White beaches and turquoise lagoons, sugar plantations and cultural monuments, nature reserves and underwater waterfalls – Mauritius can fall in love in one short vacation. The small island with eternal summer has everything for lovers of different types of vacations. We tell you what to do in Mauritius to spend your time with pleasure and interest.
History of the development of the state
Mauritius was discovered by Portuguese sailors only in 1512, but they did not settle on the island and did not claim rights to it. And only in 1598 the Dutch founded the first settlements here and gave the island a name – in honor of the Dutch governor Prince Moritz of Nassau (his Latin name sounded like Mauritius). They brought sugar cane, deer and domestic animals to the island and left it just a century later, in 1710.
In 1715, the French landed here, renamed the island Ile-de-France and founded Port Louis as a naval base and shipbuilding center. This city became an important point of trade in the Indian Ocean, and sugar cane plantations began to develop vigorously on the island. Planters began bringing African slaves to the island. The French were forced off the island by the British in 1810, but left many architectural monuments and their own language.
In 1814, the British returned the name Mauritius to the island and promised to preserve the language, traditions and laws of French rule. Already in 1835, the British government abolished slavery and paid the planters a large ransom for their people. According to rough estimates, from that time until the outbreak of World War I, 462 thousand hired laborers from India, China, Madagascar, Mozambique and Southeast Asia arrived on the island. They worked mainly on plantations, which continued to grow strongly thanks to the importation of sugar to Britain.
In 1936, after numerous and bloody clashes between the French-Mauritian and Indian population of the island, the Labor Party of Mauritius was founded. And in 1947 the first elections to the Legislative Assembly were held, which became an important step towards independence.
British rule in Mauritius ended in 1968 with the signing of the Independence Act. Elizabeth II nominally remained head of state until 1992, although all her rights were transferred to the Governor-General of the island. On March 12, 1992 Mauritius changed its form of government to republican and became fully independent.
Where is
Mauritius is located in the Indian Ocean, about 900 kilometers east of the nearest large landmass, the island of Madagascar, and 1,900 kilometers off the coast of Africa. Together with the neighboring islands of Réunion (France) and Rodrigues (Mauritius), it is part of the Mascarene Archipelago. The island is relatively small – 65 kilometers from north to south and 41 from west to east – with a well-developed road infrastructure, so it is easy and quick to get around.
When to go
Mauritius is located in the Southern Hemisphere, so summer and winter on the island are diametrically opposed to ours, and there is no spring and fall as such. The temperature is comfortable for vacationing all year round, with slight differences between seasons.
Summer on the island lasts from November to April, with average air temperatures of +28…+33°C and water temperatures of +26…+30°C. This is an ideal time for a resort vacation, but it should be borne in mind that the hottest time is from December to February, and from January to March there is a high probability of rain. They usually come in the afternoon or at night and end quickly.
Summer in Mauritius is the best time for diving. The warm and calm waters around the island attract a variety of marine life: different species of colorful fish, turtles and rays. Coral reefs, underwater caves and shipwrecks attract divers from all over the world.
Winter months in Mauritius are from May to October. The temperature drops slightly: the air warms up to +22…+28°C, the water to +22…+25°C, but strong winds appear, especially on the eastern coast of the island. Therefore, it is in winter that many kite, wind and regular surfers flock here. The cooler winter weather is also perfect for hiking along the island’s many scenic routes.
Holidays
Mauritius is a multi-ethnic country that respects the traditions of each people living here, so celebrations are very frequent. Most of them fall in the summer months. The whole island celebrates the Hindu festival of lights Diwali in October-November, followed by Catholic Christmas and New Year. In January-February, Chinese New Year is celebrated in a grand procession, and in March, Holi, the vibrant Hindu festival of colors, is celebrated.
How to get around the island
Despite the size of the island, public transportation is well developed in Mauritius. First of all, there is a bus system. Buses run from 5:30 to 20:00 with an interval of about 15 minutes. There are two classes of service: standard and express, the latter runs less often, but is equipped with air conditioners. Secondly, there is a network of suburban trains Metro Express, connecting Port Louis with the second major city of the island, Kürpip. To travel, you must buy a MECard.
But if you have a license, the best way to explore Mauritius is to rent a car. The territory of the island is small, so you can explore it by car for a two-week vacation. All major international rental companies are represented in Mauritius.
Where to stay
Although Mauritius is small, different parts of differ in both the type of vacation and weather conditions. But in every place you will definitely find large luxury hotels, small guesthouses, villas and lodges. We tell you which region to choose so you don’t miss out.
North
This is the most touristy part of the country. If you like nightlife, shopping, trendy bars and restaurants, we recommend staying here. There are also some great beaches and surfing spots in the north. From here you can head to the white sand island of Gabriel or the island of Quen de Mire, one of the best snorkeling spots in Mauritius. And if you want to touch the history and culture of the country, you can visit the colonial estate of Chateau de Labourdonnais or the ancient church of Notre Dame Auxiliatrice in the town of Cap Malereux.
East
A completely different flavor awaits travelers on the eastern coast. Here long kilometers of coastline beckon with white sand and clear turquoise waters. Picturesque fishing villages will show you the life and traditions of the locals, and national parks will surprise you with waterfalls and numerous birds hidden in the forests.
South
The region doesn’t boast gorgeous beaches, but it has picturesque shores where the waves crash against beautiful steep cliffs, and there is a road all along the southern coast. There are also tea and sugar plantations with luxury estates, and on Egret Island there is a national park with rare bird species such as the pink pigeon and Mascarene foudi.
West
The main part of the west coast is well protected from winds, and rain is less frequent than in other parts of the island. This region is most often chosen when vacationing with children. There are wide beaches, a large number of cafes and restaurants, and numerous hiking trails in the Black River Gorge National Park, where you can get to know the local flora and fauna.
The southwestern part of the island is a favorite destination for surfers and kitesurfers, with the wind blowing almost all year round near Mount Le Morne. Therefore, if you want to try these sports, we recommend you to choose this location for your vacation.
The most interesting places
Mauritius is a small island with a total area of 2030 km², but it has a lot to offer. There are interesting cities with historical monuments, and nature reserves with waterfalls and gorges. We tell you where to go to really get to know the island.
Port Louis
In the capital of Mauritius, the mix of cultures is most acutely felt. There are beautiful French streets of the XVIII century, Chinese pagodas and mosques – all this is imbued with a special Mauritian flavor. We recommend to start acquaintance with the city from Caudan Waterfront near the port, it is the most modern part of the city. Here on the brightly decorated streets are all the most popular tourist places of the city. And nearby there is a special place – the central market, where you can taste local fruits and dishes, buy souvenirs and chat with sellers who will skillfully talk you into selling something.
A leisurely stroll through the streets of Port Louis will leave an impression for a long time, and if the weather is too hot, you can visit the Natural History Museum, where you can learn all about the island’s main symbol – the dodo bird. Sunset is recommended to spend at Fort Adelaide, built in the early XIX century to protect the island. It offers a beautiful view of the city and the surrounding area.
Kürpipe
It is the second largest city on the island and is located in the central part of the island. Visitors also come here to stroll the colonial-era streets, see the beautiful early 19th century town hall, the openwork Basilica of St. Helena and the majestic St. Theresa’s Church. And also right in the center of the city there is a crater of the extinct volcano Tru-o-Surf 100 meters deep with a picturesque lake at the bottom – it is definitely worth seeing!
Château de Labourdonnais
This beautiful 19th century manor house is located in the small town of Mapu in the northern part of the island. This striking example of neoclassical architecture gives a clear sense of the opulence of the planters who once lived here. After exploring the interior of the mansion, you can stroll through the gardens around the estate, where endemic fruits are still grown today.
Lake Grand Bassin (Ganga Talao)
The sacred Hindu lake is located in the mountains in the south of the island. It is located in the crater of a volcano amidst endemic forest and verdant mountains. Several temples of Hindu gods and goddesses and a 33-meter statue of the god Shiva are built around the reservoir. The Hanuman temple offers a picturesque view of the entire lake from above.
Black River Gorge
The largest national park on the island is a remnant of the Mauritian rainforest and home to many native flora and fauna, including unique rare and endangered species (e.g. Mauritian kestrel, necklaced parrot, flying fox, bulbul and olive white-eye). The reserve has 50 kilometers of trails, from the most basic to the ascent of Black River Mountain (828 meters above sea level), which offers spectacular views of the entire island.
Rochester Falls
Here, water cascades down octagonal basalt columns left over from volcanic eruptions on the island. The low (only 10 meters) but powerful waterfall and lake, surrounded by lush greenery, are perfect for a swim or a picnic stop while exploring Mauritius.
The Seven Colored Sands of Chamarel
Amazingly, the sand on the bare hills in this park is not mixed by erosion or by rain and wind. That’s why the folds of the earth here shimmer in seven different colors. Scientists have found an explanation for this: geological processes have left here soils rich in iron and aluminum, which do not mix with each other. Iron oxide colors the sand in shades from red to brown, and aluminum oxide – from blue to purple. And rainfall over millennia has carved the hills in irregular folds.
Le Morne-Braban Peninsula
This corner of Mauritius is included in the UNESCO Heritage List as an important historical site. At the top of the mountain of the same name, fugitive slaves hid in numerous caves in the 18th and 19th centuries, so it is now a true symbol of freedom. In addition, from the top of this mountain, which can be climbed in about three hours, there are stunning views of the island and the lagoon. And after an active walk up the mountain you can relax on one of the best beaches of the island or try your hand at kitesurfing.
Underwater waterfall
This unique natural phenomenon is located off the southwest coast, near the Le Morne peninsula. In fact, it is not a waterfall, but a “sandfall”: here the sand underwater falls to the depths from the shelf on which the island stands. This effect creates the illusion of a continuous waterfall underwater. You can see it from afar from the top of Le Morne-Braban, but to fully enjoy the beauty of the “sandfall” and the surrounding reef, it is better to go by helicopter or seaplane.
Sir Sivusagur Botanical Gardens
This amazing park (also called Pamplemousse) covers an area of 37 hectares in the north of Mauritius. It was founded in the XVIII century and is considered one of the oldest in the Southern Hemisphere. Here you can admire the Amazonian victoria – the largest lily in the world, the leaf of which can support the weight of an adult person. There are also unique ebony trees, endemics of the island, which have completely disappeared in the wild.
Best beaches
Mauritius is an island of white sand and turquoise water. There is a huge number of paid and public beaches, suitable for any type of vacation – from quiet family to active sports. Around the island stretches a picturesque and densely populated coral reef, which protects it from the abundant waves.
The most popular beaches with plenty of entertainment are located in the northwest of the island. For diving and snorkeling it is better to choose the eastern shore, and for surfing in any form – the south and south-west. Here are the main points of beach vacation.
Grand Bay
This is the most famous resort of the island. The public beach, located in a beautiful quiet lagoon, attracts a large number of vacationers with its developed infrastructure: there are cozy cafes and restaurants, as well as offers to fish in the open sea.
Belle-Mar
The clear turquoise water of this beach in the east of Mauritius is the perfect place to explore the underwater world in any form. It’s also the perfect place to welcome dawn on the island.
Mont Choisey
The longest beach in Mauritius is located in the north of the island. Although popular with travelers and locals alike, the length of the beach means there is room for everyone: the three kilometers of white sandy beach is shaded by palm trees and casuarias. There is also a riding school nearby, where you can ride a horse along the beach. And early in the morning, before 7 o’clock, you can catch an unusual sight – horses are brought to the beach to swim.
Blue Bay
A small, quiet lagoon with clear water on the eastern side of the island is a great place for a vacation with kids. There is a beautiful coral reef near the resort, making this beach perfect for snorkeling. There are also clear-bottomed boats from here to explore the underwater life.
Flick-en-Flack
Here the lagoon is well protected by a coral reef, so there are practically no waves, but there are a lot of colorful species of fish. There is everything on this beach and for a comfortable vacation in any format: a variety of entertainment, bars and clubs.
Tamarin
The beach next to Flick en Flac, on the other hand, is open to the waves – the reefs do not protect the lagoon, so surfers come here. Dolphins often come to the bay near this beach in the mornings, and if you are lucky you can even swim with them.
Le Morne
The public beach at the foot of the mountain of the same name in the southwest of the island is a paradise for kitesurfers. But even if you’re not into this sport, it’s a nice place to relax on the soft sand under coconut palms and watch a picturesque sunset.
Ile aux Cerfs
This small island east of the coast of Mauritius is a great choice for a beach vacation. It has excellent infrastructure and all kinds of water activities from snorkeling and catamarans to kitesurfing.
Gri-Gri
This beach is not for swimming, but for enjoying the power of the ocean. The southern coast of Mauritius is not protected by reefs, so the real elements rage here. It is pleasant to walk along the shore and listen to the waves crashing against the rocks, and in one place (Weeping Rock, La Roche Qui Pleure), when water meets a rock, an unusual sound effect like crying is created.
Food
The cuisine of Mauritius is a great adventure in its own right. Here typical Creole, Indian, Chinese and French dishes have been mixed and assimilated, giving Mauritian cuisine a special flavor and taste. The island has everything from haute cuisine restaurants to numerous street food stalls. Here are some of the Mauritian specialties that you will surely want to try:
- A special sauce made of tomatoes, thyme, chili, coriander and other ingredients – each cook prepares it differently. Meat, fish or vegetables are made in this sauce
- Small dumplings with meat, fish and vegetable fillings, served with broth and noodles. Typical street food
- The classic Indian dish of rice and meat in Mauritius has acquired a special flavor due to local spices
- A fish curry with mustard, turmeric, onion and garlic. Most often sold in markets
- Gato pimo. Small balls of peas with chili and coriander, usually eaten with sauce in a baguette, like falafel
- Pea flour flatbreads with any filling, most often served with curry or chutney
- Sweet milk drink with basil seeds and agar-agar agar
Souvenirs
There are few options, but all are very colorful. First of all, you can buy anything with a dodo bird on it. The extinct Mauritian dodo is the symbol of the country (it is even depicted on its coat of arms). The islanders have turned the dodo into a real brand and use it everywhere. One of the most popular souvenirs are figurines with this bird made of various materials.
If you like miniature ships – model ships. From small, bottle sailing ships that fit in a suitcase, to large ones that will have to be sent by post or freight. There are several workshops on the island that have been making these models by hand since the 1970s, including for maritime museums around the world.
As a strong alcohol – rum. Sugar cane from the island’s plantations is now used primarily for the production of this drink. There are a couple dozen rum factories in Mauritius, you can choose any one. There are bottles with even ten and twenty years of ageing on sale.
For gourmets, vanilla and other local spices are a must. The former is sold in pods or as a liquid extract. Vanilla is used everywhere here and is even used in tea. And in general, Mauritius is a country where it is impossible to imagine dishes without a variety of spices, so spices from here will remind you of your trip for a long time.
Conclusion
Not every tropical island boasts such an abundance of different types of vacations as Mauritius. Here, relaxing on the beach and dancing in the clubs can easily be combined with active entertainment. And in order not to miss the most interesting things and truly fall in love with the island, contact local guides. They will show you the secret trails and tell you where to eat the most delicious vindai.
