Mauritius Holidays

Mauritius, a mesmerizing fusion of African, Indian, and European elements, may be most known for its opulent beach vacations, but its world-class diving, fantastic hiking, and great mountain climbing will wow even the most discriminating visitor.

The beaches deserve a great deal of appreciation. They surround the island and are every bit as good as the vacation pamphlets say. Beyond its well-known beaches, however, the colder central plateau is covered in native forests that serve as a haven for unusual flora and fauna, including the globally unique Mauritius flying fox.

Back on the coast, an enormous coral reef encircles practically the whole island and, because of its abundant marine life, has become a diving Mecca. Along the east coast, which has lovely beaches and quaint fishing villages, dive into the native way of life? The country’s combined Anglo-French background is exemplified by villages like Petite Julie and Queen Victoria, where you may hear sega music performed in its most authentic form.

The greatest beach, food, and nightlife combinations may be found in the northern areas. To the west, the capital city of Port Louis is well-known for Places D’Armes, the colonial-era central market, and the Caudan Waterfront complex of eateries, retail establishments, and casinos.

Sand dunes, dolphin safaris, and rum distilleries all contribute to the allure of the west, but Le Morne Mountain—which served as a haven for escaped slaves—is the main draw for most tourists. This craggy outcrop, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has come to symbolize the fight for independence.

Mauritius is a warm, inviting, and breathtakingly beautiful destination that provides amazing beaches and wonderful weather, as well as a unique cultural identity that is well worth discovering.

MAURITIUS QUICK FACTS

• Mauritian Rupee (MUR) is the currency.
• Electrical power: 240 volts AC. Round two-prong sockets (type C) and three-prong sockets (type G) are the two types of power outlets. To ensure that you can use all of your electronic devices when traveling, make sure you have a universal travel adaptor.
• Visa: It’s simple to travel to Mauritius; most nationals don’t need to apply in advance for a visa. While most nations are visa-exempt for 90 days, a small number of countries will receive a 60- or 14-day visa stamp upon arrival. Just make sure that six months or more remain on your passport following entering.
• Safety: It is extremely safe to travel around most of Mauritius. Even if it’s rare, small crime might rise after dark, particularly at the beach or in remote locations, so be sure to be alert and store your valuables in your lodging or close at hand. Remember that November through May is the main cyclone season. However, there is a well-organized system of progressive warnings. Avoid traveling without travel insurance at all costs!
• Language: The majority of people in Mauritius speak English, which is the official language of the nation. Spoken throughout the island are French, Mauritian Creole, French-based Creole, and a few additional ethnic languages.

Must do and see in Mauritius

• Discover the beaches: With their immaculate sand and crystal-clear waters, Mauritius boasts some of the most stunning beaches on the planet. Mauritius’s eastern regions are renowned for their stunning beaches. After all, the renowned island paradise of Île aux Cerfs is located on the East Coast.
• Explore the famed Black River Gorges National Park on the island, which is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including uncommon bird species and the well-known Mauritius flying fox. Hiking routes around the park enable tourists to take in the spectacular nature, which includes waterfalls and vantage places that are truly breathtaking.
• Explore the history and culture of Port Louis: The capital of Mauritius, Port Louis, is located on the main island’s northwest coast and is home to a number of historical and cultural landmarks, including as the vibrant Central Market and the UNESCO World Heritage Site Aapravasi Ghat.
• See Blue Bay Marine Park: For those who enjoy diving, Blue Bay Marine Park, which is situated on Mauritius’ southeast coast, is a must-see. Visitors can explore a variety of fish species and coral patches at the marine park.
• See the Chamarel Colored Earth: This distinctive geological phenomenon in Mauritius is a must-see sight. The vibrant sand dunes, which are said to have originated from volcanic activity, present an unusual and fantastical scenery.
• See the Crocodile & Giant Tortoise Park: This rescue facility, which is situated in Southern Mauritius, is home to a variety of creatures, including livestock, reptiles, indigenous vegetation, deer, and mongooses. The cost of admission includes a guided tour for those who like the natural world.

FESTIVALS IN MAURITIUS

Despite its tiny size, Mauritius is home to nearly 1.2 million people and is rich in many cultures, religions, and festivals. Learning about the several Mauritius cultures—each with its own customs, beliefs, and holidays—is interesting.

• Cavadee: One of the most spectacular Tamil celebrations, Cavadee is held in January or February and is dedicated to Lord Murugam. The Tamil people fast, offer prayers, and abstain from all material pleasures for ten days. Subsequently, grand events take place worldwide at Hindu temples.
• Chinese Spring event: Red, the color of happiness, is the main color of this event, which honors the Chinese New Year (January/February). In order to fend off evil spirits, food is stacked high to ensure abundance throughout the year, and the customary wax cake is given to friends and family.
• Divali: Known as the most joyous of all Hindu holidays, it commemorates the triumph of good over evil in Hindu mythology. Every house on the island was traditionally decorated with clay oil lamps, which created a fantasy land of flashing lights. Nowadays, most electric lights are utilized for decoration. (November/October).
• Ganesh Chathurti is observed on the fourth day of September, the Hindu calendar’s waxing moon phase. In Hindu mythology, it is the birthday of the Indian elephant Lord Ganesha, who is considered the God of knowledge and the remover of all barriers.
• Hindus celebrate the arrival of spring with Holi, a festival of colors during which they have fun sprinkling each other with colored powder and water. On the eve of the Holi festival, bonfires are lit and celebrations are held. Out of all the festivities in Mauritius, this one is the most colorful.
• Maha Shivaratree is a festival honoring Siva, the Hindu god. On a trip to Grand Bassin, Hindu devotees in white garments carry “kanwars,” which are wooden arches adorned in flowers, in order to retrieve holy water from the lake. The entire sight reminds me of such customs performed in India along the banks of the Ganges river. (February).

BEST TIME TO VISIT MAURITIUS

There are only two seasons on the tropical island of Mauritius: winter and summer. Having said that, there is little variation in temperature between the two seasons of the year. The middle plateau experiences a somewhat colder climate year-round than the coastal regions.

November through April is regarded as the peak summer season, with December through February being the warmest months of the year. The majority of tropical cyclones happen during this period, which runs from the end of December to March. Anticipate hot, muggy conditions with midday bouts of precipitation.
With the coldest months being June through August, winter is regarded as the off-peak season, but it’s actually a very lovely time to go, particularly if you wish to kitesurf. The southeast trade winds are in charge from May to November, and while there may still be the occasional downpour, October is thought to be the driest month of the year.

The water’s summertime temperature is roughly 28 C, while wintertime temperatures are 22 C. In October, November, and December, visit at any time for the best diving conditions. While diving in Mauritius is excellent in March and April, avoid the months of January and February when cyclone activity is at its strongest.

SPORT & ACTIVITIES

HIKING & CYCLING IN MAURITIUS

Except for the wet cyclone season, which runs from January to March, the most of the year is fantastic for outdoor activities in Mauritius. The greatest months to go hiking are April through October, and there are tons of breathtaking routes.

BEACH OPTIONS IN MAURITIUS

With its white sand beaches, serene blue lagoons, and pristine coral reefs, Mauritius is a beach lover’s dream come true. The ideal months to enjoy the beaches are November through December and April through May, even though the weather is generally pleasant throughout the year. Cycle season, which runs from January to March, can be quite rainy.

SURFING IN MAURITIUS

November through April is when Mauritius offers the most reliable waves, making it a surfer’s heaven. Tamarin Bay, Riviere des Galets, Le Morne, Black Rocks, Souillac, Darne, Graveyards, Maconde, and Harbour Riviere Noire are a few of the top surfing locations.

KITESURF IN MAURITIUS

For both novices and experts, Mauritius is an excellent place to go wakeboarding and wave surfing. The beautiful weather and pleasant water are found during the windy season, which runs from May to November! Prince Maurice, Bel Ombre, and Le Morne are the best places to kite.

What to wear

It’s wise to pack casual clothing and your best beach attire for your trip to Mauritius. Bring light woolen clothing for the chilly evenings throughout the winter months of June through September. Please visit places of worship with appropriate respect. Enter a place of worship dressed appropriately, taking off belts and leather shoes.

Social Conventions in Mauritius

The traditional way to greet someone is to shake hands. It is customary for guests to honor their hosts’ customs, especially when they are at a private residence. The host’s religion and social conventions have a direct bearing on the kind of hospitality extended to the guest. If you are invited to dinner, it is polite to offer a small gesture of thanks in the form of a gift. Generally, males should wear a suit to very formal events, but otherwise, dress is casual.

Language in Mauritius

English and French are the two official languages of Mauritius, with French holding the majority. The most often spoken languages in the streets are Hindi, Bhojpuri, and Creole, which is pidgin French with additional languages mixed in. There is also Chinese and Urdu speaking. Everybody can speak a little bit of French or English.

Geography

Located due east of Madagascar, 2,000 kilometers (1,240 miles) off the southeast coast of Africa is the volcanic and hilly island of Mauritius in the Indian Ocean. The island nation is situated atop the Mascarene Archipelago, a former land bridge that connected Asia and Africa. The ground rises from the coast to produce a wide, lush plain where sugar cane grows abundantly. Beyond this, the margins of craters form a steep spine. Rodrigues Island is located about 500 km (310 miles) to the east, the Cargados Carajos Shoals are to the northeast, and Agalega is located about 900 km (560 miles) to the north.

SIGHTS & HIGHLIGHTS OF MAURITIUS

CENTRAL PLATEAU

The chilly, wet center of the island, where most Mauritius live, resembles the chaotic metropolis of Port Louis for the most part. The nearly uninterrupted stretch of towns connecting the capital to Curepipe offers virtually nothing to see; in fact, it looks almost exactly like the postcard your friends gave you from their trip here a year ago.

THE NORTH

The north of Mauritius was the birthplace of the island’s tourism boom, and there is now much to offer travelers. Even while hotels have taken over most of the region’s beautiful beaches, it’s always possible to escape the crowds and find the hidden coves that haven’t seen much development. With some of the top restaurants on the island and the best nightlife on Mauritius, Grand Baie is the center of the tourist attraction. Similar rapid development is occurring in the little coastal settlements of Trou aux Biches, Mont Choisy, and Pereybère, which surround Grand Baie. Pamplemousses is the name of the sugar-cane fields’ inland plain, which slants gently to the sea. Here you’ll find the wonderful Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Gardens and the rightly popular L’Aventure du Sucre – a museum dedicated to Mauritius’ traditional colonial export.

THE WEST

The most varied coast of Mauritius is found in its western paradise, which is a world apart from the northern coastline. Even the most discriminating traveler will be pleased by the treasures that await beyond the busy tourist destination of Flic en Flac. Scalloping sandy bays dimple the fertile farmland in the Black River (Rivière Noire) basin, which is a wonderful swatch book of lush greens and light browns. The glistening salt flats of Tamarin’s tic-tac-toes then wonderfully reflect the sun’s rays and the towering hills of the animal-rich Black River Gorges National Park. The little village of Chamarel, which is tucked away in the highlands, comes next. The final example of a stone that reaches the sky is Le Morne Brabant, an incredibly picturesque crag that peaks the southernmost point of the shoreline. It all adds up to what could just be our favourite corner of the island.

THE SOUTHEAST

Unquestionably, many people’s favorite place is the wild, developing South, with hints of India, Ireland, and the Caribbean. The south coast has resisted developers’ advances until lately, as its wind-beaten, sheer cliffs were long thought to be too harsh for development. Although a few opulent resorts have appeared in recent years, the region is still largely undeveloped, with a plantation estate or two tucked away among the towering cane. The craggy southern cliffs end at Blue Bay’s glittering reefs, and the stunning Pointe d’Esny beach with its assortment of quaint chambres d’hôtes is located not far away. Stretching beyond the sedate commercial center, the unfurling streamers of sand offer a striking contrast to the intriguing picture of local life offered by Mahébourg’s dusty gridiron. The coastline road then turns north, passing through boundless verdant forests that were once home to the island’s original settlers some 400 years ago.

THE EAST

The island’s east coast, sometimes referred to as “The Wild Coast” or “La Côte Sauvage,” is very different from the touts, bars, and souvenir stands of Grand Baie in the north and Flic en Flac in the west. Although Mauritius has resorts, the eastern side of the island feels surprisingly unexplored by tourists. The best part is that this peaceful shoreline is home to some of the island’s greatest beaches. It should come as no surprise that this is the most upscale part of the island, drawing a clientele that usually arrives at the airport via helicopter for transportation. Trou d’Eau Douce, which coexists with the opulent hotels next door yet still manages to maintain the charm of a tranquil fishing village, is the closest thing the east has to a resort. This is where the extremely popular Île aux Cerfs begins.

• Horse Racing – The Champ de Mars, a horse racing club in Mauritius, was established in 1812, making it the oldest in the Southern Hemisphere. In Mauritius, horse racing is a hugely popular pastime. Up to 30,000 spectators visit the renowned racetrack on race days. Typically, the horse racing season lasts from late November to early April. It is among the highlights of a trip to Mauritius, and you should not miss the amazing ambiance that surrounds this well-liked activity. Even though these kinds of things can be contentious, swimming with dolphins was a great experience for us. You can read our blog post about swimming with dolphins in Tamarin Bay or form your own opinion.
• Scuba Diving – In Mauritius, diving is amazing. Dive boats depart from Pereybere, Cap Malhereux, Grand Gaube, and Trou aux Biches, and the majority of the dive sites are situated in the north. Additionally, there are diving spots in Bel Mare in the east, Blue Bay in the south, and Flic en Flac in the west. The island is home to a diverse array of colorful marine life, as well as shipwrecks from the 18th and 19th centuries and more modern shipwrecks that have sunk and created stunning artificial reefs. With excellent visibility and water temperatures between 24 and 29 degrees, diving is enjoyable year-round.Take a chance and pick up scuba diving in Grand Baie’s tropical waters! A Half Day Scuba Discovery course will open your eyes to a fantastic new world of marine life and shipwrecks.
• Grand Baie – The indisputable epicenter of water sports include semi-submersible scooters, parasailing, and submarine riding.
• Seven Colored Earth and Chamarel Waterfall – From Case Noyale village, take the winding route to Chamarel, a colored settlement with an undulating landscape of contrasting and differing shades of colour. The weathering of the volcanic ash appears to be the cause of the many tones of blue, green, red, and yellow. The nearby Chamarel waterfalls are also stunning. It is rather simple to set up a full-day private tour of the southern regions of Mauritius that includes transportation and a guide if you do not have a rental car.
• The Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Gardens – The Southern Hemisphere’s oldest botanical garden is this one. Established in 1770, the area spans approximately 37 hectares and features certain flora that is exclusive to Mauritius. It also has some wildlife, with the fish, deer, and tortoises being its most well-known inhabitants.
• Port Louis Central Market – Along with a wide selection of locally produced delicacies and tropical fruits, you may buy a number of well-made traditional crafts here, such the “goni” basket. Some of the greatest northern beaches, the Central Market, and the Botanical Garden are all included in a full-day guided tour of Port Louis.
• Pereybere – The fantastic Pereybere public beach, which was named the World’s Most Beautiful Beach in 2010, is well-liked due to the stores, eateries, and bars that surround it. This is one of the greatest beaches for swimming in the north, despite the small size of the beachfront area. There are also many of activities available, such tubing, water skiing, mangrove forest tours, and glass-bottom boat rides.

WHAT TO EAT IN MAURITIUS

With its varied food and breathtaking scenery, Mauritius is a sensory haven. Numerous flavors and fragrances that have been passed down from various culinary traditions, including those of France, India, China, and Africa, are present. Herbs like thyme, basil, and curry leaves, as well as spices like saffron, cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves, are frequently used components that produce delicate yet distinctive flavors. Street sellers sell a wide variety of delicacies for extremely low prices.

There are many of places in Mauritius where you may grab a quick bite to eat. Every bus stop and town square has street sellers, and takeout restaurants may be found in a lot of malls and marketplaces. Both types of establishments sell reasonably priced regional cuisine, such as delicious Chinese, French, and Indian dishes. All restaurants, with the exception of the more upscale ones, offer takeout. Popular evening fare includes biryani (curried rice), Indian rotis, and farattas (fleky, unleavened flour pancakes) from roadside food stands. Street food is available for between Rs 5 and Rs 10 in the capital and is offered in markets, along public beaches, and as snacks such rotis, dhal puris, and boulettes (meatballs).

The popular gâteaux piments (deep-fried, freshly prepared lentil and chilli balls) are a reason to visit the atmospheric markets. The delectable rotis, samosas, dhal puris, and bhajas (fried balls of besan dough with herbs or onion) should also be sampled. Chinese and Indian eateries provide affordable, quick-to-eat meals and snacks. Don’t forget to purchase some Indian delicacies like the well-known Chinese char siu (barbecue pork) or caca pigeon, an Indian snack.

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

• Dholl Puri / Dhal Poori: “Dholl Puri” or “Dhal Poori” is the most well-known dish from Mauritius. Made from pulverized yellow split pea flour, it’s a delicate, thin pancake that may be stuffed with a variety of delectable fillings of your choosing.
• Roti / Paratha: Depending on the area, a type of flatbread known to the locals as chapatti, roti, farata, or paratha is typically consumed with curries.
• Biryani: Traditionally made by Muslims, this dish has a rich history and consists of ground beef combined with potatoes and seasoned rice.
• Rougaille: A take on the French ragoût, this dish is made with tomatoes and onions. Typically made with meat or seafood (local favorites include salted snoek fish rougaille and corned beef), this dish is a daily staple for all Mauritians.
• Mauritian Rum: A variety of cane rums are produced in Mauritius. frequently served over ice with coconut water and a squeeze of lime. It’s entertaining and educational to visit one of the nearby distilleries for a rum tasting.

WHERE TO STAY IN MAURITIUS

There is an extensive range of lodging options in Mauritius, ranging from luxurious all-inclusive coastal resorts to modest Airbnb homestays. Competition can be strong during off-peak times, and if you’re flexible with your dates, there are many of affordable packages available. As an alternative, you can reserve self-catering lodging and plan a DIY vacation; the option is yours!