Mauritius
About Mauritius
Mauritius Holidays – Mauritius is an African island on Indian Ocean in South Africa. It is known for having Africa’s best white sand beaches that offer excellent relaxation and activities on a holiday. It is majestically surrounded by calm blue ocean water, beautiful white sand along the beaches and numerous attractions inland. This is one of the best destinations for relaxation, honey moon, weddings and hikers. In addition, the island has a pleasant mild climate with two seasons in a year. From November to April, it is a humid summer and it is dry from June to September. The best time to visit Mauritius is from May to August.
A variety of exciting activities are done at different areas of the island. Some of the activities at the coastline include diving, snorkeling, kayaking, waterskiing, scuba diving, windsurfing, glass bottom boat rides, Catamaran cruises and swimming. Le Morne, Choisy, Trou aux Biches, Flic en Flic, Pereybere, St Felix and Blue bay are among the best beaches of the Island. Nature lovers have extra options of mountain climbing on Le Morne Mountain and ziplining at Domaine de L’etoile. You could also go for a road trip along the south coast.
Diving deep in the waters would enable you to see some marine species like dolphins, turtles, fish and other features.
Mauritius has countless accommodation along the coastline and inland. They provide the best services, meals and organize for your activities for all categories of travel groups; couples, families and individuals ranging from luxury, midrange to budget. Resorts at the shoreline offer superb luxury services alongside the magnificent views of the landscape around them. The view of the sun setting over Indian Ocean is exceptional.
Mauritius is accessed via water and air flights. Direct flights from Australia, Europe, Singapore and some part of Africa are available.
Best time to visit Mauritius
The best time to visit Mauritius is May to August. This is the winter season characterized with very friendly warm temperatures perfect for all activities at the island. In case it rains during this period, the amount is little which make it possible to carry on all the activities of your interest.
Attractions in Mauritius
Mauritius is a popular destination for holidays and relaxation at its wonderful beaches. Every side of the coastline around the island- in the north, south, west and east, all have stunning beaches covered with the white sparkling sand. There are resorts at each of the beaches that will provide services including the best meals and activities featured with perfect views and spots for relaxing t and enjoying the warmth of the sun.
Inland, Mauritius boasts for having a beautiful landscape, hospitable people, colonial houses, botanical gardens, forest, hills and waterfalls.
While all parts have beautiful beaches, the northern part of the island is most famously known for having a crowd of resorts, restaurants, lodges, bars and shops.
The North East Coast
The north east coast boasts with 13 beaches, a big number of resorts and hotels and watersport activities. The best activities here are windsurfing, kitesurfing and waterskiing. The most popular beach is Grand Bay. Other beaches are Trou aux Biches, Pereybere, Mont Choisy and La Cuvette. It is comfortable and lovely to spend the nights and days at Lux Grand Gabe, Paradise Cove, 20 Degres Sud and many more. Best time to visit this coast is in April, May, September, October and November.
The East Coast
This is a beautiful part of Mauritius displaying nature in form of the magnificent landscape with the white sand and trees at the shores. It is less crowded but the seven beaches here aregreat places for your holiday. Two best of the 7 beaches include; Blue bay, Belle Mare. For a cozy saty in the ewast, the best accommodation is at Constance Belle Mare plage, Four Seasons Resort Muaritius at Anahita, Constance Le Prince Maurice, One and Only Le Saint Geran, Lux belle Mare among others. More fun is had if you visit the coast in the months of April, May, September, October and November.
Activities to do at these hotels and reasorts are snorkeling, swimming and sunbathing. While at the water, you may participate in diving, kayaking, waterskiing and kite surfing.
The West Coast
This is the best coast side to view the sunset. It has 7 stunning beaches which include; Le Morne Brabant, Flic en Flac, Tamarin, Albion among others. It has beautiful coral reefs. The best activities to do at these beaches are swimming, snorkeling, wind surtfing and kite surfing. Tamarin beach is also known for giving great sceney views. Lodges at the west coast are Lux Le Morne, The St. Regis Mauritius Resort and Beachcomber Trou Aux Biches resort. If you want to have an extra ordinary holiday at the west coast, visit it during the monts of April, May, September, octber and November.
The South Coast
The southern part of Mauritius is perfect for scenic viewing. Because of the presence of high cliffs that can fall any time and strong waves, this place is not recommended for swimming. Activities to do at the south coast are boat cruise, deep sea fishing and walking around the coastline. The best beaches are St. Felix, Gris and Bel Ombre.
The best time to visit this coast is during the months of April, May, September, October and November.
Other breath taking activities to do in Mauritius are swimming with dolphin’s horse riding and golfing which is done at the south west coast and the east coast
Mauritius Safari Parks and Reserves
Black River Gorges National Park
The hilly South-Western part of Mauritius houses in its stunning landscape the Black River Gorges National Park. Proclaimed on June 15, 1994, this National Park comprises of 67 square kilometres of pristine biodiversity. Be it humid, hilly forests, dry, low-lying forests, or marshy heathlands, this national park has it all. The maintenance and upkeep of this National Park are entrusted to the National Parks and Conservation Service (NPCs).
With more than sixty kilometres of trails, this national park is a trekker’s delight. Bird-watchers can also rejoice as some of Mauritius’ rarest aerial inhabitants call this park their home. The Mauritius Kestrel, Pink Pigeon, Mauritius Parakeet, Mauritius Cuckoo-shrike, Mauritius Fody, Mauritius Grey White-Eye and Mauritius Bulbul are a handful of the myriad plant species found in these forests.
Bras d’Eau National Park
Contrary to the tourist-friendly Black River Gorges National Park, this Park in the North East of Mauritius, near Porte Lafayette is more of a quiet, rarely visited wilderness. Out of the five square kilometres that make up this park, almost a fifth is occupied by a large water body by the name of Mare Sarcelle. Mare Sarcelle is the abode of several indigenous ferns, orchids, mangrove swamps and a plethora of birds. This is the region where the vast majority of treks and bird-watching expeditions take place. Bonus fact: The name Bras d’Eau, literally translating to Arm of Water is derived from the elegantly winding water body stretching inland from the sea.
Established in 2011, this park too is maintained by the NPCs and is popular amongst seasoned trekkers for the peace and tranquillity it offers. The park also serves as the site of the Mauritius Radio Telescope, and ruins of sugar mills and lime kilns more than two centuries old.
Islets National Park
The Islets National Park, Mauritius’ third National Park comprises of eight of the forty-nine small islets that surround Mauritius. Ile D’Ambre is the largest islet amongst these. This islet is a popular weekend destination for native Mauritians as well as tourists. Situated in a lagoon off the North-East coast of Mauritius, Ile D’Ambre stretches over 140 hectares of land. The island’s coastline is dotted with mangrove trees and rocks instead of sandy beaches, lending it a character, unique amongst all Mauritian islets. Tecoma, palm and pine trees are widespread on the islet with the endemic Grey White Eye bird nesting in their branches. Six magnificent butterfly species are also found on the islet. The flora surrounding the islet forms shady water alleys which are used for kayaking by tourists. A tiny 2-acre island by the name of Ilot Bernache is also a part of Ile D’Ambre and is a popular swimming and relaxation spot.
Grande Montagne Nature Reserve
These National Parks are ecologically fragile, and extensive restoration efforts are underway to preserve the remaining organisms. While visiting, you are requested to respect the sensitivity of the parks and refrain from indulging in activities which may hinder restoration efforts. Keep the parks clean and do not cause trouble to the native wildlife to avoid any mishaps. This will ensure that your trip remains smooth and enriching!
Wildlife and Birds in Mauritius
The low yet exceptionally diverse wildlife of Mauritius, with numerous different species of flora and fauna amidst the long stretches of tropical forests, also houses some rare endemic species that are found nowhere else in the world.
Being an isolated island from a geographical point of view, Mauritius doesn’t have any terrestrial mammals. The only mammals that can be found on the island are bats and other marine mammals. However, only one out of two bat species remain in Mauritius – the Black-Spined flying fox after the government began killing the Mauritian fruit bats after suffering significant damage on the harvesting of commercial fruits and accusing the bats to be the sole reason behind it. Over the years, many mammals like rats, mongooses, crab-eating macaques, and deer are being introduced to the island.
Mauritius Safari Lodges
Mauritius is not just about luxury hotel vacations. A stay at a lodge can make your tropical holiday unique! So book now and spice up your visit with pinch nature and culture.
Mauritius is far more than just a luxury hotel destination. Vacationers eager to experience an authentic island feeling, add an eco-nuance to their tropical vacation, or spice up their visit with a pinch of nature and culture might want to book their Mauritius paradise holiday in a lodge.
Nativ Lodge and Spa
The individual bungalows of this lodge are situated in a lush garden alongside La Chaux River in the South of Mauritius, in close vicinity to the airport, and the first island capital Mahebourg. Nativ Lodge seeks to stay close to the spirit of nature. Guests benefit from authentic activities, special spa treatments, and a restaurant in a stunning and pristine setting.
La Case Da Pecheur
Experience unspoiled nature at La Case du Pecheur! Built-in a rugged traditional style from stone and thatch, the lodge is surrounded by a unique and untamed environment, dominated by an old fishpond and lush mangrove forests. All guest rooms all have stunning views over the water
7 Cascades Lodges
Located in a beautiful scenic spot surrounded by a lush garden, this nature-lodge offers wonderful views over the West coast of Mauritius, the nearby lake and the famous waterfalls which have given it its name
5 comfortable lodges and a special family unit are fully integrated into nature and still offer all amenities. The famous waterfalls can be reached in a short hike comfortably on foot.
Otentic Eco tents
The place to get in touch with Mother Nature! Otentic Lodge’s 12 Safari tents and 2 wooden chalets have been built from recycled materials to guarantee a minimal footprint and maximal island-experience. Harvesting rainwater and using solar energy is the basic line. Enjoy your recreation from civilization in a heavenly spot by a river in picturesque southeast Mauritius.
Lakaz Chamarel
Enjoy the unique experience of staying up on the hill but still not far from the most beautiful beaches of the island. At Lakaz Chamarel you may enjoy serenity in an exclusive and comfortable environment. The lodge is located in the village of Chamarel where guests come every day to sample the famous local cuisine
Mauritius Weather & Climate
Mauritius has a mild tropical climate with two seasons; humid summer from November to April and a cool drier winter from June to September. October and May are the transition months between the two seasons. This pleasant climate is one of the attractions because it is perfect for sunbathing and swimming among other activities.
Temperatures are highest in the months of January and February (with an average of 29.2 degrees) Celsius and coolest in July and August (with an average of 16.4 degrees at night). The highest amounts of rain are received in February and March.
From January to March, the west coast receives very high winds and sometimes cyclones, so you are advised to stay out of it-west coast during that period.
Is Mauritius safe for tourists?
Mauritius is a safe destination for travelers but just like any other busy tourism cities, it experiences common petty crimes of theft, robbery and scamming. Busiest areas with high crime rate are Port Louis the capital, Grand Bay on the North coast and Flic en on the west coast. A traveler is prone to theft problems if they are fond of moving after dusk.
Do not move and drive at night, always be vigilant and take care of your property at all times. Leave your valuables at your lodge is you are not going to use them and remember to use a safe hotel.
Mauritius Travel Visa
You don’t need a visa to enter Mauritius. On arrival, your passport will be stamped allowing entry to the country for 60 days. You’ll need to be able to provide evidence of onward or return travel. If you intend to work in Mauritius, you must get a work permit before you travel.
The information on this page covers the most common types of travel and reflects the UK government’s understanding of the rules currently in place. Unless otherwise stated, this information is for travelers using a full ‘British Citizen’ passport.
The authorities in the country or territory you’re travelling to be responsible for setting and enforcing the rules for entry. If you’re unclear about any aspect of the entry requirements, or you need further reassurance, you’ll need to contact the embassy or high commission of the country or territory you’re travelling to.
You should also consider checking with your transport provider or Travel Company to make sure your passport and other travel documents meet their requirements.
Visas
You don’t need a visa to enter Mauritius. On arrival, your passport will be stamped allowing entry to the country for 60 days. You’ll need to be able to provide evidence of onward or return travel.
If you intend to work in Mauritius, you must get a work permit before you travel.
Passport validity
Your passport should be valid for the proposed duration of your stay. No additional period of validity beyond this is required. It should have at least one blank passport page.
Mauritius Safaris and tours
A wild southwest day tour takes you through the sceneries of Mauritius, to the Caramel waterfalls and trekking to the peak of Mauritius’ summit.
The Black river swim with dolphins at the black river coast featured with snorkeling. This is done for 3 hours. Breakfast and lunch are included and a boat-cruise.