Mauritius Vacation

Set on Mauritius’ wilder, less developed southern coastline, Bel Ombre is the perfect destination for nature-loving travellers who prefer unspoiled beauty to shops, restaurants, and bars.

The beaches here are some of the most picturesque on the island, and the backdrop of Le Morne Brabant lends a touch of drama to an idyllic peninsula.

Attractions and activities around Bel Ombre are wonderfully varied, so there is something for everyone. The activities range from surfing, horse riding, hiking, tea tours, and an animal park, with loads to keep kids of all ages entertained.

Highlights

To the west of Bel Ombre, the Le Morne Peninsula is where you’ll find the most photogenic and least developed stretch of coast on the entire island, with luxury resorts spread out over idyllic stretches of white sand under Le Morne Brabant, a looming green mountain.

You’ll find your mecca if you’re into water sports: this is one of the best areas in Mauritius for windsurfing and kitesurfing. Apart from the resorts, there are a few operators in the area where you can rent equipment and take some lessons.

Beginners should make a beeline to the Kite Lagoon, on the western side of the peninsula, which is a great place to start with calm, flat water. Le Morne is also home to One Eye, the top surf spot on the island – it’s only for experienced surfers, though (beginners should stick to Kite Lagoon).

For incredible views over the southern coastline, hike up to the top of the 556m (1824ft) high Le Morne Brabant, which takes a few hours.

Along the way, you’ll pass through the indigenous forest and see the Mauritian national flower (boucle d’oreille) – the only place on the island where you can find the blooms.

Le Morne Brabant is not just about panoramas, though. The mountain is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an important cultural place for Mauritians.

According to a legend, in the early 19th century, escaped slaves hid out in the mountain’s caves only to leap to their deaths when they saw a police expedition (which had come to tell them that slavery had been abolished) approach the mountain.

One of the best ways of exploring Mauritius’ wild southern coastline is by going on a horseriding safari, which will take you over postcard-perfect beaches and through patches of beautiful forest.

A short drive from Bel Ombre, you’ll find the start of La Route du Thé, a road trip route connecting three of Mauritius’ last colonial estates: Domaine des Aubineaux (near the town of Curepipe), the Bois Chéri tea estate, and St Aubin.

A factory tour of Bois Chéri takes you into the world of Mauritian tea. The highlights include getting to sample the fragrant brews and eating lunch in the superb restaurant, which offers scenic views over the emerald-green plantation and dishes incorporating tea, from chicken with green tea to tea sorbet.

St Aubin is also about food, drink, and history. The two-centuries-old sugar estate is home to a vanilla plantation and an artisanal rum distillery where you can see how sugar is turned into the spirit.

After the tour, the rum tasting is a must, as is lunch in the atmospheric restaurant inside the old mansion. Try the speciality of chicken cooked with vanilla from the estate.

La Vanille Nature Park, half an hour from Bel Ombre, is a wonderful attraction for families, with lots to keep children entertained.

The giant tortoises (part of a conservation breeding program) are the star attraction, and for an extra fee, kids can feed them themselves.

There’s plenty more to see and do, including their collection of more than 20,000 insects, feeding times at the Nile crocodile farm, meeting Oscar the iguana, the museum dedicated to extinct Mauritian wildlife, pony rides, and doing a feeding at the nursery for baby tortoises.

Practical Advice

It’s best to hire a car if you’re staying in Bel Ombre and want to explore the southern coastline, as bus routes do not connect many places. If you don’t want to rent a car, you can also charter taxis by the day.

You need to be pretty fit to hike right to the top of Le Morne Brabant. If you don’t think you’re up to the 500m (1640ft) climb, there’s a halfway viewing point with beautiful views.

You don’t have to hike with a guide, but the last part of the hike is challenging and potentially dangerous, especially for inexperienced hikers. Going with a guide will be the safest option, and you’ll get to learn about the plants and birds you see along the way.

Bel Ombre is perfect for couples looking for a romantic beach holiday. There’s plenty to do at the resorts to fill relaxing days, but if you want to get out and explore the coastline, Bel Ombre is wild and beautiful, perfect for nature lovers who like to escape the crowds.

Adventure travellers who love water sports will enjoy Bel Ombre because of the kitesurfing, windsurfing, and surfing opportunities.

Curepipe, Mauritius’ second biggest town, lies inland just south of the island’s centre and is a great day trip destination if you want a break from the beach.

Beautiful colonial architecture lends the town a lot of charm, while its attractions are varied, from peaceful botanical gardens to a colonial mansion-turned-museum.

The town is also known for its shops. If you’re looking for something special to take home, this is the place to come for pashminas, jewellery, jade, antique porcelain, silk, carpets, and model ships.

Just outside of town, there’s lots of nature to explore, including a volcanic crater with the best views of the island, an indigenous forest reserve with scenic walking trails, and a challenging waterfall hike.

Highlights

One kilometre outside of town, the Trou aux Cerfs is a 100m (328ft) deep dormant volcanic crater (one of the oldest on the island) that makes for a great walking spot.

Paths lead down into the forested crater and up to the summit, which is easily reachable and offers fantastic views. You can see the entire island from some points, and on clear days, you can see as far as the neighbouring island of Reunion.

History buffs shouldn’t miss a visit to the beautiful Domaine des Aubineaux, a colonial mansion built in 1872, where you can find out about colonial Mauritian family life in the 19th century and the history of tea on the island.

Stroll in the lush garden, filled with camphor trees and indigenous exotic plants, and don’t forget to have tea and scones in the house’s old billiards room.

If you’re looking for a quiet time in nature with hardly any other people around, make a trip to Monvert Nature Park, which conserves 73 hectares of rehabilitated indigenous forest.

Visit the nursery to see endangered indigenous plant species before heading out on one of the walking trails that lead through the beautiful forest up to a viewing platform.

The 19th-century Curepipe Botanic Gardens are a serene attraction with far fewer tourists than the Pamplemousses Botanical Gardens.

Explore two hectares of exotic and indigenous plants, including the national plant of the island, the Mauritius Trochetia, and the world’s rarest palm tree, the last remaining specimen of its species. There’s also a playground for kids.

Tamarind or Tamarin Falls is one of the island’s most spectacular waterfalls and is only a short drive out of Curepipe. Also known as the Seven Cascades, the seven waterfalls tumble down a lush forested canyon full of birds.

It’s a beautiful hiking destination. Take half a day to hike up four of the waterfalls, stopping to swim in the river on the way, or a full day trip to hike to the top of the seventh waterfall, a challenging but rewarding walk.

You can also go canyoning, jumping, and abseiling down the cascading falls.

Practical Advice

Due to its altitude of 550m (1804ft) above sea level, Curepipe has cooler weather in the hot summer months than the rest of the island destinations, so it’s an excellent place to visit if you want a break from the heat. It gets a lot of rain so pack a waterproof jacket.

Curepipe is well connected by bus to other towns on the island, so you can easily visit the town if you don’t have your own rental car. However, if you’d like to see some of the attractions near the town you’ll need to get taxis.

If you’d like to hike to Tamarind Falls, you should only do it with a guide, as the trails are not easy to follow on your own.

You can either book a guided tour through your hotel or an operator or hire a local guide in the village of Henrietta, close to the waterfalls.

The hike can get pretty challenging in parts, so it’s best to do it if you’re fairly fit. If you’re going on a guided trip, the minimum age is usually 12. For canyoning, the minimum age is 10.

Families on holiday looking for a quieter side to the island and a break from beach activities will enjoy a day trip to Curepipe.

The botanical gardens are small but peaceful and walks along the volcanic crater are easy, while the Montvert Nature Park offers a serene escape into nature.

If you have kids older than 12, a hike up the Tamarind Falls and swimming in the waterfalls is a real highlight of the area.

Solo travellers in Mauritius will enjoy browsing Curepipe’s shops and the historical Domaine des Aubineaux, while adventure travellers should definitely have hiking and canyoning Tamarind Falls on their must-do list.

After Grand Baie, Flic en Flac is the most popular tourist area for a holiday in Mauritius. The once small fishing area on the west of the island has developed into a hub of resorts, hotels, rental apartments, restaurants, bars, clubs, and souvenir shops.

The beach itself is one of the best on the island – a long 8km (5mi) stretch of white sand where you can laze away days, have picnics under the shade of the casuarina trees, try out some street food, or take advantage of the array of water sports on offer, such as snorkelling, scuba diving, and deep-sea fishing.

A short drive to the south, beautiful Tamarin Beach is one of the few places in Mauritius not protected by coral reefs, which makes it a renowned surfing spot.

Highlights

The west coast of Mauritius offers some of the best scuba diving on the island, with some fantastic wreck, reef, and drift sites just offshore from Flic en Flac and nearby Tamarin.

Suitable for beginner divers, La Cathédrale is one of the most popular sites in Mauritius for its stone arches, caverns, and caves, where you can see a host of tropical fish species, while there’s also a cluster of other dive sites close by.

Water sports are the main activity on offer at Flic en Flac, and with such a huge choice, there’s something for everyone during their holiday in Mauritius. Kids will love banana boating and paddle boating, while teenagers can try parasailing, water skiing, and jet skiing.

Then there’s deep-sea fishing for tuna and marlin, canoeing, kayaking, and sailing. Further down the coast, Tamarin has one of the best surf spots on the island (the best conditions are May to September), where you can take lessons at the local surf school.

A 10-minute drive from the centre of Flic en Flac, Casela World of Adventures is one of the most popular attractions on the island. The 250-hectare nature park offers more activities than you could fit into a full day.

There are safari drives, Segway tours, camel rides, mud-karting, and much more. There’s also a lot for kids to do, like be a zookeeper for a day, ride a pony, fish for tilapia, feed giant tortoises and lorikeet birds, or visit the petting farm.

A 10-minute drive from the centre of Flic en Flac, Casela World of Adventures is one of the most popular attractions on the island. The 250-hectare nature park offers more activities than you could fit into a full day.

There are safari drives, Segway tours, camel rides, mud-karting, and much more. There’s also a lot for kids to do, like be a zookeeper for a day, ride a pony, fish for tilapia, feed giant tortoises and lorikeet birds, or visit the petting farm.

Practical Advice

If you’re not staying at a resort offering diving, then be sure to pick a dive operator with a good reputation (ask your hotel for advice or go with reviews). Some resorts also offer scuba diving lessons to non-guests.

If you don’t have a rental car, Flic en Flac is well connected by public buses to the capital of Port Louis (about half an hour’s drive away) and Curepipe and Quatre Bornes. The airport is an hour’s drive away.

Flic en Flac is ideal for family holidays. The beaches of western Mauritius are best for kids, as they are calm and sheltered. There are also plenty of child-friendly resorts, other lodging options in Flic en Flac, and a wealth of activities for children of all ages.

Flic en Flac has a great choice of luxury hotels and resorts that are perfect for couples and honeymooners. These private villas usually come with their own swimming pools, butler service, couples’ spa treatments, and special pampering extras such as private dinners for two.

While it’s not off the beaten track, Flic en Flac is a good choice for adventure travellers who want to spend their days diving, surfing, snorkelling, and doing other exciting water sports.

On the island’s northern end, the busy and buzzing Grand Baie is the centre of tourism in Mauritius. This is where all the action happens. The seaside town is packed with bars, nightclubs, restaurants, shops, and expansive resorts.

Ocean activities are the focus here, with an array of water sports and experiences to suit everyone during their holiday in Mauritius.
Grand Baie is also a great jumping-off point for exploring the islands north of the coast on day trips by catamaran or boat.

If you’d like to be close to Grand Baie without staying in the thick of things, nearby Pointe aux Cannoniers is a quieter alternative.

Highlights

While Grand Baie’s main beach sees a lot of boat traffic and isn’t ideal for swimming, there are plenty of beautiful beaches a few kilometres away, north and south of town.

La Cuvette, for example, is an excellent beach with lots of shade and great street food options. The next beach is Péreybère, a good snorkelling spot in the north.

Mont Choisy, which is popular with locals on weekends, can be found on the south side of Grand Baie. Lastly, Trou aux Biches, a two-kilometre stretch of perfect sand, is rated one of the best beaches on the island.

There’s a massive variety of water sports and ocean adventures on offer in and around Grand Baie, with more than enough options to fill your entire beach holiday in Mauritius.

Take your pick from water skiing, yachting, deep-sea fishing trips, windsurfing, catamaran cruises, and sailing trips. The town is also an excellent place to organize underwater activities as there are some fantastic scuba dive sites just off the coast of Grand Baie.

For something totally different, there’s the Solar Undersea Walk – the next best thing to scuba diving – where you walk underwater for nearly half an hour in a diver’s helmet.

It’s an excellent option for kids who can’t yet dive, as the minimum age limit is seven – just be sure to book a day ahead during the busy months.

For children above the age of 16, there’s the underwater scooter, a motorized form of diving that doesn’t require any diving experience.

One way to see the underwater life of the ocean without getting wet is on a semi-submarine. You’ll be submerged under the ocean to see the marine life of the reefs.

Exploring Mauritius’ offshore islands and islets is a great activity on the north coast, and it’s a fantastic activity for both families and solo travellers.

Boat and catamaran trips take you on half or full-day excursions to visit Île Plate, which has a lovely beach to explore, Coin de Mire, a nature reserve with rare species, and Île Gabriel, where you can go snorkelling.

A bit further afield are Île Ronde and Île aux Serpents, which you can’t land on but can sail and snorkel around. Grand Baie has the best food scene on the island, and it’s an ideal place to go on a food safari to explore the island’s flavours and cuisines.

Restaurants offer everything from Mauritian Creole and seafood to Chinese, Indian and Italian food. At the same time, street vendors sell delicious (and cheap) snacks such as gateaux piments (fried chilli bites), fresh coconuts, spicy curries, and sliced tropical fruit.

Practical Advice

If you’re staying in a self-catering apartment or house, head to Grand Baie’s beach every day at 4 PM to buy the catch of the day from local fishermen and cook up a fish feast at home.

Grand Baie is a great year-round destination, as the wind here is generally offshore, and the beaches in the area are sheltered from the wind – especially during the winter months of June to August.

If you’re not renting a car on your Mauritius holiday, then Grand Baie is an excellent place to base yourself, as there’s plenty on offer in the town in terms of restaurants and activities, and it’s well connected by buses to the rest of the island.

Grand Baie will appeal to almost all types of travellers. It’s great for families, with loads of child-friendly activities and family hotels. It also suits solo travellers looking to meet people and be part of a buzz.

Solo travellers will enjoy the lively dining and drinking scene, and adventure seekers have loads of exciting water sports and other outdoor adventures right on their doorstep.

If you prefer a quieter atmosphere and a less developed beachfront, Grand Baie is not going to be your ideal pick of destination in Mauritius. Instead, choose a resort or hotel on the east coast or southern coastline.

Lying inland in the mountains of the southwest of the island is Grand Bassin or Ganga Talao, a crater lake sacred to Hindus who believe it was formed when Shiva spilt drops of water from the Ganges River in India.

The largest natural lake in Mauritius, Grand Bassin, is surrounded by candy-coloured statues of gods and Hindu temples.

During Maha Shivaratri, which takes place at the end of February or beginning of March each year, half a million Hindus make a pilgrimage to the lake, the holiest site on the island.

If you travel to Mauritius during this time, don’t miss this spectacular festival, which is one of the biggest Hindu celebrations outside of India.

Grand Bassin is close to many natural attractions and exciting places to visit, including the wildest place on the island, Black River Gorges National Park.

Highlights

Grand Bassin is definitely worth exploring for a few hours. Take a stroll around the pretty lake and up to the top of the peak for spectacular views, and take time to see the statues and temple.

It’s a good idea to go with a guide who can give you a background on all the gods depicted on the statues.

Black River Gorges National Park, the largest reserve on the island, is a world of rolling hills and dense emerald-green rainforests that extends over 6000 hectares and conserves more than 300 species of native and endemic flowering plants and bird species unique to Mauritius.

Hiking is the best way to explore this last corner of the island rainforest, and there are 50km (31 mi) of trails you can walk on your own or with a guide.

Animals to look out for include the Mauritian Flying Fox and the island’s endangered birds: Mauritius Kestrel, Pink Pigeon, Mauritius Parakeet, Mauritius Olive White-eye, Mauritius Bulbul, Mauritius Cuckoo-Shrike, Mauritius Fody, and the Mauritius Grey White-eye.

A short drive from Grand Bassin, the mountain village of Chamarel is a delightful place to visit and makes for a great alternative to coastal tourist towns.

A big highlight of Chamarel is its dining scene, especially its tables d’hôtes – small, family-run restaurants serving authentic Mauritian cuisine.

On top of a towering hill overlooking the ocean far below, Le Chamarel Restaurant has one of the best panoramas on the whole island: a great view to go with delicious Mauritian eats such as gateau piments (the Mauritian version of falafel), fish curry and octopus vindaille (a flavorful curry).

A short distance from the waterfall, the Chamarel Seven Coloured Earths (Terres de 7 Couleurs) are worth a stop for the famous multi-coloured sands – a natural phenomenon of dunes in beautiful shades of blues, purples, and reds.

With a playground and some giant tortoises to see, it’s a great family attraction. Right next to the Seven Coloured Earths is the newly opened Ebony Forest. This fifty-hectare conservation area protects a pocket of indigenous forest and one of the last stands of original ebony trees.

Explore the beautiful forest on safari jeep tours or guided walks, or take your own walk along marked trails and on raised walkways that take you into the canopy.

Look out for fruit bats, the Mauritius Bulbul, and the Mauritius Paradise Flycatcher along the way. For the best views, hike up to the top of Pitot Canot.

Mauritian artisanal rum making is a recent trend, and now there are several artisanal distilleries on the island producing some excellent rums.

If you only have time to visit one distillery on your trip, it should be Rhumerie de Chamarel, which has won multiple awards for its rums.

Take an interesting tour of the distillery and then do a tasting of the oak-matured and fruit-infused rums before having lunch at the excellent restaurant, L’Alchimiste, where dishes (such as indulgently rich chocolate pudding) come laced with rum.

Practical Advice

Be conscious that Grand Bassin is a holy site for Hindus. Always be respectful in the temples by wearing modest clothing and removing your shoes before entering.

There are two entrances to Black River Gorges National Park, and at each, there’s a visitor centre where you can ask about trails and pick up maps. If you want to head off the main hiking trails in Black River Gorges National Park, hiring a guide is a good idea.

The main trails take between three and four hours. If you’re a botany buff, plan your trip between September and January, when it’s the flowering season in Black River Gorges National Park.

Because of its proximity to natural attractions such as Black River Gorges National Park, Grand Bassin is great for adventure travellers who would like to experience Mauritius’ wilder side by hiking, abseiling, and canyoning in the region’s waterfalls, forests, and rivers.

Family-friendly holiday activities are also plentiful in the area around Grand Bassin. If you’re travelling with kids, you’ll find lots to do, from seeing the tortoises at the Seven Coloured Earths and the interactive displays at the Curious Corner of Chamarel to guided walks in Black River Gorges National Park and the canopy walkways in the Ebony Forest.

At the northern end of Mauritius, just to the east of Grand Baie, Grand Gaube is a lovely little fishing village with a good beach, rocky bays, and a few upscale resorts – the perfect place to stay if you’re looking for beach time without the crowds.

Resorts offer an extensive selection of water sport activities such as scuba diving, kite surfing, boat and catamaran cruises, and deep-sea fishing, while the offshore islands of Coin Mire, Île Ambre, Île Plate, and Île Ronde – home to a wildlife sanctuary – can be explored by kayak and boat.

The nearby village of Cap Malheureux is also worth a visit for its stunning views of the islands, lovely swimming beach, and photogenic church.

Highlights

Grand Gaube is a good base for exploring the beautiful islands of Mauritius’ north coast. The closest, Île Ambre, can be reached by kayak on a guided trip where you’ll paddle amongst mangroves in the island’s calm lagoon and have a picnic lunch on the beach.

The rugged Coin de Mire – or Gunner’s Quoin – which lies eight kilometres (five miles) north of Cap Malheureux, is a sanctuary for birds and Indigenous trees.

While you can’t walk on the island, you can cruise to the island on a catamaran, snorkel off the rocks, and dive in crystal-clear water.

Île Plate has a picturesque white sand beach, an old lighthouse, and many Indigenous plants, and you can visit on a catamaran trip or boat cruise that includes snorkelling and a picnic lunch.

You can’t set foot on Île Ronde, but you can cruise around the protected island to spot rare birds.

There are some fantastic scuba diving sites near Grand Gaube: three at Cap Malheureux and six around Coin de Mire island ranked as one of the best dive spots in Mauritius.

Further offshore, you can also explore the underwater world on the reefs around Île Plate, Île Ronde, and Île aux Serpents. The lagoons around the islands are also perfect for snorkelling.

Just to the west of Grand Gaube, Cap Malheureux is an enchanting spot. A lovely bay offers dramatic views of the jutting peak of Coin de Mire, a pretty village, and the photogenic church of La Notre Dame Auxiliatrice, one of the oldest churches on the island.

To get a taste of local life, browse the bustling Goodlands market, where Mauritians shop for fresh produce, saris, and other clothes, and tuck into delicious street food such as spicy samosas and coconut fritters.

A short drive inland brings you to Château de Labourdonnais, where history meets gourmet cuisine on a manicured estate.

Explore the elegant 18th-century plantation mansion for a glimpse into colonial life on the island, and then have a meal at the La Table du Château, one of the best restaurants on the island for Franco-Mauritian food.

Tuck into dishes such as pan-fried dorado on steamed local vegetables, prawns with palm heart salad, spicy mango dip, and crème brûlée made with Tahitian vanilla grown on the estate.

Don’t miss a tasting of the Château’s delicious flavoured rums, which are infused with fruits from their orchards.

Practical Advice

Even if you’re staying in an all-inclusive resort in Grand Gaube, it’s worth leaving the resort’s confines to eat out in some of the restaurants in the village.

Try Linda’s Place, where you can sample home-cooked Mauritian food such as fried fish with saffron rice and pickles and chicken curry.

Grand Gaube is good for couples looking for a low-key romantic break in luxury resorts and who prefer a quieter pace than the hustle and bustle of Grand Baie.

With its easy access to dive sites and great snorkelling spots, Grand Gaube is great for underwater adventurers during a holiday in Mauritius.

A sleepy colonial city on the southwest coast with a pretty waterfront, Mahébourg hasn’t seen large-scale tourist development, so it retains lots of authentic charm.

It’s a great place to get a taste of real Mauritian life, see fishermen heading out on their wooden boats, and shop at lively local markets alongside an interesting museum, local eateries, and street food stalls, where you can chat with vendors while sipping on fresh coconuts and snacking on gato merveille (fried crispy dough served with tomato chutney).

Mahébourg is the jumping-off point for boat excursions to nearby islands, while just outside of the city, Pointe D’Esny and Blue Bay are two of the most attractive beaches in southern Mauritius.

Both offer wildlife attractions. Offshore from Pointe D’Esny is an island nature reserve that is a must-do for those who want to get a glimpse into what wild Mauritius would have looked like before humans arrived, and the coral reef in front of Blue Bay is the top snorkelling spot on the island.

Mainly home to small guesthouses and no grand resorts, Mahébourg is best for low-key travellers looking for budget-friendly lodging away from the crowds.

Highlights

The top activity in Mahébourg is a boat trip to explore the idyllic islands that lie just offshore – the perennially popular Île aux Cerfs to the north, as well as Île aux Aigrettes, Île aux Vacoas, Île aux au Phare and Île aux de la Passe.

The boat trips take half or a whole day and include stops for swimming, snorkelling, and a barbecue lunch.

Visit the Monday Market for an authentic Mauritian shopping experience and tasty, fresh street food. Try the unofficial national dish of dholl puri (flatbreads topped with curried split peas and chutney), gateaux piments (fried chilli bites), and samosas filled with spicy potatoes.

Learn about Mauritius’ fascinating past at the National History Museum, which houses artefacts rescued from old shipwrecks and a mixture of interesting treasures, from pirate swords to centuries-old maps.

Just south of the city centre, Pointe D’Esny is a picturesque, sugary-white kilometre of sand flanked by calm turquoise water.

If you want peace and quiet, it’s a good place for beach lazing, but nature lovers should definitely not miss doing a tour of the offshore Île aux Aigrettes, an island nature reserve that protects endangered indigenous species such as pink pigeons and Aldabra giant tortoises, as well as Mauritian fruit bats – the only native mammal on the island.

Pointe D’Esny leads onto Blue Bay, where you can experience the best snorkelling in the protected Blue Bay Marine Reserve, home to the island’s largest coral reef.

Just a few meters from the beach, you’ll be able to spot up to 72 species of tropical fish, including surgeonfish, parrotfish, clownfish, trumpetfish, and, if you’re lucky, sea turtles, too.

You can also sail on a glass-bottomed boat to explore the reserve and the islet of Deux Cocos, which lies within the park.

Practical Advice

With many beachfront properties closing off access to the beautiful Pointe d’Esny beach, finding the way to the sand can be tricky if you’re not staying in a hotel or resort. A public path heads to the beach from the road – look for it in the middle of Pointe d’Esny.

If you go snorkelling in Blue Bay, remember to wear reef-safe sunscreen to protect the coral reefs from further damage. You don’t need to do a boat trip to go snorkelling in the reserve – you can enter from the shore.

The best spot to get into the water is at the western edge of the public beach.

With family-friendly boat trips and incredible snorkelling in Blue Bay, Mahébourg is an excellent destination for kids and family holidays.

Mahébourg is ideal for travellers on a budget, with many affordable lodging options like small family-run guesthouses. It’s a good base for solo travellers who prefer a quiet ambience over a buzzing nightlife.

Mauritius’ capital city, Port Louis, is the best place to explore the island’s cultural diversity and see a very different side of Mauritius, far removed from the idyllic beachfront resorts.

Region Explained

The city encapsulates the island’s melting pot of cultures – Indian, African, French, Chinese, and British – with bustling markets, a historic Chinatown (where the Mauritian-Chinese street food is excellent), and fascinating museums that tell the stories behind the island’s checkered history.

Just outside of town, the Pamplemousses Botanical Gardens is one of the most popular attractions on the island for its more than 600 species of plants and the famous giant water lilies.

Highlights

The Central Market is a fantastic foodie experience. Browse the stalls to see the best of the island’s fresh produce, from jewel-like chillies, shiny aubergines, glowing pommes d’amour (small tomatoes), and bundles of aromatic herbs.

Stop for refreshments at the food hall, where you can snack on dholl puris (delicious flatbreads wrapped around curried split peas) and sip on tangy tamarind juice or alouda (a sweet milky drink).

The UNESCO site of Aapravasi Ghat is a fascinating historical visit (we recommend booking in advance for a guided tour), where you can learn about the island’s colonial history and the immigration of Indian indentured labourers to Mauritius.

The Blue Penny Museum is a must for history buffs who want to learn about the story of Port Louis and see two of the rarest stamps in the world: the famous Mauritian 19th-century penny stamps.

Take time out from exploring the busy city to stroll through the tranquil Jardins de la Compagnie, an 18th-century garden full of towering banyan trees, statues, fountains and benches.

A short drive from the city centre, the Pamplemousses Botanical Gardens is a must for travellers who love plants and botany. The lush, beautiful gardens are filled with 650 indigenous and exotic species of plants and trees, including baobabs and spice trees.

The highlights are the 85 different kinds of palm trees and a pond of giant water lilies. If you want to get the most out of your visit, hiring a guide to learn about the garden’s fascinating flora is a good idea.

Practical Advice

The Central Market gets very busy – try to get there before 10 AM to avoid the crowds. While the Jardins de la Compagnie is safe to visit during the day, it’s best not to walk there at night.

Solo travellers will find plenty to explore on their own in Port Louis, while the city also offers child-friendly attractions such as the botanical gardens. Foodies will love Chinatown’s street stalls and the Central Market’s fresh produce.

Mauritius is an ideal family holiday destination and is great for kids of any age. Mauritius Island offers great value for money on family holidays, with the choice of all-inclusive resorts and self-catering apartments and houses.

Many resorts and hotels are child-friendly, offering children’s swimming pools and play areas, kids’ clubs, programs packed with fun activities, and services such as babysitting.

Whatever part of the island you’re in, you’re never far from a family-friendly activity.

There’s snorkelling, diving, water skiing, paddle boating, kayaking, kite surfing, animal parks where kids can feed giant tortoises, and amazing natural attractions such as Black River Gorges National Park and Tamarind Falls, where you can hike in beautiful forests, go abseiling and canyoning and swim in rivers.

While there are child-friendly resorts in Mauritius on each side of the island, the island’s western coast is particularly popular for family holidays in Mauritius because of the sheltered, calm ocean.

Look out for special deals at resorts for families, where they offer discounted rates for kids under 12.

Mauritius is one of the most popular destinations in southern Africa for romantic holidays and honeymoons, and it’s easy to see why.

There’s not much that can top a tropical beach holiday for couples wanting a romantic break. Mauritius’ exquisite beaches and islets offer the perfect combination of sugary white sand beaches, swaying palm trees, and crystal-clear calm seas for endless hours of swimming and snorkelling on your Mauritius Honeymoon.

The island’s vast number of luxury resorts are particularly geared up for honeymooners and couples looking for romance. Some resorts are adults-only, and many have suites and villas designed with privacy in mind (think private terraces, gardens, and infinity pools).

Many properties offer special couples or Mauritius honeymooners packages, including special touches and pampering such as sparkling wine, in-room spa treatments, round-the-clock butler service, and romantic candlelit dinners for two.

Adventurous couples are spoiled for choice on their Mauritius honeymoon, with endless outdoor activities to pick from.

Activities such as hiking and canyoning in Black River Gorges National Park, scuba diving at fantastic sites all over the island, windsurfing and kite surfing lessons, catamaran trips to offshore islands, and multi-day kayaking trips to uninhabited islets where you camp on the beach at night.

Each side of the island has a different character, but all have resorts and hotels where couples can find an idyllic place to stay. If you love the buzz of nightlife and restaurants, stay in Grand Baie on the northern end of the island or Flic en Flac on the west coast.

For a quieter ambience, pick the east coast and head to southern Mauritius for the wildest, least-developed stretch of the coast.

While Mauritius is known as a romantic destination for honeymooners and a great family holiday destination, the island is also perfect for solo travellers.

Mauritius is safe, easy to travel around, and offers many activities you could do on your own, with a guide or instructor, or join up with a group to do.

Highlights in Mauritius include scuba diving, snorkelling, hiking in Black River Gorges National Park, abseiling, canyoning and island kayaking, horse riding, and stand-up paddle boarding.

For a buzz and the chance to meet other travellers, pick a popular seaside town such as Grand Baie or Flic en Flac, where you’ll find tons of options for accommodation, lots of restaurants, and great nightlife options.

If you’re looking to escape the crowds, stay on the southern end of the island, which has the least developed coastline and good access to incredible natural attractions, such as Black River Gorges National Park.

Mauritius is surrounded by coral reefs which teem with more than 400 marine species, including spinner and bottlenose dolphins, a variety of shark species (although these rarely venture beyond the reefs and into the lagoon around the island that people swim in), sperm and humpback whales, colourful tropical fish and deep-sea fish such as tuna and marlin.

On land, the fruit bat is Mauritius’ only native mammal, while the island is home to several introduced species.

While Mauritian giant tortoises have gone extinct, giant tortoises from Seychelles have been introduced to the island, and there are several places where you can see them (and feed them).

More than 100 species of birds have been recorded on Mauritius, including seven endemic species: the Mauritius grey white-eye, Mauritius kestrel, pink pigeon, olive white-eye, Mauritian fody, Mauritius parakeet, and Mascarene paradise flycatcher.

The best place to see endemic Mauritian species (some of which were saved from the brink of extinction) is Île aux Aigrettes, a small island reserve that is being returned to its pre-human state and protects birds such as pink pigeons and Mauritian fodies, as well as Mauritian fruit bats, two Mauritian native reptiles (day geckos and Telfair’s skink), giant Aldabran tortoises from

Seychelles and a stand of old ebony trees. The lush forests of Black River Gorges National Park, in the southwest of the island, are also a great place to go bird spotting.

In terms of plants, Mauritius has remarkable biodiversity for its size, with nearly 1000 species, around 300 of which are endemic.

While the island has lost nearly all of its trees, Black River Gorges National Park protects the largest tract of native forest on the island. There are also other reserves where you can find native species, as well as projects that are rehabilitating forest areas.

The national park and the smaller reserves are the best places to immerse yourself in Mauritian plant life. At the same time, the Pamplemousses Botanical Gardens is an excellent place to learn about rare and endangered species.

Mauritius offers something for everyone, people return again and again for different kinds of holidays: as romantic couples and adventure seekers and as families looking for child-friendly ocean fun.

With the diversity of attractions and experiences that a Mauritius holiday offers, you wouldn’t be able to fit them all into one trip, and you’ll be planning the next holiday before you leave.

Foodie travelers could spend their entire holiday exploring the island’s gastronomic delights and never have time to go snorkeling. Surfers may be in the ocean every day and miss out on exploring the island’s beautiful natural attractions in the interior.

The island varies a lot from coast to coast, from the northern end, which buzzes with nightlife and restaurants, to the wild south coast, which is largely undeveloped and boasts extraordinary natural beauty.

It definitely makes sense to return to Mauritius on repeated trips and stay on each of the four coasts to fully experience all sides of the island.

Mauritius isn’t your traditional safari destination, but it certainly appeals to your sense of adventure beyond its powdery white beaches.

From luxurious beachfront resorts, tranquil retreats in nature, or an active adventure filled with water sports and hiking, we can help tailor your journey to fit your budget and aspirations.

When planning your trip, remember that international flights are a significant part of the overall cost and are not included in the quoted safari prices.

Key Factors for Setting Your Budget on a Mauritius Safari

At Discover Africa, we ensure that our pricing is clear and straightforward, with no hidden fees.

Inclusive Estimates, No Hidden Fees

Our Safari Cost Estimator provides all-inclusive estimated pricing, covering park fees, conservation fees, and all necessary levies.

Our expert travel consultants are on hand to help you determine your exact safari budget based on your expected levels of comfort and safari experience.

This allows you to plan your safari with confidence, avoiding unexpected expenses.

Destination Choice:

Mauritius offers diverse locations that can vary in cost depending on where you choose to stay and what you choose to do.

For instance, staying in a luxurious resort on the exclusive Le Morne Peninsula or Île aux Cerfs can range from $400 to $800 per person per night, while more budget-friendly options in bustling Grand Baie can start from $150 per night.

The East Coast of Mauritius, known for its exclusive retreats and beautiful scenery, offers attractions such as the Flacq Market. Activities such as scuba diving, deep-sea fishing, or private island tours can range from $50 to $200 per person, depending on the complexity and exclusivity of the experience.

Accommodation:

Your accommodation in Mauritius is likely to be the largest part of your budget.

In Mauritius, accommodation options range from boutique guesthouses and eco-lodges to five-star resorts with private villas, with your preferred level of comfort impacting your overall budget.

Seasonality:

The cost of travelling to Mauritius can vary significantly with the seasons.

The peak season, from May to December, generally sees higher prices due to the island’s ideal weather conditions. However, visiting during the shoulder season (January to April) can offer reduced rates, though it coincides with the warmer and wetter climate.

To make the most of your trip, consider the best times to visit Mauritius, as different seasons cater to various activities like beachgoing or hiking.

Length of Stay:

The duration of your stay will naturally impact your overall budget. A longer vacation allows for a more immersive experience, exploring multiple facets of the island, but will increase your costs.

Group Size:

Travelling as a multi-gen family or with a small group of friends might reduce your per-person cost, particularly when it comes to villa stays or in-island transportation.

Conversely, solo travellers may find themselves paying a premium, especially for private tours or exclusive accommodations.

Type of Experience:

The type of experience you seek-whether it’s a serene wellness retreat, an adventurous exploration of the island’s natural wonders, or a culturally immersive journey, influences your budget.

Luxury wellness retreats, for instance, can be more expensive than a standard beach holiday but offer a holistic and rejuvenating experience.

Excursions and Activities:

Mauritius is known for its rich array of activities, from snorkelling in coral reefs to exploring botanical gardens and historical sites.

Excursions such as visiting the Black River Gorges National Park, taking a catamaran cruise, or enjoying a private cooking class can range from $30 to $200 per person, depending on the activity and provider.

Visiting Île aux Aigrettes, a nature reserve home to some of the world’s rarest birds, offers a unique experience. Additionally, the west coast of Mauritius features several nature reserves that showcase the island’s diverse wildlife and unique ecosystems.

Park Fees and Conservation Efforts:

If you plan to explore Mauritius’s natural parks and reserves, such as the Seven Colored Earths in Chamarel or Île aux Aigrettes, you’ll pay entry fees that support local conservation efforts. These fees typically range from $10 to $30 per person.

Travel and Transportation Costs:

When planning your trip, consider the cost of flights to Mauritius and transfers within the island. International flights to Mauritius typically range from $700 to $1,500, depending on your departure city and time of year.

Car rentals or private transfers are popular for getting around the island, with prices varying based on the vehicle type and distance travelled.

Meals and Drinks:

Dining in Mauritius offers a delightful range of options, from street food vendors to fine dining restaurants.

While many resorts offer full board or all-inclusive packages, which include meals and drinks, dining out can range from $10 for a casual meal to $100 or more per person for a gourmet experience.

Our travel consultants can help ensure you know what you’re paying for.

Travel Insurance:

Protecting your trip with comprehensive travel insurance is essential, covering medical emergencies, cancellations, and unexpected disruptions.

We do not sell travel insurance directly, but our travel experts can provide guidance if needed.

Costs typically range from $50 to $200, depending on the level of coverage and duration of stay.

Tipping and Gratuities:

Tipping in Mauritius is appreciated, especially in the hospitality and service industries.

We recommend budgeting $5 to $10 per day for hotel staff and $10 to $20 per day for private guides, depending on the level of service.

Visas and Health Precautions:

Depending on your nationality, you may need to budget for visa fees. There are currently no vaccinations required to enter Mauritius, but be sure to check for related information depending on your nationality, including whether you have visa-free access.

Personal Expenses:

Don’t forget to set aside a budget for personal expenses, including souvenirs, spa treatments, or additional activities. This could range from $50 to $300 or more depending on your interests and planned activities.