Everything you need to know about travelling to Mauritius.
Essential Facts
Currency
The Mauritian Rupee is the official currency of Mauritius. It is widely accepted and can be withdrawn from an ATM or currency exchange at the airport, hotel, or at the local market. Euros, USD, and CAD are not accepted locally.
Language
Mauritian Creole the main language spoken in Mauritius, although English and French are widely spoken, so you shouldn’t have a problem communicating with anyone on the island.
Best Time to Go
The best time to travel to Mauritius is May to December. This is the peak season for travel to Mauritius and offers long sunny days and cool nights.
Climate
Mauritius has two distinct seasons: a warm, humid summer stretching from November to April and a cool, dry winter from June to September. The best time to visit is from May to December for the best weather. Temperatures stay between 25 to 32°C. Mauritius also has a cyclone season from January to March and it’s best to avoid this period to limit any issues faced while travelling.
Ideal Traveller
Mauritius is great for family beach vacations, romantic getaways for couples and honeymooners, and anyone who loves the beach. It’s especially great for people who love diving, snorkelling, and surfing. Mauritius has some of the world’s most beautiful coral reefs and sea life, offering an underwater treat that should not be missed.
Getting There From North America
Major Airports
There is only one major airport in Mauritius. Everyone looking to vacation on the island has to land at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport.
Major Air Routes from the United States
There are no direct flights to Mauritius from the United States. All flights go through a major hub such as Doha, Dubai, or Paris.
Major Air Routes from Canada
Like the United States, there are no direct flights to Mauritius from Canada. Travellers have to go through an international hub such as Doha or Paris.
Essential Sights of Mauritius
Charamel and the Seven-Coloured Earth
Charamel is a small village and area in the heart of Mauritius known for its dense forests and coloured earth, which was formed due to the different cooling periods of lava. Hike the forests and end your trip on the Charamel sand dunes to admire this geological wonder.
Black River Gorges National Park
Very close to Charamel is the Black River Gorges National Park, one of the last remaining verdant areas of the island and a must-see if you travel to Mauritius. The park houses many of the endemic species of the island. It was established in 1994 and has since become an important part of Mauritius.
Le Morne Brabant
Le Morne is the southernmost peninsula of Mauritius. It is a hill with spectacular views of the whole island. A short two hour hike will bring you to the summit to experience one of the best views of Mauritius.
Other Highlights of Mauritius Off the Beaten Path
Kayaking in Tamrin Bay
While you can kayak anywhere in Mauritius, as every hotel will offer SUPs, kayaks, and snorkelling gear, one of the best places to kayak is Tamrin Bay. The white sands and crystal clear waters make for an enviable kayaking experience. Stop at a private beach for a meal and enjoy the sun while you’re at it.
Rhumerie de Charamel Distillery
This rum distillery is close to the Charamel Mountains and a favourite local attraction in Mauritius. You can visit the sugarcane fields around the distillery or take a tour of the distillery itself. The distillery still makes its special brand of rum with the same recipe as it was 100 years ago. Buy yourself a bottle at the end of the tour and experience how rum was meant to taste.
Top Activities and Experiences in Mauritius
Ile aux Cerfs
This small island off the coast of Mauritius is dotted with bars and restaurants and is a perfect getaway for the day to explore more of the Mauritian coastline. Ile aux Cerfs is known for its white sandy beaches, beautiful lagoons, and castaway experience.
Flic en Flac Beach
Flic en Flac Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Mauritius. Visit the seaside village and experience everything Mauritius has to offer from restaurants, water sports and bars, to just lounging on the beach under the sun.
Trou aux Cerfs
This is another beautiful natural attraction in Mauritius, Trou aux Cerfs is a dormant volcano on the centre of the island of Mauritius. Unlike most other volcanic craters, Trou aux Cerfs is surrounded by verdant forests and endemic species only found on the island of Mauritius. Walk or jog around the park during your stay and experience what Mauritius was like 700,000 years ago.
Essential Mauritian Foods to Try
Dholl Puri
Dholl Puri is a dish of Indian origin found on every street corner of Mauritius. Many Indians reside on the island as part of the British push to develop the islands during the 1800s, and their cuisine is a basis for many Mauritian dishes. Dholl Puri is a fried bread served with split peas and bean curry. For some extra flavour eat it with fresh red onions and a small green chilli.
Vanilla Tea
At one time, Mauritius was a big exporter of Vanilla and as such you will find vanilla in many dishes in Mauritius. One such delicacy is the vanilla black tea found in many parts of the island. The black tea is the perfect background for the soothing vanilla flavour.
Dim Sum
Mauritius is a melting pot of different cultures with Asian, Indian, Dutch, French, and British influences, and as such has cuisines from all over. The humble dim sum is a staple here on the island with the Sino-Mauritian culture.
Tips for Sustainable Travel
Sustainable travel is a must when visiting the island as they already have too many tourists coming through. Every little bit can help to ease the strain. Choose to bike to the village close to your hotel, or better yet walk a bit to conserve fuel. Other points to note would be to always carry a reusable water bottle with you so that you do not buy bottled water. You can fill it up at most hotels, restaurants, and bars. Always remember that the islands have a fragile ecosystem and we must do our part as responsible travellers.
Where to Go Next
Mauritius is a great stopover destination to a number of places in the Middle East and Africa. If your flight goes via Qatar, Dubai, or Abu Dhabi, then you can always stop and see the sights for a few days. As for Africa, many destinations offer connecting flights from Mauritius to the mainland. For the more adventurous amongst us and those who are looking for an extended vacation, India, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives are short flights away from Mauritius and can be paired with this sunny island destination.
What do the experts say?
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