mauritius tourism itinerary

Epic Mauritius Itinerary: How To Spend 10 Days In Paradise

Posted by Francesca Brooking | Mauritius | 6

Located off the east coast of Africa, Mauritius is a small island nation that’s best known for its tropical beaches and swanky resorts. In reality, it’s so much more!

Lush rainforests, incredible wildlife and waterfalls galore make Mauritius a bucket list destination for nature lovers. It also offers a rich cultural heritage thanks to its diverse mix of Indian, Creole, Chinese and French ethnic groups. 

So, with so much to see and do, where do you even start? I’ve put together a Mauritius itinerary for 7-10 days with all the best things to do. 

This Mauritius itinerary is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts who want to make the most of their time on the island. Whether you want laidback or action-packed, you can easily customise it to your travel style. 

I’ve also included where to stay to help make planning your trip easier. 

How to use this itinerary 

Discover the best things to do on the island in this 10-day Mauritius itinerary!

This Mauritius travel itinerary is designed to be completely customisable to you and your preferences. 

It starts in the east of the island and goes around it anticlockwise so both the beginning and end are close to the airport. You can easily do this itinerary back to front too. 

I’ve deliberately kept this itinerary fairly laidback with activities spread out across the 10 days but you can bunch them together or swap them out if you’re short of time. 

I’ve also included optional activities if you want more. Feel free to fit in more lazy days too! 

Whether you’re spending a week in Mauritius, 10 days or more, there’s plenty here to keep you occupied. 

Read More: The Ultimate Mauritius Packing List: What To Wear In Mauritius

How to get around Mauritius

There are several ways to get around Mauritius depending on your travel style. These are: 

Probably the most flexible way to travel around Mauritius is by renting a car and driving. 

Most roads are pretty well-maintained but it’s still a good idea to practice caution when going along small side roads. I’d also avoid cities and business areas during rush hour as the traffic can get busy! 

In terms of a permit, you’re allowed to drive in Mauritius with your domestic license for up to four weeks. 

Use Rentalcars.com to get the best price on car hire in Mauritius. If at all possible, go electric or offset your car’s emissions to mitigate your environmental impact. You can do this here. 

Self-guided tour

If you want the freedom of doing it yourself with the structure and ease of an itinerary done for you, the best option is a self-guided tour. 

Pure Breaks is a travel agent specialising in tailor-made responsible holidays that suit your interests. 

Best of all, it does the hard work for you to make sure your trip is an eco-friendly one by partnering with eco-resorts and activities around the island. 

You’ll travel via private transport to make it easier. Pure Breaks uses Coquille Bonheur, an award-winning responsible tourism company – so you’re in good hands! 

Small-group tour

Since Mauritius is a relatively small island, there’s no need to do a big multi-day guided tour. 

However, if you do prefer that structure or you want to make the most of your time, I recommend booking day trips and activities. Read about the best top-rated ones here.

Then all you need to do is strategically choose accommodation nearby! 

Keep reading to find out more about the best activities you can do. 

Editor’s tip: still not sure how you want to get around Mauritius? Don’t panic! Plenty of hotels offer transfers to nearby attractions and they will be able to help you out. There are also plenty of taxi companies! 

Mauritius itinerary for 7-10 days 

Day 0 – arrive .

Where to stay: Preskil Island Resort  

You’ve just landed in Mauritius and you’re ready for your trip to begin! Book a transfer to your resort or hotel and spend the rest of the day relaxing. 

It’s a long journey to Mauritius so you’ll want to rest and recuperate before you dive straight into your itinerary!  

Day 1 – Île aux Aigrettes

Spend your first day exploring the islands off the east coast of Mauritius. For wildlife lovers, Île aux Aigrettes is a must. This protected nature reserve is home to giant tortoises! 

Sadly, the native species of giant tortoise suffered the same fate as the dodo and went extinct in the 1700s. However, giant tortoises are a vital part of the island’s ecosystem as they help with seed dispersal. 

In an effort to restore the natural ecosystem, the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation introduced the Aldabra Giant Tortoise from Seychelles in 2000. The best place to see them is the tiny reef islet of Île aux Aigrettes. 

Here, giant tortoise conservation is in full swing and you can see adult tortoises roaming (albeit slowly) across the land. You can also see other rare native species of floral and fauna, including ebony trees and birds such as the Pink Pigeon and Mauritian Fody. 

By visiting Île aux Aigrettes, you can directly support important conservation work by the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation. The only way to visit is through a guided eco-tour with a ranger. Make sure you book at least 24 hours in advance. 

Note, there aren’t any restaurants or leisure activities at Ile aux Aigrettes, Île aux Cerfs is a better option for those – but there aren’t any giant tortoises…

Île aux Cerfs 

Further up the east coast of Mauritius is Île aux Cerfs, a large private island boasting white sandy beaches, a couple of restaurants and a golf course. 

A popular activity to do here is a full day cruise on board a 45-ft catamaran. Highlights include snorkelling, dolphin watching and a BBQ! 

If you want to visit both islands, you can either do Île aux Cerfs on day one or day two as my suggested accommodation for the second night is close by. 

Editor’s tip: as you drive up the east coast, make a stop at Boutique Vallée de Ylang Ylang, a lovely independent gift shop selling a range of natural skincare and essential oils. 

Day 2 – Full day at Otentic Eco Tents 

Where to stay: Otentic Eco Tents 

On day two, I recommend staying and spending a full day on your Mauritius itinerary at Otentic Eco Tents because it’s such an amazing place. 

Located on the banks of the Grand River, Otentic is the only tented ecolodge in Mauritius. Accommodation is in the form of safari tents, complete with cosy beds and outside (but enclosed!) showers at the back. 

All furnishings are rustic and handmade from upcycled materials. 

Home cooking is a speciality here. The glamping site has its own vegetable garden and employs local people from the neighbouring village to cook some of the best food in Mauritius. Honestly, it was one of the highlights of my trip!

Otentic offers a range of activities including kayaking, snorkelling, hiking, kitesurfing, paddleboarding and bike hire. You can book a transfer to the beach / Ile aux Cerfs too. 

Day 3 – Snorkelling & the north 

Where to stay: Lagoon Attitude Resort 

Anse La Raie Lagoon

Head north to the top of Mauritius for a relaxing day of snorkelling and beaching. The island is home to some beautiful coral reefs and you can meet the local marine residents by snorkelling in a protected marine reserve. 

Anse la Raie Lagoon is a Voluntary Marine Conservation Area (VMCA). This means local hotels, residents and industries have agreed to not fish or carry out any other destructive activities. 

You can do a snorkelling tour of the marine reserve through Lagoon Attitude Resort, a key member of the VMCA project. Help keep the reserve healthy by refraining from touching the reef and wearing reef-safe sunscreen. 

Afterwards, chill at your resort or hit the beach at Grand Baie via Cap Malheureux. 

Cap Malheureux 

Cap Malheureux is a scenic drive along the north coast with beautiful views out towards the northern isles. 

Although a seemingly quiet enclave, its name, meaning Cape Misfortune, comes from the number of ships dashed against the rocks. It’s also the historic site where the British invasion forces defeated the French in 1810. 

Look out for Notre Dame Auxiliatrice, a pretty red-roofed church which is worth a quick stop for as you pass by. 

Grand Baie 

If you’re looking for your fill of tropical beaches, Grand Baie on the northwest coast has plenty. Some of the best ones include: 

Pereybere Beach

The first beach after Cap Malheureux, Pereybere is popular among travellers. It’s excellent for snorkelling and offers plenty of restaurants and cafes. 

La Cuvette 

For somewhere a little more rustic and quieter, head to La Cuvette. Fewer boats in the bay here make it a lovely spot for a quiet swim or snorkel. 

Grand Baie Beach 

Beautiful crystal clear waters and white sandy beaches make Grand Baie Beach a must-visit. You can enjoy watersports activities here too. 

Read More: 19 Best Places To Stay In Mauritius For Every Budget

Day 4 – Port Louis & Botanical Garden

Where to stay: Labourdonnais Waterfront Hotel

Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden

Start the day at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden in Pamplemousses. 

Founded by Pierre Poivre (which translates to Peter Pepper in English, yes) in 1770, it’s the oldest botanical garden on the island and a lovely place to learn more about tropical plants. 

Discover plants from all around the world, including Asia, Africa, America and more. 

Enjoy a leisurely few hours wandering around the garden and taking in the sights. Make sure you visit the colonial-era mansion and take a photo of the famous giant water lilies!

The entrance fee is Rs 200 (Mauritian rupee) for non-Mauritian visitors. 

Port Louis 

From the botanical garden, it’s just a short drive to Port Louis, the capital of Mauritius. It’s a compact but relatively busy city. I’d recommend exploring on foot rather than navigating the streets if you’re driving!

There are enough sites in the city to keep you busy for the rest of the day. Head to Le Caudan Waterfront for lunch and shopping; visit the Central Market, the first market in Mauritius; see Blue Penny Museum with its collection of rare stamps and Chinatown with its French-style houses.

Other popular sights include Fort Adelaide which offers views of the Port Louis skyline; Jummah Mosque with its blend of Creole, Indian and Islamic architecture and the UNESCO World Heritage Aapravasi Ghat, an immigration depot built by the British in 1849 to receive indentured and contracted workers.  

A great way to experience a place from a local perspective is to do a walking or guided tour. There are Port Louis tours I recommend: 

• Full Day Tour of Port Louis – this includes the botanical garden and Cap Malheureux church so it’s a good option if you want to cover a lot of ground!
• Port Louis, Mont Choisy and National Botanical Garden Tour – this is a private tour of the city and botanical garden. It also includes a trip to Mont Choisy beach. 
• Port Louis Street Food Tour –  I recommend this tour if you’re a foodie. It’s an amazing way to experience the local culture. The three-hour tour takes you to food spots only the locals know about. Book this one in advance as it’s likely to sell out!

Day 5 – Chamarel 

Where to stay: Heritage Le Telfair or Lakaz Chamarel 

Time to see a different side to Mauritius beyond the beaches and lagoons. Today, explore the island’s tropical interiors in Chamarel. 

There are two amazing places to visit here: 

Chamarel’s Seven Coloured Earth Geopark 

One of the best things to do in Mauritius, Seven Coloured Earth Geopark is home to a stunning natural spectacle of sand dunes that are streaked with different colours – much like Rainbow Mountain in Peru. 

The best time to visit is on a dry, sunny day as that’s when the colours really pop. 

You’ll need to pay an entrance fee (about Rs 200) but it also gives you access to the viewpoint of Chamarel Waterfall and tortoise pens. 

The geopark is a protected area of conservation. 

Ebony Forest Reserve 

Just around the corner from the Seven Coloured Earth is Ebony Forest Reserve , a refuge for threatened native flora and fauna. Here, you can go hiking and support rewilding projects either by donating or planting your own tree. 

The most popular activity you can do in the reserve is a guided or self-guided tour up a 300m raised walkway through native bush to reach Sublime Point Lookout. 

Just as its name suggests, the viewpoint gives you stunning panoramic views across Mauritius to the coast. 

You can either stay at the lookout and enjoy refreshments at the tiny cafe or continue hiking up to the summit of Piton Canot for even more amazing views. 

Admission to Ebony Forest Reserve is Rs 300 for hiking. Prices differ depending on the activity you want to do. The money you pay directly supports vital conservation work too. 

Day 6 – Heritage Nature Reserve 

Heritage Nature Reserve is 1300 hectares of unspoilt nature nestled close to the wider UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in Bel-Hombre in the south of Mauritius. It’s owned by Heritage Resorts but anyone can visit whether they’re a guest or not. 

Here, you can explore a tropical landscape of native forest, mountainous terrain, rivers and lush vegetation. 

There’s plenty of wildlife to see here too, such as the Pink Pigeon, Mauritian Fody, Echo Parakeet and the Mauritius Kestrel. 

Keep an eye out for giant fruit bats soaring above the canopy. Don’t worry, they’re fruitarians so completely harmless!

Activities in the reserve focus on education and conservation. You can take a tour with an expert guide or if you prefer to cover more ground you can do a guided quad bike or 4×4 tour. 

For a more relaxed approach, you can have a leisurely three-hour picnic lunch in the heart of the reserve. I recommend booking this in advance.

Afterwards, go back to your resort for a well-earned rest. It’s been a busy few days! 

Day 7 – Le Morne Brabant, Black River Gorges & Grand Bassin

Today is all about spectacular natural scenery, history and culture. There are multiple stops you can do. These are: 

Le Morne Brabant 

The most westerly part of Mauritius, Le Morne Brabant is a peninsula which is known for its huge basalt monolith rising 556 metres above sea level. 

It’s a dramatic sight and just off its coast, sand and silt give the illusion that the island is about to be sucked down a waterfall! 

Le Morne Brabant is a UNESCO World Heritage site not just for its scenery. 

It’s a symbol of freedom with a tragic past. 

During the time of the slave trade, many escaped slaves from Madagascar and mainland Africa lived on Le Morne Brabant. Conditions were harsh and there was little food, shelter and water. 

It’s said that after the British passed the Slavery Abolition Act in 1834, a group of soldiers visited Le Morne to tell the runaway slaves they were finally free. 

The sight of the authorities coming caused the former slaves to jump to their deaths rather than risk being captured. 

Today, this popular sunrise hike with a certified climber gives you the chance to learn more about the historical significance of Le Morne Brabant and enjoy panoramic views of the island. 

It’s approximately four hours to complete so you can always move Black River Gorges and Grand Bassin to the following day’s itinerary. 

Black River Gorges National Park 

It’s time to start heading eastwards and inland to Black River Gorges National Park. Here in the highlands, temperatures are slightly lower than at sea level so it can be a welcome break from the heat. 

You can make this stop as long or as short as you like by hiking up the many peaks in the park. Alternatively, keep it quick by visiting Alexandra Falls or enjoying the view from the Gorges Viewpoint. 

Grand Bassin 

On the other side of Black River Gorges is Grand Bassin, also known as Ganga Talao. It’s a sacred crater lake 550 metres above sea level with Hindu temples and small shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva and other gods dotted along its shoreline. 

Ganga Talao has been an important Hindu pilgrimage site since 1887 and is at the heart of the island’s biggest Hindu festival – Maha Shivaratri – which celebrates the god Shiva. 

In 2007, a 33-metre statue of Shiva was erected and towers over the trees to this day. 

You can walk around the lake, meditate, pray and spot local wildlife including fish, eels and monkeys. It’s a site well worth adding to your Mauritius itinerary!

Day 8 – Bois Cheri & Blue Bay Marine Park 

Where to stay: Preskil Island Resort 

Bois Cheri 

Before you make your way back to the east coast, stop by Bois Cheri Tea Factory and Museum. 

Tea has been grown commercially in Mauritius since the 19th century. Today the biggest producer is Bois Cheri with a plantation of 250 hectares. 

You can learn about the history of the Mauritian tea trade in the museum and take a guided tour of the plantation and factory to see how it’s produced. 

Next, take a short coach ride through the plantation to the tea tasting chalet which sits on a hill above a small reservoir. This picturesque spot offers tea tasting and you can relax with a brew of your choosing. There’s also an on-site shop where you can sample a few rums. 

During your visit, look out for deer and long-tailed macaque monkeys through the trees. You can also stay here at Bubble Lodge, an eco-glamping experience. Book in advance though as it sells out quickly! 

Blue Bay Marine Park

Finish the day back where you started on the east of the island at Blue Bay Marine Park. 

Declared a national park in 1997, it’s a protected area and home to stunning reefs – although there is some coral bleaching here, as a result of global warming. 

You can snorkel or take a glass-bottomed boat tour out on the water and see how much marine life you can spot. This tour includes a delicious Creole picnic lunch too. 

 As always, remember to wear reef-safe sunscreen to ensure the survival of the remaining coral. 

Day 9 – Relax or do some optional activities!

Your last full day is free so you can do whatever you want. Have a rest at the beach or at your resort – or scroll down and take a look at some optional activities I’ve suggested below. 

Day 10 – Depart Mauritius 

Time to head home or to the next destination on your travels. 

Optional activities for your Mauritius itinerary 

Have a bit of time to squeeze in some more things to do? Here are some of my top recommendations below: 

Beach-hopping

Explore the island’s pristine tropical beaches. A few of the best ones are: 

• Flic en Flac – a white sandy beach and one of the longest on the island. It has beautiful views out towards Le Morne Brabant
• Grand Baie – you can take your pick of beaches around here. They’re great for watersports
• Trou aux Biches Beach – just south of Grand Baie, this beach is a sunbather’s and snorkel lover’s heaven. It has good sunsets too. 
• Belle Mare Beach – go here for picture-perfect turquoise waters and bright white sand. 

Skydiving 

Want to see the island in all its glory from above? Do a tandem skydive with Skydive Mauritius! Jump from 10,000ft and get HD pictures and videos of your experience. 

Catamaran Cruise to the Northern Isles

Do a full-day boat trip up the three Northern Isles of Mauritius. The activity includes snorkelling, drinks and BBQ lunch. If you’re lucky, you might even see whales and dolphins! 

Dolphin and whale watching 

Go whale watching and swimming with dolphins at Black River. Hop onboard a speed boat with an expert team who will provide you with live commentary. Soft drinks are included but you’ll need to bring your own snorkel. 

The tour is operated by Dolswim LTD which respects and interacts with the marine life safely. 

Tamarind Falls Hiking Trip 

Do a three-hour guided hike up to the spectacular Tamarin Falls. Walk through tropical rainforest and cool off with a swim in the natural pools!

Editor’s tip: don’t forget travel insurance! Even if you think you won’t need it, it’s always a good idea to have it, just in case. My go-to right now is Holiday Extras as it offers good cover (including gadgets) for a reasonable price.

The best places to stay in Mauritius

I’ve highlighted some key resorts throughout this itinerary which are strategically located so you can do your activities easily. Here’s why I chose them over the others on the island: 

Otentic Eco Tents 

As previously mentioned, Otentic Eco Tents is a unique ecolodge. It’s also a good budget-friendly option.

Otentic has two locations: one by the Grand River and the other at the foot of Bambous Mountain. Both sites are small and intimate which makes them very popular. 

The Bambous Mountain location is smaller and has a vegetarian-only menu! 

Heritage Le Telfair 

Part of the Heritage Resorts group, Heritage Le Telfair is a five-star luxury resort that has an eco-conscience. It’s Green Key certified, donates surplus food to NGOs and has an on-site recycling plant. Even excess oil is turned into biofuel. 

The resort owns Heritage Nature Reserve, a 1300-hectare protected area of conservation. 

Heritage Le Telfair is probably one of the most beautiful resorts I’ve ever visited (I was lucky enough to stay there once on a press trip). It’s a great option for a honeymoon or special luxury treat. 

Lakaz Chamarel 

A real tropical oasis, Lakaz Chamarel is nestled high in the Mauritian hills. It’s an ideal place for those who want a holiday of quiet relaxation. 

Accommodation is in the form of villas surrounded by trees and vegetation to give you privacy. There’s an on-site restaurant focused on Mauritian cooking, free yoga sessions and spa facilities. 

Lagoon Attitude 

Lagoon Attitude is another chain resort but it’s taken huge strides in sustainable innovation. There are water refill stations all over the grounds and not a piece of single-use plastic is found in the rooms. 

There’s an on-site marine discovery centre for guests, schools, local tour operators and marine biologists to come and learn about marine conservation.

The resort also encourages guests to take a bag out with them and collect any rubbish they see on the beach and in the water. 

My favourite thing about Lagoon Attitude is the zero waste refill station for tea and coffee. Simply fill up glass pots of what you need and take them back to your room!

Mauritius travel itinerary: final thoughts

As you can see, Mauritius is an island that offers so much beyond the beaches and resorts. Whether it’s relaxation, history, culture, nature or adventure, there’s something for everyone here.

I hope you found this Mauritius itinerary for one week to 10 days useful for planning the best trip possible. If you have any questions, let me know in the comments below!

I was hosted by Pure Breaks and Mauritius Now during my trip to Mauritius. All opinions are my own. 

• Best Mauritius Tours: 11 Top-Rated Excursions You Need To Book
• How To Visit Ile Aux Aigrettes Nature Reserve
• Best Hikes In Mauritius: 14 Epic Trails You Need To Do
• Ultimate Mauritius Travel Guide

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This post may contain affiliate / compensated links. As an Amazon Associate, I also earn from qualifying purchases. For full information, please see my disclaimer here .

About The Author

Francesca brooking.

Francesca Brooking is the Founder of Little Lost Travel. A travel expert with a passion for the planet, Francesca is on a mission to help you travel well. From Costa Rica to Jordan, she's travelled all over the world. When she's not off on an adventure, she's reviewing sustainable travel products and writing travel guides.

There’s so many beautiful sounding sights to see in Mauritius. It would be hard to balance doing things and just wanting to relax in the scenery. Sign me up for the tour of the tea plantation!

Absolutely! There’s so much to see and do.

Mauritius has been on my radar for a while now. Definitely bookmarking this for later. So much to see and it looks gorgeous.

Oh great! Hope you get to go there 🙂

We’ve been talking about Mauritius for our next long-haul holiday but I honestly didn’t realise there was quite so much to do. Definitely time to start saving now!!

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Hello, I’m Francesca

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Last Updated on 14/03/2023

Mauritius Itinerary: 7 days, 10 days or 2 weeks + Local Tips

This ultimate Mauritius itinerary guide packed with insider tips from a local is exactly what you need to help you plan the trip of a lifetime!

Although Mauritius Island is just a tiny dot on the map, there are actually a lot of places to visit, from the popular attractions like Ile aux Cerfs Island, Chamarel, and Le Morne Brabant to lesser-known spots like Bras D’Eau National Park, Roches Noires Caves, and Corps de Garde mountain.

To help you plan your trip to Mauritius, I’m going to share my insider tips on how to create the best Mauritius itinerary.

So, whether you’re spending 7 days, 10 days, or 2 weeks in Mauritius, you’ll find all the information you need in this ultimate Mauritius itinerary guide.

Mauritius Travel Essentials

Best Tours & Excursions in Mauritius :

• Catamaran Cruise to the Northern Islands + Lunch
• Full-Day Cruise to Ile aux Cerfs + BBQ Lunch
• Guided tour of the Southwest (affordable private tour for up to 4 people)
• Mauritius Guided Street Food Tour
• Le Morne Brabant guided hiking tour

Best places to stay on Mauritius Island :

• Luxury: Paradise Cove and Trou aux Biches Beachcomber  
• Mid-Range: Preskil Island Resort and Tropical Attitude
• Budget: Talamba Blue

Planning a family trip? Find the best hotels in Mauritius for families here.

Planning a romantic getaway? Find the best adults-only hotels in Mauritius here.

The best way to explore Mauritius is by car!   Book your rental car here to get the best rates .

*** This article may contain affiliate links, meaning each time you click through and make a purchase, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you which helps a lot in keeping this website running. Thank you for your support :)

Read more about Mauritius:

• 44 best things to do in Mauritius
• The best areas to stay on Mauritius Island
• Best kid-friendly resorts in Mauritius
• When to visit Mauritius: weather by month
• 12 tours and excursions to take in Mauritius

Table of Contents

How many days in Mauritius?

For those wanting to visit only the main tourist attractions like Grand Baie, Le Morne, Port Louis, Chamarel, and Ile aux Cerfs, I recommend staying at least one week in Mauritius.

If you’d like to do a lot of hiking and visit Rodrigues Island as well, then you’ll need a minimum of 10 days in Mauritius or up to 2 weeks in Mauritius.

Below is a suggested Mauritius itinerary for up to 2 weeks:

• South Mauritius : 2-4 days
• East Mauritius : 1-2 days
• North Mauritius : 2-4 days
• West Mauritius : 1-2 days
• Central Mauritius : 1-2 days
• Rodrigues Island : 3 days

Alternatively, if you’re looking for a personalized Mauritius itinerary or need someone to take care of the planning process for you, be sure to check out my Mauritius Travel Planning Service here .

How to get around Mauritius?

Renting a car.

One of the best ways to get around Mauritius is by car. Driving a car in Mauritius is fairly easy, plus you’ll have the freedom to visit Mauritius at your own pace and explore more off the beaten path.

Another reason why I recommend renting a car in Mauritius is that some attractions in the south aren’t easily accessible by bus, so having your own car is a must.

CHECK CAR RENTALS RATES IN MAURITIUS HERE

Related post: Driving in Mauritius: Importation information and tips

Hiring a Private Driver

The next best option is to hire a private driver and customize your own Mauritius itinerary. Hotel transfers are included in the price, plus your driver will act as a guide and show you around the attractions. You can choose to have an English, German, or French-speaking driver.

CHECK PRICE FOR A PRIVATE DRIVER IN MAURITIUS HERE

Public Transportation

If you’re visiting Mauritius on a budget or traveling mostly within the main tourist areas like Grand Baie, Port Louis, Flic en Flac, Trou D’Eau Douce, or Mahebourg, then you can easily get around by bus, metro, or shared taxis.

Depending on the distance covered, a bus ticket costs between Rs 17 and Rs 47 (about US$ 1) per trip while a metro ticket costs between Rs 35 and Rs 55 (about US$ 1) per trip. Shared taxis cost on average Rs 30-60 per person.

Tip : You can check out  this website  for all the bus routes in Mauritius. 

Related post: How to travel around Mauritius?

Suggested Mauritius Itinerary

South mauritius: 2-4 days.

I recommend starting your Mauritius itinerary in the south, more specifically in the region of Pointe D’Esny or Blue Bay since the airport is located only about a 15-minute drive away.

The south of Mauritius features some of the most unique natural attractions and many beautiful beaches. It’s also home to Blue Bay marine park which is great for snorkeling.

Tip : If you don’t have a rental car, this day tour of Mauritius south will take you to all the main highlights of this region, including Chamarel, Grand Bassin, Black River Gorges National Park, and more.

CHECK PRICE FOR A SOUTH MAURITIUS TOUR + LUNCH

Below are some of the top attractions to visit in South Mauritius:

Mahebourg Village and Blue Bay

The small fishing village of Mahebourg is a great place to visit during your Mauritius itinerary. From strolling along the waterfront to visiting the Historical Naval Museum,  hiking Lion mountain or going on a  food tour , you’ll find a lot do to in Mahebourg.

There are a few beaches nearby that are worth visiting. Some of them include Pointe D’Esny and Blue Bay. You can also go on a snorkeling trip at Blue Bay marine park or an island hopping tour to Ile aux Aigrettes, Lighthouse Island, Ile de la Passe and Ile aux Cerfs.

CHECK PRICE FOR SNORKELING TOUR OF BLUE BAY MARINE PARK

CHECK PRICE FOR A SOUTHEAST ISLAND HOPPING TOUR

Read more: 12 best excursions in Mauritius

Ile aux Benitiers and Crystal Rock

Ile aux Benitiers is a small uninhabited island located on the southwest coast. Not too far away is the iconic Crystal Rock, one of the most popular snorkeling spots in Mauritius.

The best way to visit is to take a boat tour which will allow you to swim with dolphins. The tour also includes snorkeling at Crystal Rock and a BBQ lunch.

CHECK PRICE FOR A TOUR OF ILE AUX BENITIERS AND DOLPHIN

Thanks to its great selection of hotels, beaches, hiking trails, and the world-famous underwater waterfall, the village of Le Morne is a must-visit on any Mauritius itinerary.

Spend some time on the white-sand beach or hike to the summit of Le Morne Brabant for one of the most incredible panoramic views. The hike requires a moderate level of fitness, so make sure to hire a local guide if you don’t feel comfortable hiking on your own.

CHECK PRICE FOR A GUIDED HIKE OF LE MORNE BRABANT

Related post: Le Morne Brabant hiking guide

Gris Gris Beach

Admire the giant waves crashing against the cliffs at Gris Gris, one of the most popular beaches in the south. While you can’t swim here, you can instead take a stroll along the beach, explore the beach caves, or swim in the natural pools and waterfalls found nearby.

You can either visit on your own or go on a guided hike to explore the beach and waterfalls.

CHECK PRICE FOR A GUIDED HIKE OF GRIS GRIS BEACH

Related post: Guide to visiting Gris Gris Mauritius

Eau Bleue Waterfall

Want to swim in the clearest water in Mauritius? Then make sure to visit Eau Bleue waterfalls! The hike to the waterfalls is easy, and thus ideal for all fitness levels.

Related post: Guide to visiting Eau Bleue Waterfalls

Chamarel Waterfall and Seven Colored Earth

Plunging from nearly 100 meters, Chamarel waterfall is one of the tallest waterfalls in Mauritius. There are two viewpoints from which you can admire the waterfall or you can book a guided hike for a closer look. While you’re there, you can also visit the colorful sand dunes at the Seven Colored Earth geopark.

Note that to visit both the waterfall and Seven Colored Earth, you need to  buy an entrance ticket.

CLICK HERE TO BUY ENTRANCE TICKETS

Related post: Guide to visiting Chamarel Village

La Vallée de Ferney

Another attraction worth adding to your Mauritius itinerary is La Vallée de Ferney, home to rare endemic plants. The hike is very easy but you also have the option to hire a guide if you want to learn more about the nature reserve.

Black River Gorges National Park

With some of the best hiking trails in Mauritius , the  Black River Gorges NP  is a must-visit for hikers or those who love being in nature. The most popular spots are Gorges viewpoint and Alexandra Falls viewpoint, both of which don’t require any hiking at all.

If you want to do some hiking, I recommend Cascades 500 Pieds , Piton de la Petite Rivière Noire, Macchabée viewpoint and Piton Savanne .

CHECK PRICE FOR A GUIDED HIKE OF BLACK RIVER GORGES

Related post: Guide to visiting Black River Gorges

Grand Bassin

Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Grand Bassin (or Ganga Talao) is an important pilgrimage site for the Hindus of Mauritius. This volcanic crater is filled with water and is surrounded by Hindu temples and statues of Hindu deities.

For more details about each attraction mentioned above and more, be sure to read my ultimate guide to visiting South Mauritius .

Where to stay in South Mauritius:

Luxury : Dinarobin Beachcomber  is a luxury hotel located right on Le Morne beach with a magnificent view of Le Morne mountain in the backdrop. If you want some peace and quiet, you can stay in their adults-only section. Family suites are also available if you’re traveling with children. Check latest price here

Mid-range : Preskil Island Resort  is a beachfront property located on the southeast coast. It’s the perfect place to stay if you want to be close to the airport. Blue Bay beach and the marine park are also located not too far away. Check latest price here

Budget : Talamba Blue  is a cheap but really nice apartment with a kitchen. Located within walking distance of Blue Bay beach, it’s ideal for couples, families, or groups of friends. Free breakfast is included in the room rate. Check latest price here

CLICK HERE FOR MORE HOTELS IN SOUTH MAURITIUS

Related post: Best resorts in Mauritius for families

East Mauritius: 1-2 days

The east coast is more chill and quiet compared to other regions in Mauritius. It’s particularly popular among couples and honeymooners but you can also find some family-friendly hotels here as well.

If you’re spending 7 days in Mauritius, I would recommend only one day in the east to visit Ile aux Cerfs.

Alternatively, if you have 10 days in Mauritius or 2 weeks in Mauritius, you can add an extra day to explore the village of Trou D’Eau Douce or Flacq, swim at Belle Mare beach, or go on a hike at Bras D’Eau National Park.

Below are some of the top attractions to visit in East Mauritius :

Ile aux Cerfs

Ile aux Cerfs is a small private island located off the east coast of Mauritius. With beautiful white-sand beaches and loads of water activities like snorkeling and parasailing, it’s a must-visit for beach lovers.

Boat tours to Ile aux Cerfs leave from either Trou D’Eau Douce (east) or Pointe Jerome (southeast). You can choose to go on a catamaran cruise or speedboat tour , the latter being slightly more expensive.

I recommend visiting as part of a tour since you’ll be able to visit GRSE waterfall as well. A delicious BBQ lunch and drinks are also included in the tour price.

CHECK PRICE FOR A TOUR OF ILE AUX CERFS

Related post: How to plan a day trip to Ile aux Cerfs

Flacq Market

This is one of the biggest markets in Mauritius. It’s packed with vendors selling vegetables, fruits, clothes, and souvenirs. This is the place to go if you want to sample some tasty Mauritian street food . Make sure to visit on a Wednesday or Sunday when the market is more lively.

Related post: 30 foods to try in Mauritius

Belle Mare Beach

Belle Mare Beach is one of the longest  beaches in Mauritius so it never feels too crowded. There’s plenty of shade to relax or you can swim and snorkel in the lagoon to find some colorful fish. Make sure to bring a picnic lunch as there aren’t many restaurants nearby.

Related post: The best beaches in Mauritius

Bras D’Eau National Park

Bras D’Eau National Park is a great place to visit for hikers and nature lovers. It’s smaller and less popular than Black River Gorges NP but still features some beautiful hiking trails, most of which are fairly easy and flat.

For more details about each attraction mentioned above and more, be sure to read my ultimate guide to visiting East Mauritius .

Where to stay in East Mauritius:

Luxury : Constance Belle Mare is located on a private section of Belle Mare beach. It features 7 restaurants, 6 bars, and 4 swimming pools. If you’re traveling as a family or group of friends, you can book the private pool villa which can accommodate up to 4 adults and 2 children. Check latest price here

Mid-range : Solana Beach Hotel is also located on Belle Mare beach with every single room facing the ocean. I had some of the most delicious food there so I highly recommend their all-inclusive option. Alternatively, if you prefer to eat somewhere else, there’s a restaurant next to the hotel. Check latest price here

Budget : La Koquillishe is a budget hotel located in the village of Trou D’Eau Douce, within walking distance of the beach and restaurants. If you’re planning to take a day trip to Ile aux Cerfs, this would be the ideal place to stay since it’s located close to the embarkation point. Check latest price here

CLICK HERE FOR MORE HOTELS IN EAST MAURITIUS

North Mauritius: 2-4 days

The next stop on your Mauritius itinerary is the north. This is one of the most popular tourist spots and for a good reason. The beaches are dreamy, the islands are gorgeous and there are lots of facilities, from budget to luxury hotels, restaurants, shops, supermarkets, bars, and nightclubs.

Below are some of the top attractions to visit in North Mauritius :

Day trip to the Northern Islands

One of the most popular things to do in the north is to go on an island hopping tour to Coin de Mire (Gunner’s Quoin), Flat Island, and Gabriel Island.

You can book a catamaran cruise and spend the whole day swimming, snorkeling, or relaxing on the beach. Snorkeling gear, lunch, and drinks are included in the tour price.

CHECK PRICE FOR A NORTHERN ISLANDS CATAMARAN CRUISE

With beautiful white-sand beaches, hotels ranging from budget to luxury, restaurants, shopping malls, local markets, and vibrant nightlife, Grand Baie is one of the most popular tourist spots in Mauritius.

Related post: Where to eat in Grand Baie Mauritius

Port Louis is the capital city of Mauritius and a must-visit whether you’re a food lover, history lover, or shopping addict.

The city is filled with colorful street arts (find out how to find the street arts in Port Louis here ), shopping malls, local markets as well as historical sites like Fort Adelaide (Citadel) and Aapravasi Ghat.

Some of the top things to see in Port Louis include the Central Market, Chinatown, and Caudan Waterfront. You can also go on a  street food tour  with a local guide to learn about the best local food spots in the city!

CHECK PRICE FOR A PORT LOUIS FOOD TOUR

Related post: Guide to visiting Port Louis

Pamplemousses Garden

Another popular place to visit during a Mauritius itinerary is Pamplemousses Botanical Garden (also known as SSR Botanical Garden). The garden houses a variety of plants and flowers, including Baobabs and giant water lilies. It’s a great place to spend a couple of hours for a picnic or a relaxing stroll.

Trou aux Biches

Fine white sand, crystal-clear water, and rows of coconut trees are what make Trou aux Biches one of the most beautiful beaches on the island. The water is calm and shallow making it ideal for swimming, especially for kids.

La Cuvette Beach

La Cuvette is a beautiful white-sand beach located about a 5-minute drive from Grand Baie. The water is crystal-clear and filled with fish! The beach is quite small, so make sure to get there early to get a spot in the shade.

There are a couple of food stalls near the beach or you can bring your own lunch and have a little picnic right on the beach.

Roches Noires Caves

If you’re looking for a less touristy attraction to add to your Mauritius itinerary, then you should definitely visit the Roches Noires Caves. Most people refer to them as caves, they are in fact lava tubes that were formed during a volcanic eruption thousands of years ago. 

You can visit on your own or hire a guide to explore the bigger caves. Just make sure to bring a flashlight and to wear closed-toe shoes.

For more details about each attraction mentioned above and more, be sure to read my ultimate guide to visiting North Mauritius .

Where to stay in North Mauritius:

Luxury : Trou aux Biches Beachcomber is a luxury hotel located on Mauritius’ most beautiful beach. Swim in one of its many swimming pools, eat delicious local or international dishes at the restaurant, and have fun with all the free water activities like snorkeling, water-skiing, and glass-bottom boat cruise. There are also lots of restaurants and a supermarket near the resort. Check latest price here

Mid-range : Coin de Mire Attitude is located near a small quiet beach in Bain Boeuf. The rooms are spacious and the balcony offers a nice view of the ocean. A complimentary breakfast is included in the price. Check latest price here

Budget : Azure Beach Boutique Hotel is a great place to stay if you’re on a budget. The location is great, within walking distance of all the main attractions in the north, restaurants, and supermarkets. Free breakfast is served every day. Check latest price here

CLICK HERE FOR MORE HOTELS IN NORTH MAURITIUS

West Mauritius: 1-2 days

The west coast has many beautiful beaches and just like the north is very tourist friendly with a huge selection of hotels, restaurants, and bars. 1 or 2 days should be enough to visit the beaches. You can also get to the Black River Gorges National Park from the west entrance which is found about a 20-minute drive from Tamarin beach.

Below are some of the top attractions to visit in West Mauritius :

Albion Lighthouse

The Albion Lighthouse is the most famous lighthouse in Mauritius and one of the most photographed locations on the island . The best time to visit is during the golden hour. While you’re there, make sure to also visit the beach caves and rock pools found below the lighthouse.

Related post: 13 Best photo locations in Mauritius

Flic en Flac Beach

Flic en Flac is one of the longest beaches in Mauritius. The beach is great for swimming and sunset watching. It’s a great place to stay due to its huge selection of hotels, restaurants, and bars.

The beach can get very busy during the weekend, so it’s best to visit on weekdays or you can head to Wolmar beach located nearby if you want to skip the crowds.

La Preneuse beach

This is a less popular beach with powdery white sand and a stunning view of Le Morne Brabant. Not many people visit La Preneuse, so it’s very peaceful and quiet. Don’t forget to visit the small watchtower that has been converted into a museum if you want to learn a bit about the history of Mauritius.

Tamarin Beach

Tamarin Beach is the only decent surfing spot on the island. The swell isn’t too big, so it’s ideal for beginner surfers. There are a few street food vendors near the beach that sell delicious local food.

Where to stay in West Mauritius:

Luxury: Sand Suites Resort & Spa  is a 4-star luxury hotel situated on Wolmar beach near Flic en Flac. The rooms are spacious and clean and have a balcony overlooking the ocean. The hotel also features a swimming pool, 3 restaurants, a spa, and a gym. Check latest price here

Mid-range: La Mariposa  is a beachfront property located on La Preneuse beach. It’s perfect for those looking for an affordable place to stay in the west. If you plan to cook your own food, you can book a room with a kitchen. Family rooms are also available and can accommodate up to 5 adults and 1 child. You can read my review of La Mariposa or check the latest price here

Budget: Lariad BnB  is located within walking distance of Flic en Flac beach. You’ll find many restaurants nearby as well as a supermarket. It also features a swimming pool and breakfast is included in the room rate. Check latest price here

CLICK HERE FOR MORE HOTELS IN WEST MAURITIUS

Central Mauritius: 1-2 days

The central region has quite a few attractions and is worth visiting, especially for those who love hiking. Plan for 1 or 2 days in this region to hike a mountain or visit a waterfall.

Below are some of the top attractions to visit in the center of Mauritius :

This is by far the most popular waterfall in Mauritius and for a good reason! 7 Cascades, also known as Tamarind Falls, is actually made up of 12 waterfalls scattered in between a lush valley.

If you want to visit, I highly recommend hiring a local guide since the hike is quite technical and the path isn’t always clear.

If you want to visit every single waterfall, you can book this full-day guided hike . Alternatively, you can book a half-day guided hike  to see the main waterfalls only.

CHECK PRICE FOR A GUIDED HIKE OF 7 CASCADES

Related post: Guide to visiting 7 Cascades

Le Pouce Mountain

Le Pouce Mountain is the third tallest mountain on the island and surprisingly one of the easiest hikes in Mauritius. The summit provides one of the best 360 views of the whole island.

Related post: Guide to hiking Le Pouce mountain

Minissy Waterfall

Located in the village of Moka, Minissy waterfall is still off the tourist radar but quite popular among locals. Only a 15-20 minutes hike is required to reach the waterfall. I highly recommend visiting early or on weekdays to avoid the crowds.

Related post: Guide to visiting Minissy Waterfall

Corps de Garde Mountain

This is another easy/moderate hike to do during your Mauritius itinerary. From the top of Corps de Garde mountain, you’ll be able to enjoy some breathtaking city and mountain views.

Trou aux Cerfs

Located at about 605 m above sea level, Trou aux Cerfs is a dormant volcano and one of the most popular natural attractions in Mauritius. There’s a 1-km trail that goes around the crater where you can enjoy a panoramic view over Curepipe town and the neighboring mountains.

Rodrigues Island: 3 days

If you have 10 days in Mauritius or up to 2 weeks in Mauritius, I highly recommend taking a weekend trip to the small island of Rodrigues, located about 1.5–hour flight away.

Rodrigues definitely feels less touristy than Mauritius and is a must-visit for those looking for a relaxing getaway far from the crowds.

The beaches are beautiful and mostly deserted, especially those found in the southeast. Trou D’Argent, Anse Philibert, and Pointe Cotton are some of the locals’ favorite beaches.

There are so many places to visit in Rodrigues like Francois Leguat Reserve, Cavern Patate, Ile aux Cocos, and Grand Montagne Nature Reserve.

You can also do some hiking on the island or more adventurous activities like zip lining, bungee jumping, or via Ferrata.

Make sure to visit during the weekend so as not to miss the Saturday market at Port Mathurin.

For more details about each attraction mentioned above and more, be sure to read my ultimate guide to visiting Rodrigues Island .

Where to stay in Rodrigues Island:

Luxury : Tekoma Boutik Hotel is set on top of a cliff overlooking a beautiful white-sand beach on the east coast of Rodrigues Island. Each bungalow is equipped with a mix of modern and rustic furniture, a spacious bathroom with 2 sinks, and an outdoor bathtub. The location is very peaceful and quiet and the large bay windows and private balcony offer a breathtaking view of the turquoise lagoon. Check latest price here

Mid-range : Gite Patriko is located within walking distance of the beach. The sea view villa can accommodate up to 13 people while the studio can accommodate up to 3 people. Both are very spacious and have a full kitchen and balcony overlooking the sea. Check latest price here

Budget : Auberge St Francois  is a budget guesthouse located on one of the most beautiful beaches in Rodrigues. Some of the rooms can accommodate up to 6 people and have an ocean view. The location is perfect if you want to stay close to the beach and visit Trou D’Argent. There are also a couple of restaurants nearby. Check latest price here

CLICK HERE FOR MORE HOTELS IN RODRIGUES ISLAND

Did you find this Mauritius itinerary helpful? If you’re looking for a personalized Mauritius itinerary or need someone to take care of the planning process for you, be sure to check out my Mauritius Travel Planning Service here .

Steph is an outdoor enthusiast who’s always down for adventure. When she's not traveling abroad, you’ll either find her exploring her own backyard or researching her next trip. She writes adventure travel guides featuring waterfalls, mountains, and beaches and shares her tips on how to travel on a budget without compromising on comfort and experience.

20 Best Things to do in Ephesus and Selcuk, Turkey

20 best free things to do in istanbul, you may also like, le morne mauritius: 22 things to do + travel guide, flic en flac mauritius: 21 things to do + travel guide, 1 week mauritius itinerary for first timers + local tips.

Great blog post and pics! Is Mauritius safe for solo female travel? Would it also be safe to rent a car and drive solo? Many thanks in advance!

Hi Victoria. Thank you and yes, Mauritius is safe for solo female travelers. I’ve done several road trips on my own (especially around the south coast) and always had a great time. You can read my blog post about driving in Mauritius for my top tips and road trip ideas ( https://www.letsventureout.com/driving-in-mauritius/ ).

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7-Days Mauritius Itinerary | First-Timers Guide to a Perfect Vacation

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One’s Mauritius itinerary should be designed to let one enjoy the best of the island’s culture, natural splendor and resplendent beaches in a safe and hassle free manner. For a perfect trip to the island, one needs to spend at least 7 days and 6 nights here, and dedicate adequate measures of time for both tours and relaxation in order to ensure a well-rounded trip.  A Mauritius itinerary would be incomplete without a visit to the various beaches here. Some of the best beaches in the island are the Flic en Flac Beach, Le Morne, and the Grand Baie. At the beach, one can spend time either lounging on the white sands or swimming through its azure waters. Adventure enthusiasts can also try their hand at the various water activities available here, such as snorkeling, parasailing, windsurfing, and so on. Shopping in Mauritius is another must include in one’s itinerary. There are plenty of beach markets, traditional markets, and high-end shopping plazas around Mauritius, selling textile items, accessories, handicrafts, and much more. Island hopping is another prominent activity here, with the various islands around Mauritius thriving in their tourist attractions. If you still have some time left over, you could also explore some of the various nightclubs and diners around the island.

Mauritius Itinerary

Your first day at Mauritius should be dedicated to much-needed relaxation after a day of traveling and jet lag. Head on over to your hotel after you arrive at the airport. You can spend the rest of your day lounging about the hotel, exploring the various guest facilities here. Towards the evening, you could even idle along the beaches near the hotel and enjoy a lovely sunset on the beachside.

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You can spend your second day at Mauritius exploring the South Islands here. An ideal Mauritius itinerary for the second day would include an early morning tour of the Troux-Aux-Cerfs, a naturally occurring dormant volcano, and Ganga Talao, a natural pool below the volcano. You may also choose to visit the nearby Chamarel Seven Coloured Earth, and jaunt to the waterfall there. Back at the hotel by nightfall, you could try out the various nightlife spots in Mauritius. Alternatively, if you desire a quiet night at the hotel, you may choose to dine at the in-house restaurant here itself. A night walk at the beach could also be taken to close a happening day.

Planning an International Trip Check Out  Thrillophilia Reviews  from Our Happy Customers

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The third day in your Mauritius itinerary could be dedicated to shopping. There are quality markets scattered throughout the island, making sure you have the best shopping experience no matter where you are situated. You can hire a car to take you to various shopping centers and markets around Mauritius to shop for souvenirs and other items to take back home. You could visit the Port Louis market for textile items, artefacts and jewelry items. The Flacq shopping centre in eastern Mauritius is also well known for its multiple shopping streets and boutiques. At night, you can choose to explore the various night clubs and late-night pubs around the island.

Day four of your Mauritius itinerary can be spent enjoying watersports in the beaches near Mauritius. You can take a jetty and head on over to the Deer Islands or Ile Aux Cerfs for the activity. The emerald lagoon here makes it an ideal place to enjoy water-based activities at. Apart from swimming, you can also try your hand out at various other sports such as snorkeling, waterskiing, banana boating, parasailing or underwater walking. Lunch can be taken at the island itself. Upon returning, make sure you have plenty of rest after the hectic day to be ready for the sightseeing tour the next day, and enjoy a delicious dinner at the hotel itself.

Day five of your Mauritius itinerary can be spent on a full day tour of the northern islands. You can visit the capital city of Port Louis, and explore the typical French beauty of the La Citadel and also Place D’Armes. A quick visit to the Champ de Mars Racecourse would also be a great addition to your Mauritius itinerary. You can then stop at the Caudan Waterfront to enjoy a fulfilling shopping experience. If you still have time after this, you may choose to visit the Pamplemousses Garden, the National Botanical Garden and Grand Baie. Upon reaching back at the hotel at night, have a quiet dinner at the restaurant here.

The sixth day can be spent relaxing to prepare yourself for the return trip the next day. You could lounge at the nearby beach or enjoy sunbathing and swimming. Alternatively, you can opt to get a beach massage at one of the various beach spas in Mauritius. A beach massage is one of the best ways to unwind and relax in a natural setting. You could also explore the beach markets around the area. In the evening, you could opt to get dinner at some diner of your choice.

This is the last day of your stay in Mauritius. You will be spending your morning relaxing at the hotel until you have to check out, then head on over to the Airport for the return trip back home.

What are the best places to visit in Mauritius? 

Flic and Flac Beach: A mandatory part of the Mauritius itinerary, the Flic and Flac Beach is the longest beach in Mauritius. With deserts of wind sands stretching to unending ends, the palm-fringed beach is a sight for sore eyes. Swimming and snorkeling are among the many activities that can be done at the beach. Black River Gorges National Park: One of the best places to visit in Mauritius, the Black River Gorges National Park abounds in natural splendor. Along with the various flora and fauna flourishing here, one can also spot several animals around the park, such as rusa deer, privets and wild pigs. The park is also a big hit among trekkers. Rochester Falls: A prominent natural attraction, Rochester Falls is one of Mauritius’s biggest waterfalls. Apart from trekking along the slippery rocks, visitors at the Falls can also enjoy a quick dip in the cool pool that forms below it. Chamarel Colored Earth: One of the biggest inclusions in the Mauritius itinerary, the Chamarel Coloured Earth is a unique natural attraction where one can witness sand in seven separate colors. Grand Bassin: Also known as the Ganga Talao, the Grand Bassin is a prominent Hindu pilgrim spot in Mauritius. The stunning lake is home to the biggest Shiva temple in the island, located about 1800 feet above sea level.

What are the best things to do in Mauritius?

Take a seaplane ride: One of the best ways to explore the beauty of the island is to take a seaplane ride over Mauritius. Making its way over the turquoise blue oceans here, the seaplane ride offers some of the best aerial views of the whole place. Try your hand out at water sports: If you consider yourself an adventure enthusiast, then water sports in Mauritius is just the thing for you. Apart from swimming in its open waters, you can also try your hand in activities such as snorkeling, parasailing, banana boating, undersea walking and much more. Try out the street food here: The vibrant street food culture in Mauritius is absolutely unmissable. Dishing out delectable seafood delights, some of the best street food hubs in the island can be found in the Chiang Mai market and Sompet Market. Take a submarine tour: One of the best ways to explore the underwater brilliance off the coast of Mauritius, the submarine tour takes its riders about 30 feet below sea level, exposing them to the beauty of the underwater life here. Go Cave sea kayaking at the Albion Caves: Cave sea kayaking in Mauritius is unique to the stunning Albion Caves here. The activity involves kayaking one’s way through the narrow gorges of naturally cut caves.

How many days do you need in Mauritius?

About 7 to 10 days would be perfect for a trip to Mauritius. A trip of any shorter duration would not allow you to enjoy all the major attractions and activities in Mauritius in a hassle-free and leisurely manner.

How much does a Mauritius trip cost?

A trip to Mauritius would minimally cost around Rs. 22,000 (for a four day trip). However, this cost is bound to fluctuate depending on the duration of stay and the time of visit.

What is the best time to go to Mauritius?

Mauritius enjoys pleasant weather throughout the year. However, the best time to visit the island city is between the months of December and May, when the weather here is warm and dry. This would not only allow plenty of sightseeing opportunities, but also let you enjoy the activities at the beach in leisure.

Is Mauritius Safe?

Yes, Mauritius is extremely safe for tourists. Not only is the crime rate here extremely low, but the locals here are friendly and hospitable as well.

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How to Spend One Week in Mauritius: An Itinerary for First-Time Visitors

I can’t stop talking about Mauritius.

Visiting this island was a revelation. This was one of the most exciting countries I’ve been to in years. I’ve been full-on singing its praises on a daily basis.

Here, you’ve got everything: stunning beaches, volcanic craters to hike up, exceptional food, kind locals, low prices, and a safe environment. What more could a traveller ask for?

As an added bonus, taking a road trip is the perfect way to see Mauritius. This island is made for driving, with high-quality roads and short distances between attractions. Because guys?

This country is small.

Real small.

As in, you could drive the entire circumference of Mauritius in five hours.

So, with a full week on the island, you can imagine that you could do quite a bit. By the end of our (admittedly, action-packed) seven days, I felt as though I’d seen a significant chunk of the island and really started to get to know the country. I can’t wait to return to discover more.

Most excitingly of all: Mauritius is so easy to travel on a budget. Our flights from Europe were seriously cheap (€300 direct from London with Air Mauritius), and once we touched down, it was even better. It’s actually one of the cheapest countries I’ve been to! Excellent, well-rated guesthouses start at $30 a night, street food comes in at less than $1 a meal — this isn’t a country that’ll break the bank.

Of course, there are plenty of luxurious, world-class resorts that you can choose to relax in — this is a honeymoon destination, after all. It’s just that there’s also a wealth of seriously inexpensive accommodation. That was what surprised me.

With a week in Mauritius, you’ll be able to see my three favourite parts of the island. I recommend spending two days in each of the southwest, the west coast, and the north, then your final day driving down the rugged east coast. With an itinerary like that, you’ll be coming away having seen many of the things that makes Mauritius so special.

With all that being said, let’s look at the itinerary in more depth.

Here’s how to spend one week in Mauritius:

Day One: Arrive and Head Straight to the Southwest

The international airport in Mauritius is located in the southeast of the island, where there’s not an awful lot of attractions for tourists. As soon as you land, then, I recommend jumping in a rental car and driving west to Le Morne or La Gaulette. It’s only a one-hour drive to either place, so don’t worry about being too tired if you’re coming off an overnight flight; the journey is an easy one.

So, Le Morne or La Gaulette — which one to set your GPS for? Well, the former is full of resorts and aimed at higher-end tourists, while the latter is perfect for budget travellers. The two villages are only 5 km from each other, so it’s easy to hop between the both of them. We opted for La Gaulette and loved it — and saved so much money by staying there.

Odds are, on the first day of your trip, you’re not going to be too interested in hitting up the tourist attractions, so give yourself time to unwind. We checked in to our accommodation, had a quick nap, then drove straight to Le Morne. It’s home to one of the best beaches on the island, so a fantastic place to fight off the jetlag.

When it comes to dinner, there’s one restaurant you must make the effort to visit while you’re in La Gaulette and that’s Café and Restaurant Heritage Sunset . I know — catchy name, right? But this place is so worth visiting.

It’s a cosy, family-run restaurant that serves up traditional Mauritian fare, and it’s such a welcoming space that you’ll feel like you’re dining with the family in their home. And the food was amazing! I recommend the octopus vindaye, in particular. This was our introduction to Mauritian food (so underrated! I’ll have a post about it soon) and it was the perfect way to get things kicked off.

Where to stay in La Gaulette: We stayed in Mountain View , which offered phenomenal value for money. As you can see from my photo: we had a huge apartment to ourselves, with a well-equipped kitchen and spacious balcony. We paid $46 per night for all of that space and couldn’t believe how affordable it was, especially given the skyrocketing prices worldwide post-pandemic. This place was great! Friendly staff, excellent location within walking distance of dozens of restaurants and a huge supermarket, and it was clean and quiet. The Wi-Fi was speedy, too, which is always a bonus.

Day Two: Seven Coloured Earths and More

There’s a whole bunch of touristy attractions in the southwest of the island. They’re all worth doing, though, and all of them can be hit up in half a day. So even though you’re most likely in Mauritius to beach it up, I do still recommend taking some time to get your sightseeing on.

First up: the famous Seven Coloured Earths. But before you get there, on the drive to the park, you’ll pass a viewpoint, marked on Google Maps as Viewpoint Chamarel. It’s a great one, so I recommend parking up there first and taking some photos. From the viewpoint, you’ll be looking down on La Gaulette and Le Morne and taking in that sparkling turquoise ocean.

Next, enter Chamarel Seven Coloured Earth Geopark, which has an entrance fee of 225 Rupees ($5) — definitely worth paying for! When you enter the park, head straight to the Seven Coloured Earths. This is one of the most popular attractions in Mauritius, so I recommend getting there at opening time (8:30 a.m.) if you can.

Here, you’ll find a series of vibrant sand dunes that feature seven distinct colours: red, yellow, blue, green, purple, violet, and brown. The colours are caused by different minerals in the sand and it was pretty impressive to see in person! Although take note: you can only really see the colours in full sunshine, so I’d try to avoid visiting on a cloudy day.

Located beside the Seven Coloured Earths are half a dozen giant tortoises. This was an unexpected treat for me and I spent a solid ten minutes just watching them munch on the grass.

The final highlight of the park complex is the Chamarel Waterfall, which is one of the tallest waterfalls in Mauritius. At a height of 83 meters, or 272 feet, it’s definitely an impressive one! There’s a couple of viewpoints here — one beside the car park and one a 10 minute hike up a hill. I preferred the viewpoint at the latter, so recommend taking the extra time and energy to climb up there.

The final stop on your touristy-tour of the southwest of Mauritius is going to be Maconde Viewpoint. This is another famous viewpoint in Mauritius, where you can climb up a few dozen steps and look back towards the mountains and winding roads of the island. This is well worth heading out to, as it really helps give a sense of how mountainous this country is!

Most likely, you’ll be done with all of your sightseeing by lunchtime. If so, venture over to Eldorade Resto & Bar in La Gaulette for lunch. It’s a cosy little restaurant with excellent samosas and fresh seafood.

With the afternoon ahead of you, I recommend heading back to Le Morne for another stint of sunbathing. Maybe cocktails on the beach? A swing in a hammock in the ocean? It’s all possible here.

Day Three: Adventure, Followed By Flic-en-Flac

Day three is going to take us to the best-named place on the entire island: Flic-en-Flac. But first, let’s set out on an adventure.

You’ve got two options for your morning of day three: a hike or a boat trip.

A lot of people picture Mauritius as a flat island due to all of its beaches — a bit like the Maldives, I guess — but it has a volcanic history and is subsequently pretty mountainous. If you love a hike as much as I do, you’re going to definitely want to tackle the walk up to Black River Peak: the highest point in Mauritius.

Despite being the highest, it’s actually a pretty easy stroll — just 560 metres in elevation — and you should make it to the top within 90 minutes or so. (I recommend grabbing a pastry from Vanisha’s Magical Cakes before you leave La Gaulette to eat at the summit.) Oh, and the views from the top of the peak? Spectacular.

If hiking isn’t your thing, opt for a morning boat trip.

This will take you out to Ile Aux Benitiers: an island that’s located just off the coast of La Gaulette. If you want to go about it the adventurous way, simply walk down to the beach and chat to a local fisherman to see if they can take you across: this will cost about 1,500 Rupees (€30/$33) and be fairly bare bones but great for independent travellers. Alternatively, you could book online through GetYourGuide in advance and pay $50 for the experience.

On a typical boat trip, you’ll get to snorkel around the spectacular Crystal Rock, swim with wild dolphins, and finish it off with a BBQ on the beach at Ile Aux Benitiers. (Obviously if you just head out with a fisherman, you should pack your own lunch).

Once you’ve checked off your activity for the day, it’s time to get back in the car and set off for Flic-en-Flac. This is just a 40 minute drive from La Gaulette, so no stress. Everything is so close by in Mauritius.

If you haven’t eaten lunch by the time you arrive to Flic-en-Flac, there’s only one place you should consider heading and it looks a little like this:

I would say that the farata I had from this humble food stall was the best thing I ate in the entire country. Farata is what Mauritians call paratha: basically a flaky flatbread. This stall wraps it up in a roll and fills it with a generous helping of curry. One of them costs just 40 Rupees (less than one U.S. dollar!)

Dave and I ordered one each, then within seconds of our first bite, were queueing up again to get two more! So good! The stall is open between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., although it usually sells out by 3 or 4, so don’t bank on it being a dinner option. At lunchtime, there are huge queues, so expect to wait for up to half an hour. The photo above was taken at 10 a.m. when they’d just opened.

For the rest of your afternoon, kick back and relax on the beach in Flic-en-Flac.

Like Le Morne, this is another beloved beach on the island with warm, calm waters and sparkling, white sand. What I love about Mauritius is that so many of the beaches have grassy stretches beside the sand and plenty of trees that aren’t palm trees. What that means is that you can lie down in the shade, avoid getting sandy, and not have to worry about a stray coconut knocking away your consciousness.

Where to stay in Flic-en-Flac: We stayed in Aux Plaisirs de la Viex at a price of $47.50 a night. This was the most expensive place we stayed at in Mauritius but it did have a swimming pool! Like I’ve said and will keep saying: Mauritius offers so much value for money! This was a lovely guesthouse with welcoming, friendly owners. The rooms were clean and modern, and there was a large balcony for beers at sunset. It was in a good location, less than a 10 minute walk from the beach and surrounded by dozens of great restaurants. And that swimming pool! It was particularly nice to have access to a pool.

Day Four: Beach Daze

We’ve been packing in the activities and movement during the first few days of the trip, so allocate day four to rest. Flic-en-Flac is home to one of the best beaches in the country and you’re in Mauritius after all: why not enjoy it?!

In terms of food recommendations, we kicked off our mornings with a coffee and a pastry from La Kaz à Pain. Lunches must only be had at the aforementioned Farata AKA Vinoda, and for dinner we loved Marco Polo Resto & Bar and Mosaic (definitely try the prawn rougaille there!).

There’s a few activities you could opt for if you’re not really a beach person, but they’re not particularly interesting, so don’t say I didn’t warn you!

There’s Trou aux Cerfs, which sounds like it should be a really cool activity. It’s an extinct volcanic crater that you can drive up to and walk around. However, it’s mostly just a dip in the ground with a lake in it. The views from the crater are quite impressive, though, so you might find the trip out there worth it for those.

There’s also Quatre Bornes Market, which you might find interesting if you’re keen to see how the locals shop. There’s a few stalls offering fruits and vegetables, but it’s mostly clothes and household goods for sale. Prices are quite inflated, too, so I’d recommend keeping your market browsing for tomorrow, when we’ll drive through Port Louis.

Day Five: Head North

For day five, we’re heading to the north coast of Mauritius, which is probably the most touristy part of the island.

If you’ve read this site for any amount of time, you’ll already know I tend to prefer lesser -visited regions when I travel, but in this case, I have to hold up my hands: this was my favourite part of Mauritius. I really loved it there.

Before we get to the north coast, however, we’re first going to spend a few hours in Port Louis, which is the capital of Mauritius. You have to drive through it to get to the north anyway, so you might as well make a stop.

I found this part of the island fascinating and it’s likely the opposite of what you’re picturing when you think of Mauritius. As in, many of the streets look like this:

Don’t let the lack of beauty put you off visiting, however: there’s several great reasons to head to Port Louis.

The first of these is the food. Port Louis’ Central Market is going to be a real culture shock if you haven’t visited an African market before. It’s loud, chaotic, confronting, and exhilarating, all in equal measure. Truly an assault of the senses — but especially for the nose. Dave and I walked into the meat market and were greeted by a hundred carcasses, just hanging out in the room-temperature hall.

Outside of the meat market, there’s plenty of local food vendors offering up cheap eats. I also recommend the Port Louis street food tour to help you sample the local dishes without feeling intimidated. The tour lasts for three hours and takes you all over the city.

When you’re as full as can be, venture next to Aapravasi Ghat, one of only two UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Mauritius (the other is Le Morne). Aapravasi Ghat is a small museum (you could see it all in 30-60 minutes) that details the history of immigration in Mauritius.

After the abolition of slavery, the British needed a way to maintain the island’s thriving sugar plantations. And so began the first real experiment with indentured labour. Thousands of people arrived on the island — predominantly from India — where they worked in the fields in exchange for food, shelter, safety, and a new home.

Between 1834 and 1920, half a million indentured labourers arrived from India and today, the vast majority of Mauritians are descendants of these immigrants. (It’s also why the food in Mauritius is so good!)

The final place on your Port Louis hitlist should be Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Gardens — I was so impressed with this vast space of greenery! One of the big draws of the gardens is the Giant Lily Pads, which can grow up to two metres in diameter.

What I was really excited to see, however, was the talipot palms. These rare palm trees grow for 75 years before they flower and fruit. And the energy that it takes to do so is so vast that the tree then promptly dies.

Moving on from Port Louis, you’ll now head up to the north coast to your accommodation for the next couple of nights. There’s three main options here: Grand Baie (super-popular with European tourists, tons of restaurants and nightlife, seriously beautiful water), Troux-aux-biches (best beach on this part of the island), or Mont Choisy (more local, quiet, great for budget travellers).

No points for guessing where we opted to stay.

After checking in to your accommodation, I recommend spending the rest of the afternoon or evening in Grand Baie. This is the best place on the island to go shopping for souvenirs. And for dinner, there’s a seriously excellent Greek restaurant called the Trojan Horse in the middle of town. I know, I know — but by this point, we were craving a deviation from curry.

Where to stay in the north of Mauritius: We stayed in Residence Le Point Choisy in Mont Choisy at a price of $30 (£24/€28) a night. Again, what great value for money! Our room was clean and modern, with a small balcony and decent bathroom. The staff were friendly and there were beach toys and umbrellas to borrow for free. It was in a great location, within walking distance to the beach and plenty of excellent restaurants.

Day Six: An Epic Beach Day

I was obsessed with the beach in Mont Choisy and it quickly became my favourite spot on the island. In fact, when I next return to Mauritius, I would most likely choose to spend a week just there; I warmed to it so much.

What did I like about it? I dunno, it just passed the vibe check. It was a feeling. It reminded me a lot of Otres Beach , back in 2012. It reminded me of Koh Yao Noi in 2013. Sayulita in 2014. You guys know the types of beaches I love.

It’s laidback, quiet, and beautiful — but importantly, less beautiful than nearby beaches so it doesn’t attract the crowds. There’s a multitude of food carts on the beach so you can eat lunch without having to leave your beach towel. There’s warm, calm, turquoise water that is perfect for swimming in. You’ll see some seriously remarkable sunsets.

It’s a little less manicured than everywhere else, but that’s what makes it so chill.

Still, the north of Mauritius is lined with beautiful beaches, so there’s plenty of other options if Mont Choisy isn’t your jam.

Trou-aux-biches is slightly prettier and has more options for eating, as well as more expensive accommodation. I thought I’d like this beach the most, but it just didn’t have the same cosiness of Mont Choisy.

Grand Baie is the most lively part of the north. You’ve got a very small stretch of sand at the marina but as you saw from my photo, the water is particularly impressive. It was identical in colour to Bora Bora ! There’s tons of restaurants here, too, so plenty of options for meals.

I thought the most picturesque beach of the region was Pereybere Beach. It was so, so, so beautiful! But it was also very crowded and there were a lot of touts trying to sell you a boat trip. Still, this one is definitely worth a look, but I’d save it for tomorrow.

Day Seven: East Coast Swooning

For your final day in Mauritius, I highly recommend dedicating it all to the east coast.

Not many people opt to stay on the wild and rugged east of the island — mostly because it’s extremely windy and who wants to get sandblasted on vacation? It is, however, popular with kite boarders, so there’s tons of watersport schools lining the beaches.

Even if you’re not into wind-themed activities on your holiday, there’s so many cool sights along the coastline. We spent about nine hours winding our way down to the airport — a drive that’s only 80 km (50 miles) in length! That should give you some idea of how much there is to do here.

Kick off your day with a breakfast visit to Theo Fourneaux: a lovely little cafe that does the best coffee in Mauritius, as well as some delicious pastries!

From there, it’s time to hop your way along the rest of the beautiful beaches in the north. Pereybere Beach is a must-visit if you didn’t hit it up the day before, and Bain Boeuf Beach is almost as impressive. Both are definitely worth a short stop to soak up some of those final beachy vibes.

Your next landmark is an iconic one. Notre-Dame Auxiliatrice: the red-roofed church in the photo at the top of this section. This is a famous Roman Catholic church located in Cap Malheureux, and is one of the most photographed buildings on the entire island. Do take some time to walk past the church and towards the beautiful beach. It’s quite the scenic setting, with distant islands, white sand, and clear waters.

The next beach on the list — Anse La Raie — is going to introduce you to the Mauritian gusts. With almost 300 days of wind per year, this beach is always lined with kitesurfers and windsurfers; it was so much fun to watch the beginners struggling to stand while the experts were soaring 20 feet in the air.

If you’re French, you might find it interesting to visit the Paul and Virginie Monument in Poudre d’Or. This site is connected to the renowned French novel Paul et Virginie, which is set on the island and narrates the lives of Paul and Virginie, raised together in Mauritius. In the story, their peaceful existence takes a tragic turn when a devastating shipwreck occurs. The novel was based on an actual shipwreck that the author witnessed in the Mauritius; this memorial marks where it happened.

If you’ve never heard of the book, don’t bother visiting, as it’s just a memorial stone. It’s not super exciting.

We’ve got one more stop before lunch: the Roche Noire Lava Tubes. Now, this is a pretty off-the-beaten-track activity in Mauritius, with basically no signage and absolutely no tourists. But we were glad we visited, as it was such an unusual experience.

The lava tubes here were formed by volcanic activity millions of years ago, when molten lava flowed from eruptions on the island’s central plateau. As the lava ventured on its journey, the outer layers cooled and solidified while the inner molten lava flowed onwards, creating tunnels or tubes. And now you can walk through them!

As you can see from the photo, it’s pretty dark inside, so you probably won’t get far with just a smartphone torch, but it’s still worth having a little wander inside. Where else in the world do you get to stroll through a tube of solidified lava?

For lunch, head into Flacq, which is the largest district in Mauritius. Much like Port Louis, it’s home to a central market that’s extremely bustling. It’s an excellent place to eat, though, and I recommend sampling any local dishes you haven’t had a chance to try yet. If street food isn’t quite what you’re craving, we had an excellent smoked marlin sandwich at The Cafe Radisson Blu Azuri Mauritius — it’s located just before the lava tubes.

From Flacq down to Mahebourg, near to the airport, you’ll encounter much the same as you have so far: windswept beaches as far as the eye can see!

We really liked Belle Mare Public Beach and recommend taking a few moments at Pointe du Diable (which is lined with canons from fighting between the French and British). You can also see the spot where the Dutch first landed on Mauritius (yes, there’s a lot of colonialism in the country’s history!)

And that’s about it for your road trip around Mauritius! We had a 10 p.m. flight that evening, so dropped off our rental car and headed straight into the airport. If you aren’t flying out until the following day, spend a night in Mahebourg at Ecozy Studio — $55 a night and an average rating on Booking of 10.

And That Was Mauritius!

I had an incredible week-long trip to Mauritius and have been singing its praises to anybody who will listen.

Not only is it relatively inexpensive to visit from Europe, but it’s affordable once you’re on the ground, is home to some incredible food, feels super-safe, and offers up some amazing beaches.

When are you going to book your ticket?

Lauren Juliff

Lauren Juliff is a published author and travel expert who founded Never Ending Footsteps in 2011. She has spent over 12 years travelling the world, sharing in-depth advice from more than 100 countries across six continents. Lauren's travel advice has been featured in publications like the BBC, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Cosmopolitan, and her work is read by 200,000 readers each month. Her travel memoir can be found in bookstores across the planet.

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This is really helpful thank you! We are going at the end of March for 11 nights with our 9 year old daughter. Any other suggestions of things to do with a child? I like the idea of the seven coloured earths day and the boat trip. Thanks

Mauritius has definitely gone up the list after reading this. I had a workmate in London from there and it always sounded interesting.

Just wanted to make a recommendation for Janet.

Casela Nature Park near Flic en Flac is a great day out with kids. It’s an enormous park where you can see a huge variety of animals. There’s a mini safari and you can also walk amongst dozens of giant turtles.

There’s also a seriously long toboggan run which is great for both kids and adults.

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Travel & Food, Itineraries & Guides, Hotel Reviews

The Perfect Itinerary For Mauritius & Travel Guide

May 12, 2019 by Bino 4 Comments

Compared to many of the other small island nations scattered around the Indian Ocean, Mauritius offers so much more than your typical sunbathing and beaches. Within its 2,040 square kilometers; you’ll find plenty of mountain peaks, jungles and awesome natural land formations to keep you busy for days. This is on top of the cultural and historic sights that dot its small towns and cities. Most people make the mistake of coming to Mauritius for a short trip – like during a weekend – only to realize that they’ve barely scratched the surface of the country by the time they leave. This itinerary covers Mauritius within 5 days which I think is the minimum number of days needed in order to really see what the island has to offer.

Table of Contents

Getting Around Mauritius

For a relatively small island, it is surprisingly difficult to get around by public transport in Mauritius. Most of the developed areas are in the northwest around Port Louis and its suburbs where a metro system is in the works. Elsewhere, you really need a private car to get around the mountains, extinct volcanoes, plantations and other natural attractions. You can rent a private car with driver here to take you anywhere around the island for 4 or 8 hours.

Day 1 – Black River Gorges & Chamarel

grand bassin

Rent a car and drive towards the southern part of Mauritius along Bois Cheri Road and Grand Bassin Road heading to the direction of Black River Gorges. Along the way, you will pass by some stunning tea plantations. Stop by the Bois Cheri Tea Factory and Museum  (admission: MUR 400 / MUR 700 with food) to sip on some fine teas before you continue on your journey. You will also pass by the Grand Bassin , one of the most sacred sites in the island. A background on how the lake turned sacred – in 1972 a Hindu priest brought water from the Ganges River and poured it into the lake. Come at any time in the day and you will see plenty of devotees praying in the lakeside temple. There is a hill with the Hanuman Temple on top that you can climb for some fine views of the lake.

Continue westward and you’ll reach the Black Rives Gorges National Park . Temperatures are slightly lower here which makes for a nice contrast to the sweltering heat in the lowlands. Those who love the outdoors can easily spend an entire day (or two) hiking around the several peaks in the area. Casual visitors tend to frequent the Alexandra Falls as well as the majestic viewpoint of the Black River Gorges.

the food in restaurant le chamarel

It will be noon by the time you finish and you’ll find plenty of restaurants further west promising views of the sea. One that I would recommend is the Restaurant Le Chamarel . Food is fresh and they even have a set menu of Mauritian dishes but the main reason for coming here is for the unmatched views. The restaurant itself sits on a cliff and you will even see the Le Morne Brabant (UNESCO World Heritage Site) in the distance.

seven coloured earths

In the afternoon, continue your sightseeing by visiting the Seven-Colored Earths (admission: MUR 200 adult/ MUR 100 child, credit cards accepted). The quirky land formation sits within a private property so you will need to pay admission to enter. The entrance fee also includes access to a view point of Chamarel Waterfall as well as some tortoise pens. The area is best visited during the dry season when the various shades of red, purple and brown and more prominent. If you come just after the rain, the Seven-Colored Earths will look more muddy than anything else. Nearby, the Rhumerie de Chamarel (admission: MUR 350 including tasting) shows how rum is made while making use of recyclable products.

If time permits, spend a few hours at the La Vallee des Couleurs before heading back to your resort/hotel. This is a fun stop especially if you are visiting with family. Recreational activities such as quad-biking, fishing, ziplines and more await.

Visiting Seychelles as well? Check out this comparison between Mauritius and Seychelles

Day 2 – ile aux  cerfs or ile aux aigrettes.

Spend at least a day checking one of the outlying islands of Mauritius. The most popular for excursions are Ile aux Cerfs with its amazing beaches and turquoise lagoons or Ile aux Aigrettes for those wishing to glimpse some rare wildlife such as the Pink Pigeon and the Mauritius Fody. The latter is the last place in Mauritius where you can see wildlife just as the first explorers did centuries ago. Visits are possible through tours pre-booked with the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation . Alternatively, you can also book a catamaran tour to the island inclusive of lunch here .

Do note that Ile aux Aigrettes is a nature reserve so you won’t find restaurants or beach huts here. If some rest and relaxation is what you are after, Ile aux Cerfs is more suitable. You can even find a couple of restaurants and bars here. It is also possible to play golf if you wish.

Day 3 – Port Louis & The North

maison eureka

This day is devoted to discovering Mauritius’ cultural side. Drive up north on the main highway towards the direction of Port Louis. Make a stop at Trou aux Cerfs in Curepipe to check out the extint volcanic crater. Afterwards, head out to Maison Eureka  (admission: MUR 300) to soak in the genteel life and creole culture in the old plantation mansion. The museum also has an inhouse restaurant which serves up some interesting creole dishes and do make the short hike down the hill to see the nearby waterfall.

chinatown in port louis

From here, it’s a short drive to Port Louis , the capital. The town is compact but relatively busy. There are enough sights to keep you occupied for a couple of hours including the Aapravasi Ghat (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) – a transit point for slaves back in the day before they were transported to various points of the British Empire, Jummah Mosque with its striking blend of Indian, Creole and Islamic architecture, the bustling  Central Market, Blue Penny Museum  with its display of one of the world’s rarest stamps and the Chinatown which has a host of shophouses built in the French style. For a bird’s eye view of the city, head up to Fort Adelaide to admire the skyline of Port Louis.

Head further north to Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden in Pamplemousses to check out some exotic plant species, a colonial-era maison and the famous giant water lillies which ironically, were brought to Mauritius from overseas.

Day 4 – Mountain Climbing in Mauritius

Despite being a relatively small island, Mauritius is a popular spot for mountain climbing due to the ease of climbing several of its peaks and the relatively unusual mountain formations. Popular peaks to climb include Le Morne Brabant (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) where you can see the underwater waterfall from the peak or Le Pouce where you can see the jagged multi-peaks of the Moka Range from above. Dedicate at least a day for this endeavor in order to rest and recover after your climb.

Day 5 – Relaxing

A trip to Mauritius won’t be complete without spending a day just chilling in one of the seaside resorts. You will find plenty of the familiar brands such as Banyan Tree, St. Regis, Shangri-la and InterContinental but you don’t need to spend a huge sum to find the perfect beach spot here. Blue Bay which is located near the airport has some of the clearest waters in Mauritius. Staying in the relatively inexpensive Holiday Inn Mauritius Mon Tresor near the airport will give you free shuttle service and access to the hotel’s beach house which directly faces Blue Bay.

Where to change money in Mauritius: The airport offers competitive rates. Do note that the money changer that allows for USD to MUR conversion is located within the restricted arrivals area so do change some money before heading out to meet your driver at the airport. The money changer in the departures section can only change back to EUR or USD and not the other way around. Alternatively, you can also change money in the local banks though the branches are usually located in the cities and towns – tough if you are staying in a resort.

That being said, you can generally use credit cards in most establishments in Mauritius. The only exception is when paying for ground transport, admission to certain attractions or food from cheaper eateries which usually only take cash.

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Hi, my name is Bino and I started I Wander around 15 years ago with the aim of sharing about some of my personal journeys and experiences, hoping that the information may benefit readers like yourselves. Let me know your thoughts by leaving a comment below. Alternatively, you can also email me at b i n o (at) iwandered.net. You can follow I Wander on Facebook , Telegram , or Instagram . Also, if you liked this article, please feel free to SHARE or RETWEET

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May 29, 2018 at 8:32 pm

The place looks amazing! I love the pictures!

June 17, 2019 at 8:59 pm

Hi, thanks for the very informative piece! I will be travelling to Mauritius as well and would like to know if it is possible to change SGD currency in Mauritius at all?

June 17, 2019 at 10:05 pm

Yes but the exchange rate is bad. Better bring EUR or USD.

March 4, 2020 at 3:26 pm

i want the cost of this PACKAGE

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7 Days in Mauritius – 1 Week Itinerary

Mauritius is an island nation located in the Indian Ocean, known for its beautiful beaches, crystal clear waters and diverse culture. The tropical paradise is a perfect destination for travellers looking to relax and unwind, as well as those seeking a little outdoor adventure.

With so much to see and do, it can be hard to know where to start when planning your trip. Keep reading for a useful 1 week Itinerary for Mauritius that will help you make the most of your time on this stunning island.

However, before we get to that, when is the best time to visit Mauritius, and where should you stay while you’re there? The best time to visit is anywhere between May and December when the weather is warm and dry.

The summer season between January and April comes with rain and high humidity, as well as the possibility of cyclones, so you should avoid travelling to the island during this time.

A week in Mauritius is the ideal length of time to be able to explore all of the best attractions the island has to offer. If this is your first time visiting the country, you should consider staying in the north of the island.

Grand Baie is one of the most popular places for tourists and first-timers to stay, although you should be aware that it can get a little busy here. Those seeking extra peace and quiet tend to stay around Belle Mare in Quatre Cocos, while many honeymooners opt to stay in romantic Trou aux Biches.

Now that you know where to stay in Mauritius, let’s get to the itinerary so you can discover the best ways to spend one week on this picture-perfect island.

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Table of Contents

Mauritius Itinerary – 7 Days

Day 1 in mauritius.

Arrive in Mauritius and check into your hotel. Depending on the time you get in and where your accommodation is located, you can start your trip by exploring the country’s capital city, Port Louis. This is a great way to get a sense of the island’s history and culture, and to learn more about the diverse population that makes up Mauritius.

Begin your adventure by taking a tour of the city’s cultural and historical sites, either on your own or with a local guide. Start with the Aapravasi Ghat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former immigration depot for half a million labourers between 1834 and 1920.

This site is found along Quay Street, just off Trunk Road. Next, head to the Natural History Museum on Poudrière Street to learn about the local fauna, marine life and endangered bird species of the island.

On your way to this museum, consider making a quick stop by the Jummah Mosque on Queen Street to admire the classic 1850s Moorish and Mughal architectural styles. Opposite the museum is Les Jardins De La Compagnie, a picturesque garden where you can stop and rest for a little while.

The historic Port Louis Central Market, also on Queen Street, is a must-visit when in Mauritius. Although this traditional market sells a lot of fruit and veggies as well as Chinese herbal medicines, you’ll be able to find a variety of local handicrafts and souvenirs to take home with you.

Next, take a stroll by the Caudan Waterfront underneath the colourful umbrellas and soak up the lively atmosphere. Since Caudan is a shopping centre, now is the perfect opportunity to pick up any necessities that you might have forgotten to pack.

While here, you might also like to check out the Blue Penny Museum if you have an interest in rare stamps and coins.

In the evening, enjoy dinner at any of the amazing restaurants offering views of the ocean, then get a good night’s sleep for tomorrow’s adventures.

Day 2 in Mauritius

Any Mauritius itinerary is sure to include a visit to the Black River Gorges National Park. The entrance to the national park is about 35 kilometres south of Port Louis. Black River Gorges is an amazing way to experience the natural beauty of the island while learning about the unique ecology and wildlife found here.

On day two, spend your time exploring some of the 6,500 hectares of rugged mountains and lush rainforest. This park is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including rare species of birds and plants.

Among the native animals you’ll be able to see here are the Mauritius kestrel, the pink pigeon and the Mauritian flying fox. Take a hike through the park, enjoy the breathtaking views, and discover the park’s many waterfalls and streams along the way.

Before you make your way back to your hotel, head on over to Grand Bassin, a scenic crater lake that is a sacred Hindu pilgrimage site. Also known as Ganga Talao, this natural lake has remarkable statues of Lord Shiva and Goddess Durga, the latter being one of the largest statues of a female deity in the world.

Keep an eye out for wild monkeys wandering around. Monkeys are considered sacred by many Hindus, and their behaviour can be unpredictable, so remember to be cautious and respectful if you happen to get up close to them – do not feed them!

Day 3 in Mauritius

Spend your third day in Mauritius with a relaxing visit to the Blue Bay Marine Park at the southeastern tip of the island. This national park has an incredibly diverse underwater ecosystem and contains coral reefs that are over a thousand years old.

The shallow, pristine waters make the bay ideal for snorkelling and scuba diving. If you want to see unique fish and other marine life swimming beneath you, don’t pass up the opportunity for a glass-bottom boat ride. You can also spot the wreckage of the Dalblair 1902 shipwreck peeking above the surface of the water.

There are plenty of chill cafes and eateries around Blue Bay, so you can spend the whole day here if you want. If you feel like it, you can also take a boat ride out to nearby islands Ile Des Deux Cocos or Ile aux Aigrettes.

Aigrettes is a dedicated nature reserve and is home to roaming giant tortoises, showing what mainland Mauritius could have looked like centuries ago.

Since the bay is a protected area, be careful to adhere to all regulations while you’re there, including wearing sunscreen without chemicals like oxybenzone, which can kill coral. You can search for reef-friendly sunscreens in advance or ask a local for their recommendations.

Day 4 in Mauritius

Spend an adventurous fourth day in Mauritius hiking Le Morne Brabant , a 556-metre-high mountain at the very southwest tip of the island. If you’re an active person, this is a must for your Mauritius travel itinerary!

This hike usually takes three to five hours total, depending on your fitness level and how many times you stop to appreciate the scenery.

From the top is an amazing view of the stunning turquoise lagoon below. Within this lagoon, you can witness a natural optical illusion that can only be described as an underwater waterfall.

Le Morne Brabant is a significant historical landmark in Mauritius, as it is associated with the history of slavery on the island. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was once a place of refuge for escaped slaves during the 18th and early 19th centuries, who would flee to the top of the mountain and live inside the caves.

Today, Le Morne Brabant is considered a symbol of freedom and resistance for these former slaves and their descendants, who now make up a big part of the island’s population.

If you’re afraid of heights or simply aren’t up to hiking all the way up, you might like to go snorkelling instead at the nearby La Prairie Beach. There are coral reefs just a few metres out from the shoreline of this picturesque public beach.

Visiting Gris Gris Beach is also an alternate option. Although the waves here are too rough for swimming, there’s a gorgeous lookout point at Roche Qui Pleure where you can watch the waves crashing into the rock formations.

If you do feel like a swim, head inward about four kilometres to Rochester Falls, a small 10-metre-high waterfall set in the jungle. The waterfall is only about a 10-minute walk from the car park.

Day 5 in Mauritius

Head back to the southwestern tip of the island to visit the Seven Coloured Earth Geopark . Seven Coloured Earth is a unique geological formation with sand dunes that have formed into different shades of colours, including red, brown, purple, green, blue, yellow and violet.

This variety of colours is created when the different minerals in the soil are exposed to sunlight. Visitors can walk through and admire the vibrant colours, taking in the beautiful panoramic views while also capturing a few pics and videos, of course. The surrounding area offers several gorgeous walking trails as well.

Near the dunes is a cafe where you can grab a cup of coffee or a bite to eat as you admire this stunning natural phenomenon. If you have some extra time or you’re travelling with kids, you might also want to pop into Curious Chamarel , a fun gallery with interactive optical illusions.

At this point in the day, you will probably be eager to cool off with a swim. Close by is the stunning Chamarel Waterfall, an 83-metre-high single-drop waterfall surrounded by luscious forest. Although you can admire the view from afar, you can also walk down to where the waterfall meets a refreshing shallow pool.

Both the Chamarel Waterfall and the Seven Coloured Earth Geopark require entrance tickets. Fortunately, the fee to visit the waterfall is already covered when you pay to see the geopark, so remember to keep your ticket within reach.

Day 6 in Mauritius

On day six, kick back, relax and soak up the sun on a catamaran cruise to Ile aux Cerfs , a gorgeous island off the east coast of Mauritius. This island is a popular tourist spot where you can spend the day swimming and snorkelling, as well as sunbathing on the infamous white sandy beaches.

You will need to book a tour to get here, and they tend to sell out pretty quickly. You won’t regret booking in advance though, as this excursion is one of the highest-rated activities in Mauritius.

The dreamy paradise of Ile aux Cerfs includes 87 hectares of tropical rainforest, yet has plenty of luxury hotels, restaurants and even an 18-hole championship golf course.

Yet, the island is best known for its range of water activities. As you swim in the idyllic lagoon, keep your eyes peeled for dolphins and other sea creatures you might get to meet.

Day 7 in Mauritius

Wrap up your 7 days in Mauritius by ticking off a few more of the island’s top attractions, starting with the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden . Commonly known as the Pamplemousses Garden, it is home to over 500 species of tropical trees and plants, including banana trees and exotic flowers.

The giant water lilies, however, are always a crowd favourite. You can also see some rare animals here, including giant Aldabra tortoises and fruit bats.

The botanical garden is only about a 15-minute drive from Port Louis and happens to be very close to L’Aventure du Sucre, a unique museum located inside a former sugar factory.

Lastly, head to any of the amazing beaches that are closer to your accommodation and spend the afternoon relaxing in the sunshine. If you’re staying around the northwest side of the island, you can’t go wrong with Mont Choisy Beach or Pereybere Public Beach.

Tour Ideas for Mauritius

Interested in following this itinerary, but don’t want the hassle of having to organise everything? Booking tours in advance easily solves this problem, and often also takes care of the transport to and from your accommodation.

As mentioned earlier, a visit to Ile aux Cerfs requires a booking ahead of time. While there are many tours available at different price points, this top-rated full-day cruise offers a buffet BBQ lunch onboard the catamaran and includes unlimited beer, wine and tea. As a bonus, this tour also takes you to the Grand River South East (GRSE) waterfalls.

Since there happen to be so many incredible attractions in the southwest of the island, there are lots of tours that focus their sightseeing adventures within this area.

If you want to pack two days into one, you can opt for a full-day tour that will take you to places like the Grand Bassin, the Black River Gorges National Park and the Trou aux Cerfs volcano. You also might like to choose a tour that includes the Seven Coloured Earth Geopark so you know that any extra entrance fees are already taken care of.

Lastly, any adventure-seekers might be interested in touring the island via quad bike or going horseback riding at sunset .

Whether you were looking for a Mauritius honeymoon itinerary or are heading to the island as a solo backpacker, you should now feel clearer about what you’d like to see and do on your holiday, and know all about the many Mauritius must-see places.

Recommended tours in Mauritius

• Ile aux 2 Cocos Full Day on All Inclusive with complimentary activities
• Authentic South Tour
• Trou-aux-Cerfs – Grand Bassin – 7 Coloured Earth – Wild South Guided Tour
• Mauritius Full day tour of the South west
• Hiking Sept Cascades (Tamarind Falls) – Half Day
• Ebony Forest Reserve Chamarel – Take a Hike Tour
• Hiking Le Morne Brabant in Mauritius – a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Full-Day Mauritius Volcanic Wonders Tour Including Swimming with Wild Dolphins
• Entrance Ticket To Curious Corner of Chamarel
• Dolphin Encounters, Ile aux Benitier & Crystal rock: Full-Day (Lunch & Transfer)
• Private North Day Tour: Botanical Garden, Sugar Museum, Rum Tasting, Port Louis
• Exploration dives for experienced divers

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Sam, a seasoned traveler across four continents and 49 countries, is a leading authority in travel planning. Her website, Travelling King, offers tailored itineraries and expert guides for seamless trips. Sam's expertise in luxury travel, fast travel, and destination guides keeps her at the forefront of the travel community.

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The ultimate one week Mauritius itinerary

“mauritius was made first, and then heaven, and that heaven was copied after mauritius” – mark twain.

It’s a quote I’ve seen often and anyone visiting Mauritius will come across that line at some point or other. Except, it’s not exactly what Mark Twain said 200-odd years ago when he first visited the island. The actual quote reads:

“From one citizen you gather [the] idea that Mauritius was made first, and then heaven; and that heaven was copied after Mauritius.”

I chuckled when I discovered the actual quote. What a difference a few words can make! However , I can totally relate to Mark Twain’s experience with Mauritians; a warm, hospitable people with big smiles, who are rightfully proud of their island’s great beauty. For anyone visiting Mauritius, it soon becomes evident what this pride is rooted in. With its spectacular lagoons, blinding white beaches, lofty peaks, beautiful people and delicious cuisines, Mauritius is well worth a visit as it easily ticks the boxes of anyone’s definition of paradise or heaven.

Mauritius itinerary and road trip route

On my first visit to Mauritius back in 2013, I fell for its beauty and charm in an instant. Since then, I’ve returned several times, got to explore all corners of the island and have written a lot about Mauritius on my travel blog. To sum it up, I’ve packed all the best places and activities into this suggested road trip itinerary of Mauritius , which can be done in one week or longer.

This Mauritius guide contains links to services I often use myself and can recommend: Skyscanner (for flight searches), Booking.com (for hotel bookings), Rentalcars.com (for car hire), GetYourGuide and Manawa (for easy-to-book tours) and Bookmundi for longer tours. If you make a booking via one of these services, I will receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you). These commissions help me to maintain my travel blog and share more experiences with you.

Getting to Mauritius

The flag carrier is Air Mauritius , which offers direct flights from various global hubs such as London Heathrow, Paris CDG and Dubai, utilising modern aircraft like the Airbus A350. Mauritius is also served by major airlines such as Emirates, Air France and British Airways.

Flying to/from Mauritius offers spectacular views on clear days so I recommend booking a window seat! Check out other amazing Mauritius views .

The SSR International Airport is Mauritius’ main entry point. I recommend picking up a rental car here for your Mauritius road trip.

Best of Mauritius itinerary

This one-week Mauritius itinerary starts at the Airport, then continues on a loop around the island anti-clockwise (east to west). In the southwest, I’ve included a separate, smaller loop which can be done as a day trip. I recommend spending a few days in both the north and south to experience the great diversity of the island.

• Blue Bay/Mahebourg (1 night in Blue Bay)
• North Mauritius (3 nights in the North)
• South Mauritius (2 nights in the South)

One week is sufficient to follow the route and visit many of the places listed below. However, I recommend extending your stay to at least 10 days to enjoy more beach time and the sights and excursions I’ve described.

• Driving in Mauritius is on the left side of the road. Roads are generally good and easily navigable. Traffic in and around Port Louis is heavy during rush hour so try to avoid the city and suburbs during these times.
• The best time to visit Mauritius is between May and December when it’s slightly cooler (the summers can be very hot and muggy) though the ‘winter’ months (July-August) can be wet. My favourite months to visit Mauritius are May/June and September/October. 

Best places to visit on a road trip in Mauritius

Southeast Mauritius

Blue Bay is a little village at the edge of one of the most stunning bays in Mauritius is the perfect place to relax after your trip to Mauritius. It’s also a only a 15-minute drive from the airport. The white, sand beaches and crystal clear water in a variety of blues are absolutely mesmerising! In addition, there’s a good selection of restaurants, cafés as well as water-based activities. Search for hotels in Blue Bay .

For a relaxing day trip, I recommend hopping on a boat for a visit to Ile Des Deux Cocos , a small island just across the bay. Join a Blue Bay snorkelling and Ile des Deux Cocos picnic excursion .

The small town of Mahebourg is only a few kilometers away. To get your first taste of local Mauritius life, go for a stroll along the Waterfront and visit the Mahebourg Market . Mahebourg is also a great place to discover Mauritian food, a tantalising mix of Asian, African and European influences. Join a Mahebourg street food tour .

At the Pointe Jerome jetty near Pointe d’Esny , you can go on a boat ride to the Ile Aux Aigrettes nature reserve. The island, made up of coralline limestone, is covered with dry coastal forest and is home to colourful birdlife such as the Mauritius fody and the olive white-eyes, as well as giant tortoises! It’s a surreal experience to hike across the island and encounter these giants on your path!

Another excursion option is a boat trip to Île aux Fouquets (or Lighthouse Island). The ride across the lagoon is nothing short of spectacular. On the island, you’ll find the ruins of an old lighthouse, walking paths and beaches. On the ocean-facing side, you’ll be able to experience the pounding waves of the Indian Ocean. This is also a great spot for bird-watching.

There are numerous accommodations to choose from in both Blue Bay and Mahebourg, from beach resorts to B&Bs and private villas.

The East Coast

From Mahebourg, head north along the east coast. You’ll pass green hills that erupt into lofty peaks, endless agricultural fields and small villages. The first thing you’ll notice is the island’s multi-ethnicity. At the markets, you’ll see people of Indian, Chinese, Malay, African, Creole and Caucasian backgrounds jostling at the stalls, and in the villages, mosques, churches and temples stand side-by-side. Search for hotels on the East Coast .

As you continue north, you’ll pass small towns like Grand Port and Grand River South East. In between, you’ll spot numerous ruins of forts and fortified walls guarded by canons, remnants of Mauritius’ colonial past. You can learn more about the often tempestuous history of Mauritius at the Frederick Hendrick Museum . One fact I quickly learned here was the origins of the name Mauritius: the first Western settlers were the Dutch who arrived in the 16th century and they named the island Mauritius after the Dutch Governor at the time, Maurits van Nassau.

Between Grand Port and Grand Sable, Distillerie Ylang Ylang ( location ) makes for a lovely stop. This little shop sells home-made essential oils and soaps made of ingredients sourced from her garden such as ylang ylang and frangipani. The owner will gladly show you around her garden and explain the different plants and uses.

Grand River South East

You’ll soon arrive at Grand River South East , a village that’s famous on the east coast for its natural attractions and water sports. Visitors can go kayaking along the river or sailing in the estuary. Don’t miss a stop at the roaring GRSE Waterfall .

Two wonderful accommodations that I absolutely enjoyed can be found in this area: Otentic and the Four Seasons Anahita . Otentic serves up a very local experience, including glamping by the river and cooking courses.

The Four Seasons Anahita, on the other hand, is a sprawling, luxurious resort with amazing villas and facilities coupled with top-notch service and food. Read more about my stay at Four Seasons Anahita .

From here, you can also go on day trips to Ile Aux Cerfs , one of the most popular leisure islands on the east coast. Join a full-day Ile Aux Cerfs excursion .

You’ll soon arrive in Flacq where there are numerous attractions as well as one of my favourite resorts in Mauritius: Constance Prince Maurice . Read more about my stay at Constance Prince Maurice . I recommend a visit to the Flacq Market and the Sagar Shiv Mandir Hindu Temple .

North Mauritius

Many visitors choose to base themselves in north Mauritius as there’s a wide variety of things to do and places to visit. Some are convinced that Mauritius’ best beaches are found here. You’ll find a string of beachside communities, historic attractions, a plethora of restaurants and wherever you go, dreamy views of the lagoons, beaches and the outer islands. Search for hotels in North Mauritius .

Here are the best places to visit and suggested activities in north Mauritius:

North Mauritius beaches

There are many sandy beaches with calm turquoise water to choose from, perfect for water activities such as windsurfing and stand-up paddling. Beaches I can recommend include La Cuvette , Mont Choisy , Pereybere and Trou aux Biches.

The outer islands, such as Flat Island , also offer amazing beaches and snorkelling opportunities. These islands can be reached by private chartered boats or as part of a catamaran excursion. Join a full day catamaran excursion to the northern isles .

Cap Malhereux

This village at the northernmost point of Mauritius is absolutely charming and is home to one of the most photographed spots on the island: Notre-Dame Auxiliatrice de Cap Malhereux , a picturesque church facing the lagoon.

Chateau de la Bourdonnais

The beautiful 18th century Labourdonnais Estate has one of Mauritius’ most beautiful estate mansions as well as extensive gardens. Visit the beautiful estate mansion, stroll around the extensive gardens and do a rhum-tasting.

Unique underwater experiences

In Trou aux Biches , the Blue Safari centre offers some very cool underwater experiences to enjoy the local marine life. They organise diving expeditions but also underwater experiences which are accessible for most people such as sub-scooter (a kind of underwater Vespa!) diving and submarine excursions. Book this submarine scooter excursion . Read more about the sub-scooter excursion .

Another marine-based activity in north Mauritius I can recommend is exploring the mangroves on Amber Island from a kayak .

L’Aventure du Sucre

An interesting place to learn more about the history of Mauritius is L’Aventure du Sucre , a living museum dedicated to the colourful history of sugarcane in Mauritius. Sugarcane plantations were founded by the French colonists in the 18th century to support a sustainable settlement on the island. Labourers were brought in from India while sugar mills and railroads were built to process and transport the sugar.

Pamplemousses Botanical Gardens

Near to L’venture du Sucre, you’ll find the beautiful Botanical Gardens . Enjoy the tropical greenery in these historic gardens and don’t miss the impressive giant water lilies (Victoria Amazonica).

Join a full-day North Mauritius guided tour that includes Port Louis, L’Aventure, the Botanical Gardens and Cap Malhereux.

Where to stay in north Mauritius

There are many accommodation options in the north. Some of my favourites include 20 Degres Sud , Trou aux Biches Beachcomber , The Oberoi , The Ravenala Attitude and Angsana Balaclava .

Port Louis is the capital of Mauritius. It’s a bustling city with various markets, historical sights and a newly-developed waterfront area. Interesting places to visit in Port Louis include the Blue Penny Museum , the Central Market , the Waterfront and Fort Adelaide (for panoramic views of the city). I recommend spending a half day exploring the city and having lunch at the Waterfront. Port Louis also has a vibrant street food scene. Check out the Central Market and Chinatown for a taste of Mauritius! Join a Port Louis street food tour .

Pieter Both mountain

Just outside Port Louis, you can’t miss the jagged peaks of the iconic Pieter Both mountain. It’s possible to climb this mountain (with climbing gear) so I would only recommend it to experienced climbers.

South Mauritius

From Port Louis, head south to my favourite part of Mauritius! South Mauritius, with its striking mountains, verdant valleys, thick forests, blinding white beaches and colourful lagoons, is absolutely spellbinding! Many of Mauritius’ natural attractions can be found here, such as Chamarel Waterfall , Black River Gorge National Park and the UNESCO World Heritage listed Le Morne Brabant mountain. Search for hotels in West and South Mauritius .

Here are some of the best places to visit in South Mauritius:

Beaches in South Mauritius

Some of my favourite Mauritius beaches are here in the south. They include Tamarin (against an impressive background of lofty peaks), Flic en Flac and Le Morne (at the foot of Le Morne mountain).

Black River

Black River or Rivière Noire is the embarkation point for boat excursions to see the resident dolphins off the coast. It’s a wondrous experience to get in the water and see (and hear) these dolphins in their natural habitat. Join a Black River dolphin/whale watching excursion .

Tamarin Bay

Tamarin is a popular place for its variety of water sports and excursions. Hire a kayak or SUP to explore the small bay and the mangroves of the Riviere du Rempart, or join a catamaran excursion and enjoy the view of Tamarin, backed by the majestic Rempart mountain.

One of the most famous waterfalls in Mauritius, Chamarel Falls emerges from the thick jungle and plunges almost 100 meters into a gorge. There are upper and lower viewing platforms – walking between the platforms allows you to spot the birdlife and enjoy the flora.

On the way there, drop by at the Chamarel Viewpoint for some beautiful panoramic views. You can also opt to stop for lunch at the Le Chamarel restaurant, which offers delicious local fare and stunning views.

Seven Coloured Earth

Near Chamarel Falls, continue to another natural attraction: the Seven Coloured Earths . This is a small area formed by volcanic activity to form dune-like mounds covered with different coloured sands. It’s best viewed on a sunny day when the colours really pop.

Also in the vicinity is the Ebony Forest, with its unique species of trees that are endemic to Mauritius. This nature reserve has well-maintained paths and canopy walkways. Join a Wild Southwest full-day tour .

Grand Bassin Hindu Temples

Grand Bassin is a crater lake with colourful Hindu temples along its shoreline. This is an important pilgrimage site that’s well worth a visit.

Tamarind Falls

These beautiful cascades are popular with hikers and those who enjoy canyoning. Join a Tamarind Falls hike or canyoning adventure .

Black River Gorge National Park

The Black River Gorge National Park is home to the largest protected forest in Mauritius. There are over 50km of hiking trails through thick rainforests, deep valleys, gushing rivers and beautiful waterfalls. The park has over 300 species of flowering plants and 9 bird species unique to Mauritius, such as the pink pigeon. Join a 3-hour guided hike in the Black River Gorge .

Le Morne Brabant mountain

Le Morne Brabant is a 556 meter basaltic monolith. This mountain was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2008. It’s a pretty challenging hike (especially the second half) and I recommend going with a guide, and only in the early morning before it gets too hot.

The views from the mountaintop are simply worth the effort though! On a good day, you’ll be able to see the famous ‘underwater waterfall’, an optical illusion formed by coral reefs and sand banks. Join a Le Morne Brabant guided hike .

Mauritius Tea Route

The Mauritius Tea Route is a popular touristic route in the south that covers three plantation estates: Le Domaine des Aubineaux , Bois Cheri Tea Factory and Domaine Saint Aubin . This is a wonderful route to follow to gain an insight into the colonial history of Mauritius and its plantations. Enjoy the beauty of these estates and learn about tea, rum and vanilla production on the island. Join a Tea Route guided tour .

Where to stay in south Mauritius

There are many beautiful accommodations scattered along the west coast from Flic en Flac down to Le Morne. My favourites include Sugar Beach , Maradiva Villas , Dinarobin Beachcomber and Heritage Le Telfair .

Note: this post was brought to you as a result of the #MyMauritius blog trips, created and managed by iambassador in partnership with Create, AHRIM, Mauritius Tourism and Air Mauritius. As always, all opinions above are mine, and mine only.

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14 Responses

What a comprehensive guide! Planning a trip to Mauritius, and this itinerary is exactly what I needed. This itinerary is like a treasure map for a perfect week in Mauritius!

Gorgeous land and beautiful people <3

[…] Read about my trip to Mauritius. […]

[…] Read about my week in Mauritius. […]

Hi LIsa, On my recent trip there, I spent a week in Reunion and 4 days in Mauritius. If you have two weeks and you love adventure, I suggest visiting Reunion first (check out my Reunion Island guide: https://velvetescape.com/best-of-reunion-island-guide/ ) for 7-8 days and the rest of your time in Mauritius. See my post on things to do in Mauritius: https://velvetescape.com/things-to-do-mauritius/ Both islands are only a 45-minute flight from each other so it’s easy to do. Have a great trip!

Cheers, Keith

I’ll be traveling from the US for 2 weeks. I want to see Mauritius but think 2 weeks is too long for MRU. I’m a pretty aggressive traveler and can manage to pack my schedule. I like adventure, I like beach too but I can’t lay on the beach for more than 3 days. Any suggestions on where else I can I drop by? I know Reunion is nearby. Thanks!

Hi Dean, I see your point. No offence taken. 🙂 This article is basically a report of one of my trips to Mauritius. If you’d like to have some ideas of what to do in Mauritius for a week, you’re welcome to have a look at this article: https://velvetescape.com/things-to-do-mauritius/ There are hikes, vistas, markets, history and nature activities included. Hope this helps.

I hope you get to see my point. This is not personal. I was not impressed at all. What you detailed is a trip of a privileged person with a fat wallet. What I saw in this 2 part journal are expensive hotels. You can see them in every tropical nation nowadays (Maldives, Thailand, Seychelles, French Polynesia, Hi and many many more). I myself have been to many as well. But here is the thing, I couldn’t tell where you have been. These cookie cutter fine hotels are everywhere. This is all man made. Made in boardrooms of corporations. For this you can pick any place, nothing unique. This is just an article of a rich man who showed us where he stayed and what he ate (and what you ate was mostly imported and/or a destruction of our planet). When I searched what to do in Mauritius for a week, I was hoping to see, trails, waterfalls, vistas etc.

Lucky You !!! It’s an amazing trip you have done. Mauritius is in my bucket list! Your photos are really amazing! Thank you for sharing your experience and detailed information about Mauritius…

It ‘s an amazing travel you have done… Really nice pictures

[…] […]

[…] This is the second of the two-part ‘My Week in Mauritius’ series. If you missed the first part, head on to My Week in Mauritius – Part 1. […]

Hello Balaji, It really depends on what time of the year you go (low/high season). I can definitely recommend September when the weather is nice and it’s just before the peak season. It also depends on which hotels you choose and if you go for a package (many resorts offer attractive packages which include accommodation, meals and activities). If I were to make a rough estimate, a trip like the one I made, staying at these hotels plus tours cost around USD 10,000. This excludes flights. I hope this helps.

Kind regards, Keith

Very nice. approximately how much money we need for this entire trip.

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Mauritius Itineraries

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Recommended Mauritius itineraries

If you are planning your travel to Mauritius yourself, use these itineraries created by our travel writers as a starting point for inspiration.

Travel ideas for Mauritius, created by local experts

18 days  / from 5200 USD

Delightful Mauritius

Stay in four different areas on this trip - first the South Coast, then the West Coast, then Chamarel in the center of the island, before spending the last few days relaxing on the beach of the popular North Coast. Mauritius has so much more to offer than just gorgeous beaches!

Mauritius Itinerary 1 - Essential Mauritius

Two weeks is long enough to experience the best Mauritius has to offer, from its celebrated beaches and islands to the historic capital, varied wildlife and wide assortment of watersports.

1. Mahébourg

Bargain for produce, crafts and spices in the bustling Monday market in the ancient capital of Mahébourg, first inhabited in 1805, in the island’s sleepy southeast.

2. Blue Bay

Snorkel with seahorses and parrot fish in Blue Bay Marine Park, just offshore from Blue Bay and Pointe d’Esny, the closest resorts to the airport, before taking a boat to the swish private island of Île aux Deux Cocos.

3. Black River Gorges National Park

Get back to nature in Mauritius’s forest-clad interior where alongside endemic wildlife and waterfalls you’ll find the crater lake of Grand Bassin flanked by statues of Hindu gods.

Hop aboard a catamaran cruise, private boat or stand up paddleboard to see the pods of bottlenose and spinner dolphins that play in Tamarin Bay.

5. Port Louis

Stroll through the capital’s museums, bustling market and religious sites before sampling a Mauritian street-food speciality like dholl puri or gâteaux piments for lunch.

6. Climb Le Pouce

Take in the great views over Port Louis from this peak in the Moka Mountains and work up an appetite for the Creole restaurant at Eureka, one of the island’s most striking colonial mansions.

7. Grand Baie

Spend a couple of nights in Mauritius’s tourism capital, where there’s plentiful beach hopping, nightlife and activities, including an unforgettable day-trip to the northern islands.

8. Île aux Cerfs

For a touch of east-coast glamour, head to this island playground where you’ll find idyllic restaurants, watersports galore, a treetop adventure circuit and an award-winning golf course.

Mauritius Itinerary 2 - Outdoor Mauritius

Opportunities to get out into nature are in ample supply in Mauritius and Rodrigues, with activities ranging from gentle kayaking trips and mountain hikes to skydiving and kitesurfing.

1. Le Morne Peninsula

Venture down to the southwest peninsula, Le Morne, for world-class kitesurfing conditions and waves suitable for both beginners and pros.

2. Le Morne Brabant

Make an early start for the morning climb up this UNESCO-listed rocky monolith, which has a poignant history entwined with the eighteenth- and nineteenth-century slave trade.

3. Tamarin Falls

A canyoning or trekking trip is the only way to see Tamarin Falls, the island’s highest cascades at nearly 300m, which are solely accessible on foot.

4. Cap Malheureux

Steel your nerves for Mauritius’s biggest thrill, a tandem skydive from 10,000ft above Cap Malheureux on the island’s north coast.

5. Île d’Ambre

Hop aboard a sea kayak for a half-day trip to the northern island of Île d’Ambre, birthplace of Mauritius’s most famous legend, Paul and Virginie.

6. Grande Rivière Sud Est

“Glamp” in Otentic ’s stylish safari-style tents beside Mauritius’s longest river, Grande Rivière Sud Est (GRSE), where activities include sunset kayaking trips and swimming in the rain water pool.

7. Île aux Aigrettes

Step back in time on this conservation island where you can spot tortoises lumbering under the canopy and pink pigeons living in the semi-wild.

8. Rodrigues

You’ll need a minimum of three days on the “anti-stress” island to visit secluded coves, take a trip to the offshore islands and see tortoises in the wild at François Leguat Tortoise and Cave Reserve.

The Rough Guides to Mauritius and related travel guides

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Travel advice for Mauritius

From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to Mauritius

• Eating and drinking in Mauritius
• Shopping tips for Mauritius
• Sports and Outdoor activities in Mauritius
• Travel Tips Mauritius for planning and on the go
• Culture and Etiquette in Mauritius
• How to get to Mauritius
• Getting around Mauritius: Transportation Tips
• Travelling with children in Mauritius
• Best time to visit Mauritius

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written by Andy Turner

updated 26.04.2021

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The top things to do in Mauritius, from beaches to botanical gardens

Jan 8, 2022 • 8 min read

Mauritius is the image of Indian Ocean perfection, but there's much more to see than the beaches © Roberto Moiola / Sysaworld / Getty Images

One of the most beautiful islands in the world, Mauritius is the sort of multi-dimensional destination that’s as perfect for families as it is for couples on honeymoon, and just about anyone in between. 

Part of its considerable charm is entirely natural: Mauritius rises from the Indian Ocean like a vision. You can easily imagine how early seafarers must have felt when spotting its beaches and palm trees, forests and mountains, reefs and wild horizons.

Mauritius was also a prototype for multifaceted island tourism, combining the escapist notion of a luxury resort by the sea with rich cultural depth beyond the resort gates. As well as the beaches, you can dive into Mauritius' intriguing historical back-story, unique conservation success stories and sizzling hot culinary experiences.

Dive the West Coast

A stunning lagoon surrounds Mauritius, and these shallow waters are beautifully picturesque in their own right and offer spectacular diving at the reefs on the lagoon rim. Along Mauritius’ west coast, the waves break out near the horizon and the drop-off where the lagoon meets the open ocean is a world of underwater cliffs, populated by an astonishing array of marine life. Flic en Flac is the starting point for many of the best dives, including La Cathédrale, a fine spot to see scuttling lobsters.

Live in the moment on Rodrigues

One of Mauritius' most remote quarters, Rodrigues feels like it occupies a different time and space from the mainland. Life here is focused on the pleasure of day-to-day living and connecting with the land and the people who live full-time in this peaceful outpost. Spend your days taking boat trips to outlying islands, communing with giant tortoises, perusing the Saturday market at Port Mathurin, or diving and snorkeling off the south coast or around La Passe St François. While there’s plenty to do here, a big part of Rodrigues’s charm comes from something altogether simpler: the joy of just being here.

Hike the Black River Gorges

In the forested interior of Mauritius, Black River Gorges National Park is a precious and protected wilderness barely half an hour from the beach. Its dense forest is home to many native species of flora and fauna, including three endangered bird species: the Mauritius kestrel, the echo parakeet and the pink pigeon. As you hike through forests and past waterfalls, watch out for white-tailed tropicbirds flying high above the gorges or pink pigeons by the trail.

Head to the mountains of Chamarel

Of all the excursions away from the coast, a trip to Chamarel is one of the most rewarding days out in Mauritius. High in the hills and with glorious views down towards the coast in places, Chamarel has an emerging culinary reputation thanks to a growing number of casual family-run dining rooms and fine-dining restaurants hidden away among the trees. Other reasons to come include the famous colored sands of Terres de 7 Couleurs , Mauritius’ quirky museum of illusions and the Rhumerie de Chamarel , a fascinating, eco-friendly rum distillery.

Explore an untouched wilderness on Île aux Aigrettes

On the edge of the lagoon just off Mauritius’ pristine southeastern coast, Île aux Aigrettes offers a vision of the ancient and wild Mauritius that greeted early explorers. The old-growth ebony forest here is a reminder of how the whole of the main island appeared before the arrival of European colonists in the 16th century. Restored as part of a government-backed conservation project, the forest today shelters all manner of endangered bird and other wildlife species – be careful not to trip over a Mauritian giant tortoise! 

Relax on the beautiful beaches

The beaches for which Mauritius is famed encircle the island like a garland. All of the resorts have them, but there's so much sand around that you’re never far from a peaceful public beach where you can share the sea with picnicking local families rather than hordes of visiting tourists. The richest choices lie along the east coast, but southern beaches are quieter and wilder and the west coast is far better for those looking for activity out on the water.

Sample Mauritian Creole cooking

Diversity is a defining feature of Mauritian life, and the island's cultural melting pot really comes alive in the island’s culinary story. Indian, Chinese, Franco-Mauritian and Creole influences come together in Mauritian kitchens – dining here is at once a genuine pleasure and a globe-trotting adventure. The island boasts world-renowned chefs and endless places to sample local delicacies and staples. If we had to pick one place to try, it would be the stellar home-style cooking of chef Marie-Ange at informal Restaurant Le Barbizon in Chamarel.

Learn about unusual botany at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Gardens

There are times in Mauritius when it seems as if the wild tangle of tropical vegetation is visibly growing larger before your very eyes. Nowhere is this truer than in the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Gardens at Pamplemousses, originally founded as the vegetable garden for the nearby Mon Plaisir Château in 1735. The garden has expanded considerably from its original footprint – the stars of this gargantuan show are the giant Victoria amazonica water lilies and soulful giant tortoises, but there is so much unusual botany to turn the head that you'll need a few hours to explore.

Imagine the past at Mauritius' historic mansions

Uninhabited until the Dutch took possession of the islands in 1598, Mauritius was at various times, a colony of the Dutch, French and British, before gaining independence in 1968. Under European rule, giant sugar and tea estates filled every available pasture of the Mauritian interior, and watching over these prized plantations were French-style colonial mansions, which today are some of the Indian Ocean's greatest architectural treasures.

Like mini chateaux adapted to the tropics, these stately homes have gorgeous gardens, high ceilings, ornate verandas and cantilevered windows to catch the breeze. Check out the Eureka Mansion in Moka or Château Labourdonnais near Pamplemousses, for fine examples of the style.

Have the ultimate resort experience

If the main reason you’re traveling here is for some relaxing downtime by the water, the beach resorts of Mauritius have few peers. Some resorts are the height of exclusivity – if you’re staying at one of these lavish properties on a honeymoon or luxury break, you may never want to leave the resort grounds. Other resorts cater wonderfully well for families, with kids clubs, water sports and more. It doesn’t matter which secluded corner of the island you head to, there'll be abundant resorts to choose from. Expect large and luxurious rooms, multiple swimming pools, ample gardens, world-class restaurants, organized activities and perhaps a no-indulgence-spared spa.

Meander the Rodrigues Coastal Walk

Rodrigues already feels like the end of the earth, but the coastal walk from Graviers to St François just confirms it. There’s nothing to interrupt the views over the ocean to the distant horizon, save for the occasional cloud or passing seabirds and the silence has to be experienced to be believed. Best of all, it’s the only way to reach Trou d'Argent , which surely must be Mauritius prettiest beach.

Look for whales & dolphins

If east coast Mauritius is known for its resorts, the west coast is all about getting out on and under the water. Spinner or bottlenose dolphins are frequently sighted in the lagoon off Tamarin , and you can avoid the free-for-all by going to see them with Dolswim , who follow strict rules to ensure the dolphins are not disturbed. From July to October or November, humpback whales migrate down through the open ocean off the west coast and can be spotted breaching beyond the lagoon.

Sample seafood by the sand

Global culinary influences and celebrity resort chefs are one thing, but there’s no finer dining experience in Mauritius than grabbing a table at a beachfront shack in Trou aux Biches on the north coast or St Francois in Rodrigues, and ordering the freshest Indian Ocean seafood imaginable. Take your pick from lobster, prawns, octopus, grilled fish, calamari and more, and decide whether you want it served grilled or smothered in a red Creole sauce, then sit back and enjoy your seafood feast with a view.

Explore by boat for epic views from the water

Mauritius and remote Rodrigues may get all the attention, but there’s an often-missed archipelago of inner islands within a day’s boat trip of the main island. To the east are Île aux Deux Cocos and  Île aux Cerfs – crowded in parts, but offering some gorgeous quiet corners. Pretty Île aux Bénitiers lies off the west coast, and away to the north, there’s even more choice – Coin de Mire, Île Plate and Îlot Gabriel are all delightful. Combine exploring with time spent snorkeling and a picnic lunch, and you have one fine Mauritius day.  

Climbing Le Morne Brabant

Le Morne Brabant, the dramatic peak rising abruptly from the southwest shore of Mauritius, is a Unesco World Heritage-listed site. It served as a home for a group of people dubbed the Maroons, who escaped from slavery and took refuge on this once remote peninsula. Upon learning that a group of officers was heading to their camp, the Maroons leaped to their deaths rather than be captured again; legend has it that the officers were dispatched to inform the Maroons that slavery had been abolished. The tough but thrilling climb up this poignant peak offers views of most of Mauritius and a humbling monument commemorating the people who died.

Mauritius   is on our 2022 Best in Travel list. For more stories from some of the world’s most exciting destinations  click here .

Safety recommendations and restrictions during a pandemic can change rapidly. Lonely Planet recommends that travelers always check with local authorities for up-to-date guidance before  traveling during COVID-19 .

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• Hotels in Mauritius Island
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Mauritius Trip Itinerary & Planner

ROAD TRIP | 1 DAY TRIP IDEA | TRAVEL ESSENTIAL

Visitors are often overwhelmed by the number of places to visit in Mauritius. A major difference between its sister islands Maldives or Seychelles, there are a lot more than just beaches in Mauritius. Leaving the nice beaches and going inside the island, you will have exciting villages, waterfalls and mountains to climb. The amazing mix of characters make it a holiday favourite. Plan your road trip with our conveniently designed journeys to make the most of your holiday

“ Please tell me the best places to visit or the best beaches in Mauritius ”. So, we’ve put together some itinerary options of activities & Things to do

Depending on your adventurous aptitude, fitness level, enthusiasm in doing exercise, having a rental car, you might want to change or reconsider some ideas I have put together. Feel free to add or remove stops as these plans should give you an overall idea of where some places are located and what you can do around it. Mauritius will reward you by even the smallest attempt at exploration. The aim is to help you plan your days more efficiently and pack more I’ve-been-there-moment during your holidays. Mind you, you can see all those places in 1 hour with a helicopter tour.

Also if you are only looking for some iconic places only for photos, have a read through this blog “ THE TOP 1O MAURITIUS PHOTO LOCATION ”

Important things to note

– We gave our best estimate on the number of stops, estimated time to complete and places to eat and the fatigue level at the end of the trip. We  also included some activities around the trip.

– These trips are not designed to be used by Public Transport (Bus). We tried to put a plan together for those travelling by bus, but we warn you, BUS SCHEDULE ARE HIGHLY NOT ORGANISED IN THE SOUTH & EAST

– These are only high-level stops with only names, click on there for more details about the place

– You can present some itineraries to a taxi driver but ask for an estimated quote before. We highly recommend you to rent a car if you plan to go out more than once.

– Petrol station are unavailable after Black River up to Surinam: 40km or 1hr

– Petrol Station are unavailable from Bel Air to Mahebourg: 32Km or 45min

– There are no ATM in the south except in Mahebourg and Riviere es Anguilles & Black river.

– If you are coming from the north and need to go to the south east, use the motorway(avoid Port-Louis) Turn off on new Motorway and keep going south

– East coast residents, if you need to go west. Go onto motorway, turn off at Phoenix, follow sign to Flic en flac

– We recommend the south road trip to start on the South west (le Morne), so you can finish at Mahebourg and use the motorway to go back to the north, east or West. Those staying on the west, you can either go back the same way or use the faster motorway. Those staying at Le Morne you can start at Mahebourg and do the opposite, or start at Le Morne and go back the same way.

– Best to travel with some cash Rs3000 is MORE than enough if you are not planning activities. (assuming you are paying fuel by card, if not,bring an additional Rs3000 or check cost of activity)

DISCLAIMER – NOTICE OF RISK – ALL SELF GUIDED TOURS ARE DONE AT YOUR OWN RISK. ALL SELF HIKES ARE DONE AT YOUR OWN RISK. MAURITIUS EXPLORED (PLANET EXPLORED LTD) WILL NOT TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY INJURY , LOST, THEFT, ACCIDENTS INCURRED BEFORE, DURING AND AFTER THE SELF GUIDED TOURS AND SELF GUIDED HIKES.

ALL TRIPS IDEAS BELOW ARE AVAILABLE ON THE APP ISLAND EXPLORED WITH EXACT GPS FOR NAVIGATION

Download here .

DOWNLOAD THE APP

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2 weeks in Mauritius: 14-15 Day Itinerary (First Time Visit)

2 weeks in mauritius: which itinerary for 14, 15 or 16 days.

You want to spend 2 weeks in Mauritius and you’re looking for the best Itinerary?

You’re at the right place!

In order to help you plan your stay , I have prepared this recommended Itinerary for 14, 15 or 16 days in Mauritius .

With its picture-postcard scenery, Mauritius is going to blow your mind. During your trip, you will enjoy on the beaches of Belle Mare and Peyrebère and water activities on the Flic en Flac coast.

You will also discover the capital Port Louis , climb up the Morne Brabant mountain , go on a trip to Rodrigues Island. … And a lot more!

For this itinerary, in addition to the best things to do and must-see attractions , I will also give you all my best tips as well as my list of the best accommodations depending on your budget.

So, what are the best things to do in Mauritius in 2 weeks? Where to stay?

Let’s find out!

1) South of Mauritius – Mahébourg / Vallée de Ferney / Le Morne / Chamarel (3 days)

2) the west coast – flic en flac / tamarin (2 days), 3) the northwest: port louis / pamplemousses (1 day), 4) the north – grand baie / peyrebere / trou-aux-biches / cap malheureux (2 days), 5) the tea route (1 day), 6) east coast – belle mare / île aux cerfs / bras d’eau national park (2 days), 7) rodrigues (3 days), where to stay in mahébourg: first and last night, where to stay in the south of mauritius: steps 1 and 2, where to stay in the north of mauritius: steps 3, 4, and 5, where to stay in the east of mauritius: step 6, where to stay in rodrigues island: step 7, a 2-week road trip in mauritius: renting a car, renting a boat in mauritius, visiting mauritius: flight prices, you’re traveling in mauritius these articles will help you.

I suggest kicking off your two-week tour in Mauritius with an exploration of the southern part of the island .

This region is where you’ll touch down on your arrival day, at the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport near Mahébourg.

The south of Mauritius is one of the most unspoiled areas of the island , with many pristine natural spaces . Get ready to explore breathtaking forests, majestic mountains , picturesque valleys, and of course, gorgeous beaches and the crystal-clear sea .

To start off on a relaxed note, after you’ve dropped off your luggage, stay in the southeast and spend your first day in the Mahébourg region .

Kick off this 15-day journey with a little tour around Mahébourg, the iconic town of South Mauritius. It’s worth noting, Mahébourg is the first town built on the island and its former capital.

The charming little coastal town of Mahébourg, laden with history, is welcoming and perfect for experiencing the daily life of Mauritians.

I was charmed by the quaint Creole houses , the authentic shops, the waterfront , and the picturesque alleys.

During your visit, make sure to swing by the Rault Biscuit Factory , famous for their traditional Mauritian manioc biscuits . The covered market is also quite appealing, brimming with local fruits, vegetables, and spices to discover.

Next, head over to Blue Bay , just a few kilometers away, to round off the day on the beach, relaxing and swimming. Why not also opt for a glass-bottom boat tour where you can observe the sea bed under your feet?

Tickets for the boat tour need to be booked by clicking here .

If you’ve got the time, I also recommend the boat excursion to Aigrettes Island , a bird sanctuary that’s well worth a visit (departure is from Pointe Jérôme).

For your second day in Mauritius , I propose you continue exploring the southeast by spending the morning in Ferney Valley . This excursion is one of the must-do’s during a 2-week stay in Mauritius.

Ferney Valley, a few kilometers north of Mahébourg, is a nature reserve of over 200 hectares comprised of tropical forest and rolling meadows. It’s incredibly beautiful!

Entrance is around 8 euros (325 rs) and you’ll easily spend 2 to 3 hours walking leisurely while enjoying the numerous panoramas of Mahébourg bay .

You also have the option to go on a 4×4 ride , allowing you to delve a bit deeper into the valley. One last thing, be sure to bring good walking shoes, protection from the sun, and mosquito repellent (it’s really essential).

The access to Ferney Valley reserve is from the old Ferney sugar mill , between the towns of Mahébourg and Vieux Grand Port. If you didn’t rent a car, you’ll need to take a taxi from Mahébourg to get there.

In the late morning, set off on your journey towards the scenic southwest coast .

The remaining part of your itinerary awaits in the captivating region of Morne Brabant . If you’re traveling by bus, expect the journey to take approximately 2.5 to 3 hours ( compared to around 1 hour by car ).

By bus, you need to:

• Take the first bus from Mahébourg to Souillac
• A second bus from Souillac to Baie du Cap
• And the third bus from Baie du Cap to Morne Brabant .

To plan your bus routes, visit this website .

Le Morne Brabant is one of the most iconic mountains on the island , a UNESCO World Heritage Site, situated right on the coast. It’s situated right at the water’s edge, offering a stunning beachfront view .

I suggest you spend the rest of the day on Morne Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in Mauritius. It’s very quiet during the week, but much busier on weekends (like almost all beaches in Mauritius).

On the agenda: relaxing on the sun-kissed sand while soaking in the breathtaking scenery, taking a refreshing dip in the Indian Ocean, engaging in thrilling water sports, and exploring the area with a leisurely stroll if you fancy.

Bright and early the next morning, I recommend tackling the climb of Le Morne Brabant Mountain .

You can hike it on your own, but I advise you to hire a guide . They’re really friendly and will teach you a lot about the region!

They’ll also help you navigate and ensure your safety, as the trails are steep in some places .

To book this hike with a guide , simply click on the following button:

The climb of the last few meters to the summit is quite perilous, I do not recommend it for children or those with vertigo. If you’re lucky enough to reach Morne Brabant’s summit, the view up there is breathtaking The colors are splendid and it’s simply magical!

This is indeed one of the excursions I enjoyed the most during my 2-week holiday in Mauritius. The complete hike will take you about 3 to 4 hours (6 km round trip).

For your third day on the island, this time I suggest you head to Chamarel, close to Morne Brabant , just a few minutes by bus or taxi from the beach.

Chamarel is one of the most touristy sites on the island as it’s home to one of Mauritius’s main natural wonders: the Seven Colored Earths .

Just a heads up, there is an admission fee for entry. To make things easier, you can get your tickets in advance by clicking here .

Upon arrival, take the dirt road leading to the Chamarel Waterfall . You’ll discover a lovely viewpoint overlooking the waterfall below. If you’re up for it, you can go down to get a closer look and even take a dip.

Then, follow the path and you’ll come upon a large clearing, and that’s where the site’s main attraction is. Get ready to be mesmerized by a one-of-a-kind landscape featuring vibrant ochre dunes .

The colors will astound you as they transition from burnt orange to violet, with stunning shades of yellow and brown in between . This natural color gradient is a real spectacle .

A few years ago, you could walk on the seven Colored Earth and even grab a sample. However, for the sake of preserving the site, access is now prohibited.

I reckon it’s a good thing. With all the tourists coming in, there wouldn’t be much of the seven Colored Earth left today! Allow about 1 hours for the visit.

Still in Chamarel , as you exit the site, you’ll have a chance to visit the rum distillery or “Rhumerie de Chamarel”. Here, they’ll explain how they make local rum and you’ll even get a tasting session .

The Rhumerie also features a restaurant and a shop.

Just next to Chamarel’s entrance, you’ll also spot the Curious Corner the optical illusion museum.

At first glance, it might not seem like your cup of tea, but I promise you, it’s really surprising, fun, and interactive . The visit lasts about 1.5 hours and it’s suitable for all ages. An excellent way to end the morning on a high note.

After lunch in one of Chamarel village’s quaint little restaurants, I suggest spending the afternoon hiking in the Black River Gorges National Park , just a few minutes away by car or bus west of Chamarel.

It’s the island’s largest natural park spanning a whopping 6,754 hectares.

On the agenda: a captivating excursion that will take you through the tropical forest , where you’ll encounter a myriad of lush vegetation, fascinating wildlife, winding rivers, and enchanting waterfalls .

You should discover the place with a guide so you won’t lose your way and learn everything there is about the park’s history, local plants, and endemic animals you’ll see during the hike (including the famous Pink Pigeon!)

Book your guided hike in the park by clicking the following button:

The guided hike will take about 4 hours. If you prefer to go on your own, make sure to set landmarks and plan your route in advance because there are lots of different trails.

The second stop on this 2-week itinerary in Mauritius takes you over to the west coast of the island for 2 days .

Your first destination is Flic-en-Flac , the tourist town of the West, boasting a large, beautiful white sandy beach lined with many casuarina trees.

On your Flic-en-Flac day agenda :

• Sunbathing on the white sand or chilling under the casuarinas
• Swimming and snorkeling to check out the vibrant fish (you can see them really close to the shore)
• Tasting snacks and fresh fruits sold by beach vendors (I recommend: the excellent “Roti Aka” located at the start of the beach, among the first food trucks).
• Scuba diving with one of the city’s diving clubs (I suggest booking ahead, it’s always better)

For lunch, treat yourself to a Roti Aka from the food truck of the same name located at the start of the beach (on the right when facing the sea).

It’s the typical local snack you can eat on the go just about anywhere on the island. It’s sort of a stuffed pancake with your choice of different curries , and those from Roti Aka in Flic en Flac are among the best.

The following day, stay in the west and head to Tamarin Falls , also known as the Seven Cascades hike , one of the prettiest walks on the island. The site is completely public and thus free .

You can choose between a 3-hour walk , with the route covering the first 4 cascades , and the full tour which will easily take you the whole day . I suggest dedicating the entire day to the hike, as there’s so much to see and the point is to relax, take in the stunning landscapes, and not rush around.

Your day’s agenda:

• Discovering the waterfalls and the site’s stunning natural landscapes
• Swimming in the invigorating waters of the cascades
• Having a picnic in the shade of the trees
• Observing the local fauna and flora

You can choose to do the hike on your own or with a guide.

Embarking on the third leg of this 14-15 day road trip in Mauritius , set off to explore the capital, Port Louis , nestled in the northwest of the island. Swapping natural landscapes and paradise-like beaches for the heart of the bustling local day-to-day life , you’ll find yourself in Port Louis for a half-day visit in the morning.

Things to do and see in Port Louis:

• Check out the covered market on Queen Street , brimming with countless stalls offering fruits, vegetables, spices, and other local products. You can also indulge in snacks and buy souvenirs here (don’t hesitate to haggle for a good deal!).
• Make sure you visit The Caudan Waterfront , an outdoor shopping centre set on the waterfront, the oldest one in Mauritius. The place is delightful, with pretty walkways, shops, restaurants, and food stalls by local vendors. Definitely swing by Patrick and Rosie Latulipe’s stall, which sells products exclusively made from cassava. It stole my heart, and I wholeheartedly recommend giving it a try! There are also sea views, a cinema , and even a museum (the Blue Penny, highly informative about the history of Mauritius). On weekends, the place buzzes with life, often hosting musical performances in the evening.

To discover the culinary specialties of Mauritius, I recommend you book a guided street food tour in Port Louis.

You’ll get a chance to visit the market and of course, to savour the local cuisine . Find all the details about this activity by clicking here:

After enjoying a waterside lunch at the Caudan, catch a bus, hop in your car or take a taxi to the Pamplemousses Botanic Garden a mere 20 minutes away from Port Louis. It’s original name is “Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden” but we’ll keep on calling it Pamplemousses!

This 37-hectare botanical garden was established in the 18th century by a French botanist. It houses a rich collection of plants , not only local but also from many countries around the world. Admission fee: 8 euros per adult , 5 euros per child.

A walk in the garden is refreshing and pleasant, especially after spending the morning in the sweltering heat of Port Louis. The paths are well laid out , and you’ll get to discover some impressive plants such as the enormous baobabs, giant water lilies, palms of all sizes and shapes, aromatic plants, tropical fruit trees…

You can explore independently or take a guided tour . The guides are incredibly friendly and quite chatty!

If you’re looking for a peaceful stroll amongst the flora , opt for the self-guided tour as the guides’ explanations do require quite a bit of focus.

On the contrary, if you’re keen to learn as much as possible about the garden’s history and its collection, the guided tour is very comprehensive and will take you 1 to 2 hours.

To visit the north of Mauritius and the botanical garden , you can also opt for a private full-day tour .

Your driver guide will pick you up directly from your hotel and will take you to the Pamplemousses Garden , Port Louis, and even to the beach. You can book below:

Almost a week into your Mauritian stay, it’s time to move on to the fourth stage of the trip! You’re now going to explore the northern part of the island .

Set off in the morning towards Grand Baie . If you’re taking the bus, it’s an easy 20-minute ride from Port Louis via an express bus from the bus station.

Once you reach Grand Baie, the island’s first seaside resort , you’ll immediately be immersed in a relaxed, summery, and lively vibe . Grand Bay is a popular tourist coastal town , featuring a beautiful public beach , stunning villas, numerous street vendors, restaurants, bars, clubs, and a shopping avenue (Sunset Boulevard).

After spending the morning in Grand Baie, hit the road again to discover the beach of Pereybere , just 10 kilometers away. This pretty little beach promises a relaxing afternoon filled with rest, sunbathing, swimming, and water activities. I highly recommend staying for the sunset , as it provides a breathtaking finale to the day. Whether you choose to admire it from the sea or while relaxing on the warm sand, it’s a magical moment you won’t want to miss.

The next morning, I recommend discovering another of Mauritius’s most beautiful beaches (after all, that’s what you’re here for!), Trou aux Biches , on the northwest coast. The atmosphere here is very tranquil, and the scenery is postcard-perfect with its palm trees, bougainvilleas, white sand, and crystal-clear waters.

Your day at Trou aux Biches includes:

• Chilling out on the warm sand
• Doing some snorkeling and/or diving in the lagoon along the coral reef
• Having a picnic on the beach
• Partaking in water sports offered by nearby hotels: sailing, water skiing, parasailing
• Sampling Mauritian flambéed bananas (delicious!)

In the mid-afternoon, continue your journey to Cap Malheureux, at the northernmost tip of the island .

The beach at Cap Malheureux is unmistakable thanks to its red church , creating a stunning contrast with the surrounding green vegetation and the azure blue of the ocean.

This small beach and its church are, in my opinion, one of the most charming and authentic places in Mauritius . It’s usually very quiet and peaceful, hardly ever crowded, and you can relax there while admiring the sunset.

If you have some extra time, I highly recommend taking a boat trip to Ile Plate , which can be spotted on the horizon from Cap Malheureux beach.

And here we are, already at the fifth stop of this two-week itinerary in Mauritius . Today, let’s set off on a journey to discover the tea production process in Mauritius .

This culinary and cultural adventure is known as the Tea Route , and you’ll need to book in advance . A guide and a driver will escort you to several spots on the island:

The Tea Route is split into 3 stages and kicks off at Domaine des Aubineaux located near the town of Curepipe . This estate is a former colonial residence built in 1872.

During your visit, you’ll have the chance to explore a variety of attractions, including a distillery, a charming period tea room, beautiful gardens , and even some historic stables.

The next phase of the journey then takes you to Bois Chéri, where you’ll discover the island’s tea plantations . You’ll also visit the tea factory to grasp the various stages of production of this illustrious beverage.

Make sure not to miss the tea museum , where you can delve into the rich history of tea production. Afterward, treat yourself to a delightful tea tasting experience in a charming chalet, offering a panoramic view of the stunning southern region of the island .

The third and final stage of the Tea Route will introduce you to another colonial house from 1819, converted into a restaurant .

There, you’ll tour the sugar factory, the rum distillery , and also “ La Maison de la Vanille ” where Mauritian vanilla – a typical flavor added to local tea – is produced. To cap off the day, they’ll serve you a typically Mauritian meal .

The Tea Route is a truly intriguing experience to have in Mauritius .

For this sixth stage of your two-week vacation in Mauritius, I highly recommend dedicating the next two days to exploring the enchanting East Coast .

With its stunning expanses of white sand lining the country’s largest lagoons , lush nature, and luxury hotels, it’s one of the most beautiful regions of Mauritius.

Your first destination is Belle Mare and its dreamy beach that stretches over 10 kilometers! You can relax there, have a picnic, snorkel, dive, or try other water activities offered by the nearby hotels.

By late morning, head towards Trou d’Eau Douce beach , a few kilometers south of Belle Mare.

From this stunning beach, you can take a boat to Île aux Cerfs , a little paradise island off the coast. Spend half a day there relaxing, walking around, swimming, or trying out the sports and water activities on offer.

The island also hosts several shops and restaurants . Despite its desert island vibes (white sand beach, palm trees, casuarinas…), Île aux Cerfs is in fact very (very) touristy.

I was slightly disappointed by the rather “artificial” aspect of the island with all its activities and facilities everywhere. Still, the place is worth a visit because the landscapes are breathtaking , and the boat trip in the turquoise lagoon is pure magic.

The following morning, stay in the east and follow the coastline north towards Bras d’Eau National Park .

This 500-hectare forest reserve is definitely worth a visit. It offers a tranquil and off-the-beaten-path experience, immersing you deep into nature’s embrace.

If you get there early in the morning, you might be lucky enough to see and hear local endemic birds like the Grey White Eye, the Coq des Bois, or the Kestrel. You might also come across monkeys, bats and wild boars.

As for flora, the park houses intriguing species like white eucalyptus and mahogany , which can sometimes grow over 40 meters tall. During the walk, you’ll also discover the ruins of an old sugar mill and a lime kiln, an old railway track, and several ponds.

Be careful! Just remember – you’re in a tropical forest, so your mosquito repellent is pretty much your best friend…

It’s easy to get to Bras d’Eau National Park by car . There’s even a parking area right at the entrance.

If you’re taking the bus from Belle Mare or Trou d’Eau Douce, you’ll need to get to Flacq, then take a taxi to the park entrance (a 10 to 15-minute car ride).

For the last three days of your 14, 15 or 16-day itinerary in Mauritius, I highly recommend taking a side trip to Rodrigues , a quaint Mauritian isle nestled approximately 600 kilometers to the east of Mauritius.

So, make your way to the airport and catch a flight to Rodrigues, which is roughly a 1.5-hour flight.

Rodrigues is a tiny, tranquil island, perfect for some rest and rejuvenation . A lot of Mauritians pop over for a weekend now and then to kick back and relax. Far from the hustle and bustle of cities and beaches of the larger island, your short stay in Rodrigues will be characterized by peace and nature , all in a chilled-out ambiance.

Here, you won’t find mass tourism or large hotels, which means a more abundant and pristine nature and lagoon, and accommodation in bed and breakfasts or guesthouses.

Things to do and see during these 3 days in Rodrigues:

• Explore the stunning eastern beaches of the island , between Pointe Coton and Port Sud-Est . From tiny U-shaped beaches, long beaches lined with casuarina trees, to hidden coves, all along azure, crystal clear sea waters, your eyes are in for a feast. In the winter, the beaches are nearly deserted, adding even more charm to these spots.
• Take in the view from Rodrigues’ highest peak, Mont Limon (393 meters high). The climb to Mont Limon is super easy and only takes a few minutes. From there, you can enjoy a gorgeous sunset .
• Visit the capital Port Mathurin , a tranquil little town with colorful houses. Stroll down the streets and don’t miss the market to pick up a souvenir or taste local specialties.
• Take a boat trip to Hermitage Island and Cat Island . These two tiny islands are incredibly beautiful and very well-preserved.
• Observe the marine flora and fauna in the lagoon : diving and snorkeling in Rodrigues are even more intense than in Mauritius, thanks to its much richer and preserved underwater life.
• Go on an excursion to Coco Island : one of Rodrigues’ treasures. You can spend a full day or a half-day on Coco Island, which is home to numerous bird species. From Pointe Diamble village in the west, take a traditional pirogue boat for a 1.5-hour journey. Once on the island, you can explore it from end to end (it’s only 1 km long and 250 meters wide), relax on the white sand, or go birdwatching.
• Either spending only 2 days in Rodrigues for a 14-day trip
• Or adding an extra relaxation day in Rodrigues for a 16-day trip to Mauritius and Rodrigues

Where to stay in Mauritius

As I’ve told you, Mauritius is a tiny country! So, you have two options for exploring the island :

• Book one hotel for the duration of your stay. The advantage is you don’t need to worry about packing and unpacking.
• Choose to stay in 3 or 4 different places based on the stops we present in this 2-week itinerary. This way, you minimize the time spent on the road each day. Even though it’s tiny, you should consider the distances and potential traffic jams. There obviously aren’t any highways!

Whichever option you choose, I still recommend spending your first night in Mahébourg . This will help you recover more easily from the flight fatigue and jet lag. Plus, it’s the most convenient for visiting the Ferney Valley, scheduled for the following day on this itinerary. You could also spend your last night there to be close to the airport for an early departure.

So here are the best hotels for each stop , depending on your budget. You should not hesitate making your reservations now , as the best rooms go very quickly! (and if there are any changes, cancellations are usually free anyway)

• Sacha Resorts : Nestled in Mahébourg, just 4 km from the airport. Modern and comfortable double room starting at €25 per night. Strong points: The warm welcome, the pool, and a kitchen at your disposal to whip up a meal.
• La Caze Roche Guest House : Located 9 km from the airport. Roomy, super comfortable double rooms starting from €70 a night, including breakfast. Strong points: Exceptionally hearty breakfast, the friendly and helpful owner, the prime location within walking distance to the sea and the Egret Island.
• Holiday Inn Mauritius Mon Trésor : Ideally placed right next to the airport. Stylish and bright double rooms from €160 a night, breakfast included. Strong points: The comfy rooms, amenities such as the free shuttle to and from the airport, the quality of the breakfast. The best choice for a high-end hotel in Mahébourg !
• Arkenstone Studios : Located close to Chamarel and Le Morne Brabant mountain. Modern, spacious, bright, fully equipped studio with a kitchen starting at only €50 a night! Strong points: The location for visiting the 7 Colored Earths and climbing the Morne Brabant mountain, free private parking, the view from the studio balconies, the friendly and helpful host, and the peaceful neighborhood. The best choice for an affordable stay in the south of Mauritius !
• The River House : Located in Tamarin next to the Black River Gorges National Park and Flic-en-Flac. Spacious double room with a terrace and splendid river views starting from €110 a night, breakfast included. Strong points: The peaceful location, the stunning setting with the garden and the river, the beach only a 5-minute walk away, the fantastic breakfast, and the pool. It’s my favorite for its incredible value for money !
• Sands Suites Resort & Spa : Located in Tamarin Bay, right on the beachfront. Bright and spacious suites tastefully decorated from €350 a night, breakfast included. Strong points: The magnificent views from the rooms, the services on offer, the delightful staff, and the delicious food. Recommended for a luxury stay in south Mauritius !
• Résidence Obleue : Situated in Peyrebere. Brand-new, modern, and bright apartment with a fully equipped kitchen from €50 a night. Strong points: The location, free private parking, the pool, and the rooftop. The top choice in the north for an affordable stay in Mauritius!
• Bleu de toi Boutique Guesthouse : Located a mere 5-minute walk from Peyrebere beach. Warm and nicely decorated double rooms from €75 a night. Strong points: The pool, the outdoor areas, the peaceful atmosphere, the top-notch staff!
• Corail Blue Private Villas by Lov : Located between Grand Baie and Peyrebere. Ultra-modern, enormous (180m²), and superbly equipped villa with a private pool from €145 a night, breakfast at €12. Strong points: The beauty of the luxurious villas, the private pool, the location, the comfort. Truly an exceptional place in the north of Mauritius !
• Seapoint Boutique Hotel : Located 4 km from Grand Baie. Luxurious and stunning double rooms from €340 a night, breakfast included. Strong points: The breathtaking views from the rooms of the garden and the sea, the beautiful outdoor areas, the excellent breakfast, the proximity to the beach, the attentive staff, and the quality of service. The best choice for a luxury stay in the north of Mauritius!  
• Studio Manguillier : Located in Trou d’Eau Douce, just a stone’s throw from the beach. Very spacious, well-equipped apartment from just €50 a night and the bonus, breakfast is even included! Strong points: The view, the terrace, the hearty breakfast, the perfect location for visiting Ile aux Cerfs. Excellent value for money .
• Horisun : Located in Belle Mare, a 10-minute walk from the beach. Double room with balcony and beautiful view from €110 a night, breakfast included. Strong points: The quiet location, the exceptional breakfast, the very pleasant staff, the zen ambiance, and bicycles available for riding to the beach. My favorite for its value for money !
• The Residence Mauritius : Located in Belle Mare. Elegant and super spacious double rooms from €200 a night, breakfast included. Strong points: The excellent breakfast buffet, the kindness of the staff, the fantastic view, the pool, and the “on the water’s edge” location! A superb choice for treating yourself in Mauritius !
• B&B Le Reposoir Tourist Residence : Located in La Ferme. Spacious, bright double room from €30 per night, breakfast for €4. Strong points: The location in nature, the warm and friendly welcome, free bike loans – super handy for exploring the island.
• Le Tigraviers Bed and Breakfast : Located in Graviers, a 3-minute walk from the beach. Modern, spacious double rooms from €60 a night, breakfast included. Strong points: The excellent homemade meals and breakfast, the welcoming staff, the calm and tranquility, and the location. My favorite for its value for money on Rodrigues !
• Gombrani Lodge : Located in Eau Vanée. Double room with carefully chosen decor from €110 a night, breakfast included. Strong points: The available hosts, the panoramic view of the lagoon, the delicious breakfast and dinners, the pool overlooking the ocean. The perfect dream spot to stay on Rodrigues Island !

If you need help organizing your 2-week itinerary in Mauritius, feel free to shoot your questions in the comment section below.

For your two-week trip in Mauritius, renting a car is undoubtedly the best option. It provides you with the freedom and flexibility to explore the island at your own pace. Whatever your pace is!

You should use Rentalcars.com for 3 reasons :

• It allows you to compare prices among rental companies: this guarantees you’ll pay the best price for your rental car (and save some cash!)
• They offer a “full protection” insurance (optional of course) which is way cheaper than the ones rental companies sell. If any damage occurs, you’re covered!
• Cancellations are often free : Handy if you change your mind!

I’m a regular customer of theirs! Their services have never let me down. If you know your travel dates, you should book right away to get the car you want at the best price. (And anyway, you can always cancel for free if you need to!)

Click the button below to compare prices right away:

If you want to rent a boat for a fun day at sea during your stay in Mauritius, I highly recommend using Samboat . Simply put, they have the most comprehensive boat rental offerings !

Motorboats, sailboats, yachts, small license-free boats, with or without a skipper: you’ll be spoiled for choice.

So, why wait any longer to book your incredible sea trip in Mauritius ?

The prices of flights to Mauritius vary a lot, so it’s a good idea to compare them as early as possible. For this, you can use our flight comparison tool, in partnership with Skyscanner. This ensures you get the best price.

Once on the results page, don’t hesitate to compare several websites to make sure no fees are added to the final prices.

Discover all my articles about Mauritius : All my articles to help you plan your trip to Mauritius are listed there.

21 Best Things to do in Mauritius – All the best places to visit!

• Itinerary: 1 week in Mauritius – How to visit Mauritius in 6, 7 or 8 days
• Itinerary: 10 days in Mauritius – The definitive guide to visit Mauritius in 10 days!
• Itinerary: 2 weeks in Mauritius – The perfect 14, 15 or 16 days itinerary in Mauritius

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2 Weeks in Mauritius: Ultimate Itinerary of 14-15-16 Days!

Table of Contents

2 weeks in Mauritius: what to do and see?

Mauritius is a small country, very rich culturally and perfect vantage point for  a holiday in “relaxation” mode . It is also full of many  natural wonders  not to be missed. To help you plan your trip, I have developed for you the ultimate itinerary to  visit Mauritius for 2 weeks .

With its postcard decorations, Mauritius will put your eyes on it. From lazing on  the beaches of Bellemare or  Peyrebère  to nautical activities on  the coast of Flic en Flac , through the discovery of  the capital Port Louis ,  the ascent of Morne  and an excursion to  Rodrigues Island , this trip ad particularly fulfilled.

Discover immediately the itinerary that I propose to follow. For the stay of 14, 15 or 16 days in Mauritius , find also our  selection of the best accommodation  and all  the tips and good plans  to make the most of your holidays!

So, what to do and see in Mauritius in 2 weeks?

Day 1-3: South – Mahébourg / Ferney Valley / Le Morne / Chamarel (3 days)

I propose to start your  2-week tour in Mauritius  by discovering the  south of the island . It is in this region that you will land on the day of your arrival at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport near Mahébourg.

Southern Mauritius is one of  the most unspoiled parts of the island , with many  natural spaces  almost intact. You will discover  beautiful landscapes of forest, mountain,  natural valleys but also  beaches and a blue sea.

To start gently, I recommend, after depositing your luggage, to stay in the southeast and spend your  first day in the region of Mahébourg.   Start this 15-day trip with a little tour in Mahébourg,  the emblematic city of the South of Mauritius which is, it deserves to be specified,  the first city built on the island  and former capital.

Pretty  little coastal town steeped  in history, Mahébourg is welcoming and perfect to  discover the daily life of Mauritians. I adored the  typical Creole houses , the authentic shops,  the waterfront  and the picturesque alleys.

You will be able to take advantage of your visit to  visit the biscuit factory Rault  which manufactures  the traditional Mauritian biscuits with cassava . The covered market is also very nice, with lots of fruits, vegetables and local spices to discover.

Then go to  Blue Bay , just a few kilometers away, to end the day on the beach, relax and swim. Why not also opt for  a “glassbottom”  (glass-bottomed boat) tour through which you will observe the seabed under your feet?

If you have time, I also recommend  the boat trip to Île aux Aigrettes , a bird sanctuary worth a visit (departure is from Pointe Jérôme).

For your  second day in Mauritius , I suggest you continue the  discovery of the southeast  by spending the morning in  the Valley of Ferney.  This excursion is one of the  must do  during a 2 week stay in Mauritius.

The Ferney Valley, a few kilometers north of Mahebourg, is a  nature reserve of more than 200 hectares composed of  tropical forest  and hilly meadows. That’s wonderful! The entrance costs about  8 euros  (325 rs) and you will easily spend  2 to 3 hours  walking quietly while enjoying the many  panoramas on the bay of Mahébourg.

You also have the  opportunity to go for a ride in 4 × 4 , which allows to go a little deeper in the valley. Last thing, plan good walking shoes, enough to protect you from the sun and also mosquitoes (it’s really essential).

The  access to the reserve of the Valley of Ferney  is made since  the old sugar factory of Ferney , between the communes of Mahébourg and Old Grand Port. If you have not rented a car, you will have to take a taxi to Mahébourg to get there.

Before going on a shuttle bus to the start of the tour, do not forget to  visit the tiny coffee museum located near the reception.

In the late morning, then take the road towards  the south-west coast.  The rest of the program takes place in  the beautiful region of Morne Brabant .  If you travel by bus, the trip will take you between 2:30 and 3am (  against about 1 hour by car) .

By bus, you must:

• Take the first bus from  Mahébourg  to  Souillac
• A second from  Souillac  to  Cape Bay
• And the 3rd bus  from Cape Bay  to  Morne .

To plan your bus journeys, consult  this site directly.

Le Morne is one of  the most emblematic mountains of the island , listed as a  UNESCO World Heritage Site and located on the coast. She is really at the edge of the water and  dominates the beach  of the same name.

I propose you to spend the rest of the day on  the beach of Morne , one of the most beautiful beaches of Mauritius. It is  very quiet on weekdays , but much more crowded on weekends (like virtually all beaches in Mauritius).

On the program:  laze on the warm sand  admiring the landscape,  swim in the Indian Ocean , water activities and walk in the vicinity if you wish.

The next morning, I recommend you to tackle  the ascent of the mountain Morne . You can do this trek independently, but  I advise you to take a guide . They are very friendly and you will learn a lot about the region! They will also help you find and secure you,  the trails being in some very steep places .

The ascent of the last meters to the summit is quite perilous, I do not recommend it to children or people prone to vertigo. If you have the chance to reach the summit of Morne,  the landscape up there is breathtaking!  The colors are beautiful and it’s just magic!

It is also one of the excursions that I preferred to do during my 2 weeks vacation in Mauritius. The full hike will take you  about 3 to 4 hours  (it’s 6 km round trip).

If you plan to  do the guided tour  for the ascent of Le Morne (which I advise you),  remember to book in advance  before your departure via your travel agency or directly with your hotel. Guided tours are usually scheduled in the morning from 6am and afternoons at 2pm (check locally anyway, as it may vary).

For your  third day  on site, I propose this time to go to  Chamarel, near Le Morne , just a few minutes by bus or taxi from the beach. Chamarel is one of  the most touristic sites of the island  because it is one of the  main natural curiosities  of Mauritius:  the Land of 7 colors.

Admission is not free  (we paid 125 rs per person, about 3 euros). On arriving, take the dirt road that leads to  the Chamarel waterfall.  You will discover then a  pretty point of view  on the waterfall below. If you feel like it, you can go down to see it more closely and even swim there.

Then continue to follow the path, you will arrive in front of a vast clearing, and this is where the point of interest of the site is. You will find yourself in front of a  unique landscape, composed of dunes of ocher earth  whose  colors vary from red orange to purple,  through yellow and brown. The gradient that form these colors is natural and really offers  a special show .

A few years ago, it was possible to walk on the earth of 7 colors and even to pick a sample. But for the sake of preserving the site, access is now forbidden. I think it’s a good thing, with all the visitors who pass by, there would not be much left of the land of 7 colors today! Allow  about 1 hour to 1:30 of visit.

Always in  Chamarel , at the exit of the site you will be able to  visit Rhumerie . Here you will learn  how to make local rum,  and you will even be entitled to a  tasting session.  La Rhumerie also has a restaurant and a shop.

Just next to the entrance to the Chamarel site, you can also see  the “Curious Corner”,  the museum of optical illusions. It may, at first sight not tempt you, but I assure you that it is  very surprising, funny and playful.  We really have a good time. The visit lasts approximately 1h30 and is suitable for all ages. What end the morning in excellent mood.

After a lunch in one of the small typical restaurants of the village of Chamarel, I propose to  spend the afternoon hiking in the Black River Gorges National Park,  located a few minutes by car or bus to the west of Chamarel. It is  the largest natural park on the island,  with its 6754 hectares.

On the program: a  beautiful excursion in the heart of the rainforest.  This is an opportunity to discover  lush vegetation, local wildlife, rivers and waterfalls.

I  advise  you  to take a guide  not to get lost and to know everything about the history of the park, local plants and endemic animals that you can observe during the hike (including the famous Pink Pigeon!).

The guided hike will take you about 4 hours. If you prefer to go for a walk alone,  remember to take the bearings  and choose your route in advance because  there are many different trails.

Day 4-5: the west coast – Flic en Flac / Tamarin

The second leg of this  2 week itinerary in Mauritius  takes you this time to  the West Coast for 2 days.

Your first destination is  Flic-en-Flac,  the tourist town of the West, with a  large and beautiful white sand beach  bordered by many casuarinas.

On the agenda for this day in Flic-en-Flac  :

• sunbath  on the white sand or rest under the filaos
• swimming and snorkeling  to observe the many colored fish (observable very close to the edge)
• tasting snacks and fresh fruits  sold by the beach merchants (I recommend: the excellent “Roti Aka” located at the beginning of the beach, among the first trailers).
• scuba diving  with one of the diving clubs of the city (I advise you to book, it’s always better)

For lunch, enjoy a  Roti Aka to the trailer of the same name  located  at the beginning of the beach (right when facing the sea). This is  the typical local snack  that you can eat on the go all over the island. This is a kind of  cake filled with different carrys  of your choice, and those of  Roti Aka in Flic en Flac are among the best.

The next day, stay in the West and join  Tamarin Falls , also called  the hike of the 7 Cascades,  one of the most beautiful walks to do on the island. The site is entirely public and therefore  free.

You have the choice between  a walk of 3 hours , with  the circuit of the first 4 waterfalls,  and  the full circuit which will take you easily  the whole day . I advise you to devote all day to the ride, because there is really a lot to see and the goal is to relax, discover the beautiful landscapes without hurry.

In the program of the day:

• discovery of waterfalls  and beautiful natural landscapes of the site
• swimming  in the invigorating waters of the waterfalls
• picnic  in the shade of trees
• observation of the local flora and fauna

I do not recommend this hike if the weather is rainy , the trails are very slippery in the rain and you will not really enjoy the ride.

If  you want more details of best things to do in Flic en Flac I recommend you read this article also: Top 12 Things to Do in Flic en Flac

Day 6: The North-West: Port Louis / Grapefruit

For the third stage of this  14-15 day road trip to Mauritius ,  discover the capital Port-Louis , located in the North-West of the island. Far from natural landscapes and paradisiacal beaches, you will find yourself at the  heart of the tumult of local daily life.  In the morning, go to Port Louis for  a half-day visit.

Things to do and see in Port Louis:

• The covered market on Queen Street  and its countless stalls of fruits, vegetables, spices and other local products. You can also enjoy snacks and  buy souvenirs  (do not hesitate to haggle for bargains!).
• The Caudan Waterfront , an  outdoor shopping center  located on the seafront, the oldest in Mauritius. It is very nice, with pretty alleys, shops, restaurants, trailers of street vendors. Have a look at the trailer of Patrick and Rosie Latulipe, who sells products made exclusively with cassava and it was my favorite, I strongly advise you to taste it! There are also views of the sea,  a cinema  and even  a museum  (the Blue Penny, very interesting on the history of Mauritius). The weekend is very lively, there are often musical shows in the evening.

if you are driving, arriving in Port Louis,  park directly at the parking Caudan  is the easiest and you will have access to everything else easily on foot.

After a lunch on the terrace at the water’s edge in Caudan, take a bus, car or taxi to  Pamplemousses Botanical Garden,  just  20 minutes from Port Louis.

This  botanical garden of 37 hectares  was created in the 18th century by a French botanist. It houses a  rich collection of plants,  not only local but also from many countries of the world. The entrance fees are  8 euros per adult  and 5 euros per child.

The walk in the garden is nice and refreshing, especially after spending the morning in the sweltering heat of Port Louis. The  trails are well laid out  and you can  discover impressive plants such as huge baobabs, giant water lilies, palm trees of all sizes and shapes, aromatic plants, tropical fruit trees…

The visit can be autonomous or guided . The guides are very friendly and also very loquacious! If you  want a leisurely  stroll among the flora,  choose the self  -guided  tour  because the explanations of the guides really ask for concentration. If you want to  learn as much as possible about the history of the garden  and its collection,  the guided tour is very complete  and will take you 1 to 2 hours.

Day 7-8: the North – Grand Baie / Peyrebère / Trou aux Biches / Cap Malheureux

It’s been almost a week since you are in Mauritius, and it’s time to go to the fourth stage of your stay! You will now  go to discover the North of the island.

Leave in the morning towards  Grand Baie .  By bus, you can easily get there in  20 minutes from Port Loui  by taking an express bus to the bus station.

Arrived at Grand Baie, the first seaside resort of the island,  you will immediately be immersed in a  “relax” atmosphere, summer and lively.  Grand Baie is a  very touristy coastal town , with a  beautiful public beach , beautiful villas, numerous street vendors, restaurants, bars, clubs and a shopping avenue (Sunset Boulevard).

After a morning spent in Grand Baie, take the road to discover the beach of Peyrébère,  just 10 kilometers. It is a pretty little beach that promises  a relaxing afternoon  between rest, sunbathing, swimming and water activities.  I advise you to stay until sunset,  to admire from the sea or while being placed on the hot sand, to end the day in beauty.

The next morning, I suggest you discover another of the most beautiful beaches to see in Mauritius (yes, we come mostly to Mauritius for its beaches!): That of  Trou aux Biches on the northwest coast . Here the atmosphere is very calm, and  the landscape worthy of a postcard  with its palm trees, its bougainvilleas, its white sand and its translucent waters.

On this day’s program in Trou aux Biches:

• lazing  on the hot sand
• snorkeling  and / or diving in the lagoon along the coral reef
• picnic on the beach
• water activities  offered by the surrounding hotels: sailing, water skiing, parasailing
• tasting bananas flambées mauriciennes  (a delight!)

In the middle of the afternoon, take the road again to go to  Cap Malheureux, on the northern tip of the island . The beach of Cap Malheureux is recognizable by all thanks to  its red church  which creates a superb contrast with the green of the surrounding vegetation and the azure blue of the ocean.

This small beach and its church represent for me  one of the most charming and authentic places of Mauritius.  It is usually very quiet and peaceful, almost never crowded and you can relax and watch the sunset.

If you have time, I also recommend  the boat trip to the Flat Island , which can be seen on the horizon from the beach of Cap Malheureux.

Day 9: The tea route

We are already at the fifth leg of this  two-week itinerary in Mauritius . Today,  discover tea making in Mauritius.

This gastronomic and cultural route is called  the Tea Route  and must be  booked in advance  because it takes you, thanks to a guide and a driver, to several places of the island.

The Tea Route is divided into 3 stages  and starts at the  Domaine des Aubineaux,  near the town of  Curepipe . This estate is an  old colonial house  built in 1872. You can  visit a distillery, a tea room, gardens and old stables.

The second phase of the route then takes you to  Bois Chéri,  to  discover the tea plantations of the island . You will also visit  the tea factory  to understand the  different stages of production  of this famous beverage. There is also  the tea museum  to see, then you end the visit by  tasting different teas  in a cottage with  panoramic views of the southern region of the island.

The third and last stage of the Tea Route will introduce you to  another colonial mansion dating back to 1819, transformed into a restaurant . You will visit  the sugar factory, the distillery of rum  and also  the “House of Vanilla” , where is produced the vanilla of Mauritius, typical perfume added to the local tea. You will then be offered a  typical Mauritian meal  to end the day.

Allow  about 55 euros per adult  (with meals included) and 29 euros per child over 5 years for this day of guided tour (about 5 to 7 hours of visit, including travel time between different sites).

The Tea Route is a  very interesting experience to do in Mauritius . Although it may seem quite intensive in description, it is done in a relaxed atmosphere and we do not see the time pass. If you prefer to  visit these 3 places at your own pace , you can of course also visit them one by one, independently and in several days.

Day 10-11: the East Coast – Belle Mare / Deer Island / Waterbows National Park

For this sixth stage, I propose to devote the next two days of your 2-week vacation to Mauritius to  discover the East Coast.

With its  sublime expanses of white sand  along  the country’s largest lagoons , its lush nature and its luxury hotels, it is one of the most beautiful regions of Mauritius.

Your first destination is  Belle Mare and its dream beach  that stretches over 10 kilometers! Here you can rest, picnic, snorkel, dive and other water activities offered by the surrounding hotels.

In the late morning, head to  the beach of Trou d’Eau Douce , a few kilometers south of Belle Mare. From this beautiful beach, you can  take a boat to Ile aux Cerfs , a  small paradise island  off the coast. You can spend  a half-day  relaxing for a walk, swim or test the sports and water activities offered on site.

The island also has  several shops and restaurants . With its deserted island look (white sand beach, palm trees, filao…), Ile aux Cerfs is actually very (very) touristy. I was a little disappointed by  the rather “artificial” side of the island  with all its activities and amenities everywhere, but  the place is still worth seeing  because  the scenery is beautiful  and the boat trip in the blue lagoon turquoise is just magic.

The next morning,  stay in the East and follow the coast north  towards  Bras d’Eau National Park . It is a  forest nature reserve of 500 hectares  that I strongly advise you to visit. It is  very quiet, uncrowded  and we plunge really immersed in nature.

If you arrive early in the morning, you will have the chance to  see and hear local endemic birds such  as Gray White Eye, Coq des Bois or Kestrel. You can also  see monkeys, bats  and wild boars.

Regarding the flora, the park is home to interesting species such as  white eucalyptus and mahogany , which are sometimes more than 40 meters high. During the walk, you will also discover the ruins of an old sugar refinery and a lime kiln, an old railway line, and several ponds.

Warning ! You are in the rainforest, do not forget your mosquito lotion, at the risk of having a very bad time …

It is  easy to get to the National Park Water Arm by car . There is even a parking area right at the entrance. If you go by bus from Belle Mare or Trou d’Eau Douce, you must go to Flacq, then take a taxi to the park entrance (10 to 15 minutes by car).

Day 12-14: Rodrigues

For  the last three days of your tour of 14, 15 or 16 days in Mauritius , I recommend  an excursion to Rodrigues , a small Mauritian island located about 600 kilometers east of Mauritius. Go to the airport and  take a flight to Rodrigues  (about 1h30 flight).

Rodrigues is a very  small island, very peaceful and ideal to relax . Many Mauritians go there a weekend from time to time to relax and rest.  Far from the tumult of cities  and beaches of the Big Island, your short stay in Rodrigues will be punctuated by  calm and nature , all in a relaxed atmosphere.

Here,  no mass tourism  and no big hotels, which means a much richer and unspoiled nature and lagoon, and accommodation in bed and breakfast or guesthouse.

Things to do and see during these 3 days in Rodrigues:

• Discover the sublime beaches of the east of the island , between  Pointe Coton  and  Port Sud-Est . Small U-shaped beaches, long beaches lined with filaos, small hidden coves, all bordered by azure and translucent sea: you’ll have plenty to catch your eyes. In winter, the beaches are more or less deserted, which adds even more charm to the places.
• Admire the view from the highest peak in Rodrigues, Mount Limon  (393 meters above sea level). Climbing Mount Limon is very easy and takes only a few minutes. You can see a  beautiful sunset.
• Visit the capital Port Mathurin, a  quiet little town with colorful houses. Stroll through the alleys and do not miss the market to take a souvenir or taste the local specialties.
• Take a boat trip to Hermitage Island and Cats Island.  These two tiny islands are beautiful and well preserved.
• Observe the marine fauna and flora in the lagoon  : diving and snorkeling in Rodrigues are even more intense than in Mauritius, thanks to the seabed much richer and preserved.
• Go on an excursion to the Cocos Island:  one of the treasures of Rodrigues. You can  spend a day or half day  on Cocos Island, home to many species of birds. From  the village of Pointe Diamble  to the West,  go on a pirogue boat  for a 1h30 drive. Once on the island, you can visit it all along (it is 1 km long and 250 meters wide only), relax on the white sand or go in search of the many birds that populate the island .

If you do not have 15 days in Mauritius but 14 or 16 days depending on your flights, I advise you:

• to spend only  2 days on Rodrigues for a stay of 14 days
• to add  an extra day  of relaxation on Rodrigues for  a 16-day trip to Mauritius and Rodrigues

Accommodation in Mauritius

As I told you, Mauritius is a tiny country!

2 options are available to you to visit the island:

• Book a single hotel  for the duration of your stay. The advantage is not having to worry about making and unpacking.
• Choose to stay in 3 or 4 different locations  depending on the steps we present you in this 2 week itinerary. Thus, you will minimize the time spent on the road each day. Because, even if it is very small, it is necessary to pay attention to the distances and the possible traffic jams. There are obviously no highways!

Whatever option you choose, I recommend you  spend your first night in Mahébourg anyway . This will allow you to recover more easily from flight fatigue and jet lag. In addition, it is  the most convenient to visit the Ferney Valley,  the program of the day after.  You can also spend the last night  to be close to the airport in case of early departure.

Here are  the best hotels for each stage , depending on your budget.  I recommend you book now , because the best rooms go very fast! (and in case of change, the cancellation is anyway often free)

Staying in Mahébourg: first and last night

• Sacha Resorts  : Located in Mahébourg, 4 km from the airport. Modern and comfortable double room from 25 € per night. The most: the warm welcome, the pool, the provision of the kitchen to make food.
• La Caze Roche guest house:   Located 9 km from the airport. Spacious and very comfortable double room from 70 € per night, breakfast included. The most: excellent breakfast and very rich, the kindness of the owner and good advice, the geographical location to go to the sea on foot and the island of egrets.
• Holiday Inn Mauritius Mon Trésor:  Conveniently located right next to the airport. Double room design and light from 160 € per night, breakfast included. The most: the comfort of the rooms, the services offered like the free shuttle to and from the airport, the quality of the breakfast.  The best choice for an upscale stay!

To stay in the South of Mauritius: Day 1-5

• Arkenstone Studios  : Located near Chamarel and Le Morne mountain. Modern studio, spacious, bright, fully equipped with kitchen from 50 € per night only! Pros: the location to visit the Land of 7 colors and climb the Grand Morne, free private parking, the view from the balcony of the studios, the friendliness and advice of the host, the quiet neighborhood.  The best choice in the South for a stay without breaking the bank in Mauritius!
• The River House  : Located in Tamarin next to the Black River Gorges National Park and Flic-en-Flac. Spacious double room with terrace and beautiful river views from 110 € per night, breakfast included. Goodies: quiet location, beautiful surroundings with garden and river, beach 5 minutes walk, excellent breakfast, swimming pool.  Our favorite for its report benefits / prices really exceptional!
• Sands Suites Resort & Spa  : Located in Tamarin Bay, right on the beach. Bright and spacious suite, tastefully decorated from 350 € per night, breakfast included. The most: the magnificent view from the rooms, the services offered, the lovely staff, the delicious food.  Recommended for a luxury stay in Mauritius!

To stay in the North of Mauritius: Day 6-9

• Residence Oblue  : Located in Peyrebere. Brand new, modern and bright apartment with kitchen equipped from 50 € per night. Most: the situation, free private parking, swimming pool, roof top.  The best choice in the North for a stay without breaking the bank in Mauritius!
• Coral Blue Private Villas by Lov : Located between Grand Baie and Peyrebere. Villa with private pool, ultra modern, huge (180m²) and super well equipped from 145 € per night, breakfast 12 €. The most: the beauty of the luxurious villas, the private pool, the geographical situation, the comfort.  A truly exceptional place in the North of Mauritius! 
• Seapoint Boutique Hotel  :  Located 4 km from Grand Baie. Luxurious and magnificent double room from 340 € per night, breakfast included. Most: the beautiful view from the rooms on the garden and the sea, the beautiful outdoor areas, the excellent breakfast, the proximity of the beach, the attentions of the staff, the quality of the service.  The best choice for a luxury stay!  

To stay in Eastern Mauritius: Day 10-11

• Studio Manguillier:   Located in Trou d’Eau Douce 2 steps from the beach. Very spacious and well equipped apartment from only 50 € per night and good extra point breakfast is even included! The most: the view, the terrace, the rich breakfast, the perfect location to visit the deer island.  Very good price / performance ratio. 
• Horisun:  Located in Belle Mare, a 10-minute walk from the beach. Double room with balcony and beautiful view from 110 € per night, breakfast included. The most: the quiet location, exceptional breakfast, very nice staff, the Zen atmosphere, bicycles available to go to the beach.  It’s our heart stroke for its benefit / price ratio! 
• The Residence Mauritius:  Located in Belle Mare. Elegant and super spacious double room from 200 € per night, breakfast included. What’s more: the excellent buffet breakfast, the friendliness of the staff, the superb view, the swimming pool, the “feet in the water” location!  An excellent choice to have fun in Mauritius. 

Staying at Rodrigues Island: Day 12-14

• B & B Le Reposoir Tourist Residence:  Located in La Ferme. Spacious and bright double room from 30 € per night, breakfast at 4 €. The most: the location in the heart of nature, warm and friendly, free bike rental, super convenient to visit the island.
• Le Tigraviers Bed and breakfast:   Located in Graviers, a 3-minute walk from the beach. Modern and spacious double room from 60 € per night, breakfast included. Most: very good meals and homemade breakfast, friendly staff, calm and tranquility, location.  This is our heart stroke for its benefit / price ratio. 
• Gombrani Lodge:  Located at Eau Vanée. Double room with neat decoration from 110 € per night, breakfast included. Pluses: available hosts, panoramic views of the lagoon, delicious breakfast and dinners, pool overlooking the ocean.  The perfect and dreamed place to stay on Rodrigues Island! 

Organize Your Trip to Mauritius Easily

Here are all my other travel guides to Mauritius :  Just click on the links below to read the articles.

• 22 Best things to do in Mauritius  – The complete guide, with all the most beautiful places and the best activities!
• Itinerary: 5 days in Mauritius    – Ideal for organizing a short stay in Mauritius
• Itinerary: a week in Mauritius  – My detailed itinerary to discover Mauritius in 7-8 days
• Itinerary: 10 days in Mauritius  – The best 9-10 day tour in Mauritius + My tips
• Itinerary: 3 weeks in Mauritius  – Complete guide for a 20-21 day stay in Mauritius

Regions to visit + Where to stay

• Best Accommodation in Mauritius
• Chamarel (South-West): Must-see visits and activities
• Bellemare (East): Top 11 things to see and do
• Flic-en-Flac (West): The 12 best tours and activities
• Grand Baie (North): The Ultimate Guide
• Mahébourg (South-East): Top 12 places and activities
• Le Morne Brabant (South West): The 11 best things to do and see

Unmissable visits

• Grand Bassin: What to do and see?
• Ile aux Cerfs: A complete guide to planning your visit
• Black River Gorges National Park: how to visit it?
• The most beautiful beaches in Mauritius  – Top 11 + interactive map to locate them

Best Diving Sites in Mauritius: Our Complete Guide

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Land Beyond Palm Fringed White Coast: Travel Guide to Mauritius

About this blog post: Are you seeking an escape route from the mundane, to a beautiful island paradise hidden behind the the flanking palms and ripples of warm tropical waves? There there, lo the volcanic island of Mauritius. In this Mauritius travel blog, I try to answer all your queries on Mauritius travels, and break the myth that it is “just” luxury. Mauritius is bound to surprise you with intense Indian cultural root and an intriguing past of slave labor, lest we forget.

Planning a honeymoon or solo trip to Mauritius? Read all of my travel articles here .

Mauritius: More than a Honeymoon Island for the Cultural Traveler

MMS, as they mark the honeymoon islands on Indian ocean: Maldives, Mauritius and Seychelles. All of them feature pristine blue water bordering cottony clouds overhead. Beautiful, warm places. Abundance of seafood. Yet, they tell an intriguing story of culture and history for the eager listener.

For example, Mauritius. She was a volcanic island and just that. No human lived here to disrupt. A flock of dodos thrived on her pink supple earth till the French voyagers stopped by following suit with the Dutch and the Portuguese. Dodos made their way from the branches to clay-pot eventually and went extinct.

Soon after, the French found out the island can be used for sugarcane plantation. The last bit of African Savannah was swiftly replaced with sprawling sugarcane field. The British won over the island here after. Slaves who worked on sugar cane plantations were renamed as indentured laborers. Instead of mainland Africa, manpower were brought in from the East coast of India. Vessels filled with our Desi people left from Calcutta port with a dream for a “new-found-land” where misery and toil was supposed to be non existent.

Flanking sugarcane plantations gently sway by the highway of Mauritius as you journey to the interior of the land. This is a melancholic song.

My heart becomes mellow as I bite on the dholl puri. Yellow Split Pea wrap? Pure BS. This is our staple, ruti and dal. I could not help but tear apart my eyes from the limpid waters, there is a living and thriving part of almost India living inside the island nation of Mauritius. Traveling the expanse of the island that is limited to a two hours drive from north to South, I discovered layers of diversity, very much like my home!

Mauritius on the Indian Ocean

Located at a distance of 1700 km from the mainland Africa, Mauritius constitutes a nation along with neighboring Rodrigues island and a number of other islets and atolls.

Several cruises and commercial sea vessels ply between Mauritius and mainland Africa, especially South Africa.

Mauritius ranks high on HDI and is considered as one of Africa’s leading economy, with high per capita income. A fellow traveler from South Africa states that Mauritius is the tax haven of Africa, very much like what Switzerland is to Europe (or the world?).

Being a welfare state, Mauritius allows free healthcare and education.

Also read: Why Mauritius must feature on your bucket travel list

Traveling to Mauritius: Air Mauritius Review

It took me 5 hours on a direct flight to reach Mauritius (Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport, code MRU) from Mumbai international airport. I flew economy with Air Mauritius, the national carrier.

The flight was scented with a floral spray. Food was warm and delectable. In flight entertainment system had as many as 30 Bollywood biggies and a number of documentaries of African wildlife. The in-flight magazine named islander showcased a glamorous bespoke island lifestyle! I was stoked to be in Mauritius!

The crew gifted me a small pouch with a number of goodies. A sleep mask and a sock being the best addition to the kitty.

On Air Mauritius flight, you also get complimentary beverages, both alcoholic or not. Leg space for economy class is decent however if you are a tall person, you should aim to take the isle seats on economy. I had a blanket and a pillow and I choose the window seat to sleep like a baby. The flight from Bombay to Mauritius was full.

Direct flight to Mauritius is available from London, Nairobi, South Africa and Zimbabwe as well. From USA, Mauritius is a whooping 36 hours flight journey. But if an African island nation is in your mind, what can be better than Mauritius?

Scoring a Visa for Mauritius (Visa on Arrival)

I remember fretting over obtaining a visa in Mauritius the night before my travel to Mauritius. I am an Indian passport holder.

It was a breezy affair to be honest.

We stood in the queue for immigration for close to 40 minutes. There were at least 50 travelers and 6 stations. The lady who tended to my passport had a red bindi on her forehead.

Things I had to show to get my Mauritius visa on an Indian Passport:

• Immigration forms duly filled
• My confirmed return ticket from Mauritius
• My confirmed stay in the island. I stayed at Kazalala and Ravenala Attitude Hotel . I had a letter from Kazalala confirming the same. the letter is important.
• two passport sized photographs
• Enough funds to cover stay, activities and food. I showed USD 500
• Mauritius Visa is granted for 60 days. Your passport should have more than 6 months’ validity.

I was traveling to Mauritius on an invite by the MTPA, Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority. It took me 5 to 10 minutes to complete the Visa on Arrival process in Mauritius.

Also read: How to spend a long weekend in North Goa

Important things to know about Traveling to Mauritius

• Honeymoon, yes. But there is so much more to Mauritius!

A number of stylish resorts dot the coastline of Mauritius island. They are beautiful and beautiful is an understatement. They leave no chance to enable romance bloom amid luxury. You can just just lounge by the beach and soak in the sea. Mauritius is the best place to practice the magnificent art of doing nothing.

Alternatively, you may choose to go out for half day excursions in Mauritius. Depending on where you are staying, north, south or East of the island, choose your activities. May be go for a tea tasting session at Boi Cherry tea plantation. If you are traveling with a family of small kids, visit the Casela zoo. Learn the compelling past of sugarcane plantation. If you are an urban soul, make it a point to visit Port Louis, the city center.

And if you are a mermaid, you can always dive deep into the heart of the ocean! Indian Ocean, also known as Ratnakar , a vault of jewels! Following is a section on Things to do in Mauritius where I list out my favorite activities.

2. The Nine Districts of Mauritius

There are nine districts in Mauritius. Each of them features their own attraction to tourists. The country is densely populated. Following a list of nine districts to help you plan your travel accordingly.

• Black River
• Pamplemousses
• Plaines Wilhems
• Port Louis (Capital of Mauritius)
• Rivière du Rempart

Since there is an overwhelming Indian connect, there is a large number of temples in Mauritius. The ones I saw had South Indian architectural style with a massive Gopuram and intricate walls.

Also read: Travel guide to Koh Yao Noi and Koh Yao Yoi: Secret island paradise of Thailand!

3. The sea is a lagoon in Mauritius (mostly)

I noticed it while the flight was alighting in Mauritius. Then I found it intriguing at the beach. The ocean is a calm body with limpid turquoise water. There is a barrier at a distance where the waves break first. It also acts like a natural shark barrier, if that worries you! 

A coral reef encircles almost all of the island. It is a living and thriving body of marine life, with sponges, corals, schools of fishes in myriad hues. As a result, the water body close to the beach is tranquil like a lagoon. It is mostly visible on the eastern side.

4. The other island : Rodrigues

Close to the main island of Mauritius, lies another pristine and sleepy island named Rodrigues. Like dodo of the mainland, they harbored Solitaire birds, now extinct. If you are looking for offbeat and more local experience, I would suggest include a trip to Rodrigues. You may take a plane from Mauritius or Reunion if a 2 day ship is not what you prefer.

Inhabitants of Rodriguez are descendants of African slaves and adhere to Christianity. Needless to say, culture in Rodrigues is way apart from mainland Mauritius. You can camp on the beach while in Rodrigues.

5. Creole is a culture and a way of life in Mauritius

I keep saying there is a little India living and thriving at the heart of Mauritius. However, she has developed intricate cultural nuances over the time, mixed with European and African influence as well. So expect a Mauritian to refer to Monsoon as La Monsoon, as a part of widespread french influence of everyday language. English is the official language of the islands and other islets and atolls. Invasive Bollywood makes Hindi indispensable and easily understood in everyday life. 

And why not? First came the Arabs. Then the Dutch. French and the British followed. Along came Africans and Indians. the Chinese traders. A man-less island was built for human habitat from scratch. 

This is Creole. This is Mauritius. And it is beautiful beyond words to observe a cultural potpourri from this vast expanse of the world. 

The soul of Creole manifests itself the best in a food platter. The daal. The parathas. The fish samosas. The Mauritius biryani with that coveted addition of potato. The tea addicts brother and sisters! Oh my God! I was always on the lookout for the invisible umbilical cord with India and Mauritius showed me plenty!

Language understood and spoken in Mauritius: English, French, Hindi and of course, Creole.

6. Festivals of Mauritius

Talking about humans from around the globe, can we be bereft of festivals and celebrations? Mauritius celebrates a number of festivals irrespective of religious bias. 

• Maha Shivrati (Hindu pilgrimage to Grand Bassin)
• Ganesh Chaturthi
• Cavadee (Tamil event of firewalking and sword walking)
• Christmas and New Year
• Chinese Spring Festival/New Year
• Eid-ul-fitr
• Golf Tournament 
• International Creole Day (FIK)
• Indian Ocean Island Games

Also read: Most beautiful beaches in Thailand!

7. Exploring Mauritius by Car/ Bike/ Public Transport

The island has long stretches of beautiful smooth highways connecting north to south. It is a pleasure to drive on these roads. In fact, if you are planning on traveling in Mauritius independently, you must sign up for one such self drive car.

Uber is not operational in mMauritius. Just use local taxi is you want someone else to drive you.

Holiscoot lets you rent royal enfield too if biking is what you love! Pick up is from the hotel you ascertain Bicycles are available on rent (or for free) in most of the resorts. In fact, cycling is encouraged as this is a slower and more earthy way to explore the island.

I prefer to travel by public bus. With 900+ bus stops (!) on the island itself, Mauritius presents a very sweet deal for commoners like us! The vivid green bus stops await you eagerly to serve.

Few things to keep in mind while using the effective and economic bus service in Mauritius.

• Bus Service in Mauritius operates from 5:30 in the morning till 8 pm with regular frequency.
• Port Louis has Bus Service till 11 pm though.
• Express bus has AC service.
• Airport is well connected with Bus Service with the rest of the island.
• Two major bus stops in Port Louis are Victoria Square and Immigration Square. Walk-able distance.
• us ride in Mauritius is cheap so keep change in your pockets. Of course, use MUR (Mauritius rupee) for payments.

8. Local Currency of Mauritius

Mauritius runs on local Currency Mauritius Rupee. Card is widely accepted at hotels and resorts. For a visit to the local market for souvenir shopping, get some cash handy.

Exchange rate of MUR as on April, 2020

• 1 USD: 39 MUR
• 1 Euro: 43 MUR
• 1 MUR: 1.93 INR

In my experience, the best place to exchange currency in Mauritius is at the airport. Otherwise, I seldom came across exchange shops on the island. You can make an effort to visit port Louis and easily walk into a bank or ATM to withdraw cash. ATMs are rare occurrences elsewhere. You may also ask your hotel to help you with exchange but it may not be the best exchange rate of the day.

9. Plug in used in Mauritius to charge your electric device

Three-pin sockets (what you find in India or London) and the Continental two-pin variety were in use. I carried an universal plug in but it was not needed!

10. Hotel Package Deals: How travel package works in Mauritius

Assuming you are booking your stay at a luxury resort in Mauritius, you will be presented with two options, Half board or Full board (All-inclusive). 

Half board includes buffet breakfast and dinner. No hard drinks. 

Full board includes all the meals with drinks.  I stayed at the Ravenala Attitude Hotel and this system was followed with added afternoon tea and snacks. If you are traveling to Mauritius with a family and ids, all inclusive is a sweet deal.

11. Tipping culture in Mauritius

Tipping is not a mandate in Mauritius but encouraged. Keep a small change for the waiter who serviced you. 10% to 15% is decent.

12. Mauritius follows GMT+4 time format.

Best time to visit Mauritius

A tropical island, Mauritius is a year round destination with bright sunshine and occasional cloud covers. 

However be prepared for a fresh shower every other evening. It is sweaty and humid during the day. If it does not rain, sunsets in Mauritius will take your breath away. 

In January and February, a few cyclones may rock the coastline. It is never cold in Mauritius. Though they say October to May is winter! 

I visited Mauritius in November. It rained on a few evenings.

Best things to do in Mauritius

You will be surprised to know the complete list of activities that are available in Mauritius, given the tiny size of the island nation. There is something on offer for everyone. However, here I am highlighting the best things to do in Mauritius. These activities are a mix of water adventures and cultural gems.

Did you know? For a growing number of Indians, Mauritius is a preferred spot for destination wedding!Isle de France of Olden times!

Things to do in Mauritius if you are a water-baby

• Take a catamaran cruise to the electric blue waters of Indian sea. Sumptuous seafood is available on board. Sip on Mauritian rum makes it a very sweet deal.
• Snorkel. Go deep sea diving. Shark cage diving.
• Parasailing, water skiing are popular sports at the beaches of Mauritius.
• Dive without getting wet with the underwater submarine.
• Deep sea fishing. If you are lucky, you will be accompanied by whales or dolphins.
• Best beaches in Mauritius: Flic and Flac beach, Le Morne, Grand Baie

Also read: 33+ beautiful beaches in G

Things to do in Mauritius if you are a Culture connoisseur

• Groove to the tunes of Sega dance. A fast paced joyous dance form couple with drum beats.
• Visit the century old Central market of Port Louis were fresh produce from the depth of Mauritian countryside is brought for trade.
• Pay a visit to the Aprabashi Ghat, a UNESCO heritage site telling the compelling story of indentured labors’ migration from the Indian subcontinent.
• Visit l’Aventure du Sucre, the museum of Sugar Plantation.
• Visit and learn about the history of Tea Plantation in Mauritius with Bois Cheri.
• Visit Grand Bassin, a sacred pilgrimage spot for the Hindus of the island.
• Scroll at the waterfront and check out the art galleries of Mauritius.
• Climb atop Fort Adelaide and get a view of the bay and the race course.
• Indulge in a cooking session by sighing up with one of the local cooking classes of the island! If you have fallen in love with Rum, learn to stir up a few rum cocktails as well!

Also read: Walking at the heritage quarter of Old Phuket Town, beyond the over-touristy Phuket!

Things to do in Mauritius if you want to be close to nature under glorious sunshine

• A visit to the seven colour Earths of Chamarel is a prized experience in Mauritius.
• Witness sunset over the Gold Course from Chateau Bel Ombre.
• Visit the Pamplemousse Botanical Garden and learn about Flora and fauna endemic to the island. Catch a few flying fox in the sky!
• Go hiking if you love the mountains. Once a volcano, Mauritius has a number of highlands away from the crowds. The most melancholic and prized ascent is one at the Le Morne Brabant. It is where the indentured slaves ran away and established a free settlement. Once the island of Mauritius was liberated and the army came all the way up to bring them back home, they committed suicide by jumping to the sea right the from cliff. Le Morne is a UNESCO heritage site.
• There are a number of waterfalls in Mauritius. The Alexandra Falls at Black River Gorge National Park is the most iconic one among them.

If you are looking for a relaxing holiday in Mauritius, consider the following tips!

None can blame if you want to lounge by the ocean and that is your supreme plan for the day! Mauritius, after all, is called paradise for her sugary beaches!

Resorts usually provide a number of non motorized boats for its guests to venture into the lagoon next. In those glass bottom boats, you can see the water underneath and probably will catch a baby shark dancing! Go for it. Or don’t. There is a bean bag. There is a coconut tree. The sea kisses your feet. What else you can even ask for?

Things to do in Mauritius if you are an urban soul!

• Go for a gold session. There are multiple golf courses in Mauritius, some are at the north of the island. One (heritage Golf Course) is in Southern tip. Check out this map .
• Go for shopping at Port Louis.
• You can even participate on Horse racing at Champ De Mars, Port Louis.
• Take a helicopter or microlight tour over the island in Mauritius.

Ideal Neighborhoods to stay in Mauritius

2 days in the South, 2 days in the East, 2 days in the north and rest of the time in the west! That is the ideal way to experience Mauritius. Told me the owner of Kazalala bnb. 

It can be a bit of too much movement, TBH! On a relaxing holiday, you may not want to move every two days. And the West is the best in Mauritius, let me tell you! What grandiose in their sunsets! 

However, the eastern beaches have a beautiful reef barrier at a distance. The south is still untouched and retains a charm specific to peaceful coves. The north is chaotic yet abuzz with people and events! And it is close to the capital, Port Louis, how can we forget?

It is so difficult to choose a perfect place to stay in Mauritius. However, loosely speaking, I would suggest allocating your days and time for each area. Do not lose out on South. The West is too beautiful to be ignored. So is the Grand Baie area of Mauritius! 

Some of the finest beaches and neighborhoods of Mauritius:

• Flic en Flac
• Trou aux Biches
• Sugar beach

How to Decide on a Budget for Mauritius Travel

Is it expensive to travel in Mauritius? 

I got this question a lot while traveling in Mauritius. 

Please understand, when you are planning a honeymoon, you will not shy away from spending a little extra to make it a grand affair. 

Mauritius has seamlessly projected itself as a honeymoon destination with all the right value offerings. There are plenty of options to bring the moon to the earth’s surface, say your spouse asking for it. 

Luxury is redefined. Gourmet culture is celebrated. Shopping is rewarding. 

For a week-long honeymoon in Mauritius at a four star good value property (say Ravenala Attitude ), you need to shell out 1.2 lakh INR ( Euro 1400). For a five star property, the price will go up at INR 5 lakh or so.

If you are aiming for a higher price, sky’s the limit really. 

What about those looking for a budget vacation? Is Mauritius not affordable for the budget travelers?

It is absolutely affordable for budget travelers. I have known a couple of friends who have been to Mauritius and spent as low as 20k INR per person for a week-long vacation. That said, please remember a number of activities will be cut off the list. 

A few budget hacks for exploring Mauritius that are actually fun:

• Trust the bus service or rent a bicycle from your hotel or BnB. 
• Choose to stay with the BnBs or local guest houses. 
• Hang out with locals at the beach, especially on Sunday evenings.
• Go on hiking trails but be cautious of wildlife. 
• Chase the hidden waterfalls at Black river gorge. 
•  Explore Central Market, a century old fresh market at Port Louis which is free to explore.
• If you are religious, check out Grand Bassin or Ganga Talao, the nerve center of Hinduism on the island. You can also check out the rolling tea gardens at Central Highlands.

Also read: 2 weeks in Malaysia: the only itinerary you need.

Try out the Scintillating Creole Cuisine

Seafood? Check! Biryani with potato? Check! Delectable Japanese sushi? Yes please! Dholl Puri, an iconic food that crossed the seven seas with its people? Of course!

Mauritius resembles an inquisitive experimenter’s lab when it comes to cuisine. There is no dearth of resources. There are equally participative takers for the end result! So served is a fillet of grouper topped with zucchini curved as a fish scale! What a delight to have such great food served and savoured!

Creole cuisine: Cuisine of Mauritius

As an Indian, I can not help but notice amazing influence of Indian cuisine on Mauritian kitchen. The samosa is stuffed with seafood but it is samosa at the end. Curry, Daal are used in abundance. Coconut is served on top to garnish, just like we do here at the sun continent. Rice and Fish curry is a basic meal in Mauritius. And it is a delight to share the table with a local, and finding those missing links of our shared gourmet culture.

The Dholl Puri (dal puri as we call it here) that you get to eat in Mauritius is a true delight, and surprise! The bread never felt more supple. the filling of chick peas never taste more savory! You can choose what filling goes in it but the basic one goes first, just so that you know how history found a way through maritime affairs! It is amazing! It is an experience of its own!

Best places to eat Dholl Puri in Mauritius: Dewa and Sons. From ferrying on the back of a bicycle inside an aluminium box, to becoming a household name, Dewa and Sons has become a brand and how! There would a long queue jostling for that brilliant sauce of Chilli and coriander.

Do not miss a luncheon on a traditional banana leaf, a thali (very much like South India, yes again that Indian connect) and served with piping hot rice and octopus fry, followed by tomato based fish curry. Butter beans are added sometimes. Gateaux Piments (local chilli cakes) is served too.

Truth be told, I was taken aback when I discovered a humble biryani stall at one corner of the Port Louis! Star Deg as it was named, the seller was equally enthusiast in sharing how this came to be in this island. I noticed, a potato found a place in the Biryani of Mauritius.

Also read: The Best Kolkata Mutton Biryani with Potato!

Sample itinerary for 7 days in Mauritius

I often get asked, how many days are good enough to plan a vacation in Mauritius. My answer is unequivocally, 10 to 14 days. However, it is not a bad idea to spend at least 7 days on the island! 

Following is a sample 7 days Itinerary for Mauritius that takes you through all the 4 corners of the island. You can tweak the itinerary a bit, add in more days for leisure or make room for more activities depending on your interest. This particular Mauritius itinerary for a week is heavy on cultural experience. 

Day 1 : Reach Mauritius International Airport (MRU) and head towards your hotel. Ideally close to the Turtle Bay. Reserve a dinner table at the iconic French restaurant Chateau Mon Desir at the Maritim resort. 

Day 2 : Reserve this day for lounging at the beach. Explore the sprawling resort you are staying at. Soak in some sunshine. At sunset, groove to the tunes of Sega dance. Live up the night life in the Grand Baie area at night. 

Day 3: Port Louis, the capital of Mauritius demands your undivided attention for a day at least if not more. Its fascinating central market, somber UNESCO heritage site of Aprabashi Ghat, sumptuous biryani and Dholl Puri stalls will enthrall you. As you head from one neighborhood to the other, you will be stunned by the nuanced cultural mix of different ethnic communities, the Chinese, the Bohra Muslims, the Hindus. 

For lunch head towards the waterfront area. It is also a sprawling shopping complex to pick up a souvenir from Mauritius. My favourite is the dodo bird. By going extinct, it is a constant reminder to mankind’s sin and demands celebration. 

Head back to your hotel. Make a pit stop at one of the sugar cane plantation if you have time.

Day 4 : Did you know the rolling meadows of Mauritius house the country’s iconic tea gardens? If there were Britishers, there would have to be a culture of evening tea. Nay?

Born was the organization named Bois Cheri. For 15 Euro per person, you can head to the tea plantation, the mill, the museum (where a Kolkata connection awaits and a steam engine), and the chalet allowing magnificent views of the South coast of the island. 

Since you are close to the south, reserve a fine dining experience at the Chateau Bel Ombre. By far, dining at the Chateau Bel ombre is the finest and the most exclusive travel experience of my life. It definitely deserves a detailed blog post. 

Day 5 : Living close to the waters, and you will not take a dive in the mystic belly of Indian ocean? Reserve a cruise with the catamarans for this day. If you are feeling adventurous, do not forget to opt for scuba diving. End of the day, witness a florid sunset while sipping on rum, a local produce of Mauritius.

Day 6: Take a guided hiking tour to the UNESCO world heritage Le Morne Brabant, home to the runaway slave who jumped at the sea bed on predicting army advance from mainland Mauritius. The peak is at 700 meters and there is a defined trail. For a beginner hiker, some parts of the trail can be a challenge. Alternatively, you can visit Pamplemousse Botanical Garden for prized natural siting followed by Seven Coloured Earths at Chamarel.

Day 7: Day to bid adieu to the paradise called Mauritius. Sign up for a spa session at the resort for today. Explore the property. The resorts in Mauritius are a world of its own! Visit a local fishing village. Pay respect to the Gods at Ganga Talao. And fly back home as the sun sets!

Also read: 2 weeks in Myanmar: the lesser known jewel of South East Asia!

FAQs about Traveling in Mauritius

Is it safe to travel to Mauritius?

I traveled with a group since it was a press trip however I extended my stay for a while and explored the island by my own. I never felt threatened.

At night, streets are not always lit. I think this is an issue (or is it?) in Africa as a whole. Is it a cultural thing? I do not know!

Practice regular travel safety tips like not befriending random person, do not drink with newly made friends, welcome every move with controlled suspicion and you are good to go. Violent crimes and crime against women are not completely unheard of in Mauritius yet they are considerably low in proportion.

Is there Mosquito in Mauritius?

There are plenty of mosquito in Mauritius. You meet them during hikes. You meet them at the beach. You meet them while eating ice cream at the water front. Be prepared (for snakes too if you are venturing into the wild interiors).

Can you drink tap water in Mauritius?

I never did. But internet says it is doable. I repeat, I did not drink tap water in Mauritius.

Best sim card system in Mauritius for first time travelers?

I used Orange and it had amazing network coverage, with great 4G connection everywhere on the island. You get to see an Orange outlet at the airport itself.

Is it safe to swim in Mauritius?

Remember the lagoon I spoke about? It is completely safe to swim within it. You can go snorkeling with kits as well. Beyond the reef, lies mighty Indian Ocean with endless deep at her heart. Stay away from her.

There are currents and high tides and low tides even at the lagoon.

Responsible Travel Tips for Mauritius

Water everywhere, not a drop to drink!

Water scarcity is a common issue plaguing all the islands of Mauritius. Rainwater is harvested and stored for year round use. Desalination of seawater is another option. 

Be cognizant of the fact while using water in Mauritius.

Explore Rodrigues beyond Mauritius

Go off the beaten path leaving behind the much trodden tourist trails. Say, venture out for Rodrigues island. The neighboring island is virtually off from the major tourist maps and painfully beautiful nonetheless.

Support local Artists/Business in Mauritius

Say you are staying in the island for a week or so. Book a stay with one of the boutique BnBs for a duration. And live it up in a resort for the rest of the day. You would be enchanted with local hospitality of Mauritius, that is a promise.

Support local brands like Mauricette who make amazing tee shirts. I loved all of their tees with a Dodo print on it!

S Naigon is an intriguing artist who sits by the entrance at Waterfront in Port Louis. His art work ranges from sketches to branches to cane. His specialty is sculpting rusty tree branches with the help of fingers.

Also read: Tracing back doors at the Stone Town, Zanzibar!

My heart longs for more of Mauritius

I was pleasantly surprised in Mauritius. A tiny island nation had plethora on offer, apart from the fact it housed our brethren from Indian ancestry. Bit by bit, we shared meals, dreams, laughter and so much more. Mauritius etched a permanent place in my heart. Here are a few activities which I loved. If you love soaking in the cultural glory of a destination, do not ignore these tips:

• Dining at chateau Bel Mmbre
• Staying at Kazalala BnB (would choose this over luxury stays any-day, loved it so much)
• A trip to the central market at Port Louis
• Visit to the Unesco Heritage site Aprabashi Ghat. It is a mellow sombre experience and a must for any Indian visiting Mauritius. The scenic drives through sugarcane plantations will never be the same again.

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7 Responses

Love all of your photos from Mauritius! I was there last November and wish I had more time to explore all the amazing places on the island like you did!

Wow, Mauritius looks absolutely stunning! So interesting to learn more about this island nation. I would LOVE to visit one day.

Wow I dream of visiting Mauritius one day. Thanks for such an extensive guide.

Mauritius is the honey moon destination for most of the newly married couples. It is having all the means of fun and enjoyment of it.

Hey thanks for posting this useful tip hereMauritius travelguideblog, I really hope it will be helpful to many. Appreciative content!!This is really Wonderful information, thanks a lot for sharing kind of content with us.

Great Article! Thank u for sharing this article

Wonderful blog had a small query Is no documentation needed before reaching the immigration counter in Mauritius, for the visa..that is nothing needs to be done for it while in India?

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Road Trip in Mauritius: The 6 Best Itineraries

Road-trip: the best itineraries to explore mauritius by car.

Are you tempted by the idea of driving around Mauritius ?

Looking for itinerary ideas for an amazing Mauritius road trip ?

You’re in the right place!

Mauritius is relatively small and you can easily explore the whole island by car .

Public transportation isn’t very convenient for exploring Mauritius as it’s slow and doesn’t reach every part of the island.

Driving in Mauritius is the best way to make the most of your time and freely discover all the wonders of the island .

By choosing to go on a road trip in Mauritius , you’ll get to see the island’s most beautiful spots , including hidden secrets not accessible through organized tours!

To help you organize your tour of Mauritius by car , I’ve prepared several detailed itineraries depending on the length of your trip: 2-3 days, 4 to 5 days, a week, 10 days, 2 weeks, or 3 weeks!

In this article, you’ll also find plenty of tips and recommendations for finding the best accommodations to fit your budget in each region.

So, ready to discover the 6 best Mauritius road trip itineraries ?

Let’s go!

How to Get Around in Mauritius?

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If you didn’t know already, it’s important to note right away that in Mauritius, they drive on the left !

Yes, it’s a national rule inherited from past British colonization.

But don’t worry, the transition is usually easy , and lots of tourists use cars to visit Mauritius without any trouble. So why not you?

However, if you really don’t feel like driving on the left, you can always choose the “driver” option and be taken wherever you wish across the island . It’s pricier but it’s the ideal solution for exploring Mauritius by car without any stress .

To book your chauffeur service in Mauritius that will take you around at your convenience, you just need to click on the button below:

Road trip means one thing for sure… a car !

Since you can’t bring your own vehicle to Mauritius, you’ll certainly need to rent one locally .

You will find several car rental agencies at the airport , and a few in tourist towns.

However, I strongly advise against using small private rental services to avoid scams and questionable insurance conditions .

My recommendation for renting a car in Mauritius is to go through Rentalcars .

There is no better option on the island in terms of pricing , safety , and quality of service .

With Rentalcars you can be sure of:

• easily comparing prices for all car rental offers in Mauritius
• having a comprehensive insurance protection against theft and accidents
• getting a quick refund in case of any issues
• being able to modify or cancel your booking for free .

Plus, if you find a cheaper deal elsewhere, they will refund the difference ! That says a lot about them having truly the best prices.

For your road trip in Mauritius , don’t hesitate to compare car rental offers now and to book your vehicle without delay to get the best rates . To do so, simply click on the button below:

If you’re wondering when to go to Mauritius , here’s some advice.

Mauritius is a destination that can be visited all year round. However, there is a less favorable period for road trips: the rainy and cyclone season , which is between January and March.

Even though the weather can be extremely beautiful during these months, rainfall is heavier and the risk of storms or cyclones is significant. January to March is also the peak of summer, so it’s a particularly hot and humid season.

In my opinion, the best time to go on holiday to Mauritius is between May and October .

It’s the driest season, it’s warm but not stifling like in the middle of summer, and the conditions are ideal for hiking, swimming, and fully enjoying your trip.

If you plan your road trip in Mauritius for July-August or later in the year ( October to December ), make sure to book your activities and accommodations in advance , as well as your rental car! Because it’s the high tourist season and things get booked up fast.

It’s quite difficult to give you an exact price range for a road trip in Mauritius.

Why? Because besides the price of the airplane ticket, the budget for visiting Mauritius by car can vary greatly depending on:

• the time of year you travel
• the duration of your stay
• the category of hotels you choose
• the activities you plan to do.

It’s also important to know that the sooner you book your accommodations and activities , the less expensive they will be.

The same goes for the plane ticket and the rental car : it’s best to book as early as possible to benefit from advantageous rates .

Therefore, I strongly recommend that you start planning as soon as possible to define your itinerary and make your reservations. By doing so, you’ll make real savings !

To easily estimate your total budget (excluding plane tickets), you can use the links I provide in this article and in the “Itineraries” articles, which give you rates for:

• the rental of your car
• the hotel reservations
• the activities to do.

Road Trip Itineraries in Mauritius

Mauritius road trip for 2 to 3 days.

Do you want to spend a weekend of 2 or 3 days in Mauritius ?

If you come from Reunion Island, South Africa or another island in the Indian Ocean, Mauritius is indeed a perfect “weekend destination!”

A duration of 2-3 days is a bit short to do a complete tour of Mauritius. To optimize your time, I recommend that you choose one or two regions to explore.

To give you some ideas, here are examples of 3-day tour itineraries for each of the regions:

Settle into your accommodations in Grand Baie .

• Day 1: Tour of the northern beaches
• Day 2: Catamaran cruise to the Northern islets
• Day 3: Visit Port Louis and the Pamplemousses Botanical Garden

Stay in Flic-en-Flac for the weekend with this itinerary:

• Day 1: Flic-en-Flac beach + visit to the Black River Gorges National Park
• Day 2: Tamarin Falls 7 Cascades hike
• Day 3: Boat trip to île aux Bénitiers

Head to your accommodation in Chamarel and start exploring the region:

• Day 1: Visits in Chamarel: The Seven Coloured Earths , Ebony Forest , The Rhumerie
• Day 2: South coast road trip ( Le Morne beach , Bel Ombre , Gris Gris , Rochester Falls …)
• Day 3: Excursion in the South-East ( Natural Bridge + Blue Bay beach + Pointe d’Esny beach + visit of Mahébourg )

Unpack at your accommodation in Bellemare and enjoy a relaxing weekend:

• Day 1: Beach hopping on the East coast (Bellemare, Palmar, Trou d’Eau Douce, Poste Lafayette)
• Day 2: Cruise to île aux Cerfs , including a stop at the Grande Rivière Sud-Est waterfall
• Day 3: Walk in the Bras d’Eau National Park

Want to make your vacation in Mauritius truly  unforgettable ?

Then you should include some  exciting tours and activities !

Here are the  5 best experiences to enjoy during your stay in Mauritius :

(Simply click on the orange links for details and to book)

1.  Catamaran Cruise to the Northern Islets  – Spend a day at sea in a heavenly setting with stops on several islands

2.  Seaplane Flight Over the Underwater Waterfall  – A breathtaking experience that’s a must-try at least once in your life!

3.  Day Cruise to Île aux Cerfs (with onboard barbecue)  – Sail through the stunning East lagoon, snorkel and explore Île aux Cerfs

4.  Private Southwest Tour  – Discover Chamarel, Black River Gorges, Grand Bassin and more, accompanied by a passionate local guide

5.  Guided Hike up Morne Brabant at Sunrise  – THE essential hike in Mauritius, with an exceptional view from the summit!

BONUS  – My personal favorite:  Kayaking Adventure on Amber Island  – An off-the-beaten-track adventure at the heart of the mangrove forest!

Now moving on to 4-5 day itineraries!

Planning to spend 4 to 5 days in Mauritius and eager to discover the most beautiful spots on the island ?

To help you plan your mini Mauritian road trip , I have prepared a detailed itinerary that includes all the must-see attractions for your short stay .

Here’s what you can expect from this 4 or 5-day tour around Mauritius :

• The northern beaches (Grand Baie, Peyrébère, Trou aux Biches, Cap Malheureux…)
• The West coast (Flic-en-Flac, Black River Gorges National Park)
• The Southwest region (Chamarel and Le Morne)
• The East coast (Bellemare and île aux Cerfs)
• Choose between: Port Louis or Mahébourg as a bonus

Following my guide will help you plan your trip and let you fully enjoy your few days on the island without wasting time or missing out on the most beautiful things to see in Mauritius !

To find out more about this step-by-step detailed itinerary , where I also recommend the best accommodations where to stay in each location, click here: Visiting Mauritius in 4 or 5 Days

If what you’re looking for is a 7 or 8-day road trip in Mauritius , I’ve got you covered!

To help you plan your adventure, I’ve prepared an itinerary that covers a complete tour of the island in a week .

During this road trip, you’ll discover Mauritius’ most beautiful beaches , several must-see natural sites like Le Morne and Black River Gorges , along with a few cultural visits to Port Louis , Grand Bassin , and Mahébourg .

Here’s a sneak peek of what awaits you on this week-long road trip in Mauritius :

• Day 1 : Grand Baie and the North Coast
• Day 2 : Port Louis and the Pamplemousses Botanical Garden
• Day 3 : Bellemare and Île aux Cerfs (East Coast)
• Day 4 : Flic-en-Flac and Black River Gorges National Park (West Coast)
• Day 5 : Le Morne Brabant (hiking and beach)
• Day 6 : Grand Bassin and the Seven Colored Earths of Chamarel
• Day 7 : Mahébourg and Blue Bay

Find all the details on this itinerary, along with my bonus hotel recommendations, in my complete guide: Visiting Mauritius in 1 Week

To prepare your trip in the best way, don’t hesitate to check out my articles dedicated to each region and key location of Mauritius .

I give you all the best things to do, the most beautiful places to see, and the must-visit sites.

Here are the links just below:

• Bellemare : Top 11 Places and Activities
• Chamarel : Must-Do Visits and Activities
• Flic-en-Flac : Top 21 Visits and Activities
• Grand Baie : The Ultimate Guide
• Grand Bassin : What to Do and See?
• L’île aux Bénitiers : What to See and How to Get There
• L’île aux Cerfs : The Complete Guide for Planning Your Visit
• Mahébourg : What to Do and See?
• Le Morne Brabant : 11 Things to Do and See
• Black River Gorges National Park : What to Do and See?
• Port Louis : The Complete Guide to Visiting the Capital of Mauritius

Are you lucky enough to be spending 10 days in Mauritius ?

Don’t feel like staying on the same beach the whole time and would rather explore the island by car ?

Great idea! Mauritius is brimming with wonders, and it would be a shame to stay in one place for the entire duration.

For your road-trip of 9, 10, or 11 days in Mauritius , I have prepared a detailed itinerary in 7 steps that will allow you to thoroughly explore the island, from north to south and from east to west!

Here is an overview of the program I suggest:

Step 1 – The North of Mauritius (4 days)

On the first day, take a tour of the stunning Northern beaches ( Grand Baie, Trou aux Biches, Cap Malheureux …) and take the time to swim and try water activities. Have a seaside dinner in Grand Baie.

The next day, embark on a superb catamaran for a full-day cruise in the lagoon, up to the 3 islets of the North. An activity you can book here!

Then, plan a day to visit the capital Port Louis to see:

• the monuments of the downtown area (Governor’s Palace, Place d’Armes, the oldest theater in the Indian Ocean…)
• the grand covered market
• the Caudan Waterfront.

I also suggest you take the Port Louis food tour to enjoy Mauritian culinary specialties while learning a lot about the history of the city.

The next day, visit the Pamplemousses Botanical Garden and then the “L’Aventure du Sucre” Museum .

Step 2 – The Western Region of Mauritius (4 days)

Head to the west of the island to spend time on the stunning beach of Flic-en-Flac , before heading to the largest nature reserve in Mauritius: the Black River Gorges National Park , just a few kilometers away.

The next day, head southwest to climb to the top of Morne Brabant on a 4-hour guided hike ( breathtaking views at the top! )

You can then rest on the paradisiacal beach of Le Morne , which is right at the foot of the mountain.

On the 7th day of your holiday, set out to discover the charming village of Chamarel , which houses many must-see sights:

• the rum distillery
• The Seven Coloured Earths (a natural wonder you must see during your road trip in Mauritius)
• the island’s tallest waterfall
• the Ebony Forest Reserve
• the optical illusions museum (“ Curious Corner “).

The following day, I suggest visiting the sacred site of Ganga Talao (also known as Grand Bassin ), with its colossal statues of Hindu gods, temples, and a lake nestled in an ancient crater.

You can then make a stop at the Alexandra Falls lookout to admire the beautiful waterfall and the superb view of the bay.

Finish the day with a stroll through the Plaine Sophie Botanical Reserve and/or by visiting the Bois Chéri estate where the famous Mauritian tea is produced.

Day 3 – East and Southeast Coast of the Island (2 days)

For the penultimate day of your Mauritius road trip, head to the East coast to discover the iconic Bellemare Beach . Get ready for relaxation, swimming, snorkeling, and a variety of water sports!

Then, take a boat trip to Île aux Cerfs and spend a few paradise-like hours on this small island surrounded by turquoise waters.

To get there, you can choose between taking a shuttle that goes back and forth several times a day from Trou d’Eau Douce, or opt for a day cruise with lunch on board .

I provide you with all the details about the most beautiful spots to see on the East coast of Mauritius in my guide devoted to this region, which you can read right here: What to do in Bellemare?

Complete your 10-day tour of Mauritius with the beautiful Southeast region, represented by the villages of Mahébourg and Blue Bay . On the agenda for this last day:

• Visit Mahébourg
• Pointe d’Esny Beach (my favorite beach in Mauritius!)
• Blue Bay Beach and, if you have time, a half-day glass bottom boat tour in the lagoon

Find this 10-day itinerary for Mauritius with more details , tips , and recommendations in my complete article right here: Visiting Mauritius in 10 days

Visiting Mauritius for 15 days will allow you to fully enjoy the country’s different facets: beaches, hiking in nature, cultural visits, water activities … And even spend a few days in Rodrigues , the nearby small island!

The 2-week road trip itinerary I propose includes:

• 2 days on the North coast to enjoy the beaches
• 1 day to visit the capital Port Louis and its surroundings
• 2 days on the East coast , around Bellemare (including a cruise to Île aux Cerfs!)
• 4 days on the West coast around Flic-en-Flac and Morne Brabant (2 hikes on the agenda!)
• 1 day for the Tea Route
• 2 days in the Southeast to discover Mahébourg and its stunning lagoon
• 3 days in Rodrigues to finish in style!

Discover this complete itinerary with all my advice, tips, and hotel suggestions for each location here: Complete guide for a 2-week road trip in Mauritius

A 3-week Road Trip in Mauritius

By spending 3 weeks in Mauritius , you’ll have plenty of time to discover all the must-visit spots on the island, as well as venture off the beaten path !

To help you plan it all, I’ve prepared a 20-21 day road trip circuit in Mauritius which you can find in this article: A 3-week itinerary in Mauritius

If you don’t feel like reading it in detail right now, here’s a summary:

Start your Mauritius trip in the Southeast region, specifically in Mahébourg (conveniently close to the airport!).

Stroll along the seafront and quickly visit the town before discovering the first beach of your stay: the stunning Pointe d’Esny Beach !

End the day at another picturesque beach in the area: Blue Bay Beach , just a 5-minute drive away.

Stay overnight in Mahébourg.

The next day, head to Ferney Valley , a nature reserve just 10 minutes from Mahébourg, for an immerse expérience in the lush nature of Mauritius.

If you have the time, make a quick visit to Blue Waterfall before returning to your hotel.

For day 3, I suggest a 3-hour quad biking tour with a guide to explore the wild Southeast and its natural wonders!

Head north for the continuation of your 3-week Mauritius road trip, heading towards Bellemare, the emblem of the East coast.

Spend some time on the Bellemare beach with its picture-perfect scenery, and take the opportunity to relax and/or try out some of the offered water activities (diving, water skiing, towed tubing…).

Head to Trou d’Eau Douce in the early afternoon to catch the shuttle that takes you to Ile aux Cerfs , a little piece of paradise just 15 minutes by boat away.

Another option for the day: a full-day catamaran cruise in the Bellemare lagoon, which includes lunch on board and two stops at the Grande Rivière Sud-Est waterfall and Ile aux Cerfs!

Overnight in Bellemare.

The next day, a pleasant and easy hike awaits you in the forest of the Bras D’Eau National Park .

First, make your way to Flic-en-Flac , a coastal village known for its wide white-sand beach, one of the most beautiful and popular on the island. Take your time to enjoy the beach on the first day. And why not try scuba diving that day?

The next day, leave the sea behind and venture into the tropical forest of Mauritius’ largest nature reserve: the Black River Gorges National Park .

You’ll have a choice of several hiking trails, but the best way to see the most beautiful spots without getting lost is to opt for a guided hike !

For the 8th day of your Mauritius island tour, I suggest another key hike in this area: the 7 Cascades trail (also known as the Tamarin Falls ). It’s one of the most extraordinary nature activities to do in Mauritius !

A hike you should definitely do with a guide , as the paths are not marked. To book your guided hike to Tamarin Falls , click here .

On day 9, head to Port Louis , the capital of Mauritius. During this day, you’ll be able to discover the historical heritage of the city through its colonial-era monuments.

Also, take a stroll through the covered market and the Caudan Waterfront , a lovely open-air shopping center on the waterfront.

For an in-depth exploration of Port Louis, I recommend the food tour of Port Louis which allows you to discover the city while tantalizing your taste buds!

Before or after your Port Louis visit, don’t miss out on the Pamplemousses Botanical Garden , located just 20 minutes away by car. It’s the oldest botanical garden in the Southern Hemisphere and a must-see attraction in Mauritius!

For all the details and my advice on visiting Port Louis, check out this article: What to do and see in Port Louis?

On the 10th day of your stay in Mauritius, head towards the center of the island to the small town of Moka .

Here are 2 absolute must-do activities:

• Visit the Eurêka Creole house
• Hike at Le Pouce mountain .

In the evening, head back north to stay in Grand Baie or the surrounding area.

Over the next three days, you can enjoy the lively North Coast of Mauritius, famous for its white sandy beaches and turquoise waters .

On the agenda:

• A series of dream beaches (Trou aux Biches, Grand Baie, Peyrébère, Mont Choisy, and more)
• A catamaran cruise to the Northern islets
• Scuba diving
• A guided food tour of Grand Baie
• An electric bike ride along the sea or a submarine tour !

I have listed the most paradisiacal beaches in Mauritius (many of which are in the North) in this article: TOP 11 most beautiful beaches of Mauritius

The next stage of your Mauritius road trip takes you for 3 days to the area of Morne Brabant and Chamarel in the Southwest.

Start by checking out the must-see natural curiosity in Mauritius: the famous Seven Colored Earth . Close by, you’ll also find Chamarel waterfall , the highest waterfall on the island.

Continue the day with a visit to Ebony Forest , a nature reserve within the primary tropical forest.

Finish this 14th day of your Mauritius road trip by visiting Chamarel Rhumerie to discover all the secrets of making the famous sugar cane liquor.

Stay in Chamarel and wake up early the next day to climb to the top of Morne Brabant !

An amazing hike awaits you with a breath-taking panorama at the summit!

Afterwards, you can relax on the beautiful Morne beach , right at the foot of the mountain.

The next day, you’ll set out for a boat trip to the small islet off Morne: Île aux Bénitiers, with swimming and snorkeling breaks and a lunch served on board ! A truly relaxing day awaits.

On day 7 of your Mauritius road trip, embark on the Tea Route , a journey that takes you through 3 stages to learn everything about Mauritian tea production:

• Stage 1 : Domaine des Aubineaux, to learn more about the tea industry in Mauritius.
• Stage 2 : Bois Chéri, where you’ll visit the tea plantations and production factory.
• Stage 3 : Domaine de Saint-Aubin, where the sugar and vanilla used in the iconic Mauritian tea are produced.

You can tour this route independently with your rental car , or choose to go with a guide for a more relaxed experience without worrying about the route.

To book your “Tea Route” day trip with a driver-guide, click below:

On day 18, it’s time to say goodbye to Mauritius, but not quite, as you’re flying to Rodrigues , a small Mauritian island located about 500km away.

Upon arrival, you’ll need to rent a car. The island is small and rather remote, so there are only a few small rental agencies. I can recommend Rodrigues 2000 Tours for reliable and serious service. I used them, and everything was perfect.

(If you’ve tried another rental service and had a good experience, feel free to let me know in the comments below this article! 🙂 )

On your first day, take a stroll along the East Coast to discover small wild beaches and coves . Don’t miss the stunning Trou d’Argent beach !

Then, go admire the sunset from Mont Limon .

The next day, visit the capital Port Mathurin and then head to Pointe Diable for a canoe trip to Île aux Cocos .

And just like that, it’s already day 20 of your Mauritius road trip!

This day is dedicated to exploring the southern part of Rodrigues , with a boat trip from Anse Mourouk to see two small wild islands: Île aux Chats and Île Hermitage!

If you have another full day before heading home, you should visit Grande Montagne Nature Reserve , which shelters one of the last endemic forests of Rodrigues.

If this 3-week itinerary tempts you, don’t forget that you can find it in detail in my article: 3-Week Road Trip in Mauritius , where I also give you all my tips and a selection of the best hotels at each stage!

Defining the itinerary of your Mauritius road trip is the first thing to do in planning your journey.

Then, you also need to figure out where you’re going to stay at each stop!

To save you time, I’ve prepared a list of the best accommodations in each region, suitable for all budgets !

You can find my selection of the best hotels to stay at in Mauritius in my articles dedicated to each town and region, as well as in my itinerary guides.

You can also access them directly by clicking on the links below:

• Grand Baie (Northern region): where to stay?
• Flic-en-Flac (Western region): where to stay?
• Bellemare (Eastern region): list of the best accommodations
• Mahébourg (Southeast region): which hotel to choose?
• Le Morne (Southwest region): my selection of hotels
• Chamarel (Southwest): the best places to stay

Many travelers mistakenly think (wrongly) that healthcare in Mauritius is affordable and that they don’t need travel insurance. But in reality, the public health system is fragile and even the simplest consultation in a private clinic can be very expensive!

That’s why it’s essential to have travel insurance with good medical coverage before leaving.

For safe travels , I recommend the following two insurances ( both include epidemic coverage , such as for Covid-19, which is very important!)

To subscribe, it’s very simple, just click on the orange links below :

• ACS AMI Globe Partner : Medical insurance and repatriation
• Assur Travel Summum : Premium insurance (medical, repatriation, luggage theft, flight delay, cancellation, and more!)

And there you have it, the end of this guide on the best road-trip itineraries in Mauritius! I hope it will help you to plan your next vacation to perfection.

Feel free to share your experiences in the comments!

What about you, what are your plans for your road trip in Mauritius? 🙂

Discover all my articles about Mauritius : All my articles to help you plan your trip to Mauritius are listed there.

• The 21 Best Places to Visit in Mauritius
• The 11 Most Beautiful Beaches in Mauritius
• Best Time to go to Mauritius? – Seasons, weather, activities, prices

The best itineraries for your trip:

• Itinerary: 5 days in Mauritius – An amazing itinerary for a short stay in Mauritius
• Itinerary : One week in Mauritius – The perfect itinerary to visit the island in 7 days
• Itinerary: 10 days in Mauritius – The perfect itinerary to visit Mauritius in 10 days
• Itinerary: 2 weeks in Mauritius – The ultimate guide to Mauritius in 15 days
• Itinerary: 3 weeks in Mauritius – Plan your 20-21 day stay in Mauritius easily!
• Road-trip in Mauritius – The 6 best itineraries for your trip!

Places to Visit:

• Bellemare: Top 11 places and activities
• Underwater waterfall in Mauritius – How to get there + Tips
• Chamarel : 11 Epic Things to Do
• Flic-en-Flac : Top 10 places to visit and things to do
• Grand Bassin : All the Best Things to Do
• Île aux Cerfs : The Definitive Guide to Plan Your Visit
• Mahébourg : Best Places to Visit + Tips
• Morne Brabant : How to Visit Morne Brabat?
• Black River Gorges National Park : What to See and Do?
• Port-Louis: The ultimate guide
• 9 Natural curiosities to see in Mauritius

Activities:

• The Best Activities in Mauritius – Water sports, cruises, day trips, guided tours…
• The Best Boat Trips in Mauritius – Top 5 + Rates and booking
• Scuba diving in Mauritius: The Definitve Guide

Organize your stay:

• Where to Stay in Mauritius: The Definitive Guide – All types of accommodation for all budgets
• 4-Star Hotels in Mauritius: My selection of the best!
• 5-Star Hotels in Mauritius: The Definitive Guide
• The 11 Most Beautiful Hotels in Mauritius – Guide + Tips
• Guesthouses and B&B in Mauritius: My Selection of a perfect stay
• Renting a Car in Mauritius: Guide + My Best Tips

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I've been living in Mauritius for ten years now, and I'm passionate about this jewel of the Indian Ocean. As I love exploring and writing, I have created this blog to give you all my best tips to organize your trip to Mauritius!

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