Beach holiday in Mombasa or Zanzibar?

The East African countries offer some wonderful oases where you can really unwind on a beach holiday.

Mombasa and Zanzibar both promise fantastic beach experiences.

So which of the two should you choose?

Find out why you should visit Mombasa or Zanzibar below.

Mombasa and Zanzibar – 2 amazing beach holiday destinations

It IS difficult to choose between Mombasa and Zanzibar. Both are great beach holiday destinations!

And there are actually a lot of similarities between the two. For example, both offer an interesting, historical backdrop, UNESCO sights and, of course, the dreamy, white sandy beaches, azure waters and luxurious resorts.

So how do they differ?

What you get on a beach holiday in Mombasa

Situated in southern Kenya, with a fabulous location overlooking the Indian Ocean, is the fascinating port of Mombasa – Kenya’s second largest city.

If you choose to visit Mombasa, you get a beach paradise with all that that entails.

In and around the city, you will find endless white bounty beaches overlooking the most beautiful, clear waters – the perfect setting for a beach holiday. One of the most beautiful beaches is found around an hour’s drive south of Mombasa, namely the world famous Diani Beach.

In Mombasa, you can, if you wish, choose to remain in your holiday bubble at your fabulous resort. But because you’re on the mainland, you also have the opportunity to explore the outside world. So you’re not cut off in the same way you are when staying on an island like Zanzibar.

Why you should choose Mombasa over Zanzibar

• You want to combine your beach holiday with a city vibe
• You have the opportunity to go on day safaris in Tsavo National Park, for example
• You can explore the city’s restaurants, markets, shops and amusement parks
• There are not the restrictions that you get on an island
• It is the cheapest option if you’re on safari in Kenya

What you get on a beach holiday in Zanzibar

50 km off the coast of Tanzania, in the middle of the Indian Ocean, is the popular Zanzibar archipelago.

Zanzibar boasts the ultimate in beach experiences, which is the main reason people go there.

You will find soft, white sand on endless beaches, surrounded by palm trees and azure waters. Where Mombasa has Diani Beach, Zanzibar has Nungwi Beach, which is not only Zanzibar’s best beach but also one of the most beautiful beaches in Africa.

If you choose to visit Zanzibar, you will have the opportunity to relax to the max and enjoy the island life and the exotic atmosphere that you don’t get on the mainland. Because there are not the same opportunities here. This atmosphere is indescribable, but those who have experienced it know what we’re talking about.

Why you should choose Zanzibar over Mombasa

• You dream of experiencing the tropical island atmosphere, away from the mainland
• You want to explore the historic district in Stone Town
• You like the idea of there being fewer people here
• You want to see the rare red colobus monkey in the Jozani Forest Reserve
• It’s the cheapest option if you’ve been on safari in Tanzania

It makes perfect sense to combine safaris and beach holidays, and many of our tours to Tanzania and Kenya can, for that reason, be combined with a few days on fantastic beaches to round things off. And you can’t go wrong with either Mombasa or Zanzibar.

Now, you just have to choose whether you want to spend your beach holiday on the mainland or on a tropical island with all that both entail.

Any questions? Then please contact our travel specialists who will be happy to assist you further.

TourCompass – From tourist to traveller