Oh, Mauritius, the vacation I never knew I desperately needed until Lufthansa dropped some amazing flight deals from Fankfurt to Mauritius. I mean, could you resist a flight offer In January to tropical sunset when it is freezing outside? Since I had no idea what was waiting for me it was great suprise to discover that Mauritius had an insta-famous underwater waterfall. Yes, you can actually fly over it to witness it yourself. Add most beautiful clear turqouise water, lush jungles and lot’s of refreshing piña coladas, this is Mauritius. It turned out to be the perfect destination for winter time from Europe
Why visit Mauritus?
- English is widely spoken since this British rule the island until 1968
- Beautiful nature – water is very clear and clean. National parks are beautiful to hike and well marked
- Traffic is much more relaxed than in Asia.
- Island is quite clean and food is delicious.There are some very nice hotels and restaurants and also delicious fresh local street food.
Best places to visit in Mauritius?
Port Louis: The capital city, known for its vibrant market, historic sites like Aapravasi Ghat, and the bustling Caudan Waterfront. This is a good place to do some shopping and just exploring around. Don’t miss the Caudian Art centre shop where you can buy some unique Creole souvenirs
Pamplemousses Botanical Garden: Place to explore the diversity of islands flora, from rare palms to unique tropical blooms. Don’t miss the endangered giant water lilies gracefully floating on tranquil ponds. These are huge and very fragile, so no, you can’t stand on them
Ganga Talao (Grand Bassin): Visit this sacred crater lake surrounded by temples, a significant pilgrimage site for the Hindu community. On top you can see the gigantic statue of Lord Shiva. If you walk further you can take a walk around the lake and get a glimpse of rituals and offerings being served
Casela World of Adventures:
Casela offers a variety of exciting activities, from heart-pounding ziplining to safari tours where you can encounter majestic wildlife up close. They offer many attractions and you can choose your favourites. One of the most popular one is safari where you drive through park.
Animal enthusiasts will be in for a treat with the chance to interact with big cats, making for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Casela’s commitment to wildlife conservation adds a layer of purpose to your visit.
It is better to pre-book your visit and tours, specially if you wanna go to safari. Pre-book here https://caselaparks.com/
Natural sightseeings
Chamarel Seven Colored Earth Geopark: A geological wonder where unique sand dunes showcase seven distinct colors, creating a mesmerizing sight. Take a small walking tour around the dunes, immersing yourself in the natural beauty. While entering the park you can also visit beautiful waterfall and a tortoise park in the same park
You can find more information https://www.chamarel7colouredearth.com/
Ile aux Cerfs: Picture this: powdery white-sand beaches meeting crystal-clear turquoise waters. Ile aux Cerfs is a haven for beach lovers, offering the perfect setting for sunbathing, swimming, and water sports. Dive into the warm, inviting waters and explore the vibrant marine life beneath the surface. There are many tourguides taking you to island hopping.
Le Morne Brabant: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, rising dramatically from the southwestern tip of the island, Le Morne Brabant is a majestic mountain with a rich cultural heritage. It served as a refuge for escaped slaves during the 18th and early 19th centuries, adding layers of history to its already breathtaking vistas.
Hikers and nature enthusiasts will find themselves in paradise as they ascend the trails of Le Morne. The panoramic views from the summit are simply awe-inspiring, with the Indian Ocean stretching as far as the eye can see.
Underwater waterfall – Located off the southwestern coast of the island, the underwater waterfall is a breathtaking phenomenon created by the movement of sand and silt on the ocean floor. As currents push the lighter-colored sand from the shallow coastal areas towards the deeper ocean, it creates a striking visual effect resembling a cascading waterfall beneath the surface. Best way to witness this yourself is by helicopter or seaplane tour.
Best beaches in Mauritius
- Flic en Flac Beach (West Coast):
- Why Visit: Flic en Flac is a paradise for beach lovers. With its expansive stretch of white sand and clear turquoise waters, it’s an ideal spot for sunbathing and water activities.
- Highlight: The breathtaking sunset views over the Indian Ocean make evenings at Flic en Flac truly magical.
- Trou aux Biches (Northwest Coast):
- Why Visit: Known for its calm, shallow waters and coral reefs, Trou aux Biches is a haven for snorkelers and those seeking a serene beach experience.
- Highlight: The vibrant marine life just off the shore makes it a fantastic spot for underwater exploration.
- Le Morne Beach (Southwest Coast):
- Why Visit: Nestled against the backdrop of the iconic Le Morne Brabant mountain, this beach is not only visually stunning but also offers excellent conditions for water sports like kiteboarding and windsurfing.
- Highlight: It’s a go-to destination for those seeking both relaxation and adventure, offering an natural beauty and exciting water sports opportunities.
- Public Beaches: These offer a more authentic local experience, with opportunities to interact with residents and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere. Popular public beaches include Mont Choisy and Pereybere.
- Resort Beaches: If you’re looking for luxury and convenience, resort beaches provide exclusive access to pristine shores with amenities like loungers, water sports facilities, and beachside service. Belle Mare and Ile aux Cerfs are renowned for their resort beach experiences.
Getting around in the Island
The best way to getting around the island is by taxi or rental car. The well-maintained road network makes driving an enjoyable experience, allowing you to navigate between pristine beaches, lush landscapes, and vibrant towns effortlessly. Please be aware of left-sided traffic, of course it is not a problem if you are from UK or Australia. Taxis are readily available and provide a comfortable option for short trips or exploring specific attractions. Negotiating fares in advance is customary. Most of the hotels offer taxi service and you can book through them.
There are also public buses that offers a glimpse into local life as you pass through charming villages and bustling markets. But you have to be adventurous because bus times are like everything else in Africa, time is relative.
If you’re feeling adventurous, renting a scooter or bicycle can be a fun way to explore coastal paths and scenic routes, immersing yourself in the natural beauty of Mauritius. That is if you like to bike around in 30 degrees
Tip! If changing the locations between island is a great way to see most of the sightseeings. We took a taxi with tourguide from Trou aux Biches to South. Since we were a already driving around we visited Grand Bassin, Seven Colored Earth and some other places on the way
What is the best time to Visit Mauritius?
The ideal time to visit Mauritius is from May to December, offering temperatures between 20°C and 27°C (68-81 °F) – perfect for sightseeing with comfortable weather. However, January and February can be a bit humid, and there’s a risk of cyclones. I visited at the end of January; luckily, a cyclone had passed the day before we landed. Some tourists from the previous days had to stay in their hotels, but fortunately, we didn’t face any major issues.
Mauritius Travel Requirements
If you’re a U.S. citizen or from the European Union, you can visit Mauritius without a visa for up to 90 days. All travellers need to complete the mandatory Mauritius Traveler Digital Form beforehand. This form collects basic information like your contact details, travel history, and where you’ll be staying. It’s a simple step to ensure a hassle-free entry into this tropical paradise!
Personal Safety Tips
Mauritius is generally safe for travelers, but it’s always wise to take precautions. To minimize the risk of theft or pickpocketing, especially in poorly lit areas like Port Louis after dark, be extra cautious with your belongings. We were 2 woman travelling our own and we felt completely safe during our stay. However, Mauritius lacks of streetlights after dark. That is something to consider when walking back from dinner
