Mauritius

Mauritius - an emerald fairy tale of the Indian Ocean

Guide to Mauritius

Basic Information

The Indian Ocean has a lot of amazing places in its vastness. And one of them is called Mauritius. <br><br> This island is not big at all, but it has everything for a perfect vacation on the coast. Firstly, the coast is oceanic, and, secondly, local beaches are better than any praise. Add to this the transparent waves that reveal to divers the colorful variety of local underwater fauna, the opportunity to catch fish directly in the ocean waves and green spaces around. Mauritius is so popular with honeymooners all over the world.

Photos of Mauritius

Capital

Port Louis

Language

English

Currency

Mauritius rupee

Time zone

GMT+4

Population

1 295 789

Territory

2040 km²

Dishes worth trying:

Dholl Puri — a thin pancake made from yellow pea flour, usually served with curry, chutney and hot sauce.

Rougaille — a flavorful tomato gravy with garlic, ginger and spices that is made with meat, fish or tofu.

Cari de Poisson — traditional Mauritian curry with local spices and fresh fish.

Pepper Cakes — spicy fried balls of chopped peas with green chilies, a popular street snack.

Sept Cari — a vegetarian set of seven curries served at weddings and festivals.

Mine Frites — mauritian version of fried noodles with vegetables, meat or seafood.

Alouda — a refreshing sweet drink made from milk, basil seeds and rose syrup.

Things to do in to Mauritius

Mauritius is more than just a beach vacation, it is an island full of adventure and discovery!

Relax on the beaches – visit white-sand beaches such as Trou aux Biches, Flic en Flac or Le Morne.
Snorkeling or diving – explore the coral reefs at Blue Bay Marine Park or see shipwrecks.
Climb Le Morne Brabant, a iconic mountain listed by UNESCO, offering breathtaking views.
Swim with dolphins – take a morning excursion to Tamarin Bay.
Walk through Black River Gorges National Park – see waterfalls, Mauritian flying foxes and rare plants.

Tips

Don't forget sun protection – the sun on the island is very active, so take a cream with SPF 50, sunglasses and a hat.

Rent a car – public transportation is not too convenient, while a car will allow you to explore even the remote corners of the island.

Take comfortable shoes – besides the beaches, there are plenty of steep trails, like Le Morne-Braban or the Tamarine waterfalls.

Be prepared for changing weather – Mauritius can have short tropical rains even during the dry season, so a raincoat or light jacket won't hurt.

Exchange some local currency (rupiahs) – although many places accept cards, you'll need cachet in markets and from street vendors.

Sights

The main attractions of Mauritius are, of course, natural. Local reserves with unique wildlife and a variety of birds will surely interest travelers. Not to mention picturesque bays, capes and towns of Mauritius, scattered around the island like colorful toys.

Le Morne Brabant

A majestic UNESCO-listed mountain and symbol of freedom. It is a popular hiking spot, offering stunning views of the lagoon and the "underwater waterfall".

The seven colored lands of Chamarelle

A natural wonder with dunes of seven shades formed due to volcanic activity. They do not mix even after rain, creating a unique colored landscape.

Black River-Georges National Park

A reserve with dense jungle, waterfalls and unique species of flora and fauna. It is an ideal place for hiking and discovering Mauritian nature.

Tours to Mauritius

Tours to Mauritius are popular among those seeking relaxation on the ocean coast. Holidays here are not inexpensive. The main reason for this pricing approach lies in the protection of the island’s environment. The authorities of Mauritius deliberately limit the flow of tourists through pricing and primarily build upscale bungalow-style hotels designed for individual travelers. There are almost no large hotels accommodating several hundred guests on the island.

The average cost of a high-season tour to Mauritius ranges from EUR 3,000 to 4,000 per week for two people. This amount includes airfare and accommodation in a villa or bungalow. The largest share of the expenses in this case is the flight.

During the low season, which in Mauritius lasts from May to the end of October, the cost of a trip decreases somewhat. Although tours during this period are not considered particularly comfortable due to less favorable weather conditions, it is possible to save a significant amount. In reality, the conditions are not as daunting as they may seem.

Where to go to Mauritius?

The entire coastline of the island is a succession of seaside resorts. The endless expanses of beaches flowing from one to another create ideal conditions for swimming and relaxing on the sand. Some bays of Mauritius have been inhabited by divers for a long time, and in others there are fishing boats. Wildlife lovers will enrich their stock of impressions by walking through the reserves of Mauritius.

Flick-an-Flak

When to go to Mauritius

Mauritius is one of those countries where traveling from winter to summer takes place. The high season is from November to April, when the weather in Mauritius is hotter and rains are less frequent. However, if you do not want to swim exclusively in the "heated" ocean, you can safely go to Mauritius in the low season, especially in May and September-October. And tripmydream will help you decide when to go to Mauritius.

Mauritius in spring

March in Mauritius is rainy, and this state of affairs lasts until mid-April. After that, the flow of moisture from the sky decreases and it becomes noticeably cooler. The air temperature in May gradually reaches +24...+26°C. The weather in spring changes several times a day.

Mauritius in summer

Summer in Mauritius is considered the winter period. The air temperature drops to +23...+25°C. At the same time, strong winds blow on the island, which provokes excitement on the ocean. It often rains. The most comfortable summer month is August, during which time it almost never rains.

Mauritius in the fall

Autumn in Mauritius is relatively dry, rains are less frequent and the winds calm down. The air temperature in September and October fluctuates within +23...+26°C. By November, the heat returns and with it the abundance of tourists.

Mauritius in winter

Mauritius is in high season in winter, and most of the travelers seek to visit the island during these days. The air temperature in this land of eternal summer in the winter months reaches +30...+31°C. In winter, Mauritius experiences heavy but very short showers.

Usefulness

The information about Mauritius that tripmydream has prepared for you will come in handy when traveling to the island.

Visa to Mauritius

Citizens of most countries are granted visa-free entry or a visa on arrival for up to 90 days, provided they have a return ticket, proof of accommodation reservation and sufficient financial resources. For longer stays or other purposes of entry, it is necessary to apply for the appropriate visa in advance.

Customs & Tax Free

In addition to traditional security measures, Mauritius Customs regulations protect the island's plant life from alien introductions.

Travel by car

Renting a car in Mauritius will give you the opportunity to move around the island seamlessly.

Phrasebook for tourists

The most common languages in Mauritius are English and French. Therefore, it is worth learning at least a few phrases in each of them.

Public transport and prices

Public transportation in Mauritius is diverse. There are buses, cabs and ferries.

Events

If you want to be in Mauritius during one of the local festivals, check out our island events calendar.