Mauritius Travel Guide

What is Mauritius known for?

Mauritius, officially the Republic of Mauritius, is an island nation in the Indian Ocean east of Madagascar and part of the Mascarene Islands. It is known for sandy beaches, palm trees, turquoise lagoons, coral reefs and a highly multicultural society.

The island is also famous as the only known home of the extinct dodo and for a number of rare and endemic plant and animal species.

What are the best places to visit in Mauritius?

Mauritius offers much more than beaches. The central plateau provides broad views over the island, while hiking destinations include Tamarin Falls and Black River Gorges National Park. The Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden at Pamplemousses is one of the island’s best-known gardens, and Île aux Aigrettes protects rare species including giant tortoises, pink pigeons and Mauritius kestrels.

Mauritius has two UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Le Morne Cultural Landscape commemorates the history of resistance and refuge associated with enslaved people, while Aapravasi Ghat in Port Louis preserves an important site connected with the arrival of indentured laborers.

In southwestern Mauritius, the Seven Coloured Earths at Chamarel are known for naturally occurring dunes displaying distinct bands of color. The surrounding area also includes waterfalls, viewpoints and forested landscapes.

How many days should I spend in Mauritius?

We recommend 7-10 days based on what you want to see and do. We offer flexible vacation packages so you can select your number of nights, desired hotel and activities. This allows enough time to combine beaches, cultural attractions and day trips around the island.

What is the best way to get around Mauritius?

What is the currency of Mauritius?

The local currency is the Mauritian rupee (MUR). Currency exchange services and ATMs are widely available, especially at the airport, in towns and in resort areas.

Some hotels and tourism businesses may accept foreign currency, but this is not universal. Mauritian rupees are the appropriate default for local purchases, transportation and gratuities.

Do people speak English in Mauritius?

Mauritius is highly multilingual. Government tourism information identifies English and French as official languages, while Mauritian Creole is the language most commonly used in everyday conversation. French is also widely spoken, and several Indian and Asian languages form part of the country’s linguistic landscape.

English is widely used in administration, education and tourism, so English-speaking visitors can generally communicate effectively in hotels and major visitor areas.

Mauritius has a tropical climate and can be visited year-round. The original Tripmasters guide identifies May through December as a particularly attractive period because conditions are generally cooler, drier and sunny.

Weather differs by elevation and coast. The central plateau is usually cooler than the shoreline, while southern and eastern areas tend to be cooler, wetter and windier than the north and west.

November – April

Summer in Mauritius runs broadly from November through April. Coastal temperatures are warm, humidity is higher and the hottest months generally fall between December and February.

Warm sea conditions can be excellent for diving, deep-sea fishing and other water activities. Rainfall is heavier during this period, particularly in the central plateau, with February and March commonly among the wetter months.

Events and Festivals

• Chinese New Year – Celebrated in January or February with food, fireworks, parades and lion and dragon dances, particularly in Port Louis.
• Thaipoosam Cavadee – Important Tamil Hindu festival held in January or February.
• Maha Shivaratri – Hindu pilgrimage and festival associated with Grand Bassin, generally in February or March.
• Independence Day – March 12, marking Mauritius’ independence in 1968.
• Holi – Hindu festival marked by music, celebrations and colored powders.
• Ugadi – New Year observance celebrated by the Telugu community.
• Easter – Widely observed by Christian communities throughout Mauritius.

May – October

Winter is milder and generally drier. Coastal temperatures remain pleasant, while the central highlands can feel considerably cooler, especially during evenings and early mornings.

Winds can be stronger along the eastern and southeastern coasts. These months are well suited to hiking, cycling, scenic driving, Chamarel, the Seven Coloured Earths, botanical gardens and tea-growing areas.

May and October often function as transition months and can offer a useful balance between warm temperatures and lower humidity.

Events and Festivals

• Diwali – The Hindu festival of lights generally falls in October or November and is widely celebrated across Mauritius.

Tipping in Mauritius is generally discretionary rather than mandatory. Travelers should first check whether a service charge has already been included and then add a gratuity when service has been particularly good.

Currency: Can I pay in U.S. dollars, or should I use Mauritian rupees?

The Mauritian rupee (MUR) is the local currency. Using rupees for gratuities is the most practical option because employees can use the money directly without having to exchange foreign currency.

Final Thoughts:

Tips are appreciated when service is good, but they are not obligatory. Mauritian rupees are preferable to foreign currency for everyday gratuities.

If a gratuity is added to a card payment, the intended employee may not always receive it directly, so follow the establishment’s guidance on how tips are distributed.