Mauritius travel guide: everything you need to know before you go

Mauritius is a tropical island in the Indian Ocean, located around 900 kilometers (560 miles) east of Madagascar and part of the African continent. Although the island measures only 65 kilometers (40 miles) long and 45 kilometers (28 miles) wide, it offers an incredible variety of landscapes.

From lush green mountains and pristine white-sand beaches to luxury resorts and a warm tropical climate, Mauritius has everything you need for an unforgettable holiday.

How to get to Mauritius

You can fly directly to Mauritius from several European cities, making it an easy tropical getaway. The island is also a fantastic addition to a longer trip through southern Africa, combining perfectly with destinations such as South Africa, Zimbabwe or Tanzania. We flew from Johannesburg to Mauritius in about four hours with FlySafair, and were pleasantly surprised to receive a snack box with crackers, chocolate and water during the flight.

Renting a car in Mauritius

Once you arrive at the airport, we highly recommend renting a car. Although Mauritius isn't a large island, having your own transportation makes it much easier to explore different beaches, viewpoints and attractions at your own pace. It's also the easiest way to travel between the airport and your accommodation. The airport is located in the southeast of the island, an area that's generally windier with rougher seas than the popular west coast.

We almost always rent our cars through Sunny Cars, including during our trip to Mauritius, and had a great experience. If you have a Dutch driving licence, you can use it in Mauritius without any problems. Just remember that people drive on the left-hand side of the road, as is common in several African countries.

How many days do you need in Mauritius?

We recommend spending at least one week in Mauritius, although 10 to 14 days is even better if your schedule allows. Both the north and the south of the island offer beautiful resorts, beaches and plenty of attractions. To reduce driving time, we recommend splitting your stay between two locations. For example, spend 3 to 6 nights in the south, followed by 3 to 6 nights in the north. This way you'll experience two very different sides of the island without spending hours in the car every day.

Things to do in Mauritius

Mauritius offers something for every type of traveler. The island is best known for its beautiful white-sand beaches, making it an ideal destination for a relaxing beach holiday. Mont Choisy Beach in the north and Le Morne Beach in the southwest are two of our favorite places to spend a sunny afternoon.

If you're looking for a more active holiday, Mauritius won't disappoint. The island offers excellent snorkeling and scuba diving, and there are numerous boat tours that take you to coral reefs where you can snorkel or even swim with wild dolphins.

Mauritius is also a fantastic hiking destination. Popular trails include the challenging hike up Le Morne Brabant and the scenic Seven Waterfalls (Tamarind Falls) hike.

For a taste of local culture, visit the capital Port Louis, where you can explore the lively central market. Other interesting cultural attractions include the Hindu temple at Grand Bassin, a visit to one of the island's tea plantations, the Blue Penny Museum to learn about Mauritian history, or Château de Labourdonnais, one of the island's most beautiful colonial estates.

Looking for more inspiration? Read our complete guide to the best things to do in Mauritius.

Where to stay in Mauritius

When choosing where to stay, it's good to know that the island has very different coastlines.

The east coast is generally windier, with rougher seas, while the west coast enjoys calmer water and more sheltered beaches. That's why many visitors choose to stay on either the northwest or southwest coast. In the north, Grand Baie is one of the island's most popular destinations, offering beautiful beaches, excellent restaurants and a lively atmosphere.

In the southwest, you'll find the iconic Le Morne Brabant, surrounded by luxury resorts and one of the island's most spectacular beaches.

If you're staying for more than a week, we definitely recommend splitting your stay between these two regions to experience the best of Mauritius.

Best time to visit Mauritius

Mauritius is a wonderful destination throughout the year, although it does have both a wet and a dry season. The summer season runs from December to March, with average daytime temperatures of around 30°C (86°F). This is also the wetter season, when tropical showers are more common. The dry season, from July to November, generally sees the least rainfall and pleasant daytime temperatures of around 25°C (77°F). One thing that hardly changes is the ocean temperature. The sea remains wonderfully warm all year, averaging between 24°C and 28°C (75–82°F), making Mauritius an excellent destination for swimming and snorkeling in every season.