Discover the pearl of the Indian Ocean, Mauritius, a top destination for nature lovers and water sports enthusiasts. With its diverse landscape, from lush forests to wild waterfalls, Mauritius offers a multitude of activities. Plan your sightseeing trip with our practical guide and immerse yourself in the incredible culture of this island paradise.

Tourism : Planning your trip to Mauritius

To plan a trip to Mauritius, first determine the length of your stay. Whether it’s for a week or two, tourists will have plenty of time to explore the island’s treasures. Next, choose your destination. From the heavenly beaches of Bellemare and Morne Brabant to the lively streets of Flic-en-Flac and Grand Baie, or hiking in the Gorges de Rivière Noire National Park, tourists will be spoilt for choice.

Trip organization :

• Length of stay
• Choice of places to visit
• Tour itinerary

Next, familiarize yourself with the island’s specific characteristics, such as the language, weather, and currency. This will help you get to grips with the local atmosphere. As part of your preparation, ensure you have all the necessary travel documents.

The best moment to travel to Mauritius

To determine the best month to travel to Mauritius, consider the climate and available activities. May to November are generally the most favorable months, with milder and drier weather ideal for walks and water sports. July and August are particularly popular with surfers and windsurfers due to strong winds.

For observing marine life, such as dolphins and whales, July and August are the best months. Astronomy enthusiasts will find the winter skies in Mauritius perfect for stargazing and watching the Perseids in August.

Finally, to avoid crowds and benefit from lower rates, consider traveling in February, March, or November.

Budget for a week in Mauritius

For a week’s tourism in Mauritius, it’s essential to plan the budget. On average, the budget for a week is estimated at between 1,500 and 3,000 EUR per individual. This includes flight costs, accommodation, catering, transport and activities. However, these figures may vary depending on several factors:

• Type of accommodation : Hotel rates can vary considerably, from 80 to 150 EUR per night. Luxury accommodation options can cost more, while more economical accommodations can help reduce your budget.
• Meals and drinks: Food in Mauritius is relatively affordable, with many delicious local dishes to try for just a few euros.
• Activities and excursions: The cost of activities can also vary. For example, a dive can cost around EUR 60, while a helicopter flight starts from EUR 150.
• Transportation: Transportation costs can also add to your budget, depending on car rental or taxi fares.

Discover Mauritius : Must-see places

Visit the island : The most beautiful places

Mauritius is a destination rich in diverse landscapes and places of interest. For those wishing to get up close and personal with nature, the southwest of the island is a great place to explore. This region is home to the Gorges de Rivière Noire National Park, with its lush vegetation and hiking trails.

The Grand Bassin, a lake sacred to the Hindu community, is another must-see site. For beach lovers, the north coast offers white sandy beaches and turquoise waters. Among them, Trou aux Biches and Mont Choisy are not to be missed.

Finally, the capital, Port Louis, offers a glimpse of Mauritian culture with its lively market, historic monuments, and tasty street food.

Map of Mauritius : Recommended itineraries

To make the most of the visit to Mauritius, different itineraries can be considered depending on the length of the stay.

• 2 to 3 days: We recommend starting with a visit to Port-Louis, the capital, with its lively market, followed by a day at the beach in Grand Baie or Flic en Flac.
• 4 to 5 days: Add to the itinerary a day of exploration in the southwest of the island, including the Black River Gorges National Park and the Grand Bassin.
• One week and more: Extend the visit by exploring other regions of the island, such as the South-East with the Vallée de Ferney and Blue Bay, or the East region with Belle Mare beach and Ile-aux-Cerfs.

Things to do in Mauritius

Water sports and dream beaches

Mauritius is a veritable oasis for water sports enthusiasts, offering a plethora of options including kitesurfing, scuba diving, kayaking, and stand-up paddling. Renowned spots like Le Morne, Anse la Raie, Poste Lafayette, and Bel Ombre are real paradises for thrill-seekers.

• For kitesurfing enthusiasts, the island’s lagoon and constant winds offer ideal conditions for the sport.
• The crystal-clear, calm waters of Mauritius are perfect for scuba diving. Magnificent dive sites allow you to explore the exceptional underwater flora and fauna.
• For a more leisurely experience, kayaking and stand-up paddling are popular options. You can stroll along the calm waters of the lagoon while enjoying the beauty of the landscape.

As for beaches, Mauritius offers an array of dream beaches. Among them, Pereybere beach, Bain Boeuf beach, Morne beach and Blue Bay beach are must-sees. These beaches offer white sand, coconut palms and crystal-clear water, everything needed for a perfect day’s relaxation.

Hiking and lush nature

Mauritius is a paradise for hiking enthusiasts, offering a diverse range of trails for all levels amidst mountains and lush forests.

Mont Brabant is a must for hikers, providing breathtaking panoramic views of the Indian Ocean and surrounding landscapes. For immersion in nature, explore the Gorges de la Rivière Noire, winding through dense tropical forests adorned with waterfalls and endemic species.

For adventurers, the Parc de Bras-d’Eau offers a challenging trail through mangrove swamps and forests. And for flora and fauna lovers, the Sud Sauvage beckons with waterfalls, rivers, virgin forests, and deserted beaches, all accompanied by spectacular views over the Indian Ocean.

Mauritian culture and heritage

Mauritius’ heritage is a rich blend of cultures and influences from different waves of migration and colonization. Various communities have contributed to the island’s distinctive musical culture, from Sega Tipik and Geet Gawai to Sega Tambour from Rodrigues and the Chagos Islands.

The island boasts numerous museums and monuments that bear witness to its historical heritage. Notably, the Cultural Landscape of Le Morne stands as a historic refuge for runaway slaves and is now recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Mauritian tradition is further showcased in its popular festivals and ceremonies, which celebrate its ethnic and religious diversity.

Accommodation in Mauritius

The best hotels in Mauritius

For an unforgettable stay in Mauritius, the choice of accommodation is crucial. Options range from luxury hotels for a top-of-the-range experience to more affordable mid-range hotels, ecolodges, and charming chambre d’hôtes.

Luxury hotels like the Royal Palm Beachcomber Luxury, Constance Prince Maurice, and Four Seasons Resort at Anahita offer exceptional surroundings, top-of-the-range comfort, and impeccable service.

For those seeking more affordable options without sacrificing comfort, Mauritius also boasts a variety of mid-range hotels like the Seastar Hotel, located close to the beach.

For a closer-to-nature experience, consider an ecolodge, providing a peaceful setting amidst the island’s lush nature.

Lastly, for an authentic experience, chambre d’hôtes offer a glimpse into Mauritian culture and the warmth of its hospitality.

Reviews of local accommodation in Mauritius

The opinion of previous travelers is a valuable indicator when choosing accommodation in Mauritius. Reviews generally praise the quality of service and warm welcome offered by local hotels. Among the most popular accommodations are Coin de Mire Attitude, The Bay, and ChamGaia.

Accommodation options closer to the local culture, such as guest houses, also receive good reviews. These spaces are particularly appreciated for their environmental commitment.

Here is a non-exhaustive list of accommodations recommended by travelers:

• Voile Bleue Boutique Hotel
• South-east hotels (Blue Bay, Mahébourg, Pointe d’Esny)
• VÉRANDA GRAND BAIE
• PARADISE COVE BOUTIQUE HOTEL
• LUX GRAND BAIE

Culinary specialties of Mauritius

Mauritian gastronomy is a true blend of flavors, reflecting the island’s cultural diversity. Indian, African, Chinese, and French influences shape a cuisine rich in flavor and color.

Among the must-try dishes, Mauritian curry is a veritable symphony for the taste buds, prepared with meat, poultry, or fish and distinguished by its spicy, flavorful sauce. Rougail, vindaye, and daube are also specialties not to be missed.

Finally, for a complete immersion in Mauritian culinary culture, consider taking part in a local produce tasting session or a traditional cooking workshop.

Mauritius Travel : The Mauritian tourism specialist

Mauritius Travel is a leading player in tourism on the island, offering a comprehensive range of services to help organize your stay. With their expertise and deep knowledge of the destination, they cater to various preferences, whether it’s a tailor-made trip, a beach holiday, or a group tour.

Mauritius Travel’s services extend beyond booking accommodation to include a plethora of excursions and activities, allowing travelers to discover all facets of Mauritius. Whether you’re a nature lover, a water sports enthusiast, or eager to immerse yourself in Mauritian culture, Mauritius Travel provides expert advice on the best experiences to enjoy on the island.

By choosing Mauritius Travel, tourists benefit from a single point of contact to arrange their entire stay in Mauritius, from booking flights to planning activities on-site.

Mauritius Tourist Board : Useful information

MTPA’s role in Mauritian tourism

The Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority (MTPA) plays a central role in boosting and developing tourism in Mauritius. Its mission is to promote the destination internationally through advertising campaigns and participation in tourism trade fairs. Collaborating closely with the local tourism industry, MTPA organizes promotional activities in Mauritius and abroad to attract travelers.

Ensuring visitor safety is paramount for MTPA, which has introduced safety standards for accommodation and ensures their compliance. Additionally, the entity regularly provides information on sanitary conditions and protocols to guarantee visitor safety.