Highlights
Le Morne Brabant
A basalt mountain on the south-west peninsula that sheltered escaped enslaved people in the 18th and 19th centuries, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A guided hike to the top gives views over the lagoon, and the beaches below are known for kitesurfing.
Chamarel
In the south-west hills, the Seven Coloured Earths are dunes of red, brown and violet volcanic soil. Nearby, the Chamarel waterfall drops in a single plunge into a forested gorge.
Black River Gorges National Park
The island's largest protected area, covering much of its remaining native forest. Trails lead to viewpoints and waterfalls, and you may see the rare pink pigeon and Mauritius kestrel, both brought back from the brink of extinction.
Port Louis
The capital's central market is busy with spice and street-food stalls, and the Aapravasi Ghat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, marks where hundreds of thousands of indentured labourers, mostly from India, arrived in the 19th century.
Grand Bassin (Ganga Talao)
A crater lake in the highlands and the most sacred Hindu site on the island, watched over by tall statues of Shiva and Durga. During the Maha Shivaratri festival, pilgrims walk here from across the island.
Pamplemousses Botanic Garden
Founded in the 18th century, one of the oldest botanical gardens in the southern hemisphere, known for its pond of giant water lilies, its palms and its giant tortoises.
Île aux Cerfs and the east coast lagoon
Boat trips from the east coast cross a wide turquoise lagoon to Île aux Cerfs, with sandy beaches and water sports, often stopping at the waterfall at Grand River South East.
Rodrigues
A smaller, quieter island about an hour and a half's flight away, part of the Republic of Mauritius. Hiking, a vast lagoon for kitesurfing and an easy-going pace make it very different from the main island.
Interesting facts about Mauritius
- Mauritius was the only home of the dodo, a flightless bird that became extinct in the 17th century, not long after humans arrived.
- The island had no indigenous human population; it was uninhabited until Dutch settlers arrived in the 17th century.
- Mauritius is the only country in Africa where Hinduism is the most widely practised religion.
- The 1847 Post Office stamps of Mauritius, known as the Blue and Red Mauritius, are among the rarest and most valuable stamps in the world.
- Seen from the air off Le Morne, sand and silt flowing down the underwater slope create the illusion of an underwater waterfall.
Best time to visit
Mauritius is warm all year. The cooler, drier months from May to November are good for hiking and sightseeing, with pleasant temperatures, though the south and east coasts can be windy. Summer, from December to April, is hot and humid, with the warmest sea, and is the cyclone season, when storms are possible, mostly between January and March. The west coast is generally calmer and drier, while the east is breezier. Diving visibility is often best from about October to April.
Practical information
| Capital | Port Louis |
|---|---|
| Currency | Mauritian rupee (MUR) |
| Languages | English, French, Mauritian Creole |
| Plugs | Type C, E, G |
| Voltage | 230 V, 50 Hz |
| Emergency | 999 police, 114 ambulance, 995 fire |
| Driving | On the left |
| Tipping | Not obligatory. Some hotels and restaurants add a service charge; otherwise leaving around 10% for good service is appreciated. |
Getting around
Buses cover most of the island cheaply, though they can be slow and stop running in the evening. The Metro Express light rail links Port Louis with Rose-Hill, Quatre-Bornes and Curepipe. Taxis are plentiful, but agree the fare before you go or ask your hotel to book. Many visitors rent a car to explore; driving is on the left, roads are narrow and winding in the interior, and traffic around Port Louis can be heavy. Flights and occasional ships connect to Rodrigues.
Staying connected in Mauritius
Mobile coverage is good across most of Mauritius, with 4G in towns, along the coasts and at most resorts. Coverage can dip in the Black River Gorges and in some mountain valleys, and is more limited on Rodrigues and outlying islets. Hotels, guesthouses and many cafés offer Wi-Fi. Install an eSIM before you fly and switch it on when you land, so you can use maps and contact your driver from the airport.
See Mauritius eSIM plans · How to install an eSIM
Useful apps for Mauritius
- Google Maps: Driving directions and finding beaches, trailheads and viewpoints around the island.
- Google Translate: French is widely used in daily life, and menus and signs are often in French.
- XE Currency: Convert rupee prices quickly in markets and shops.