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Welcome traveler!

We're Andre & Lisa, adventurers and experienced budget travelers.

We have over two decades of travel experience and since 2018 have led a full-time nomadic lifestyle.

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MAURITIUS TRAVEL GUIDE

Mauritius, a sparkling crystal in the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, will captivate and delight you. Just a tiny island, East of Madagascar (which you might not even notice looking at a world map!), provides a wonderful contrast of colours, cultures, and tastes which makes the island so charming that the scene is set for an unforgettable trip. Although small, the island boasts good infrastructure and beautiful white, sandy beaches.

 

It's also a world-class kitesurfing destination - the main reason why we visited. We spent three weeks visiting Mauritius DIY style over July / August 2017 and found the island to be perfectly suited for self-exploration, despite the abundance of all-inclusive resorts and package deals usually associated with this tropical paradise. In the Blog and Podcast section you will find a number of posts on our experience in Mauritius.

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  • Currency: Mauritian Rupee (MUR). Current conversion rate here.

  • Electricity: 240V AC electricity. Power outlets are both round two-prong sockets (type C) and three-prong sockets (type G). Be sure to pack a universal travel adaptor so you can still use all your electronic gadgets.

  • Visa: Traveling to Mauritius is easy; for citizens of most countries you won’t need to apply for a visa beforehand. There are a handful of countries who will receive either a 14 or 60-day visa stamp upon arrival, but most countries are visa-exempt for 90-days. Just make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months after your entry. The latest entry requirements are available here.

  • Safety: Most parts of Mauritius are incredibly safe to travel in. Although low, petty crime can increase after dark, especially at the beach or in secluded areas, so make sure you stay vigilant and keep your valuables close to you or in your accommodation. Keep in mind that the main season for cyclones is from November to May. There is a well-structured system of phased warnings though. Whatever you do, don’t travel without travel insurance! We would suggest checking out World Nomads or SafetyWing, for travel insurance as they have the best coverage for active travellers.

  • Language: The official language of Mauritius is English, which is spoken by most in the vast majority of the country. French, Mauritian Creole, French-based Creole, and a few other ethnic languages are also spoken around the island.

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SEASONS AT A GLANCE

Most destinations have different times of the year when they’re more or less popular with tourists. 

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Peak Season

Shoulder Season

Off Peak Season

JANUARY

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Climate Chart with avergae monthly temperatues and rainfall

BEST TIME TO VISIT MAURITIUS

Mauritius is a tropical island, with only two seasons, winter and summer. That being said, there is not much temperature difference between the two seasons of the year. All year-round, the climate on the central plateau is relatively cooler than on the coastal areas.

The Peak summer season is considered to be from November to April, with December to February the hottest months of the year. This is also the time when most tropical cyclones occur from the end of December until March. Expect hot, wet, and humid weather with afternoon rain showers.

Winter is considered the off-peak season, with the coolest months from June to August, but is actually a very pleasant time to visit, especially if you want to kitesurf. From May to November, the southeast trade winds dominate and although there will still be the odd downpour, October said to be the driest month of the year.

In summer the water temperature is about 28 C compared to 22 C during winter. For the best diving conditions visit anytime during October, November, and December. March and April are also good for diving in Mauritius but try to miss the peak cyclone months of January and February.

BEST TIME FOR:

Most of the year is great for outdoor activities in Mauritius, with the exception of the wet cyclone season from January to March. There are so many stunning hiking trails and the best time is from April to October.

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MAURITIUS TRAVEL COSTS

Mauritius is not a budget destination. Much pricier than most other African countries, but still less than most European countries. If you’re happy with budget accommodation and eating street food, you can get by on $50 a day. If you want to splurge on a nicer hotel or a few western restaurant meals, you might want to budget up to $60 or $70 (or more if want the nice seaside resort experience).

If you want to get an idea of how much we spent around Mauritius see our Budget Report section.

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TRAVEL TIPS FOR MAURITIUS

Transport from one place to the next is fairly easy in Mauritius. There are a few public buses that serve the island as well as plenty of taxis and tour services. We recommend renting a car ahead of time if you would like to be able to explore the island independently. Skyscanner.com is a fantastic tool for finding great flight deals. For tips on airport transport or rentals have a look at our Guide to a DIY Mauritius Holiday.

REGIONS & HIGHLIGHTS OF MAURITIUS

  • Enjoy chambre d’hôte charm along the beach in Pointe d’Esny.
  • Snorkel with dolphins in Tamarin.
  • Dive the cavernous drop-offs at Flic en Flac.
  • Hike through the forests of Black River Gorges National Park.
  • Pause for lunch in the mountain village of Chamarel.
  • Uncover the island’s plantation past at Eureka.
  • Find weird-and-wonderful planet species at Pamplemousses.
  • Discover how Mauritius once looked with a boat trip to Île aux Aigrettes.
  • Snorkel on a boat trip from Grand Baie.
  • Road trip along the azure lagoons along the rugged east-coast beaches.

 

CENTRAL PLATEAU

Home to a large majority of Mauritians, the cool and rainy centre of the island feels, for the most part, like a continuation of the urban chaos in Port Louis. There’s very little to see in the corridor of towns that runs almost unbroken from the capital to Curepipe; in fact, it’s pretty much the opposite of that postcard your friends sent you from their trip here last year.

 

THE NORTH

Mauritius’ tourism panache started in the north, and today there’s plenty on offer for visitors. Although most of the area’s spectacular beaches have been claimed by hotel construction, it’s never hard to get away from it all and discover the little nooks that remain largely untouched by development. Grand Baie is the eye of the tourist storm, boasting Mauritius’ best nightlife and some of the island’s best restaurants. The small beachside villages around Grand Baie – Trou aux Biches, Mont Choisy and Pereybère – are quickly developing in a similar fashion. The inland plain of sugar-cane fields is known as Pamplemousses and gently slopes towards the sea. Here you’ll find the wonderful Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Gardens and the rightly popular L’Aventure du Sucre – a museum dedicated to Mauritius’ traditional colonial export.

 

THE WEST

A world away from the shores of the north, Mauritius’ western wonderland is the nation’s most diverse coast. The bustling tourist hub of Flic en Flac may not be to everyone’s taste, but the treasures that lie just beyond will satisfy even the pickiest holidaymaker. A veritable swatch book of lush greens and light browns, the area of Black River (Rivière Noire) has scalloping sandy bays that dimple the arable farmland. Then, further on, the tic-tac-toes of Tamarin’s shimmering salt flats perfectly reflect the beaming sun and soaring hills of fauna-filled Black River Gorges National Park. Next is bucolic Chamarel nestled in the highlands, followed by the last iteration of sky-reaching stone, Le Morne Brabant; an awesomely photogenic crag that caps the coastline’s southern tip. It all adds up to what could just be our favourite corner of the island.

 

THE SOUTHEAST

With flashes of India, Ireland and the Caribbean, the wild unfolding south is an undeniable favourite for many. Long considered too harsh to develop due to its steep, wind-battered cliffs, the south coast has managed to stave off the encroaching hands of developers until quite recently. A few luxury resorts have popped up over the last few years, but the area remains mostly rugged, with a plantation estate or two hidden among the towering cane. The jagged southern cliffs taper off at the shimmering reefs in Blue Bay, and just beyond you’ll uncover the gorgeous beach of Pointe d’Esny with its cluster of homely chambres d’hôtes . The gritty gridiron of Mahébourg anchors the southeast, providing an interesting perspective on local life that starkly contrasts with the unfurling streamers of sand stretching beyond the sleepy commercial centre. Then, the coastal road cuts north, passing endless forests of green – the stomping ground of the island’s first settlers some 400 years ago.

 

THE EAST

Known by the rather romantic sobriquet of La Côte Sauvage (The Wild Coast), the island’s east coast is a world away from the touts, nightclubs and souvenir shacks of Flic en Flac in the west and Grand Baie in the north. It does have its resorts, yes, but the east face of Mauritius feels blissfully untouched by mass tourism. Best of all, some of the island’s very best beaches line this quiet coast. Not surprisingly, this is the most exclusive side of the island, and the congregation of luxury hotels attracts the kind of crowd likely to take a helicopter transfer from the airport when they arrive. The closest the east comes to a resort is Trou d’Eau Douce, which has retained the feel of a sleepy fishing village despite rubbing shoulders with the grand hotels next door. It’s the jumping-off point for the wildly popular Île aux Cerfs.

 

Download map waypoints for Mauritius here: KML / GPX

WHAT TO SEE AND DO IN MAURITIUS

More location information and points of interest are available in the above map

  • Horse Racing - The Mauritius horse racing club, the Champ de Mars, was founded in 1812, making it the oldest horse-racing club in the Southern Hemisphere. Horse racing is an extremely popular sport in Mauritius, and on race days up to 30,000 people will make their way to the famous racetrack. The horse racing season usually starts in April and ends in late November. It is one of the highlights of a visit to Mauritius and you should definitely experience the incredible atmosphere of this popular activity. Although these types of activities can be controversial, we had a fantastic experience swimming with the dolphins. You can make up your own mind or read our Swimming with the Dolphins in Tamarin Bay Blog Post. If you are based in the south of the island you can book a boat trip into Tamerin Bay here. If you feel like spoiling yourself book a trip on a 60ft catamaran for a day cruise around the best snorkelling spots and watch dolphins play in their natural habitat.

  • Scuba Diving - Diving in Mauritius is spectacular. Most of the dive sites are located in the North, with dive boats launching from Pereybere, Cap Malhereux, Grand Gaube, and Trou aux Biches. There are also dive sites at Flic en Flac in the West, in Bel Mare in the East, and Blue Bay in the South. Marine life is colourful and varied and around the Island, there are shipwrecks dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries, or some ships sunk more recently which create beautiful artificial reefs. Diving is good all year round, with very good visibility and a water temperature between 24 and 29 degrees. Read about our diving experience from Bain Boeu here. Try something new and learn to scuba dive in the tropical waters of Grand Baie! A Half Day Scuba Discovery course will open your eyes to a fantastic new world of marine life and shipwrecks.

  • Grand Baie - The undisputed mecca for watersport activities such as parasailing, submarine, and semi-submersible scooters.

  • Seven Colored Earth and Chamarel Waterfall - Follow the winding road from Case Noyale village to the coloured earth of Chamarel with its undulating landscape of different and contrasting shades of colours. The different shades of blue, green, red, and yellow are apparently the result of the erosion of the volcanic ash. The neighbouring waterfalls of Chamarel are just as beautiful. If you don't have a rental car it's easy enough to arrange a full-day private tour of the southern parts of Mauritius with transport and a guide included.

  • The Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Gardens - This is the oldest botanical garden in the Southern Hemisphere. Founded in 1770, it contains some flora unique to Mauritius and covers an area of around 37 hectares. It also houses some animals, being especially famous for the fish, deer, and tortoises.

  • Port Louis Central Market - Here you will find a variety of local snacks and tropical fruits, as well as numerous shops that sell well made traditional crafted objects such as the "goni" basket. A full-day guided tour of Port Louis will include not only the Central Market, Botanical Garden but also some of the best northern beaches.

  • Pereybere - The wonderful Pereybere public beach - voted World's Most Beautiful Beach in 2010 - is popular because of its shopping facilities, restaurants, and pubs surrounding it. Although the beach-front area is not very big this is one of the best beaches for swimming in the north. You will also find no shortage of activities on offer - such as glass-bottomed boat trips, mangrove forest visits, water skiing, and tubing.

WHAT TO EAT IN MAURITIUS

Mauritius is a paradise for the senses, reaching from the scenic nature to the diverse cuisine. You will find a variety of flavours and aromas inherited from different culinary traditions such as France, India, China and Africa. The extensive use of spices like saffron, cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves and herbs like thyme, basil, and curry leaves are the common ingredients resulting in subtle, yet distinct flavours. You can buy many snacks from street-side vendors for really cheap.

 

Places to enjoy eats on the run are in plentiful supply in Mauritius. Street vendors are at every bus station and town square, and takeaway shops can be found in numerous shopping centres and markets; both offer inexpensive local treats, including Indian, French and Chinese delicacies. Almost all restaurants, except the most upmarket, will do takeaway. Roadside food stalls serving dinner dishes such as biryani (curried rice), Indian rotis and farattas (unleavened flaky flour pancakes) are popular. Street eats cost around Rs 5 to Rs 10 for snacks like rotis, dhal puris (Indian snacks) and boulettes (meatballs) served at markets, along public beaches and in the capital. The atmospheric markets are worth visiting for the popular gâteaux piments (deep-fried balls of lentils and chilli), which are cooked on the spot. You should also try the delicious dhal puris , rotis, samosas and bhajas (fried balls of besan dough with herbs or onion). Indian and Chinese restaurants offer quick and inexpensive meals and snacks. Remember to buy some Indian savouries such as caca pigeon (an Indian nibble) or the famous Chinese char siu (barbecue pork).

 

Keep an eye out for the following must-try foods:

  • Dholl Puri / Dhal Poori - The most famous Mauritius food is ‘dholl puri’ or ‘dhal poori’. It's a thin soft pancake made with grounded yellow split pea flour filled with all sorts of tasty fillings of your choice.
  • Roti / Paratha - Depending on the region, a variety of flatbread called chapatti, roti, or farata / paratha by the local people, is traditionally eaten with curries.
  • Biryani - Biryani has a long history and is mostly prepared by the Muslim community, with meat mixed with spiced rice and potatoes.
  • Rougaille - This tomato and onion based dish is a variation of the French ragoût. The dish usually consists of meat or seafood (corned beef and salted snoek fish rougaille are very popular with the locals) and is a regular staple for all Mauritians.
  • Mauritian Rum - Mauritius produces a wide range of cane rum. Often served with coconut water with a dash of lime over ice. Visiting one of the local distilleries for a rum tasting is good fun and informative.

LGBTQ IN MAURITIUS

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WHERE TO STAY IN MAURITIUS

For a first-time visit to Mauritius, it's ideal to base yourself in one of the island's popular tourist regions, each offering unique attractions and experiences. Here's a breakdown of recommended areas and accommodation options:


Where To Stay In Grand Baie:

Grand Baie is a vibrant coastal town known for its beautiful beaches, lively atmosphere, and abundance of shops, restaurants, and nightlife options.

  • Budget: Oceanic Villa offers affordable accommodations with basic amenities and a convenient location near Grand Baie's beaches and attractions.

  • Mid-range: Veranda Grand Baie Hotel & Spa provides comfortable rooms, a swimming pool, and spa facilities, situated within walking distance of Grand Baie Beach and the town center.

  • Luxury: Royal Palm Beachcomber Luxury offers luxurious accommodations, gourmet dining options, and personalized service, located on the pristine shores of Grand Baie with stunning ocean views.

Tip: Look for accommodation deals during the off-peak season (May to September) for better value, and consider booking directly through hotel websites or reputable booking platforms for potential discounts or special offers.


Where To Stay In Flic-en-Flac:

Flic-en-Flac is a popular beach resort area known for its long stretches of white sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and excellent diving and snorkeling opportunities.

  • Budget: La Perle offers budget-friendly accommodations with simple rooms and a relaxed atmosphere, conveniently located near Flic-en-Flac Beach and local amenities.

  • Mid-range: Sugar Beach A Sun Resort provides upscale rooms, multiple swimming pools, water sports facilities, and a spa, set along a stunning stretch of Flic-en-Flac Beach.

  • Luxury: Maradiva Villas Resort & Spa offers luxurious villa accommodations with private pools, personalized butler service, and gourmet dining options, providing an exclusive and indulgent retreat in Flic-en-Flac.

Tip: Consider staying in Flic-en-Flac during the shoulder seasons (April to June and September to November) for fewer crowds and better accommodation rates.


Where To Stay In Bel Ombre:

Bel Ombre is a picturesque coastal region known for its unspoiled beaches, lush landscapes, and championship golf courses.

  • Budget: Tamassa Resort offers affordable all-inclusive accommodations with family-friendly facilities and access to Bel Ombre's pristine beaches and recreational activities.

  • Mid-range: Heritage Le Telfair Golf & Wellness Resort provides elegant rooms, a wellness spa, and access to the Heritage Golf Club, set amidst tropical gardens overlooking the Indian Ocean.

  • Luxury: Outrigger Mauritius Beach Resort offers luxurious beachfront accommodations, fine dining options, and upscale amenities, with direct access to the stunning beaches and water sports activities of Bel Ombre.

Tip: Look for package deals that include accommodations, meals, and activities for better value, and consider exploring nearby attractions such as the Chamarel Seven Colored Earths and Black River Gorges National Park during your stay in Bel Ombre.

We spent 3 weeks in Mauritius over July / August 2017 staying at a combination of a self-catering apartment for most of our stay as well as a budget resort and guesthouse and ended up spending an average of $44 per night. To read more about this and where around the island is most suitable, read our blog post How to Plan your Mauritius DIY Holiday. If you’re travelling during peak season or holidays, you should book your accommodation well in advance.

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