Which is the most effective vacation island, Mauritius or Zanzibar? This can be a common query on the minds of South African travellers searching for 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 slightly simpler.
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Getting there
Mauritius: In case 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 in case you are 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.
*Notice: flight schedules can range all year long because of seasonality.
The winner: Zanzibar by a small margin, as flights from Johannesburg are barely cheaper (you may rating roughly R1,000 per particular person 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 advisable 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 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 a fantastic 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 trendy island luxurious. It is possible for you to to search 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 attraction you gained’t discover anyplace else.
The winner: Mauritius if you’d like luxurious, Zanzibar if you’d like persona.
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The seashores
Mauritius seashores are famously stunning and have a fantastic 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. Additionally it is a preferred honeymoon spot, so count on starry-eyed lovers having fun with candle-lit dinners so as to add an additional contact of paradise ambiance.
Zanzibar seashores are simply as beautiful, 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 number of further Rands. The encircling islands, Pemba and Mafia, are even higher for a personal escape and dwelling out your castaway dream.
The winner: Mauritius if you’d like tranquillity, Zanzibar for those who benefit from the hustle and bustle.
See: The Superb Seashores of Mauritius
After which: The place Are the Finest Seashores in Zanzibar
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The foods 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 corresponding to palm tree hearts and chilli salt fruit, but additionally acquainted dishes corresponding to curry and dim sum. Additionally it is 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 certainly a paradise for seafood lovers, the distinct Indian and African influences will fulfill spice lovers. However there are additionally native dishes corresponding to Zanzibar pizza and urojo that are in contrast to something you may have ever tried earlier than, and a fantastic expertise in case you are feeling slightly 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
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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 serious about attempting them out for the primary time. One can find the same old windsurfing, scuba diving, paddle boating, kayaking, and snorkelling, but additionally uncommon additions corresponding to glass-bottom boat rides, undersea walks, aquagym, and water polo. On land, you may 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 targeted on rustic leisure than Mauritius, although you’ll discover a number 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 same old kite browsing, scuba diving, and snorkelling.
Tip. When you’ve got 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 effectively 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 efficient name for those who’re simply planning on lazing round and stress-free.
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The children
Mauritius is a superb vacation vacation spot in case you are travelling with youngsters. Many motels in Mauritius have nice youngsters’ services and provide babysitting providers. Most resorts have devoted youngsters’ golf equipment, swimming pools, and age-appropriate actions to maintain them entertained.
Zanzibar is extra appropriate in case you are travelling alone, with pals, or simply together with your accomplice. There are usually not as many family-friendly resorts, although in fact, you’ll discover sure stays which are outfitted to take care of youngsters. There are usually not as many actions which are suited to kids, although some kiddos could be pleased to tag alongside on historical past excursions or play on the seashore whereas the mother and father do their water actions.
The winner: Mauritius.
Additionally learn: Suggestions for Flying With Youngsters
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The fee
Mauritius attracts a lot of 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 might be costly, however it’s positively doable 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 certainly not a rundown island vacation spot – it additionally has quite a few unique seashore resorts and motels that can provide an unique personal island expertise and cost you accordingly.
The winner: Zanzibar, however you may be capable of discover much less luxurious stays for a similar worth in Mauritius.
Discover a vacation bundle you’re keen on.
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The decision
The decision: Once more, it actually is determined by what you need and count on.
Mauritius is sugar and spice and every little thing good. There are fewer alternatives for exploring past the island, however Mauritius is the place that conjures up goals of looking for waterfalls, ingesting 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 individuals wanting an easy vacation of leisure and luxurious.
Zanzibar could also be much less developed and a bit tough across the edges, however it’s cherished for its tradition, fascinating experiences, and ornate structure. It’s extensively well-liked with individuals wanting a extra rugged and genuine expertise. Zanzibar additionally provides 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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