Mauritius Travel Information

Mauritius is an island nation located in the Indian Ocean, known for its stunning beaches, lush tropical forests, and crystal clear waters. The island is a popular destination for tourists seeking to relax on the beach, explore the island's natural beauty, or enjoy water activities like snorkeling, diving, and fishing. Here are the top 10 things to do in Mauritius.

1. Visit the Seven Coloured Earths

The Seven Coloured Earths, located in Chamarel, is a geological formation of sand dunes in different shades of red, brown, violet, green, blue, purple, and yellow. The site is a must-see for visitors interested in geology and natural beauty.

2. Explore the Black River Gorges National Park

The Black River Gorges National Park is a nature reserve that covers over 6,754 hectares of forest, waterfalls, and hiking trails. The park is home to a variety of plants and animals, including the Mauritian flying fox and the pink pigeon.

3. Relax on the Beach

Mauritius is known for its beautiful beaches, many of which are surrounded by clear blue waters and fringed by coral reefs. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and other beach activities. Some of the best beaches include Flic en Flac, Le Morne, and Belle Mare.

4. Go Snorkeling and Diving

The waters around Mauritius are home to a rich marine life, including colorful fish, turtles, and coral. Visitors can go snorkeling or diving to explore the underwater world. Some popular diving spots include Blue Bay Marine Park, Flic en Flac, and Tamarin Bay.

5. Visit the Pamplemousses Botanical Garden

The Pamplemousses Botanical Garden is a must-see for visitors interested in botany and horticulture. The garden covers more than 60 hectares and contains a wide variety of plants, including giant water lilies, medicinal plants, and exotic fruit trees.

6. Take a Boat Trip

Visitors can take a boat trip to explore the coast and the marine life of Mauritius. Trips include dolphin watching, snorkeling, and deep-sea fishing. Some popular boat trip destinations include the Ile aux Cerfs and the Blue Bay Marine Park.

7. Visit the Eureka House

The Eureka House, located in Moka, is a colonial mansion that has been converted into a museum. The house was built in the 1830s and has been preserved to give visitors a glimpse of the lifestyle of the island's wealthy sugar plantation owners.

8. Go Shopping

Mauritius is a shopper's paradise, with a wide variety of stores and markets selling everything from local crafts to luxury goods. Visitors can find anything from souvenirs and textiles to jewelry and watches.

9. Experience a Sugar Factory Tour

Mauritius was once a major sugar producer and visitors can take a tour of the sugar factories to learn about the island's sugar history and production process.

10. Enjoy a Spa Treatment

Mauritius is known for its spa treatments and wellness centers, many of which offer traditional Mauritian treatments such as Ayurveda and aromatherapy. Visitors can relax and rejuvenate with a massage or beauty treatment.

Climate

Mauritius has a tropical climate with two seasons: a warm and humid summer from November to April and a cooler and drier winter from May to October. The temperature ranges from around 25°C (77°F) in the winter to around 30°C (86°F) in the summer. The island also experiences occasional cyclones during the summer months.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Mauritius depends on your preferences. The summer months of November to April are the warmest and most humid, and are the best time to enjoy the beaches, swimming, and water activities. The winter months of May to October are cooler and drier, and are the best time for activities such as hiking and exploring the island's natural beauty. The island is also less crowded during the winter months which is an added advantage.

Here are some general travel tips regarding entry requirements that apply across all countries:

Passport

Make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of your arrival in the country you are visiting. Some countries will not allow you to enter if your passport is set to expire within a certain period of time.

Visa

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if you need a visa. Some countries require a visa for entry, while others do not. Make sure to apply for a visa well in advance of your trip as the process can take several weeks. Check the latest Visa requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Health Requirements and COVID-19 Rules

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if there are any health requirements for entry. Some countries require vaccinations or proof of medical insurance. Check the latest health requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Travel Insurance

Consider purchasing travel insurance, especially if you are traveling internationally. Travel insurance can cover you in the event of trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and other unexpected events. Our travel insurance partner is SafetyWing. For dangerous activities and/or countries consider a rescue service like those offered by our partner, Global Rescue.

Customs

Be familiar with the customs and laws of the country you are visiting. Some countries have strict laws regarding drug possession, alcohol consumption, and dress codes.

Currency

Check the currency exchange rate and make sure you have enough local currency for your trip. Some countries may not accept credit cards or travelers cheques, so it is always good to have some cash on hand. At WhereNext we recommend use a Wise debit card, which provides low cost currency conversions and ATM withdrawals.

Research the country

Research about the culture, customs and laws of the country you are visiting. It will help you to understand the place more and also prepare you better for the trip.

Contact Information

Make a copy of your passport and keep it in a separate place from your passport. Also, leave a copy of your itinerary and contact information with a friend or family member at home.

Mauritius offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit every budget and preference. Some popular options include:

Luxury Resorts

Mauritius is home to many luxury resorts, which offer high-end amenities, private beaches, and top-notch service. These resorts are ideal for those looking for a luxurious and relaxing vacation.

Boutique Hotels

For a more personal and intimate experience, there are many boutique hotels located throughout the island. These hotels often offer unique and stylish accommodations and personalized service.

Guesthouses and Villas

For a more authentic and local experience, visitors can stay in a guesthouse or villa. These accommodations are often family-run and offer a more personal touch than large hotels.

Self-catering apartments

Self-catering apartments are a great option for those looking for a more independent and budget-friendly option. These apartments offer the flexibility and privacy of having your own kitchen and living space.

Campsites

For those looking for a more adventurous and unique experience, camping is also an option. There are a few campsites available on the island, which offer basic facilities and the opportunity to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Mauritius.

Mauritius offers several transportation options for visitors to get around the island. Some popular options include:

Car Rental

Renting a car is a popular option for visitors who want to explore the island at their own pace. There are several car rental companies located throughout the island, and visitors can rent a car with or without a driver.

Taxis

Taxis are widely available throughout the island and are a convenient option for getting around. Taxis can be hailed on the street or booked in advance.

Buses

Buses are a budget-friendly option for getting around the island, but they can be crowded and not always on schedule. Buses run frequently between major towns and cities.

Motorbikes and Scooters

Renting a motorbike or scooter is a popular option for visitors who want to explore the island on their own. This option offers more flexibility and independence than other modes of transportation.

Private Transfers

For a more comfortable and convenient option, visitors can book private transfers with a driver. This option is ideal for those who want to avoid the hassle of navigating unfamiliar roads and avoid the problems of parking.

Money Tips for Travel

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Notify your bank and credit card companies of your travel plans to avoid any potential issues with international transactions.
• Bring a mix of cash, credit, and debit cards--and possibly a travel money card.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.
• Make sure to have a backup option for accessing money in case your primary method doesn't work.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• NEVER accept currency conversion at ATMs! Always get your home bank to convert at much better rates.
• Think about getting a Wise or other travel debit card; these can provide much better rates and some free ATM withdrawals.

ATM and Credit Cards

• Research the availability of ATMs and credit card acceptance at your destination before you depart.
• Keep your ATM card in a safe place and be mindful of your surroundings when using it.
• Try to stick to using ATMs that are affiliated with major banks.
• Keep your credit card information safe and secure, and be aware of potential scams.
• Make sure your cards have the necessary security features, such as chip and pin.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.

Exchange Rates

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• Be careful of places that may offer to exchange money at rates that seem too good to be true.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It covers a wide range of needs--even some you might not expect!

Medical Coverage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for medical expenses if you become ill or injured while traveling. This can include coverage for doctor visits, hospital stays, and emergency medical transportation. It's also a good idea to ensure that your travel insurance covers COVID-19 related illness and delays!

Trip Cancellation and Interruption

Travel insurance can provide coverage if you need to cancel or interrupt your trip due to unexpected events such as illness, weather, or travel bans. It can also provide coverage if your trip is delayed or if your travel provider goes out of business.

Lost or Stolen Luggage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for lost or stolen luggage, as well as personal items such as passports and electronic devices.

Emergency Assistance and Evacuation

Many travel insurance plans offer emergency assistance services, such as providing information on local hospitals and doctors, assistance with replacing lost or stolen documents, and help with arranging transportation in the event of an emergency. At WhereNext we have partnered with Global Rescue for evacuation services, which are highly recommended if you are undertaking dangerous activities or are travelling to dangerous parts of the world.

Liability coverage

Travel insurance can also provide liability coverage in case you cause an accident or harm someone while you are traveling.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It can help cover the costs of medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost or stolen luggage, and more. It's always a good idea to review the coverage and compare the different options available before making a decision. At WhereNext we both use and have partnered with Safety Wing for general travel insurance.

When traveling, getting mobile access is very important these days. If you are working remotely, wanting to update social media, or need to access your banks SMS authentication messages having a reliable service is a must. At WhereNext we recommend:

eSIM

Services such as those offered by our partner, Airalo, allow you to easily order and install an eSIM for different countries or regions that you are traveling in.

Dual SIM phone

If you have a phone that supports dual SIM's then you can get a SIM on arrival for each country, this is probably better done at a telco store rather than at the airport.

Extend your home plan

Depending on where you live and your mobile service provider you may be able to extend your plan to cover mobile roaming at reasonable rates.

Keep your primary SIM

With the amount of accounts we all have that require two factor authentication via SMS, keeping a constant number for these accounts is a must.

There are several online communities and platforms that you can use to meet people while traveling, both for making new friends or for networking professionally. Some popular options include:

Facebook groups

There are many Facebook groups dedicated to connecting people while traveling, from expat groups and travel communities to groups specific to certain cities or regions of the country. You can search for groups based on your interests or location and connect with others who share similar interests.

Meetup

Meetup is a platform that allows you to find groups of people that share your interests in your local area. There are Meetup groups all around the world, and they cover a wide range of topics, such as language exchange, sports, and cultural activities.

Internations

Internations is a social network for people who live or work abroad. It has a large community of expats and organizes regular events, activities and gatherings that allow members to connect and socialize.

Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing is a platform that connects travelers with local hosts, who offer free accommodation and a chance to experience the local culture. It's a great way to meet locals and make friends!

Reddit

Reddit has a large community, and there are several subreddits dedicated to connecting expats and travelers. You can use it to ask questions, get advice, and connect with others who are also living or traveling in the country.

Linkedin

LinkedIn is primarily a professional network, but you can also use it to connect with people who work in the same industry or have similar backgrounds. It can be useful to connect with people before you arrive and establish a few professional contacts to help you get started.

At WhereNext, we use Nomad List as a global community and then research more local ones for our destination. These are just a few examples of online communities you can use to meet people; please suggest any others that you think are appropriate for this destination.