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Essque Zalu

Our rating

8/10

Price guide

Highlights

- Kids Club
- Views of Indian Ocean
- Jetty dining experience
- Gorgeous accommodation

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Overview

Nestled in a natural cove on the northeast coast of Zanzibar, Essque Zalu provides an all-round beach experience. Complete with a famous wharf that stretches out into the Indian Ocean, this is a great place for couples, friends, and families that like to have fun and wind-down in and around the waters.

Accommodation consists of 40 suites and eight spacious villas facing the Indian Ocean. These are comprised of 17 one-bedroom garden suites, 13 one-bedroom superior garden view suites, five one-bedroom ocean-view suites, and five one-bedroom seafront suites, all suitable for three adults and one child; and three garden-view villas with a pool, suitable for six adults and three children, three ocean-view villas with pools, and two seafront villas, with private plunge pool and terrace, both suitable for eight adults and four children. All the villas have private pools and spas, and there is a communal infinity pool.

Guests can choose to dine either in-room, which is a 24/7 service that allows guests to eat in the comfort and privacy of their own suite, or ‘Destination Dining’, which involves a culinary experience on the jetty, over the ocean, accompanied by live music. Cocktails are also commonplace beverages along the jetty. If guests want to be closer to the water, they can head over to the pool bar to enjoy a cold beer and a dip in the heat.

As with most Zanzibar resorts, Essque Zalu offers guests a range of activities centred on the island’s cultural history. Spice plantation tours, excursions to the nearby Stone Town, and walks along the beach are suitable for all ages. With an added world-class spa service, guests are sure to relax in whatever they do. Uniquely, guests can also explore the two marine turtle sanctuaries beside the hotel or take a scuba diving journey beneath the depths of the fish-filled Indian Ocean waters.

Whilst their parents stroll through the local towns, the children can join the Tinga Club, which provides complimentary innovative and creative fun activities for those between the ages of 4 and 12 years. The club holds three special events every day throughout the day, so there is never a moment when the kids are not having a great time. This makes Essque Zalu a fantastic place for families with young children to get away from busy lifestyles, and for children a chance to explore a new world away from their parents. Families with children of all ages are welcome, and there are babysitting services available.

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What customers are saying after travelling with Tourdust

Average Rating

based on 534 reviews

(5.00/5)

  • I was also just about to email you to thank you and the team for arranging yet again, another wonderful experience.

    Mount Kenya was spectacular and wild - I think I prefer it to Kili in many ways. The entire support team was professional, friendly and all round fantastic in making sure that we were safe, well fed and well looked after. In particular, we would commend Peter the guide as well as Paul one of the porters who doubled-up as his deputy on summit day. Our route was often shrouded in mist and rain that rapidly gathered in the valleys and moorlands, and we were very impressed at how Peter managed to navigate us safely through all of that notwithstanding. In addition, we loved learning about the history of Mount Kenya from him in the evenings. And ofcourse, I was blown away by the lovely birthday surprise at the end complete with balloons and a delicious cake that had journeyed with us from day 1. One thing we might recommend because of the sudden change in weather (it would sometimes get extremely cold and wet) is for the equipment list to be a little bit more detailed in terms of its recommendations e.g. layers to be moisture-wicking, walking boots be waterproof, doubling up on socks to avoid blisters etc.

    El Karama is a beautiful conservancy and the lodge a true labour of love. Great hospitality in a relaxed environment. Delicious, fresh food. We enjoyed the drives, even if we didn't see much wildlife as the heavens opened on us for the last two outings. However, since it was very much geared towards families, I am not sure if I would stay again without kids. That said, I think it was perfect for a 3d/2n stay post mountain, and a much better choice than flying to the masai mara given the limited time we had.

    Our transits were smooth. Samuel the driver was always on time, drove safely and kept the vehicle clean.

    So it was a brilliant experience and one which I certainly will cherish for some time to come. It was great to work with you for a third time, and I certainly hope it won't be the last

    MissingJuhae C reviewing Mount Kenya Sirimon Naro Moru Trek on 01 March 2024

  • Thank you, we had an absolute wonderful time, and everything was well-planned and as described. Carla was crying on the day of our departure from Ants Nest, she didn’t want to go home and for it all to end, and when I asked how much longer she would want to stay, she responded “four weeks”

    MissingLars B reviewing Best of South Africa for Families on 01 March 2024

  • We had the most amazing time. It exceeded all my hopes of what the trip would be. The guides, the hotels - everything was of such a wonderful quality. Thank you for organizing everything. I will absolutely recommend Tourdust and use you again.

    MissingClaudia L reviewing Luxury Desert Holiday on 11 January 2024

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