Which is the most effective vacation island, Mauritius or Zanzibar? This can be a common query on the minds of South African travellers looking for a seashore escape on a tropical Indian Ocean island. However they’re each so totally different. So the brief reply to the query is: it relies upon.
It’s all all the way down to your preferences, so we’ve damaged it down to assist make the choice a bit of simpler.
Picture courtesy of @he_travels31 by way of Instagram
Getting there
Mauritius: If you happen to’re in Johannesburg, there are each day direct flights to Mauritius on a number of airways together with Air Mauritius, FlySafair and SAA. Direct flights are additionally out there from Cape City on Tuesdays and Sundays. You’ll have to join by way of Johannesburg if you’re travelling from Durban. Direct flights are about 4 hours.
Zanzibar: There are direct flights to Zanzibar from Johannesburg with FlySafair on Tuesdays and Saturdays. You’ll have to join by way of Johannesburg for those who dwell in Cape City or Durban. Direct flights are about 4 hours.
*Be aware: flight schedules can differ all year long attributable to seasonality.
The winner: Zanzibar by a small margin, as flights from Johannesburg are barely cheaper (you’ll be able to rating roughly R1,000 per individual for those who evaluate FlySafair). Nevertheless, if you must fly from Cape City or Durban, it would work out the identical.
Picture courtesy of @chriscorbetphoto by way of Instagram
The visa scenario
Mauritius: The island has been visa-free for South Africans since earlier than the Dodo disappeared.
Zanzibar: The islands and the Tanzanian motherland are visa-free for South Africans.
The winner: It’s a draw. Each are visa-free for 90 days.
Picture courtesy of @chriscorbetphoto by way of Instagram
The vaccination scenario
Aside from the standard routine and beneficial vaccinations, you’ll not want any jabs to go to Mauritius or Zanzibar.
The winner: One other draw!
Picture courtesy of @jem_la_vie by way of Instagram
The lodging
Mauritius has been within the tourism sport for a very long time, so boutique spa motels and unique luxurious resorts all providing a really Western expertise are the norm. However, though many of the lodging in Mauritius leans towards the upper finish, it additionally has an amazing assortment of self-catering villas and bungalows for smaller budgets and a extra easygoing island expertise.
Zanzibar lodging is a mixture of old-world Arabic decadence and classy island luxurious. It is possible for you to to seek out seashore lodges, wellness retreats, 5-star resorts, humble chalets, unbiased motels, and even a floating houseboat mattress and breakfast. And though the service isn’t all the time on par with Westernised luxurious resorts, the lodging provides historical past and the sort of allure you gained’t discover wherever else.
The winner: Mauritius if you need luxurious, Zanzibar if you need persona.
Picture courtesy of @jafferji_beach_retreat by way of Instagram
The seashores
Mauritius seashores are famously lovely and have an amazing vacation vibe. You’ll be able to count on yachts and paddleboarders floating by, households hanging out below palm timber, and other people strolling alongside having fun with the heat of paradise. It is usually a well-liked honeymoon spot, so count on starry-eyed lovers having fun with candle-lit dinners so as to add an additional contact of paradise environment.
Zanzibar seashores are simply as pretty, however you usually tend to discover white-sailed dhows perched on the shores and native fishermen bringing of their catch. Seashores are usually fairly filled with crowds and native hawkers promoting crafts and coconuts. After all, there are additionally many seashores the place the sand is disturbed solely by the tide and fringe of tropical timber for those who’re keen to cough up a couple of further Rands. The encircling islands, Pemba and Mafia, are even higher for a non-public escape and residing out your castaway dream.
The winner: Mauritius if you need tranquillity, Zanzibar for those who benefit from the hustle and bustle.
See: The Wonderful Seashores of Mauritius
After which: The place Are the Greatest Seashores in Zanzibar
Picture courtesy of @he_travels31 by way of Instagram
The food and drinks
Mauritius is a multicultural island that has been influenced by the flavours of Asia, Europe, and Africa. It is possible for you to to strive distinctive dishes similar to palm tree hearts and chilli salt fruit, but additionally acquainted dishes similar to curry and dim sum. It is usually well-known for its Creole delicacies and avenue meals scene, so the eating choices are plentiful. Who doesn’t need to have the ability to style the world in a single vacation?
Zanzibar prides itself on its contemporary seafood and unique spices. Though Zanzibar is certainly a paradise for seafood lovers, the distinct Indian and African influences will fulfill spice lovers. However there are additionally native dishes similar to Zanzibar pizza and urojo that are in contrast to something you could have ever tried earlier than, and an amazing expertise if you’re feeling a bit of adventurous together with your dinner plans.
The winner: Mauritius for those who’re searching for all kinds, Zanzibar for those who’re after seafood.
Additionally learn: 9 distinctive issues to strive in Dodoland
And this: 12 tantalising issues to strive in Zanzibar
Picture courtesy of @therendezfood by way of Instagram
The actions
Mauritius is tremendous organised and undoubtedly the place to be for those who love water sports activities or are occupied with attempting them out for the primary time. You’ll find the standard windsurfing, scuba diving, paddle boating, kayaking, and snorkelling, but additionally uncommon additions similar to glass-bottom boat rides, undersea walks, aquagym, and water polo. On land, you’ll be able to fill your days with golf, biking journeys, yoga lessons, and buying. And Mauritius additionally has a number of bars and golf equipment for those who take pleasure in drinks and dancing after dinner.
Zanzibar is certainly extra centered on rustic rest than Mauritius, although you can find a couple of wonderful actions. You’ll be able to take excursions of the spice orchards, one thing very distinctive to this a part of the world. Equally so is a visit to Stone City, the traditional coronary heart of Zanzibar which stands frozen in time. Other than these, there’s the standard kite browsing, scuba diving, and snorkelling.
Tip. In case you have time and need to take advantage of out of your journey to East Africa, pair a trip to Zanzibar with a visit to the mainland. The Serengeti and Kilimanjaro are nicely price the additional effort.
See: The Nice African Expertise: Tanzania Calling
The winner: Mauritius wins fingers down for the sheer variety and quantity of actions, however Zanzibar is an efficient name for those who’re simply planning on lazing round and stress-free.
Picture courtesy of @chriscorbetphoto by way of Instagram
The children
Mauritius is a superb vacation vacation spot if you’re travelling with children. Many motels in Mauritius have nice children’ amenities and supply babysitting providers. Most resorts have devoted children’ golf equipment, swimming pools, and age-appropriate actions to maintain them entertained.
Zanzibar is extra appropriate if you’re travelling alone, with mates, or simply together with your accomplice. There usually are not as many family-friendly resorts, although after all, you can find sure stays which can be geared up to take care of children. There usually are not as many actions which can be suited to children, although some kiddos is perhaps glad to tag alongside on historical past excursions or play on the seashore whereas the dad and mom do their water actions.
The winner: Mauritius.
Additionally learn: Ideas for Flying With Youngsters
Picture courtesy of @natalie99james by way of Instagram
The fee
Mauritius attracts a lot of worldwide vacationers, so usually the costs mirror the demand. There’s an abundance of luxurious, all-inclusive 5* vacation packages out there (extra so than low-budget stays and backpackers) and flight costs can ramp up, particularly in peak season. Travelling to Mauritius will be costly, however it’s undoubtedly potential to expertise a dreamy honeymoon or tropical escape for those who plan it proper.
Zanzibar is significantly much less developed so discovering low-cost flights, lodging, and cost-effective Zanzibar vacation packages is way simpler. Flights can usually be discovered for about R7,500 pp return from Joburg and packages together with lodging, flights and meals for about R25,000 pps. Nevertheless, Zanzibar is certainly not a rundown island vacation spot – it additionally has plenty of unique seashore resorts and motels that can supply an unique personal island expertise and cost you accordingly.
The winner: Zanzibar, however you would possibly be capable to discover much less luxurious stays for a similar value in Mauritius.
Discover a vacation bundle you like.
Picture courtesy of @alnoorhasham2 by way of Instagram
Join our publication and keep within the loop concerning the newest flight specials and vacation offers!
The decision
The decision: Once more, it actually depends upon what you need and count on.
Mauritius is sugar and spice and every thing good. There are fewer alternatives for exploring past the island, however Mauritius is the place that conjures up goals of looking for waterfalls, consuming cocktails, and golden afternoons frolicking on the seashore. And it does for a motive. It’s a heavenly place with an abundance of actions and world-class resorts that make it a well-liked vacation spot amongst individuals wanting an easy vacation of rest and luxurious.
Zanzibar could also be much less developed and a bit tough across the edges, however it’s liked for its tradition, fascinating experiences, and ornate structure. It’s extensively standard with individuals wanting a extra rugged and genuine expertise. Zanzibar additionally offers you the choice of exploring the opposite two primary islands that make up the archipelago and the mainland. A visit to Zanzibar will make for unforgettable throwback tales.
Each are superior, however for various causes. So if you are able to do each in your lifetime, even higher!
Picture courtesy of @chriscorbetphoto by way of Instagram
Associated articles:
The most effective time to go to Mauritius
The most effective time to go to Zanzibar