. Join a knowledgeable local guide to discover the intricacies of day-to-day life in this traditional coastal village, with much of the profits being ploughed back into the community.
More about Village Tour
Jozani Forest Tour
Half-day or combine with other tours
For nature lovers, Jozani Forest is a must. One of the last sanctuaries of the red colobus monkey, it features a diverse range of habitats, from mangrove forests to salt marshes. Keep your eyes peeled for other forest residents, including Sykes’ monkey, bushbabies, duikers and more than 40 species of bird.
More about Jozani ForestOther lodges in Northern Zanzibar
Alternative places to stay in this same area.

Kilindi
Kilindi is a luxury property on the north-west coast of Zanzibar, fronting a long, secluded beach, with stylish modern pavilions.

Zuri Zanzibar
Zuri Zanzibar is a smart resort hotel on a beautiful beach where you can swim at all stages of the tide.

The Z Hotel
Appealing to younger travellers, the Z hotel is a modern, stylish beach hotel with good facilities located on the vibrant Nungwi peninsula.

Zanzi Resort
Zanzi Resort is located on the quiet north-west coast of the island, around 30 minutes' drive north of Stone Town.
When to go to Northern Zanzibar
Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Essque Zalu Zanzibar in Northern Zanzibar
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Zanzibar in January
As on the Tanzanian mainland, January typically marks the start of the short dry season in Zanzibar. Conditions are likely to be hot and mostly dry, with temperatures exceeding 30ºC, although it is not uncommon to get a tropical shower in the afternoons. January can feel very humid at times, and this is particularly noticeable in Stone Town, although this can be tempered by the cooling sea breeze.
New Year is one of the most popular times to visit Zanzibar, with many hotels being fully booked over the festive period. The island generally becomes much quieter after 10th January, and prices drop too.
- Mostly hot with the occasional shower.
- High humidity, which can be relieved by the refreshing breeze.
- Very busy over New Year, with high prices and long minimum stays often
- Quieter and better value later in the month.
- Wind from the northeast, and so the southwest coast is more sheltered.
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in January
Zanzibar in February
The weather in February is fairly similar to January, with days typically being hot and sunny although expect the occasional rainy spell. The humidity remains high, however the coastal areas often have a refreshing breeze. Zanzibar is fairly quiet in February, and with comparatively low prices it can be excellent value for money.
At this time the wind blows from the northeast, and so the southwest coast is often more sheltered and there can be good diving in the Menai Bay. The northeast winds can also lead to good conditions for kite surfing, with many kite surfers heading to the southeast coast and Michamvi Peninsula. For music lovers, Stone Town hosts an annual African music festival ‘Sauti za Busara’ each February. The festival's dates change each year; ask us for details.
- Variable: mostly hot and humid with some cloud and rainy spells.
- Fewer tourists and comparatively low prices.
- Popular time for kite surfing, especially around the southeast coast.
- North easterly wind, better diving in the south west of the island.
- ‘Sauti za Busara’ music festival in early February.
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in February
Zanzibar in March
March sees the start of the ‘long rains’ in Zanzibar, although the exact start date varies every year. The weather can be unpredictable, with a combination of hot sunny days, rain showers, and the occasional tropical storm. The arrival of the rains lowers the humidity, and it can also lead to some beautiful sunsets – most obviously on the west coast where you can watch the sunset over the ocean. Prices remain low during March, and the island is likely to be relatively quiet.
Diving is generally not recommended during the rainy season, as variable conditions can lead to reduced visibility from rainfall runoff, and choppy water.
- Hot and humid, leading to heavy rains later in the month.
- Low prices, and the island is comparatively quiet.
- Variable weather leads to poor conditions for diving.
- The start of the rains can lead to beautiful sunsets.
Our view
This is not a great time to visit
Weather in March
Zanzibar in April
April is typically the wettest month of the year in Zanzibar, and the long rains are in full force. The average rainfall is more than 250mm during this month, and tropical storms are common. Flooding regularly occurs, which can impact the quality of the roads, and consequently cause difficult, slow journeys across the island. Many of the hotels and beach lodges close at this time, so accommodation options can be limited. Having said this, prices are at their lowest, and if you don’t mind the risk of bad weather you can get some real bargains.
Despite the poor conditions, Easter weekend is often popular, and advance booking is recommended. Due to the strong likelihood of rain and poor conditions diving is inadvisable at this time.
- Heavy rain and tropical storms expected throughout the month.
- Areas of flooding leading to poor travel conditions.
- Many hotels close for refurbishment at this time.
- Low prices and few other tourists.
- Diving inadvisable due to heavy rain and reduced visibility.
Our view
A time to avoid if possible
Weather in April
Zanzibar in May
The long rains continue into May, and as with April you can expect thunderstorms and heavy showers, although these typically ease up towards the end of the month. Parts of the island can experience flooding, causing damage to roads and impacting travel times. The temperature typically drops a little in May, with a daytime average of around 25ºC. The rains lead to a lower humidity too, and mornings and evenings can feel a bit cooler.
Many of the hotels and lodges are still closed, however a handful stay open and prices remain low. While diving is possible, the rain and storms mean that diving conditions are not at their best.
- Continuation of the long rains, with thunderstorms and lightning.
- Flooding common, but conditions becoming drier as the month progresses
- Drop in temperatures, with cooler mornings and evenings.
- Prices low, and many hotels remain closed.
Our view
A time to avoid if possible
Weather in May
Zanzibar in June
June marks the start of the long dry season in Zanzibar. While the island still gets rainfall, especially early in the month, it’s becomes less likely as the month progresses. Temperatures remain steady, with daytime highs averaging 25ºC, and it likely to be mostly dry. Any rain you do experience is likely to be in shorter bursts rather than heavy storms and hours of continuous rain, although conditions vary from year to year.
The wind direction switches to blow from the southeast, and the northeast coast is likely to be more sheltered at this time. Diving conditions can be variable, and while they are generally good there can be some rough days.
- Variable weather: mostly hot and dry, with some rainy showers.
- Wind from the southwest, and more sheltered in the north east.
- Diving conditions variable, dependent on the wind and rain.
- Lower prices and generally good weather can lead to great value.
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in June
Zanzibar in July
July is a very popular time to go to Zanzibar, and this coincides with the long dry season. July and August are the school holidays throughout much of Europe, and Zanzibar can often be busy with families. Weather conditions are generally hot and dry and pretty ideal for a beach holiday, however there is still a chance of an occasional short shower. Conditions for diving are typically pretty good, however this will be dependent on recent weather conditions.
The Zanzibar International Film Festival takes place in July, with lots of people flocking to Stone Town to soak up the atmosphere. The dates for the festival change every year, so chat to Expert Africa for details.
- Typically hot and dry with clear skies, although showers are possible.
- Can become very busy, with many families traveling during holidays.
- Zanzibar International Film Festival takes place in Stone Town.
- Great beach weather result in high prices.
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in July
Zanzibar in August
August is one of the most popular times of year to visit Zanzibar, and with good reason; this is one of the driest months and it is typically hot with clear skies – ideal for relaxing on the beach. Many families choose to visit during August, and the island can be busy, and this is particularly noticeable in Stone Town and around the more popular snorkelling sites.
High demand can mean that many of the more popular hotels and beach lodges can be booked up more than 6 months ahead, so advance booking is crucial. Due to the popularity and great beach weather prices are high.
- Hot and sunny, generally ideal for relaxing on the beach.
- Popular time for families and the island can be busy.
- High demand leads to higher prices, and advance booking is essential.
- With little rain falling and causing soil run-off, the sea is clear.
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in August
Zanzibar in September
September is an excellent time of year to visit Zanzibar. Weather conditions are typically very good, with clear skies and temperatures ranging from 20¬–30ºC. September is also one of the driest months, averaging 50mm of rain during the month, however rain showers are still possible. Due to the great beach conditions prices remain high, however with fewer families travelling in September the island can be a little quieter at this time.
September to December are often some of the calmest months at sea, which can result in superb conditions for diving. The wind typically blows from the southeast, and the northeast coast can often be a little more sheltered. You can find some beautiful snorkelling and diving spots around Mnemba Island.
- Warm temperatures and clear skies, with the off-chance of rain.
- Fewer families travelling, and the island can be a little quieter.
- Great beach weather means that prices remain high.
- Relatively calm seas result in good conditions for diving.
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in September
Zanzibar in October
October is the tail end of the dry season and you can generally expect hot, dry conditions. The short rains typically start in early November, and so this does mean that there is an increased likelihood of rainy spells as the month progresses. October remains a popular month to travel, particularly so during the European half-term school holidays, and advance booking is advised.
With high demand and great weather prices remain high, however there are some long-stay special offers to be found. South-easterly winds mean that the northeast coast can be more sheltered and conditions for diving can be good.
- End of the dry season, generally good beach weather.
- Increased chance of rain, particularly near the end of the month.
- Popular with families during the half-term school holiday.
- High demand means prices remain high.
- Northeast coast generally more sheltered.
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in October
Zanzibar in November
The short rains start during November, however their exact start varies year on year. You are likely to experience a mixture of hot, dry days with the occasional tropical shower, however we find that short showers can actually be quite refreshing. With the start of the rains the humidity can shoot up and while the coastal properties tend to receive a pleasant cooling breeze Stone Town and the island interior can feel quite hot and clammy.
Prices drop in November and there are some real bargains to be found. This time of year can be great value for money, especially near the start of the month when the weather conditions are very comparable to late October. The demand is generally lower, and the island starts to feel much quieter.
- Variable weather: mostly hot and dry but with some clouds and rain.
- Hot temperatures, with humidity on the rise.
- Less busy than October, and with lower prices it can be great value.
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in November
Zanzibar in December
December falls in to the short rainy season, and the weather can be variable. Days are likely to be hot and humid, with the occasional patch of rain, although showers can be a blessing in disguise as they help to lower the temperature. Early December is fairly quiet and prices are low, however this changes dramatically over Christmas and New Year.
The festive season, from around 20th December to 5th January, is arguably the most popular time to visit Zanzibar. Prices are at their highest, and long minimum stays are imposed. Due to the very high demand booking early is essential, especially if you’re a group or a large family. Book six months to a year in advance, or even more, if possible.
- Variable weather, with a mix of hot, sunny days and tropical showers.
- High humidity, which may be mitigated by the cool ocean breeze.
- Quiet with lower prices earlier in the month.
- Busy and exceptionally popular over Christmas and New Year.
- Advance booking over Christmas and New Year is essential.
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in December

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