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From266US$ /night
Check-in
23Mar2026Select date
Check-out
24Mar2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

Overview & Features

Essque Zalu, Nungwi, Tanzania
-
Close to Nungwi Beach
Great
8.4
8.8
/10
4.7
4.5
/5

Amenities

Essque Zalu Zanzibar boasts a sprawling lagoon-style pool and two roomy restaurants serving diverse culinary offerings. Guests can unwind at three well-stocked bars that cater to various tastes. The hotel also presents an extensive selection of leisure activities, including water sports and guided tours of nearby attractions.

Rooms

The hotel provides 40 Suites and 8 Villas, ranging from three to four bedrooms, each with views of the Indian Ocean or tropical gardens. Every accommodation includes personalized touches like in-suite flowers and a welcoming fruit basket upon arrival. Guests can also request various pillow types to suit their sleeping preferences.

Location

Nestled in a natural cove on the northeast coast of Unguja, Essque Zalu offers direct access to the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. The hotel is a short distance from cultural sites such as Stone Town and local spice plantations. Visitors can explore the area's rich marine life through scuba diving and snorkeling adventures.

Wellness

Essque Zalu Zanzibar Spa provides a range of wellness treatments, from traditional African pampering to advanced beauty therapies. Guests can experience Maasai rituals or the ultimate facial, catering to all wellness needs. Comprehensive spa packages are also available for those seeking a full rejuvenation experience.

Dining

The dining experience includes authentic Swahili cuisine offered at the onsite Maisha Cookery Studio, where guests can take interactive cooking classes. Two restaurants provide a variety of dining options to satisfy different palates, including themed gala dinners. Culinary delights are complemented by tropical views and local flavors.

Highlights

Location: Nestled in a natural cove on the Northeast Coast

Rooms: 40 Suites and 8 Villas with ocean views

Dining: Authentic Swahili cuisine at Maisha Cookery Studio

Wellness: Spa with traditional African pamper rituals

“Essque Zalu Zanzibar offers an intimate escape in Nungwi, with unique Swahili cooking lessons and a stunning infinity pool at its heart. The staff's attentiveness stands out, ensuring a comfortable and safe experience, but be aware of occasional power issues. For a relaxed beachfront retreat with personalized service, this boutique hotel makes a fine choice.”
Hotel logo
Edward HayesEditor-in-Chief at Beachresort
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Pick the Room Type That Suits You

Choose from spacious beach suites, family rooms, or cosy couples’ retreats with perks like breakfast and free cancellation
Sea View Suite King
2 persons
615 sq. feet 
Shower
Air conditioning
Garden View Suite King
2 persons
615 sq. feet 
Shower
Air conditioning
Partial Sea View Suite King
2 persons
615 sq. feet 
Shower
Air conditioning
Superior Garden View Suite King
2 persons
615 sq. feet 
Shower
Balcony
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Facilities

Enjoy comfortable stays and unforgettable experiences at our beach resorts
Facilities: Great
8.4/10Review score

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Wi-Fi
  • Free parking
  • Safe deposit box
  • 24-hour reception
  • Express check-in/ -out
  • No pets allowed
  • Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
  • Wheelchair access
  • 24-hour security
  • Luggage storage
  • Locker room
  • Currency exchange
  • Coffee shop
  • Smoke detectors
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Key card access
  • Key access

Sports & Fitness

  • Fitness centre
  • Wind surfing
  • Diving
  • Snorkelling
  • Horseback riding
  • Cycling
  • Billiard tables
  • Darts
  • Table tennis
  • Yoga class
  • Aerobics
  • Fishing

Guest Parking

  • Electric kettle
  • Cookware/ Kitchen utensils

Services

  • Paid airport shuttle
  • Valet parking
  • Room service
  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Dry cleaning
  • Tours/Ticket assistance
  • Shops/Commercial services
  • Welcome drink
  • Happy hour

Dining

  • In-room breakfast
  • Restaurant
  • Snack bar
  • Bar/ Lounge area
  • Outdoor dining area
  • Picnic area/ Tables
  • Dinner
  • Packed lunches
  • Special diet menus

Business

  • Meeting/ Banquet facilities
  • Fax/Photocopying

Children

  • Cots
  • Babysitting/Child services
  • Children's buffet
  • Board games
  • Children's pool
  • Children's play area
  • Kids club
  • Game room

Facilities for people with disabilities

  • Toilet for disabled
  • Bathroom for disabled

Spa & Leisure

  • Outdoor swimming pool
  • Beach access
  • Beach umbrellas
  • Sun loungers
  • Aqua park
  • Live entertainment
  • Sun terrace
  • Garden area
  • BBQ facilities
  • Leisure/ TV room
  • Spa & wellness centre
  • Sauna
  • Turkish bath
  • Pedicure
  • Manicure
  • Waxing
  • Body scrub
  • Facial
  • Treatment room
  • Body wraps
  • Back massage
  • Head massage
  • Full body massage
  • Foot massage

Room features

  • Air conditioning
  • Mini-bar
  • Soundproofed rooms
  • Sitting area
  • Patio
  • Terrace
  • Garden furniture
  • Tea and coffee facilities
  • Dining table
  • Ironing facilities

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries

Self-catering

  • Electric kettle
  • Cookware/ Kitchen utensils

Media

  • Flat-screen TV
  • AM/FM alarm clock

Room decor

  • Parquet floor
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Dining Onsite

Essque Zalu Zanzibar offers a delightful culinary palette that celebrates both local and international flavors. Guests can relish diverse dining experiences, from traditional African dishes to romantic seafood dinners, all set against the stunning backdrop of the island's landscapes and tranquil surroundings.
Essque Zalu Zanzibar Hotel Nungwi Restaurant photo The photo shows a well-lit conference room set up for a meeting. The room has light-colored walls and a light wooden floor. A long, rectangular conference table dominates the center of the room, made of glass with dark wooden legs. 

Around the table
Essque Zalu Zanzibar Hotel Nungwi Restaurant photo The photo shows the interior of a restaurant, bathed in warm, inviting light. The space has a relaxed yet sophisticated ambiance, with a mix of dining arrangements and decor elements. 

In the foreground, several tables are neatly set for diners. The

Market Kitchen

A la carte dining featuring African, American, Italian, and local cuisines
Ambiance
Family-friendly and traditional with an inviting atmosphere
Key Offerings
Start the day with fluffy waffles and chocolate crepes; in the evening, indulge in fragrant curries and fresh fish alongside Italian-style desserts.
Reservation
Not needed.
Hours vary.

The Jetty

Middle Eastern grill, seafood, and pizza with local influences
Ambiance
Family-friendly and romantic, perfect for intimate dinners
Key Offerings
Experience brunch, dinner, and cocktail hour amidst beautiful views; a great spot to enjoy grilled delicacies and fresh seafood.
Reservation
Recommended.
Brunch, Dinner, Cocktail hour.

Location & Nearby Attractions

Essque Zalu, Nungwi, Tanzania
Map view
Essque Zalu, Nungwi, Tanzania
Nearby
Mnarani Natural Aquarium
1700 ft
Restaurants
Ubora Restaurant & Bar
3900 ft
Ras Nungwi Beach Hotel Nungwi
Explore Nungwi
Explore Nungwi: Activities & Attractions
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Mnarani Marine Turtles Conservation Pond
11 minutes' walk
Marine turtles conservation site offering guided tours to learn about turtle rescue and rehabilitation efforts.
Nungwi Beach
11 minutes' walk
Vibrant beach known for its stunning sunsets and soft sands, perfect for relaxation and water sports activities.
Baraka Natural Aquarium
11 minutes' walk
Natural marine aquarium where guests can interact with marine life and enjoy educational experiences.
Dr. Bulugu Gallery
16 minutes' walk
Local art gallery showcasing works by Tanzanian artists, offering insights into Zanzibari culture and creativity.
Snorkeling and Diving
25 minutes' walk
Exciting underwater adventures available through local diving centres, perfect for both beginners and experienced divers.
Spa Treatments
0 minutes' drive
Relaxing spa services offered at the hotel for a rejuvenating escape, including massages and wellness therapies.
Ubora Restaurant & Bar
15 minutes' walk
Casual dining with a mix of local and international dishes, featuring fresh seafood and stunning ocean views.
The Fisherman's Restaurant
10 minutes' drive
Known for its seafood specialties, this restaurant offers a cozy atmosphere and local flavors that reflect the region.
Tanga Tanga Bar
10 minutes' walk
Lively bar featuring live music and events, perfect for enjoying a drink after a day at the beach with friends.
Zanzibar International Film Festival
10 minutes' drive
Celebrating film and arts annually; attracts visitors for screenings, workshops, and cultural discussions.
Getting around beach destinations
City Centre
Nungwi11 min  ·  3000 ft
Airports
Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ)95 min  ·  39.0 mi
Pemba Island (PMA)115 min  ·  47.5 mi
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 14:00-23:30
Check-out
from 04:00-12:00
Guest Parking
Private parking is possible on site for free.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in for free.
Children & extra beds
Maximum capacity of extra beds in a room is 1. 
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Languages
English, German, Italian, Russian, Swahili
Number of rooms:
47

Guest Ratings & Coastal Resort Reviews

See What Past Guests Had to Say About Their Stay
Review score
Based on 819 verified reviews
9.1/10
Perfect
90%
Recommend
Breakfast
8.7/10
Cleanliness
8.9/10
Comfort
8.8/10
Facilities
8.4/10
Free Wi-Fi
6.8/10
Location
8.4/10
Paid Wi-Fi
7.5/10
Staff
8.9/10
Value for money
7.9/10
Pros
Spacious rooms
Big beds
Friendly staff
Clean rooms
Excellent food
Cons
No beach
Guest reviews
based on 391 reviews
8.4/10
No reviews yet on our siteUnfortunately, our guests have not yet left any reviews for this hotel, but you can read reviews from Booking.com.
Open reviews
Questions of the users
About Essque Zalu Zanzibar
Are there shuttle services to nearby beaches since the hotel doesn't have one onsite?
05 March 2024
Free shuttle services to and from the nearest beach, located approximately 15 minutes away from the resort, are available. Guests can inquire about this at the reception.
Is it possible to make a reservation with the option for free cancellation due to potential travel restrictions?
12 April 2024
Reservations can be made without immediate payment, with payment expected upon arrival. It's advisable to check cancellation policies and flexibility regarding unexpected travel issues.
Are vegan and vegetarian meal options available, and is half board the only dining plan offered?
21 February 2024
Vegan and vegetarian dishes can be customized, and guests are encouraged to discuss their preferences with the chef. Half board includes breakfast and dinner, but there may be other dining options as well.
Is the food served halal at the hotel?
10 January 2025
Yes, halal food is served, with strict preparation practices for any non-halal dishes to avoid cross-contamination.
Does the hotel provide an airport transfer service?
17 May 2024
Airport pickup and drop-off services can be arranged for guests, with advance notice needed to plan the transport effectively.
Can guests swim in the ocean during high tide? What are the access points?
08 June 2024
Swimming in the ocean is permitted during high tide for those who are confident swimmers. Access is available via the jetty stairs or swings, and swimming shoes are recommended.
Is there a spa service at the hotel, and what are its offerings?
14 July 2024
Essque Zalu features a comprehensive spa with a range of services, including traditional massages and beauty treatments, all designed to enhance well-being.
Are special arrangements available for those wanting to celebrate anniversaries at the hotel?
25 August 2024
Anniversary packages may include romantic dinners, flowers, and fruit baskets upon arrival for couples celebrating this special occasion.
Are there activities for children at the resort?
30 November 2024
Kids' clubs and daily activities are available for younger guests, ensuring entertaining and engaging experiences during their stay.
What dining options are available during special events or festive seasons?
20 December 2024
During festive occasions, guests can enjoy specially curated dining experiences, including premium buffets and themed dinners designed to celebrate local flavors and traditions.

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