Travel Tips
Mauritius-an Indian Ocean island nation, is known for its beaches, lagoons and reefs. The mountainous interior includes Black River Gorges National Park, with rainforests, waterfalls, hiking trails and wildlife like the flying fox. Capital Port Louis has sites such as the Champs de Mars horse track, Eureka plantation house and 18th-century Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Gardens. The beauty of Mauritius is beyond words. Rich with lush forest, wild waterfalls, unique wildlife, Rocky Mountains, white sand beaches and breathtaking crystal clear turquoise lagoons, Mauritius is a dream holiday destination for tourists from all over the world. Mauritius is becoming one of the most popular destinations for tourists from all over the world looking for a high-end holiday on a tropic amazing paradise island.
Trip Planning: The planning stage of your trip can be instrumental in its success and an enjoyable part of the experience itself. You have a world of options...and plenty to consider.
Entry and Exit formalities: Visitors must hold a passport valid for at least six months & beyond at the time of entering the country. Most nationalities can obtain visa on arrival and for nationalities who requires visa please refer to Mauritius consulate/embassy.
Transportation: Figuring out how to get around is one of your biggest pre-trip decisions. Get our holiday expert best advice on deciding between your options. Based on your trip itinerary, our experts will help you choose wisely. You'll also find a wealth of practical travel tips.
Money: Use your money wisely. Know the best time to use cash or card — and how to avoid unnecessary fees either way — as well as tipping etiquette.
Phones and Technology: Phones and other smart devices can be huge time-savers...or expensive distractions. Get our tips for making the best use of technology during your trip, and for calling home with or without your own phone.
Packing Light: On your trip you'll meet two kinds of travelers: those who pack light and those who wish they had.
Sleeping and Eating: Your hotel and restaurant choices can be a matter-of-face chore…or they can provide rich opportunities to connect with locals and their culture.
Health & Hygiene: Take comfort: Doctors, hospitals, launderettes, and bathrooms aren’t that different. Dealing with them can even be part of the fun of travel.
Sightseeing & Activities: Once you're on the ground, the real fun begins…but it pays to have a thoughtful plan. Our experts will help you get oriented to your surroundings, use your sightseeing hours wisely, and find your way off the beaten path.
Things to see & do:
Port Louis-is the capital city of Mauritius, in the Indian Ocean. It's known for its French colonial architecture and the 19th-century Champ de Mars horse-racing track. The Caudan Waterfront is a lively dining and shopping precinct. Nearby, vendors sell local produce and handicrafts at the huge Central Market. The Blue Penny Museum focuses on the island’s colonial and maritime history, along with its culture.
Agaléga-are two Outer islands of Mauritius located in the Indian Ocean, about 1,000 kilometres north of Mauritius island. The population of the islands as at July 2011 was estimated at 300. The islands have a total area of 2,600 hectares. The North island is 12.5 km long and 1.5 km wide, while the South island is 7 km long and 4.5 km wide. The North Island is home to the islands' airstrip and the capital Vingt Cinq. The islands are known for their coconuts, the production of which is their main industry, and for the Agalega day gecko. Agaléga island is leased to Indian Military for the development of strategic assets. The Head of Mauritius Navy and the Mauritian National Security Advisor are Indian officers. Also see India–Mauritius Military cooperation.
Anse aux Anglais-or English Bay is a small coastal village located in the north of the Mauritian island of Rodrigues in the Indian Ocean. Its name, French for "English Bay," is apparently linked with the fact that English troops landed on its beach in 1809 during the Napoleonic Wars between France and Great Britain. French writer of Mauritian origin, J. M. G. Le Clézio situated the plot of his book Le Chercheur d’or in this village. The village is about 2 km from the main location, Port Mathurin. The main economic activities are tourism and fishing.
Black River Gorges National Park-Large rainforest park offering 2 information centers, picnic areas & 60 km. of hiking trails.
Bel-Ombre-is a village in Mauritius located in Savanne District. The village is administered by the Bel-Ombre Village Council under the aegis of the Savanne District Council.
Bel Air Rivière Sèche-more often referred to simply as Bel Air, is a village in the Flacq district of Mauritius. The village is administered by the Bel Air Rivière Sèche Village Council under the aegis of the Flacq District Council.
Beau-Vallon-is a village in Mauritius located in Grand Port District. The village is administered by the Beau-Vallon Village Council under the aegis of the Grand Port District Council.
Beau-Bassin Rose-Hill is a town in Mauritius, located in the Plaines Wilhems District, it is administered by the Municipal Council of Beau-Bassin Rose-Hill.
Baie-du-Tombeau-is a village in Mauritius located in the Pamplemousses District, situated near the Rivière du Tombeau. The village is administered by the Baie-du-Tombeau Village Council under the aegis of the Pamplemousses District Council.
Chamarel-is a village in Mauritius located in Rivière Noire District, the eastern part of the village also lies in the Savanne District. The village is administered by the Chamarel Village Council under the aegis of the Rivière Noire District Council. Today it is primarily known for its scenic locations and nature attractions in its neighbourhood, among them are the Seven Coloured Earths, the Chamarel Falls and the Black River Gorges National Park. The surrounding area is also known for its locally grown coffee. Chamerel's church Saint Anna was built is 1876 and is subject to a pilgrimage on the Assumption of Mary, during which the village hosts a fair associated with the pilgrimage as well.
Curepipe also known as La Ville-Lumière-is a town in Mauritius, located in the Plaines Wilhems District, the eastern part also lies in the Moka District. The town is administered by the Municipal Council of Curepipe. Curepipe lies at a higher elevation, often referred to as the "Central Plateau".
Cap Malheureux-is a village in Mauritius located in Rivière du Rempart District. The village is administered by the Cap Malheureux Village Council under the aegis of the Rivière du Rempart District Council. The name "Cap Malheureux" comes from French meaning "Cape of Bad Luck". It was given by the French who occupied the island then, from 1710 to 1810. The island was often the bone of contention of many great explorers of the time, namely the British. In 1810, the British decided to attack the French to try and take possession of the island. Contrary to French expectations, they did not attack from the island's harbour in Mahebourg but took the French by surprise by deciding to attack from the North of the island, where the French were weakest in position. As a result, the French were defeated and the name "Cap Malheureux" was named after their defeat by the English who invaded and took over the island from that place.
Centre de Flacq-is the metropolitan area of Flacq District, located in the center of the district, the village is one of the most developed and popular villages in Mauritius. Home of several commercials and public institutions, the village topped the list of the most developed village in Flacq District. The village is administered by the Centre de Flacq Village Council under the aegis of the Flacq District Council. The main source of transportation are taxi and bus service and English was registered as its official language and is highly exercised for notifications and advertisements.
Calodyne-is a neighbourhood located in the Rivière du Rempart District, northern Mauritius. It lies on the coast of the Indian Ocean. It forms part of the village council of Grand Gaube.
Ebene-is a suburb of Quatre Bornes, Mauritius, 15 kilometres south of the capital, Port Louis. Construction began in November 2001, with the suburb being promoted as a new information technology hub for Mauritius and as a link between African and Asian markets.
Fond du Sac-is a village in Mauritius located in Pamplemousses District. The village is administered by the Fond du Sac Village Council under the aegis of the Pamplemousses District Council.
Grand Gaube-is a town located in the Rivière du Rempart District, northern Mauritius. It lies on the coast of the Indian Ocean. In the 60's and 70's its population was exclusively the Mauritian Creoles and Indo Mauritians, a handful of Franco Mauritians and three shop-keepers Chinese families. The town has two Debarcadere which is in creole language the harbour where the fishing boats will land their catch and are moored, one is by the school St Michel R C A School and the other is in Melville, another ward of the town.
Grand Bois-is a village located in the Savanne District of Mauritius.
Grand-Baie-is a village in northern Mauritius. Its sandy beaches include secluded La Cuvette, and sailboat-dotted Grand-Baie Public Beach, in a sheltered cove. The popular Pereybere Public Beach is to the northeast. The village has restaurants and lively bars. Vendors at the Grand Baie Bazaar sell handicrafts. Offshore, Gunner's Quoin and Flat Island are surrounded by waters with hammerhead sharks and game fish.
Goodlands- is a village in Mauritius located in Rivière du Rempart District. The village is administered by the Goodlands Village Council under the aegis of the Rivière du Rempart District Council. It is one of the most populated villages in Mauritius.
Grand River-South East is a historic village in the southeast of Mauritius in the Indian Ocean. It was named Groote River by the Dutch. In the 17th century, GRSE was used for stocking and shipping ebony wood under the Dutch Occupation. The inhabitants of Grand River South East live mostly from fishing. The village has about 1500 households. It also has an active small planters community.
Lallmatie-is a village in Mauritius—located on the west side of Flacq District—it occupied a latitude around -20.1897222 and a longitude around 57.6611111. It has a density of 793.5/km2.
Le Hochet-is a village located in the Pamplemousses District of Mauritius.
Mahébourg-is a small city on the south-eastern coast of the island of Mauritius. It is considered the main village of the Grand Port District.
Moka-is a village in Mauritius located in the Moka District, the western part of the village also lies in the Plaines Wilhems District. The village is administered by the Moka Village Council under the aegis of the Moka District Council. The elevation is 203 meters and can be up to 425 meters in some places. Moka is directly on the other side of the Moka Range from Port Louis. The village is close to the mountain Le Pouce and the town Beau-Bassin Rose-Hill. Réduit is a suburb of the village where the State House and University of Mauritius is situated. The village is also home to the Mauritius Broadcasting Corporation and the Mahatma Gandhi Institute.
Mapou-is a village in northern Mauritius, located in Rivière du Rempart District. The village is administered by the Mapou Village Council under the aegis of the Rivière du Rempart District Council.
Plaine Magnien-is a village in southeast Mauritius located in the Grand Port District. Saint Esprit Prestige Store, one of the most popular retail store of the village, is found on the main road near the Mauritius Commercial bank. Plaine Magnien has an all girls State Secondary School, France Boyer de la Giroday SSS. In addition, it is the birthplace of the former Governor-General of Mauritius, Dayendranath Burrenchobay. The village is the location of the only airport on the island, Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport.
Quartier Militaire- is a village in the centre of Mauritius, found in the Moka District. It houses the region's District Council. Its quarters and suburbs include Bonne Veine, Esperance, Providence, Vuillemin.
Quatre Bornes-also known as La Ville des Fleurs, is a town in Mauritius, located in the Plaines Wilhems District, the western part also lies in the Rivière Noire District. The town is administered by the Municipal Council of Quatre Bornes. Situated between the towns of Beau-Bassin Rose-Hill and Vacoas-Phoenix, Quatre Bornes is linked by roads to the north, east, south and west of Mauritius.
Quatre Cocos-is a village in the District of Flacq on the East of the island of Mauritius, the main island of the Republic of Mauritius. It is located at -20.2078 [latitude in decimal degrees], 57.7625 [longitude in decimal degrees] and at an average elevation/altitude of meters of 39 metres above sea level.
Rose-Belle-is a village of southeastern Mauritius. It is located in Grand Port district, ten kilometers west of the district's well known Village, Mahébourg.
Souillac-is a village close to the southernmost point of the main island of Mauritius. It is the seat of the district council of Savanne district. It was named after the Vicomte de Souillac, the island's governor from 1779-1787.
Tamarin-is a village on the western coast of Mauritius. It has long been the seat of the council district of Rivière Noire. The district council has recently been moved to new headquarters in Bambous, this village being more accessible to the villagers. An old fisherman village, Tamarin has developed into a residential area and a moderated holiday resort. Tamarin is especially popular with surfers. The village is surrounded by hills and is very picturesque. It is located next to Black River, another fisherman's village on the west coast of the island. Tamarin has benefited from continuous development in recent years including a new commercial and leisure area as well as a new primary school.
Triolet-is a village in the north of Mauritius, found in the district of Pamplemousses. It lies exactly 11 kilometres from Port Louis, the capital of the island. The village is a patch of civilisation amid green sugarcane fields, near the north-western coast of the island. To its north lie Trou-aux-Biches, Mont-Choisy and Grand Baie which are coastal villages, while to its west are Pointe-aux-Piments and Balaclava. On the south lies Arsenal and to the east are Morcellement St André and Plaine des Papayes.
The village of Port Mathurin-serves as the capital of the island of Rodrigues, a dependency of Mauritius. It lies on the north coast of the Indian Ocean island and functions as the administrative, judicial and economic centre of Rodrigues. As the name suggests, it also operates the main harbour of the island. Port Mathurin has a population of around 6,000 people. Sights include its market, while the town also has the island's only bus station and a viewpoint on Mount Fanal, south of the town. There is a Roman Catholic church, an Anglican church, and a small mosque. The two ships of the Mauritius Cargo Handling Corporation, namely MV Mauritius Pride and Mauritius Trochetia, anchor at Port Mathurin five times every month.
Trou-aux-Biches-is a small town with a public beach on the northern coast of Mauritius in the district of Pamplemousses. According to the World Travel group, the beach is one of the most beautiful on the island. They awarded it the World's Leading Beach Destination at the World Travel Award for 2011.
Vacoas-Phoenix-also known as French: Villes Jumelles, is a town in Mauritius, located in the Plaines Wilhems District, the eastern part also lies in the Moka District. The town is administered by the Municipal Council of Vacoas-Phoenix. The town lies between Quatre Bornes and Curepipe.
The Aapravasi Ghat-is a World Heritage Site located on the Bay of Trou Fanfaron in Port Louis. This historical site served as an immigration depot by the colonial British government in 1849. It has played a pivotal role in the Mauritian history, as it is from this very instance that the Mauritian population became more diverse than ever.
The Mauritius Glass Gallery-is where skilled craftsmen create unique handmade pieces of art from glass. You can watch the traditional glass-blowing process or have a glass model made from an imprint of your hand or foot in sand. A number of interesting glass products can also be found and bought at the gallery. Beautiful lampshades, stained-glass pictures, assorted vases, and drinking vessels are on display at the glass gallery shop.
The Master Tasting-will allow you to sample the entire range of rum produced by Litchquor and get to learn the story behind each one. You will learn about the spirit at its heart and how it is distilled and produced. “The Gold of Mauritius Rum” for instance, is a wonderfully rich dark rum that embodies the culture and history of this tropical island in a flavoursome drink.
The botanical garden-was initially opened as a private garden by the French governor of Mauritius nearly 300 years ago, later to become the national botanical garden of Mauritius. The botanical garden stretches over endless acres of land and it may take you more than a week to cover the whole garden. It is populated with more than 650 varieties of plants among which are the famous Baobabs, the Palmier Bouteille, the ineluctable Giant Water Lilies, dozens of medicinal plants, a large spice garden and many more.
Domaine des Aubineau- its gardens, a colonial house built in 1872, which has been converted into a museum dedicated to the history of Mauritian Tea. A guide will walk you around during your visit, and will guide you on the history, stories and tales of the “Domaine des Aubineaux” and of the importance of tea production in Mauritius. It is a trip that will take you back in time to the first days of Mauritius with its rich colonial history.
Discover Eureka House (Maison Eureka)-Enjoy the guided tour of this magnificent authentic colonial house with its lush gardens and cascading river as breathtaking background.
Photography Museum-The visit to this beautiful stone building will definitely startle professional photographers as well as amateurs with its array of collections and worldly possessions mostly collected by some keen enthusiasts. You can choose to opt for the guided tour profoundly offered by one of the family members of the museum founders’ or by one of their knowledgeable associate.
La Vallee des Couleurs Reserve-is home to various species of flora and fauna and a great place to enjoy selection of nature trips and fun activities. Nature lovers are bound to like this place; it is quite a unique experience with the indigenous fauna and flora that abound in the park.
Takamaka Boutique Winery-was born of the conviction of a passionate winemaker, Alexander Oxenham, the only oenologist on the island, who took up the challenge of producing wine from lychees. Mr Alexander is a proud producer of wine with a portfolio of skilfully designed local wines, full of great character.
Curious Corner-as the name states is for those of us who like snooping around and have an ever probing mind, as we all naturally are. Located just opposite the 7 colored earth entrance in the Chamarel village on the west of the island, with an impounding façade, on a winding hilly road, it is a house filled with a variety of astounding delusional fantasies. Constructed passionately by a team of thrilling professionals, with the main aim to surprise their visitors, curious minds with mythical thoughts. Curious Corner is surely out to surprise you in every sense of the way, with just under 40 exhibits set over the 5,000sq meters.
Ziplining at Casela World of Adventures-Feel the thrill of Zip Lines that make you feel like you’re actually flying - Adrenaline junkies can go for a combination of experiences including crossing a Nepalese Bridge or zipping straight into a river. Whichever option you choose you, are sure to have an even more fun and exciting time at Casela.
The Crocodile & Giant Tortoises Park which is home to various species of animals, reptiles and plants is set in a beautiful rain forested valley with natural freshwater springs, full of prawns and fish. Crocodile & Giant Tortoises Park, the park’s guides will guide you through some unforgettable walks, and you will stroll through luxuriant greenery where banana trees, palm trees and giant bamboos provide shade for the crocodiles and the giant tortoises.