Why go to Mauritius

Magical Mauritius.

Located near Reunion in the Indian Ocean, the postcard-worthy Mauritius Island is famed for its clear and warm turquoise waters and endless white beaches lined with coconut trees.

While the coast is the most popular draw-card of the tropical holiday destination, colourful houses and colonial churches alongside ornate Hindu temples make its inland areas a colourful feast for the senses, and a terrain of lush sugarcane fields and banana plantations give way to awe-inspiring mountainous vistas as you wind down the west of the island.

BEAUTIFUL BEACHES

Said to be the paradise of the Indian Ocean, Mauritius offers visitors looking for a dreamy tropical getaway a large variety of idyllic beaches and blue lagoons to choose from.

The Mauritian coastline is approximately 330 km long, and a nice sandy beach can be found almost anywhere along the stretch. The entire island is surrounded by coral reefs that have created awe-inspiring lagoons with crystal clear waters and calm conditions great for swimming and snorkelling.

The beaches in the north of Mauritius are famous for their watersport activities, including waterskiing, windsurfing, sailing, deep sea fishing and parasailing. In the evenings, visitors can enjoy amazing views of the sunset and the buzz of a selection of trendy bars and restaurants near the beach. The most popular beaches in the north are Trou aux Biches, Mont Choisy, La Cuvette, Grand Bay Public Beach and Pereybere.

The east of Mauritius is wilder and less developed, and a great place for nature lovers. The beaches stretch endlessly along the coast, and are fringed on one side by the shady green casuarinas trees, and the lagoon on the other. Those looking to escape the crowds will enjoy these unspoiled beaches, with the most popular being Blue Bay, Belle Mare and the beaches of the Ile aux Cerfs Island.

Lovers of nature and a quieter beach experience will also enjoy the beaches in the south of Mauritius, where high sea cliffs and the dramatic sight of big waves crashing against the rocks make for a dramatic and picturesque scene. While these beaches aren’t recommended for swimming, they are worth visiting for the striking scenery. Great options here are St Félix, Riviere des Galets and Gris Gris.

Meanwhile, the beaches along the west coast of Mauritius are popular amongst locals and tourists after a spot of leisure, swimming or surfing. Flic en Flac, one of the most popular beaches on the island, is home to a turquoise lagoon with shallow water ideal for leisure-makers, and surfers flock to Tamarin and Le Morne.

AQUATIC ADVENTURES

Almost completely encircled by one of the world’s finest coral reefs, Mauritius offers unrivalled aquatic adventures. Millions of years have given form to a vast underwater world that’s home to thousands of marine species. Brightly coloured fish weave though coral gardens, great moray eels lurk in caves and crustaceans scavenge the reef amidst rich underwater vegetation.

Organised diving trips to selected sites can be arranged though hotel diving schools, the snorkeller need not stray far to catch a glimpse of the hundreds of reef residents, and the less adventurous can experiece a taste of lagoon life on a scenic cruise in a glass-bottomed boat.

WONDROUS WILDLIFE

Home to a number of endemic and highly endangered species of mammals, birds, reptiles and plants, Mauritius offers some spectacular flora and fauna that can’t be seen anywhere else in the world.

A short drive from the coast in the southwest of Mauritius is Black River Gorge National Park, home to 60 km of untamed forest, waterfalls, spectacular mountain and ocean views and truly unique birdlife.

Also in the southwest, François Leguat Reserve aims at recreating the Eden encountered by early explorers to Mauritius. A breeding program has seen hundreds of tortoises reintroduced to the area, and 100,000 indigenous trees have been planted over the last four years. Cave visits in the area are also a highlight.

On the western side of the island, Vallée de Ferney is a reserve protecting a 400-year-old forest that’s home to fascinating flora and fauna, including the Mauritius kestrel – one of the world’s most endangered raptors.

A popular ecotourism destination, Île aux Aigrettes is a 26-hectare nature reserve on an island roughly 800 m off the southeast coast of Mauritius. It preserves very rare remnants of the coastal forests of Mauritius, and provides a sanctuary for a range of endemic and endangered flora and fauna species, including Aldabra giant tortoises, ebony trees, wild orchids, and the endangered pink pigeon and other rare bird species.

LUXURY LIVING

Mauritius is famous for its luxury resorts. Some of the highest rated include the award-winning Maradiva Villas in Flic-en-Flac, the 19th-century-inspired Heritage Le Telfair in Bel Ombre, the five-star LUX* and sumptuous Regis in Le Morne, the boutique 20 Degrees Sud in Grand Baie, the French-style Constance in Belle Mare and La Maison d’Eté in Poste Lafayette, the rustic chic Zilwa Attitude in Calodyne, the daringly different Bubble Lodge in Cap Malheureux, the beachfront Oberoi in Turtle Bay Marine Park, the exclusive Lakaz Chamarel in Chamarel and many more.

FAQ Mauritius

Mauritius enjoys a relatively mild climate, and temperatures are rather moderate throughout the year (with occasional rainfall). The most pleasant time to visit is between April and June, and then again between September and December.

Mauritius is not a very large island, it is perfectly possible to travel around the island by car or scooter if you want.
But the best is probably by boat. From your lodge or resort take a day to really go around the island!

There are many ways to get to Mauritius with direct flight from Europe.
But it is also perfectly possible to combine South Africa or Kenya with this stunning island.
Ask us for help to book your tickets and combine Mauritius with your safari plans.

Our favourite lodges & camps in Mauritius