Which is one of the best vacation island, Mauritius or Zanzibar? It is a common query on the minds of South African travellers searching for a seaside escape on a tropical Indian Ocean island. However they’re each so totally 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 little 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, FlySafair and SAA. Direct flights are additionally accessible from Cape City on Tuesdays and Sundays. You’ll have to join through 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 through Johannesburg for those who dwell in Cape City or Durban. Direct flights are about 4 hours.
*Word: flight schedules can range all year long on account of 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). Nonetheless, if you must fly from Cape City or Durban, it would work out the identical.
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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
Other than the same old routine and beneficial 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 lodges 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 a terrific 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 search out seaside lodges, wellness retreats, 5-star resorts, humble chalets, impartial lodges, and even a floating houseboat mattress and breakfast. And though the service isn’t at all times on par with Westernised luxurious resorts, the lodging affords historical past and the type of appeal you received’t discover anyplace else.
The winner: Mauritius if you would like luxurious, Zanzibar if you would like character.
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The seashores
Mauritius seashores are famously stunning and have a terrific vacation vibe. You may 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 well-liked 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 filled with 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 for those who’re keen to cough up a number of further Rands. The encircling islands, Pemba and Mafia, are even higher for a personal escape and residing out your castaway dream.
The winner: Mauritius if you would like tranquillity, Zanzibar for those who 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 attempt distinctive dishes reminiscent of palm tree hearts and chilli salt fruit, but additionally acquainted dishes reminiscent of 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 recent 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 reminiscent of Zanzibar pizza and urojo that are not like something you’ve gotten ever tried earlier than, and a terrific expertise if you’re feeling a little bit adventurous together with your dinner plans.
The winner: Mauritius for those who’re on the lookout for all kinds, Zanzibar for those who’re after seafood.
Additionally learn: 9 distinctive issues to attempt in Dodoland
And this: 12 tantalising issues to attempt in Zanzibar
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The actions
Mauritius is tremendous organised and positively the place to be for those who love water sports activities or are thinking about making an attempt them out for the primary time. You will see that the same old windsurfing, scuba diving, paddle boating, kayaking, and snorkelling, but additionally uncommon additions reminiscent of 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 courses, and procuring. And Mauritius additionally has a number of bars and golf equipment for those who get pleasure from drinks and dancing after dinner.
Zanzibar is unquestionably extra centered on rustic rest than Mauritius, although you will see that a number of superb actions. You may 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. Apart from these, there’s the same old 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 value the additional effort.
See: The Nice African Expertise: Tanzania Calling
The winner: Mauritius wins palms down for the sheer range and quantity of actions, however Zanzibar is an effective name for those who’re simply planning on lazing round and enjoyable.
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The children
Mauritius is a good vacation vacation spot if you’re travelling with children. Many lodges in Mauritius have nice children’ services and provide 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 buddies, or simply together with your companion. There are usually not as many family-friendly resorts, although after all, you will see that sure stays which might be geared up to take care of children. There are usually not as many actions which might be fitted to children, although some kiddos is perhaps comfortable to tag alongside on historical past excursions or play on the seaside whereas the mother and father do their water actions.
The winner: Mauritius.
Additionally learn: Ideas for Flying With Youngsters
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The fee
Mauritius attracts numerous worldwide vacationers, so usually the costs replicate the demand. There’s an abundance of luxurious, all-inclusive 5* vacation packages accessible (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 positively 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 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 R25,000 pps. Nonetheless, Zanzibar is on no account a rundown island vacation spot – it additionally has numerous unique seaside resorts and lodges that can provide an unique non-public island expertise and cost you accordingly.
The winner: Zanzibar, however you may be capable to discover much less luxurious stays for a similar worth in Mauritius.
Discover a vacation package deal you like.
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The decision
The decision: Once more, it actually relies on what you need and anticipate.
Mauritius is sugar and spice and every part good. There are fewer alternatives for exploring past the island, however Mauritius is the place that conjures up desires of looking for waterfalls, ingesting cocktails, and golden afternoons frolicking on the seaside. 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 cherished for its tradition, attention-grabbing experiences, and ornate structure. It’s broadly standard with individuals wanting a extra rugged and genuine expertise. Zanzibar additionally provides you the choice of exploring the opposite two most important 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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