Which is the very best vacation island, Mauritius or Zanzibar? It is a common query on the minds of South African travellers in search of a seashore escape on a tropical Indian Ocean island. However they’re each so completely different. So the quick reply to the query is: it relies upon.
It’s all right down to your preferences, so we’ve damaged it down to assist make the choice a bit simpler.
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Getting there
Mauritius: In the event you’re in Johannesburg, there are each day direct flights to Mauritius on a number of airways together with Air Mauritius and FlySafair. Direct flights are additionally obtainable from Cape City on Tuesdays and Sundays. You’ll have to join by way of Johannesburg in case you are travelling from Durban. Direct flights are about 4 hours.
Zanzibar: In the event you’re travelling from Johannesburg, there are each day direct flights to Zanzibar with FlySafair. Connecting flights to Zanzibar depart each day from Cape City and Durban. Direct flights are about 4 hours.
*Be aware: flight schedules can fluctuate all year long attributable to seasonality.
The winner: Zanzibar by a small margin, as flights from Johannesburg are barely cheaper (you possibly can rating roughly R1,000 per particular person in case you examine FlySafair).
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The visa state of affairs
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.
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The vaccination state of affairs
Aside from the same old routine and really helpful vaccinations, you’ll not want any jabs to go to Mauritius or Zanzibar.
The winner: One other draw!
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The lodging
Mauritius has been within the tourism sport for a very long time, so boutique spa inns and unique luxurious resorts all providing a really Western expertise are the norm. However, though a lot of the lodging in Mauritius leans towards the upper finish, it additionally has an excellent 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 inns, 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 presents 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.
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The seashores
Mauritius seashores are famously stunning and have an excellent vacation vibe. You’ll be able to anticipate yachts and paddleboarders floating by, households hanging out below palm timber, and other people strolling alongside having fun with the heat of paradise. It’s also a preferred honeymoon spot, so anticipate 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 full of crowds and native hawkers promoting crafts and coconuts. In fact, there are additionally many seashores the place the sand is disturbed solely by the tide and fringe of tropical timber in case you’re keen to cough up a couple of additional Rands. The encompassing islands, Pemba and Mafia, are even higher for a personal escape and residing out your castaway dream.
The winner: Mauritius if you need tranquillity, Zanzibar in case you benefit from the hustle and bustle.
See: The Superb Seashores of Mauritius
After which: The place Are the Greatest Seashores in Zanzibar
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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 akin to palm tree hearts and chilli salt fruit, but in addition acquainted dishes akin to curry and dim sum. It’s also 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 unquestionably a paradise for seafood lovers, the distinct Indian and African influences will fulfill spice lovers. However there are additionally native dishes akin to Zanzibar pizza and urojo that are in contrast to something you might have ever tried earlier than, and an excellent expertise in case you are feeling a bit adventurous along with your dinner plans.
The winner: Mauritius in case you’re in search of all kinds, Zanzibar in case you’re after seafood.
Additionally learn: 9 distinctive issues to strive in Dodoland
And this: 12 tantalising issues to strive in Zanzibar
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The actions
Mauritius is tremendous organised and positively the place to be in case you love water sports activities or are occupied with attempting them out for the primary time. You will see the same old windsurfing, scuba diving, paddle boating, kayaking, and snorkelling, but in addition uncommon additions akin to glass-bottom boat rides, undersea walks, aquagym, and water polo. On land, you possibly can fill your days with golf, biking journeys, yoga courses, and purchasing. And Mauritius additionally has a number of bars and golf equipment in case you take pleasure in drinks and dancing after dinner.
Zanzibar is unquestionably extra targeted on rustic rest than Mauritius, although you will discover a couple of superb 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 same old kite browsing, scuba diving, and snorkelling.
Tip. When 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 properly value the additional effort.
See: The Nice African Expertise: Tanzania Calling
The winner: Mauritius wins arms down for the sheer range and quantity of actions, however Zanzibar is an effective name in case you’re simply planning on lazing round and enjoyable.
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The youngsters
Mauritius is a good vacation vacation spot in case you are travelling with children. Many inns in Mauritius have nice children’ services and provide babysitting companies. Most resorts have devoted children’ golf equipment, swimming pools, and age-appropriate actions to maintain them entertained.
Zanzibar is extra appropriate in case you are travelling alone, with buddies, or simply along with your companion. There are usually not as many family-friendly resorts, although in fact, you will discover sure stays which might be geared up to take care of children. There are usually not as many actions which might be suited to kids, although some kiddos may be joyful 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 Kids
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The associated fee
Mauritius attracts numerous worldwide vacationers, so usually the costs mirror the demand. There may be an abundance of luxurious all-inclusive Mauritius vacation packages obtainable (extra so than low-budget stays and backpackers) and flight costs can ramp up, particularly in peak season. Travelling to Mauritius may be costly, however it’s positively potential to expertise a dreamy honeymoon or tropical escape in case you plan it proper.
Zanzibar is significantly much less developed so discovering low cost flights, lodging, and cost-effective Zanzibar vacation packages is far simpler. Flights can usually be discovered for about R7,500 pp return from Joburg and packages together with lodging, flights and meals for about R30,000 pps. The overall price of residing can also be significantly cheaper. Nonetheless, Zanzibar is in no way a rundown island vacation spot – it additionally has quite a lot of unique seashore resorts and inns that may provide an unique personal island expertise and cost you accordingly.
The winner: Zanzibar.
Discover a vacation package deal you like.
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The decision
The decision: Once more, it actually is determined by what you need and anticipate.
Mauritius is sugar and spice and all the things good. There are fewer alternatives for exploring past the island, however Mauritius is the place that conjures up desires of looking for waterfalls, consuming cocktails, and golden afternoons frolicking on the seashore. And it does for a cause. It’s a heavenly place with an abundance of actions and world-class resorts that make it a preferred vacation spot amongst folks 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 broadly common with folks wanting a extra rugged and genuine expertise. Zanzibar additionally offers you the choice of exploring the opposite two foremost 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!
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