Mauritius Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Mauritius with this comprehensive tour guide, featuring must-visit places, cultural attractions, natural wonders, hiking/biking routes, food and drink scene, accommodation options, local culture and customs, safety and health precautions, transportation options, and nearby destinations and excursions.


Introduction to Mauritius

Mauritius is a small island nation located in the Indian Ocean, east of Madagascar. It is often referred to as a paradise with pristine beaches, crystal clear waters, lush greenery, and a rich cultural heritage. Mauritius is a popular tourist destination for honeymooners, families, and adventure seekers alike. The island offers everything from water sports to cultural attractions to pristine nature reserves to mouth-watering cuisine, making it a perfect holiday destination for all kinds of travelers.

List of Places to Visit in Mauritius

Here are the must-visit places in Mauritius that you cannot afford to miss out on:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Aapravasi Ghat
  2. Château de Labourdonnais
  3. Eureka House
  4. Mahébourg Museum
  5. Blue Penny Museum

Natural Attractions of Mauritius: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Black River Gorges National Park
  2. Le Morne Brabant
  3. Seven Coloured Earths
  4. Chamarel Waterfall
  5. Ile aux Aigrettes

Hiking/Biking Routes of Mauritius

Mauritius is a great destination for hikers and bikers. Here are some of the best trails on the island:

  1. Black River Gorges National Park
  2. Le Morne Brabant Hike
  3. Tamarin Falls Trek
  4. Montagne Lion Hike
  5. The Moka Trail

Best Things to Do in Mauritius: Activities and Tours

Mauritius offers a wide range of activities and tours to suit different interests. Here are some of the best things to do in the island:

  1. Snorkeling and Scuba Diving
  2. Water Sports
  3. Hiking and Biking
  4. Golfing
  5. Catamaran Cruises

Week-Long Itinerary for Mauritius

Here’s a suggested itinerary for a week-long trip to Mauritius:

Day Activity
1 Arrival, Check-in at Hotel, Relax at Beach
2 Visit to Port Louis and Local Market
3 Hike to Le Morne Brabant and Beach Time
4 Visit to Chamarel and Seven Coloured Earths
5 Water Sports and Adventures at Blue Bay
6 Catamaran Cruise to Île aux Cerfs
7 Checkout, Departure

Food and Drink Scene of Mauritius

Mauritius is a hub of cultural diversity, which is reflected in its food and drink scene. Here are some of the must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Dholl Puri
  2. Fish Vindaye
  3. Rougaille
  4. Gateau Piment
  5. Mine Frite

Local Beverages

  1. Phoenix Beer
  2. Alouda
  3. Vanilla Tea
  4. Green Island Rum
  5. Ti Punch

Where to Stay in Mauritius: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Mauritius offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit different budgets and needs. Here are some of the best places to stay in Mauritius:

  1. LUX Le Morne
  2. Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita
  3. Constance Prince Maurice
  4. La Pirogue
  5. Heritage Le Telfair Golf & Wellness Resort

What to Buy in Mauritius: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Mauritius is famous for its handicrafts and local products. Here are some of the best souvenirs to buy in Mauritius:

  1. Rum
  2. Tea
  3. Handicrafts made of local materials
  4. Beachwear and Accessories
  5. Spices and Chutneys

Local Culture and Customs of Mauritius

Mauritius is a melting pot of cultures, with influences from Africa, India, China, and Europe. The island is home to diverse cultural festivals, rituals, and customs. Respectful behavior towards elders and religious sites, modest clothing in public places, and punctuality are some of the local customs to keep in mind.

Best Time to Visit Mauritius

The best time to visit Mauritius is during the months of May to December. This is when the weather is dry, sunny, and cool, making it perfect for outdoor activities and beach hopping.

Do’s and Don’ts of Mauritius

Here are some of the do’s and don’ts when visiting Mauritius:

Do:

  1. Respect local customs, religion, and elders
  2. Dress modestly when visiting cultural sites
  3. Try local cuisine and beverages
  4. Learn some basic French, Creole or Hindi for effective communication

Don’t:

  1. Litter on beaches or public places
  2. Damage coral reefs or marine life
  3. Disrespect local laws, traditions or governance
  4. Overhaggle with street vendors or hawkers

Safety and Health

Mauritius is a safe destination for tourists as it boasts low crime rates. However, it’s always better to adhere to safety precautions and common-sense practices like locking up valuables in hotels, using reputable transport services etc. Water safety and sun safety are important precautions to keep in mind as well.

Safety in Mauritius

  1. Keep an eye on your belongings while in public places
  2. Avoid deserted areas, especially at night
  3. Use official taxis or transport services
  4. Take necessary safety measures while engaging in water sports or adventures

Health in Mauritius

  1. Drink bottled water and avoid tap water
  2. Apply sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors
  3. Check for recommended vaccinations before visiting Mauritius
  4. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any health issues

Getting to Mauritius: Transportation Options and Logistics

Mauritius has excellent connectivity to major international cities. Here are some of the ways to reach Mauritius:

Airports Near Mauritius

  1. Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport (MRU)
  2. Sir Charles Gaëtan Duval Airport (RRG)

Bus Stations Near Mauritius

  1. Flacq Bus Station
  2. Grand Baie Bus Station

Other Options

  1. Train connections from major cities like Port Louis, Rose Hill, and Curepipe

How to Get Around in Mauritius

Mauritius has a well-connected network of public transport options like buses, taxis and private cars for rental. Driving is on the left-hand side in Mauritius, and the roads often have challenging terrain, so renting a car for first time drivers is not recommended.

Where to Go Next from Mauritius: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Here are some popular destinations to explore after your trip to Mauritius:

  1. Reunion Island
  2. Seychelles
  3. Madagascar
  4. Rodrigues Island
  5. Mozambique

Conclusion

Mauritius is a perfect holiday destination for a wide range of interests, be it cultural immersion, outdoor recreation, beach relaxation or food and drink exploration. This guide should help you get started with planning your trip to Mauritius and making the most of your time on the island. Remember to respect the local culture and customs, take necessary safety and health precautions, and enjoy an unforgettable experience in the beautiful island nation of Mauritius.

Chamarel Falls Chamarel Falls Visa policy of Mauritius Visa policy of Mauritius Air Mauritius is the national carrier Air Mauritius is the national carrier Metro Express route map Metro Express route map Maconde curved road in Baie du Cap Maconde curved road in Baie du Cap Grand Bay from offshore Grand Bay from offshore Île aux Cerfs Île aux Cerfs Flic en Flac beach Flic en Flac beach Le Morne peninsula Le Morne peninsula Climbing Le Pouce Climbing Le Pouce Glass bottomed boat in Grand Bay Glass bottomed boat in Grand Bay Eastern slopes of Grande Montagne, Rodrigues Eastern slopes of Grande Montagne, Rodrigues ''Bengali rasagulas are'' very popular in Mauritius. ''Bengali rasagulas are'' very popular in Mauritius. A bottle of Phoenix beer A bottle of Phoenix beer Le Morne Le Morne


    Chamarel
    Flic en Flac
    Grand Bay
    Pamplemousses
    Port Louis
    Quatre Bornes
    Rodrigues
    Souillac
    Tamarin
    Vacoas-Phoenix