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The Ultimate Traveller’s Guide to Mauritius

Pembury Tours Blog - The Ultimate Guide to Mauritius

MAURITIUS

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

The World Travel Awards were recently held and we are proud to announce that Africa ranked pretty well, walking away with a number of awards, including world’s leading exclusive private island , world’s leading eco-lodge, and world’s leading luxury lodge

Out of the awards won, Africa managed to also nab World’s Leading Romantic Destination. This destination is so beautiful that even Mark Twain had something to say about it:

“Mauritius was made first and then heaven, heaven being copied after Mauritius.” 

Mauritius is renowned as one of the best beach destinations – with sapphire blue waters, white-sand beaches and luxury accommodation, it is easy to understand why. The romance lies in the pink sunsets, warm ocean breezes, romantic strolls along the untouched coastline.  

If you’re a honeymoon couple or just looking to get back ‘the spark’, here is everything you need to know about Mauritius: 

Where to Go 

The West  

The west coast of Mauritius is the hotspot for great diving and breathtaking sunsets. Flic en Flac is the place to go. Having been described as an “aquatic playground” – it is a hub of activity – you’ll encounter clubs, restaurants, souvenir shops, and also one of the best beaches in Mauritius. The beach is fringed with Carusina Trees and the waters protected by a reef – this makes it safe for swimming and other water activities, like snorkeling and diving.  

The East  

Mauritius’ east coast is famed for its beaches and the untouched feel. If you’re looking for a romantic destination untouched by tourism, this is for you. Known by the rather romantic nickname “La Côte Sauvage (the Wild Coast) – the beaches are beautiful, the atmosphere tranquil and the resorts exclusive. Belle Mare is one of the best beaches on the east coast, the 10km of coastline is perfect for long romantic strolls, relaxing under the sun or floating in the warm azure waters. Like Flic en Flac, Belle Mare is a calm and shallow lagoon, protected by a reef, ideal for indulging in watersports.  

Inland  

Despite being famed for its romantic beaches, a trip inland promises adventurous and enthralling experiences. Chamarel provides the perfect contrast to the sugar-white beaches with its Terres de 7 Couleurs (terraces of pink, orange and red-hued sands), striking Chamarel Waterfall and vibey culinary scene.  

Moving inland from the west coast brings you to Black River Gorges National Park. This is one of Mauritius’ most underrated attractions. It is home to breathtaking scenery, incredible hiking trails, spectacular waterfalls and endemic bird species.  

Off the Coast 

The coast of Mauritius is dotted with small islands perfect for day trips. Ile aux Cerfs lies just off the east coast and is the ideal day trip destination. The island is home to the legendary 18-hole Ile aux Cerfs Golf Club, picturesque beaches, incredible restaurants and countless water and land-based activities.  

Ile aux Aigrettes is a popular ecotourism destination. Its nature reserve preserves rare remainders of the coastal forests of Mauritius and is a safe haven for endangered and endemic species, such as Aldabra giant tortoises and the pink pigeon. Just note that visits are only possible as part of a guided tour.  

What to Do

Yacht & Catamaran Cruises 

Aside from swimming and suntanning, Mauritius offers the option of being a jam-packed holiday.  One of the most popular activities among visitor is a catamaran or yacht trip where you cruise around the coast, stop off at islets and shallow reefs to snorkel, and enjoy barbeque lunches and cocktails. The most romantic of these is the sunset cruise where you sail the tranquil waters sipping a drink as the sun drops behind the horizon.  

Water Activities  

It should go without saying, but Mauritius has something for everyone when it comes to water-based activities. The island is home to a myriad of world-class diving and snorkeling sites. Not to mention the kitesurfing, windsurfing and small surfing scene.  

Hiking  

If you’re looking for an alternative to a beach stroll, Mauritius has a number of beautiful and scenic hiking trails. The best of these being found where the Central Plateau meets the coast. It is worth taking a guide, not only to ensure you don’t get lost, but also to gain insight into the area’s flora and fauna.  

 Good Old-Fashioned Relaxing 

Of course, what is a beach holiday but the chance to relax. Most resorts offer wonderful spa treatments. It’s worth treating yourself to a massage on the beach, where the gentle sounds of the waves lapping the shore make for the perfect massage accompaniment.  

What to Pack  

Clothing: 

  • Loose blouses  
  • Sundresses  
  • A light jacket or jumper 
  • A cocktail dress  
  • Shorts 
  • Comfortable trousers or jeans 
  • T-shirts 
  • Swimsuits  
  • Beach cover-ups 
  • Trainers  
  • Flip flops 
  • Sandals 
  • A Hat
  • Sunglasses  
  • A beach bag
  • A small handbag / shoulder bag
  • Lightweight raincoat (if you’re travelling during the rainy season) 

Travel Essentials: 

  • Sunscreen (High factor) 
  • Passports (and copies) 
  • Credit cards  
  • Cash  
  • Prescription medicine 
  • Charger cables  
  • Plug converters 
  • Insect repellent  
  • Aftersun (just in case) 
  • A phrasebook  
  • Books / Kindle  
  • A small first-aid kit 

Weather & When to Go  

Mauritius is hot year-round with a tropical climate but there are cooler seasons, if high temperatures are not your thing. 

High Season / Summer (Dec to Feb) 

  • Temperatures range between 25oC and 33oC
  • High humidity
  • Cyclones in January and February
  • Spike in prices over Christmas

Shoulder Season (Mar, Apr, Oct & Nov) 

  • High temperatures
  • Fewer visitors
  • Cyclones may occur in March and April
  • Lower prices than high season

Low Season (May to Sep) 

  • Temperatures range from 18oC to 25oC
  • Still humid
  • Dryer months
  • Higher prices and less availability

Extra Info 

  • The native languages are French, English and Creole.  
  • Mauritius is malaria-free so there’s no need for anti-malarial medication.  
  • The accepted currency is the Mauritian rupee. However, almost all accommodation facilities tether their prices to the euro and accept euro payment.  
  • Tipping is not generally practiced in Mauritius.  
  • Mauritius is also a wonderful family-friendly destination – most resorts cater to children. 

Looking for more travel inspiration?

See our top 20 most inspiring photos of the Okavango Delta here.

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