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Which is the very 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 all the way down to your preferences, so we’ve damaged it down to assist make the choice somewhat simpler.
Getting there
Mauritius: If you happen to’re in Johannesburg, there are every 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 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 in case you stay in Cape City or Durban. Direct flights are about 4 hours.
*Be aware: flight schedules can fluctuate all year long as a consequence of 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). Nevertheless, if you need to 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 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 resorts 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 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 classy island luxurious. It is possible for you to to search out seaside lodges, wellness retreats, 5-star resorts, humble chalets, unbiased resorts, 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 gives historical past and the form of allure you received’t discover anyplace else.
The winner: Mauritius if you need luxurious, Zanzibar if you need character.
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The seashores
Mauritius seashores are famously lovely and have a fantastic vacation vibe. You may count on yachts and paddleboarders floating by, households hanging out below palm bushes, and other people strolling alongside having fun with the heat of paradise. It is usually 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 bushes in case you’re prepared 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 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 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 resembling palm tree hearts and chilli salt fruit, but in addition acquainted dishes resembling 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 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 resembling Zanzibar pizza and urojo that are not like something you may have ever tried earlier than, and a fantastic expertise if you’re feeling somewhat adventurous together with your dinner plans.
The winner: Mauritius in case you’re on the lookout for 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 inquisitive about making an attempt them out for the primary time. You can find the same old windsurfing, scuba diving, paddle boating, kayaking, and snorkelling, but in addition uncommon additions resembling glass-bottom boat rides, undersea walks, aquagym, and water polo. On land, you possibly can fill your days with golf, biking journeys, yoga lessons, and procuring. And Mauritius additionally has a number of bars and golf equipment in case you take pleasure in drinks and dancing after dinner.
Zanzibar is certainly extra targeted on rustic rest than Mauritius, although you can see a couple 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. 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 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 in case you’re simply planning on lazing round and stress-free.
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The children
Mauritius is a good vacation vacation spot if you’re travelling with children. Many resorts 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 if you’re travelling alone, with associates, or simply together with your companion. There will not be as many family-friendly resorts, although in fact, you can see sure stays which are geared up to take care of children. There will not be as many actions which are fitted to children, although some kiddos may be joyful to tag alongside on historical past excursions or play on the seaside whereas the dad and mom do their water actions.
The winner: Mauritius.
Additionally learn: Suggestions for Flying With Youngsters
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The fee
Mauritius attracts numerous worldwide vacationers, so typically the costs mirror 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 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 typically 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 not at all a rundown island vacation spot – it additionally has a variety of unique seaside resorts and resorts that may provide an unique non-public island expertise and cost you accordingly.
The winner: Zanzibar, however you would possibly have the ability to discover much less luxurious stays for a similar worth in Mauritius.
Discover a vacation package deal you’re keen on.
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The decision
The decision: Once more, it actually will depend on 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 seaside. And it does for a purpose. It’s a heavenly place with an abundance of actions and world-class resorts that make it a preferred vacation spot amongst individuals wanting a simple 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 extensively widespread with individuals wanting a extra rugged and genuine expertise. Zanzibar additionally provides you the choice of exploring the opposite two predominant 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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The very best time to go to Zanzibar
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