Comparison
Zanzibar or Mauritius?
Zanzibar is the natural beach finish to a Tanzania safari, with Stone Town and spice farms. Mauritius is a polished resort island with year-round infrastructure.
Zanzibar
- Ending a Tanzania safari
- History and culture in Stone Town
- Smaller, characterful hotels
Mauritius
- Resort holidays and honeymoons
- Golf, hiking and lagoon sports
- No visa and no yellow fever paperwork for most Europeans
Side by side
| Zanzibar | Mauritius | |
|---|---|---|
| Beaches | Wide tidal beaches on the east coast; swimmable at all tides in the north | Reef-protected lagoons around the island |
| Wet season | Long rains in April and May | Cyclone risk from January to March |
| Combine with | Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Kilimanjaro | Réunion, or a South Africa safari |
| Best months | Jan, Feb, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Dec | May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov |
| Visa, Lithuanian | eVisa (US$50) | Visa-free |
| Visa, British | eVisa (US$50) | Visa-free |
| Visa, American | eVisa (US$100) | Visa-free |
| Headline fee | Serengeti National Park: US$82.60 per person per 24 h | — |
| Yellow fever | Only if arriving from a risk country | Only if arriving from a risk country |
| Main airports | DAR · JRO · ZNZ | MRU |
Our take
Zanzibar. Choose Zanzibar if you are already going on safari in Tanzania or want culture with your beach.
Mauritius. Choose Mauritius for a pure resort holiday with no visa and smooth logistics.
Health
Tanzania: Malaria is present across most of the country. Ask a travel clinic about antimalarial tablets.
Mauritius: There is little or no malaria risk.
Entry rules for your passport
Frequently asked questions
Zanzibar or Mauritius?
Choose Zanzibar if you are already going on safari in Tanzania or want culture with your beach. Choose Mauritius for a pure resort holiday with no visa and smooth logistics.
When is the best time to visit Zanzibar and Mauritius?
Zanzibar: Jan, Feb, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Dec. Mauritius: May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov.
Planning a safari in Zanzibar or Mauritius?
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