Thinking of a beach holiday in Africa you must have heard of these two archipelagos in the Indian seas along East Africa. Zanzibar is a semi-autonomous state along Tanzania coastline and which encompasses a group of small islands most popular being the Unguja island which is the largest and the isle that carries the regions rich historic scenes. On the other hand, Seychelles is an independent state situated closer to the Kenyan coastline and which encompasses 110 islands most popular of them being mahe island which host the capital Victoria and one of the only four public islands in the country. The two islands bears a lot of similarity. Both have favourable weather all round the year. They exhibit beautiful tropical flora that rewards visitors to an enchanting nature trail. In addition, the two destinations are surrounded by stunning coral reefs where divers sight beautiful underwaters heritage. However the two destinations rate different in various aspects which are covered in this travel guide.
Serenity
Most Zanzibar beaches especially those along south eastern coast beaches of Bwejuu and paje receives a lot of visitors who crowd the coastline making them imperfect spots for honeymoon. However, you still have options in other smaller fishing villages like Jambiani and michamvi which has fewer hotels. At high tides these two destinations might be your perfect hideaway for water sports like snorkeling and scuba diving. The area also experiences the kusi and kaskaz breezes which create the best environment to relax at a sea side bed in a laid back white sand coastline. If you are travelling on a huge budget hopping to other Zanzibar islets like pemba and Mafia is the best escape from the burstling crowds in the main island.
Seychelles on the other hand, is a more expensive destinations compared to Zanzibar and lies far from the nearby bush destinations of kenya and Tanzania which leads to fewer international arrivals. The archipelago also has more fascinating islands with most of them remaining remote and unspoilt by human settlement. Avoid Mahe and Praslin to keep off the crowds.
Conclusion: Seychelles is more ideal destination for a private honeymoon of over 20 islands developed for tourism only two gets crowded. However, Zanzibar still have select locations with fewer travelers you can put up with.
Combined bush and beach honeymoon
Both destinations lies in the Indian seas of East Africa a popular Bush safari destination. Some of the most popular East Africa safaris include: wildebeest migration safari, gorilla trekking safari, bird watching safaris and mount climbing safaris. Zanzibar being a semi-autonomous Tanzania territory is better for a combined bush and beach honeymoon. Mainland Tanzania is way better than all the other bush destinations in offering quality honeymoon game drive. Unlike kenya which get crowded, Tanzania bush destinations especially those in the southern and central parts of the country are remote, expansive and out of reach from the numerous crowded giving you an exclusive African safari in the wilderness.
Conclusion: Both Zanzibar and Seyechelles are easily merged with an African bush safari with their main airports offering direct flights to popular bush destinations like Kenya, mainland Tanzania and South Africa. However, Zanzibar’s being part of Tanzania is better especially if you are looking at a Tanzania bush safari.
Natural trails
Seychelles having not been inhibited until the 18th century is a more quixotic paradise that treats you to romantic unique flora gardens that are yet to be spoilt by human civilization. Different isles in the archipelogo offer different unique vegetations and experience. Here hoping from one island to another will present to you a breathtaking mix of different granite formations and beautiful flora gardens . Felicite island is, however, the best choice for honeymoon holidays with the six senses resort, the only beach resort in the island occupying a third of the island and the rest being a beautiful tropical forest that is filled with insanely plenty rocky outcrops and white sand coastlines.
Zanzibar on the other hand, have jozani natural trails which will lead to an unspoilt coastal forest that host several primate varieties amongst them the endangered red colobus monkey. Chumbe island is however the most idyllic spot for honeymooners. The island 6 kms from the main Unguja island offers a 1 km nature walk into the islands dense coral rag forest where you discover different tropical plants species in their natural state.
Conclusion: Here Seychelles wins. However,both destinations have revealing and picturesque nature trails to build memories.
City tour
Looking at things to view in the city, Zanzibar has a lot to give. Here a town excursions include a visit to the stone town. The ancient metropolis presents beautiful arab and Asians architectural designs with different landmarks like The old fort which was used by the arab sultanate as a watchtower. The fort also referred to as ngome kongwe had chambers that were used for executing criminals. Forodhani garden situated abreast the old fortress is an open air food market where you and your partners can enjoy local cusines in one of the roasting booths. Another interesting place in Zanzibar is chaguu island located off the North coast and which was designated to be used as a prison for rebellious slave during the slave trade but ended up as a quarintine centre
Victoria may not have fascinating cultural sites seen in Zanzibar. However, the city has its little cultural touch featuring monumental land marks like a replica of the London clock in the old colonial building, Arulmigu Navasakti Vanayagar temple which is the only temple in Mahe and the most beautiful building you can sight in Victoria. The historic part of the town set around the harbor has charming and colourful sights where you can learn more about creoles culture while riding on a horse or ox carnage.
Conclusion: Zanzibar city is more rewarding when compared to Victoria City. However, it is not all lost in Victoria which features a number of alluring buildings that carries the countries history of human settlement and religion.
Cost
Seychelles is largely perceived a destination for the rich. You may not afford a package here when on tight budget. Zanzibar on the other hand, can fit different budget plan there are backpackers hostels in eastern coast beaches which allows travelers to stay on a fee as low as 50 USD per day. Notably, Zanzibar main islands of Unguja carries most of the attractions in the archipelago. Specializing in Unguja alone can yield all the fan you need in an African island ranging from natural trails, watersport, city tour and cultural tours. On the other hand, Seychelles three main islands of Mahe, Praslin and La Digue islands may not give you enough worthy spending several days in a single island and you might be required to hop to other islands for better experiences. This makes Seychelles a little more costly than Zanzibar.
Conclusion: Zanzibar is a more budget friendly destination.
Weather
Being a tropical country Seychelles experiences rainfall from time to time. However, the months of December, January and February are the most wet. The rest of the year is mostly dry with June, July and August being the driest months. Usually the tropical rain comes at night or in the afternoon where it is preceded by hot and mostly cloudy morning favorable for beach activities. Usually the downpour goes for a continuous 1 to 3 hrs.
Zanzibar also being a tropical country has its weather condition similar to Seychelles. However, here the rains go two seasons in the periods of March to May and November to December. The rest of the year is largely dry with the period between July and September being the driest. The dry period is the best for kitesurfing especially in the south eastern beaches where Kusin wind blows southeasterly.
Conclusion: Both Zanzibar and Seychelles are all year round destinations.
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Seychelles vs Zanzibar
