When it comes to dreamy island honeymoons, few destinations compare to the tropical beauty of Mauritius and Zanzibar. pristine beaches, luxurious accommodations, but they appeal to different honeymoon styles. We offer luxury and budget Mauritius holidays and Zanzibar holiday packages tailored to your preferences, ensuring an unforgettable tropical escape.
Both destinations promise an unforgettable honeymoon, but which one is the right choice for you? In this guide, we’ll compare Mauritius and Zanzibar based on the most important factors to help you decide which island best suits your dream getaway.
Best Time to Visit
Choosing the right time for your honeymoon can make all the difference, especially when visiting tropical islands like Mauritius and Zanzibar. While both destinations enjoy warm, beach-friendly weather throughout the year, they have distinct seasons that can influence your experience.
Best Time for a Honeymoon in Mauritius
Mauritius has a tropical climate with two main seasons:
- Summer (November to April): Warm and humid, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 33°C (77°F to 91°F). This period is ideal for snorkelling, diving, and beach activities, as the waters are at their clearest. However, January to March is cyclone season, which can bring heavy rains and storms.
- Winter (May to October): A drier, cooler period with temperatures around 18°C to 25°C (64°F to 77°F). This is the best time for a honeymoon, as the weather is more comfortable for sightseeing, hiking, and outdoor activities, with less humidity and rainfall.
- For honeymooners, the best months to visit Mauritius are May to early December, when the weather is warm, the skies are clear, and the risk of rain is minimal.
Best Time for a Honeymoon in Zanzibar
Zanzibar follows a tropical monsoon climate, with two rainy and two dry seasons:
- Dry Season (June to October & December to February): Considered the best time to visit, with temperatures between 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F) and little to no rain. These months are perfect for relaxing on the beach, going on a dhow cruise, and exploring Stone Town without humidity-induced discomfort.
- Rainy Season (March to May & November): Heavy rains occur from March to May, making some areas less accessible. November sees a shorter rainy period, but showers are usually brief and followed by sunshine.
- For honeymooners, June to October and December to February offer the most pleasant weather, with sunny skies, calm seas, and perfect conditions for diving, snorkelling, and romantic beach walks.
Which One is Better for Your Honeymoon Timing?
- If you’re planning a May to October honeymoon, Mauritius is ideal, with cooler, drier weather and great conditions for both beach and inland activities.
- If your honeymoon falls between June and February, Zanzibar offers stunning, warm weather and excellent diving and cultural experiences.
- If avoiding rain is a priority, steer clear of Mauritius from January to March and Zanzibar from March to May.
- Ultimately, both islands offer spectacular honeymoon weather for most of the year, but choosing the right season based on your travel dates will ensure a perfect romantic escape.
Where’s More Picturesque?
Both Mauritius and Zanzibar boast breathtaking coastlines that make them perfect honeymoon destinations. However, each island offers a distinct landscape and atmosphere, catering to different types of travellers.
Mauritius, Where Luxury Meets Diverse Landscapes
Mauritius is known for its idyllic beaches, lined with luxury resorts and calm lagoons. The coastline features long stretches of soft, white sand, protected by offshore coral reefs that create gentle, swimmable waters with minimal waves.
Popular beaches like Belle Mare, Le Morne, and Trou aux Biches are postcard-perfect, offering honeymooners a serene escape with easy access to water sports, snorkelling, and sunset cruises.
Beyond its beaches, Mauritius offers a dramatic volcanic landscape, with waterfalls and dense forests. The island’s interior is home to stunning sites like Black River Gorges National Park, Chamarel’s Seven Coloured Earths, and the rugged cliffs of Le Morne Brabant—perfect for couples who want to mix beach relaxation with adventure and sightseeing.
Zanzibar Has Rustic Beauty and Exotic Charm
Zanzibar, on the other hand, offers a more unspoiled and rustic island feel, with untouched beaches and traditional fishing villages that give it an authentic charm.
The island is surrounded by the warm, azure waters of the Indian Ocean, with famous beaches like Nungwi, Kendwa, and Paje offering pristine shorelines with powdery white sand and some of the bluest waters in the world.
What sets Zanzibar apart is its sense of seclusion and natural beauty. Unlike Mauritius, which has a well-developed tourism infrastructure, Zanzibar’s beaches feel more wild and untouched, with traditional wooden dhows sailing along the horizon.
Couples can find hidden, deserted stretches of beach, particularly on the southeast coast, where the crowds are minimal. The island is also famous for its dramatic tides, which create shifting sandbanks and expose vibrant coral reefs for snorkelling at low tide.
Which Destination is Better for Privacy and Secluded Beach Moments?
- Mauritius is ideal for couples who want luxury and exclusivity, with private resort beaches that offer all-inclusive pampering, and easy access to both beach and inland adventures.
- Zanzibar is perfect for honeymooners seeking seclusion in an untouched paradise, with remote beaches and fewer tourists in certain areas.
Which One is More Picturesque?
Both islands offer breathtaking scenery, but your choice depends on your honeymoon style:
- If you dream of luxury beachfront resorts, dramatic landscapes, and calm waters, Mauritius is the winner.
- If you prefer raw natural beauty, and a laid-back, cultural atmosphere, Zanzibar might be your perfect match.
Activities and Experiences for Couples
A honeymoon is an opportunity to create unforgettable memories together. Both Mauritius and Zanzibar offer a mix of water adventures and romantic experiences, making them ideal for couples seeking both relaxation and adventure. However, each destination has its own unique offerings for different types of travellers.
Water Activities
Both islands are surrounded by pristine coral reefs and offer exceptional snorkelling and diving opportunities, but the experiences vary slightly:
- Mauritius boasts protected lagoons and coral reefs teeming with marine life, making it an ideal destination for snorkelling and beginner-friendly diving. Popular spots include Blue Bay Marine Park, where colourful fish and coral gardens thrive, and Flic en Flac, known for its underwater caves and shipwrecks. For a romantic experience, couples can swim with dolphins in Tamarin Bay or embark on a catamaran cruise to Île aux Cerfs, a small paradise island with secluded beaches.
- Zanzibar offers some of Africa’s best diving spots, particularly around Mnemba Atoll, where crystal-clear waters and vibrant reefs attract turtles and even whale sharks. The island’s shifting tides create unique snorkelling conditions, especially in Paje and Nungwi, where sandbanks appear and disappear with the tide. Instead of catamarans, Zanzibar offers romantic dhow safaris that take couples on sunset cruises along the coastline, with breathtaking views of the setting sun.
Unique Honeymoon Experiences
- Mauritius is famous for its luxurious catamaran cruises, where couples can sail along the coast in style, sipping champagne and enjoying fresh seafood. Some cruises include stops at Île aux Bénitiers, where couples can swim with dolphins, or Île aux Cerfs, known for its private beaches and water activities. These cruises are refined, comfortable, and perfect for honeymooners who love luxury.
- Zanzibar offers something more authentic and rustic with traditional dhow safaris. These wooden boats, handcrafted by local artisans, provide a more laid-back, cultural experience as they glide through the turquoise waters. A sunset dhow cruise in Stone Town or Nungwi is a must-do, where couples can watch the sun dip below the horizon while enjoying Swahili music and fresh seafood.
Cultural and Historical Attractions
Beyond the beaches, both islands have rich cultural histories, offering honeymooners a chance to explore something beyond the sand and sea:
- Mauritius is known for its multicultural heritage, blending Indian, French, Creole, and African influences. Couples can visit the Pamplemousses Botanical Garden, one of the oldest in the Southern Hemisphere, where giant water lilies and exotic plants create a fairytale setting. Other notable sites include Le Morne Brabant, a UNESCO-listed mountain with historical significance, and Grand Bassin, a sacred Hindu pilgrimage site surrounded by lush landscapes.
- Zanzibar, on the other hand, is a historical and cultural treasure trove. The island’s Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a maze of narrow streets, ancient buildings, spice markets, and grand Arab-influenced architecture. Couples can explore the Sultan’s Palace, visit the Old Fort, or wander through the lively Darajani Market. For a sensory experience, spice tours take couples through fragrant plantations, offering a glimpse into Zanzibar’s history as the “Spice Island.”
Which Destination Offers the Best Activities for Couples?
- For luxury and laid-back activities choose Mauritius (catamaran cruises, lagoon snorkelling, botanical gardens).
- For adventurous and cultural experiences choose Zanzibar (dhow safaris, diving, Stone Town, spice tours).
- Both destinations offer a mix of romance, adventure, and culture, but Mauritius leans more towards refined luxury, while Zanzibar embraces raw beauty and history.
Which Offers a More Romantic Culinary Experience?
A honeymoon is not complete without delicious food and intimate dining experiences, and both Mauritius and Zanzibar offer a unique and flavourful culinary journey.
While Mauritius boasts a refined fusion of Creole, Indian, and French influences, Zanzibar is known for its spice-laden Swahili cuisine and fresh seafood.
Mauritius’ Creole and French Elegance vs. Zanzibar’s Swahili Spice
Mauritius is a melting pot of flavours, combining French, Indian, Creole, and Chinese influences. Signature dishes include dholl puri (stuffed flatbread with curry), gateau piment (spiced lentil cakes), and rougaille (a rich Creole tomato sauce served with seafood or meat).
For a sweet treat, honeymooners can indulge in Napolitaine cookies or fresh tropical fruits. The blend of fine dining with gourmet European flair makes Mauritius an ideal choice for couples who enjoy elegant cuisine.
Zanzibar’s cuisine is deeply Swahili-influenced, with aromatic spices and coastal flavours. Expect dishes like spiced pilau rice, coconut-based curries, and freshly grilled seafood straight from the Indian Ocean.
Zanzibar is famous for its octopus curry, biryani, and urojo (a tangy street food soup). The island’s history as a spice trading hub means that everything is bursting with flavor, making it perfect for couples who love bold, exotic tastes.
Beachfront Dining and Seafood Delights
Mauritius offers some of the most luxurious beachfront dining experiences, with candlelit dinners by the water, private dining gazebos, and seafood platters paired with fine wines.
Zanzibar, in contrast, has a more rustic and atmospheric dining scene. Couples can enjoy a romantic seafood feast under the stars at The Rock Restaurant, an iconic dining spot perched on a rock in the Indian Ocean. Other must-visit places include Emerson on Hurumzi in Stone Town, where couples can dine on a rooftop with views of the city’s ancient skyline while enjoying Swahili fine dining.
For luxury dining and personalized experiences, Mauritius takes the lead, while Zanzibar offers more atmospheric and unique settings with a cultural touch.
Which Destination Offers the Best Culinary Experience for Honeymooners?
- For fine dining, gourmet seafood, and elegant beachfront experiences choose Mauritius.
- For bold flavours, rustic settings, and a lively street food scene choose Zanzibar.
- Either destination offers incredible food, but Mauritius leans toward refined, European-style dining, while Zanzibar embraces a more cultural and spice-rich experience.
Which is the Best Honeymoon Destination?
Choosing between Mauritius and Zanzibar for a honeymoon depends on the type of experience you and your partner desire.
- For luxury and all-inclusive indulgence: Mauritius is the clear winner. With its world-class resorts, private beachfront villas, gourmet dining, and high-end service, the island is designed for pampered honeymooners who want a seamless, stress-free getaway.
Couples can enjoy exclusive spa treatments, fine dining, and tailored romantic experiences, making Mauritius ideal for those seeking sophisticated relaxation with a touch of adventure.
- For adventure and nature lovers: Zanzibar offers a more authentic and adventurous honeymoon experience. From snorkelling in Mnemba Atoll and exploring Stone Town to taking spice tours and sailing on a traditional dhow, the island provides a rich cultural and natural immersion. If you prefer unspoiled landscapes and historical charm, Zanzibar is a fantastic choice.
- For cultural and historical exploration: Zanzibar stands out with its Swahili-Arab heritage, spice markets, and ancient Stone Town. The island is ideal for couples who want to step back in time and explore historic sites while still enjoying breathtaking beaches.
- For picture-perfect beaches and serene landscapes: Mauritius offers more polished, postcard-worthy beaches with calm lagoons and lush volcanic backdrops. The island’s natural beauty extends beyond the coast, with botanical gardens and scenic hiking trails that provide a diverse range of experiences.
Which One Should You Choose?
- If you envision your honeymoon as a luxurious escape with five-star service, private beach dinners, and a relaxed, upscale atmosphere, Mauritius is the perfect choice.
- If you’re drawn to raw, natural beauty and a honeymoon filled with exploration and adventure, Zanzibar will be an unforgettable experience.
