3-Day Southwest Mauritius Itinerary: Where to Stay in La Gaulette, Must-See Sights, & Map

Mauritius
Written By Anna Rooker

Mauritius is a small East African island with a vastly-ranging landscape and welcoming local villages everywhere you go. I believe the Southwest region of the Rivière Noire District in Mauritius is the best region of the island with its breathtaking landscapes, beaches, small village towns, and laid-back atmosphere. La Gaulette is one of those villages with a small population of just over 2,500 people nestled between the Western Mauritius coast and the mountains of Chamarel. It is arguably the #1 (and most affordable) area to base yourself in while visiting this region of Mauritius so this itinerary revolves around the memorable town of La Gaulette and everything you need to see and do in this part of Mauritius during your quick visit. Let’s get going!

 

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When to Visit Southwest Mauritius

Mauritius has two seasons; winter which runs May - October and is drier and cooler and summer which runs November - April and is considered the rainy season with warmer, more humid days. People say Winter is the best season to visit Mauritius for its winter sun and affordable prices.

We visited in March which fell in the “rainy season.” It did rain almost every day but was manageable and actually enjoyable because the rain helped cool down the hottest of days. There were some plans that had to be canceled due to weather however, primarily outdoor activities such as hikes were not safely doable any longer due to mud from recent heavy pours.

I don’t think there is a wrong time to visit Mauritius and particularly the Southwest coast but rain is the biggest battle depending on the time of year you visit.

How Many Days in Southwest Mauritius

My recommendation is to spend at minimum 3 days (per this itinerary) in Southwest Mauritius/La Gaulette, preferably 5-7 days. There is such a range of things to see and do within this area that you can easily spread this out across more days to make your visit more relaxed and to cover more ground.

3 days is completely doable however if you have limited time in Mauritius and with this itinerary, you will hit all the big stops ideal for this region. If you do stay longer than this, check out the section below with 11 more things to do in Southwest Mauritius to add to the list.

How to Get to La Gaulette

The international airport of Mauritius, Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport, is located on the Eastern coast of Mauritius. There are two routes to get from the airport to La Gaulette; through Black River Gorges National Park via B103 or along the South coast via B9. Get directions on Google Maps.

  • Via B103: about 50km (31 miles) ⎮ 1-hour drive. This route has more twists, turns, and elevation gains. Even though it is slightly shorter, I would recommend the B9 route instead.

  • Via B9: about 55km (34 miles) ⎮ 1-hour 15-minute drive. This is an easier drive and one where you will drive through lush sugar cane fields and along the South Coast.

From arrival at the airport, you have the option of renting a car to drive yourself, hiring a taxi to drive you to La Gaulette, or scheduling a driver upon your arrival ahead of time. There is also a bus route but this is not an efficient option as it will take significantly longer to get across the island.

How to Get Around Southwest Mauritius

Car

By far the best way to get around La Gaulette (and Mauritius) is by car. I made a whole blog post about renting a car in Mauritius as a foreigner that will answer all your questions about this mode of transportation. In short, it’s easy to do and a worthwhile expense. Read that here

 

READ ALSO: Driving in Mauritius as a Tourist: Everything you need to know, cost, safety tips, & more

 

Walking

While a rental car is the best option for you in order to explore the Southwest region of Mauritius with this itinerary, you can get around just La Gaulette by foot easily. The village is small and everything you need like grocery stores, restaurants, and ATMs is within walking distance from just about anywhere you base yourself in town.

Day Hire/Taxi

Hiring your own driver is the next best option if you don’t rent a car. There are a couple of ways to go about this:

  • Day Hire: This is where you book a driver to pick you up from your hotel/homestay to take you anywhere you’d like around the island for a day (or multiple days). We actually did this in addition to having our own rental car because it’s a great way to learn about the place you are visiting. You have a built-in local tour guide and someone to give additional recommendations along the way! You can book these online or even some taxi drivers will offer this service for you.

  • Taxi: La Gaulette has a small taxi stand located centrally off the main road (B9) in town that you can try stopping by to get a cab. In addition, every now and then taxi drivers will drive through and wave you down to see if you need a ride if you are on the main road. The hosts of your accommodation can help arrange a taxi for you if you are having any trouble finding one. Taxis are one of the most readily available options for transportation but are a tad more scarce in the La Gaulette area given its size.

Bus

Mauritius has an efficient bus system that connects villages and is a popular mode of transportation for locals. It is also the cheapest transportation option for foreigners but there are some things to know:

  • Most of the buses are not air-conditioned. They typically just have open windows to allow air to flow through.

  • At peak times of the day, the buses are pretty packed. This is typically early morning and evening (locals going to work and coming home from work). I recommend avoiding traveling by bus during these times if you can.

  • It will take you longer to get around on the bus than in a car.

  • Bring cash to pay for your bus fare.

  • Some bus stops are literally just metal posts with a small sign on them that says “BUS STOP.” Others have awnings and seatings.

  • Always take an umbrella with you if you are planning to take the bus and happen to need to wait at a bus stop with no covering from rain or sun while you wait.

  • Check bus routes and plan your bus itinerary using this website.

Where to Stay in La Gaulette

The most affordable place to base yourself on the Southwest Mauritian coast is La Gaulette. There are no beaches accessible here, but this small village that is home to a couple of thousand locals brings on the charm and authenticity for the most affordable price in the area. There are no touristy resorts in La Gaulette, but endless homestay and apartment options that are hosted by those who live in the village creating a unique and unforgettable Mauritian experience. Here are just a few options (❤︎ = I stayed here & loved it!)

  • Tenexia - Holiday Rental: An affordable fully-equipped apartment with views of the ocean and Le Morne from your room in a quiet, developing part of town. The hosts are great, providing recommendations of things to do and see around this part of the island ❤︎

  • Fullmoon Apartment and Studio: A little slice of luxury located centrally in La Gaulette with incredible views from every room and cleaning every day. Another favorite local accommodation of mine ❤︎

  • Happy Days Guest House: A bed and breakfast in a relaxed atmosphere with the benefit of a daily buffet-style breakfast and pool.

  • Surf House Villa d’Or: A very affordable option for travelers on a budget. This villa is a popular spot for surfers because of the courses they offer for those coming to Mauritius to surf/kitesurf/windsurf.

  • Sunset Villa: Another quaint, sea-view villa with a continental breakfast and a fully equipped kitchen with access to a pool (which is hard to come by in the area).

  • Arkenstone Studio: Modern, cozy studio stay in La Gaulette with a private, sea-facing balcony.

Note: Other towns you could consider other than La Gaulette include Le Morne, Chamarel, Bel Ombre, and Tamarin.

Booking.com

Where to Eat in Southwest Mauritius

There is no shortage of great restaurant options in this region for whatever kind of food you may prefer. You can read in more detail my 14 favorite restaurants in La Gaulette and Le Morne.

La Gaulette

  • Heritage Sunset ⎮ Local Mauritian cuisine (one of my favs)

  • Aloha ⎮ Healthy mix of Western, Asian, and African cuisine

  • Ocean Vagabond ⎮ Pizza, pasta, & wine

  • Chez Bhim ⎮ Anything that starts with Chez is a local cuisine dream

  • Eldorade Resto & Bar ⎮ Coffees and pastries

  • Cafe Villaze ⎮ Coffees and pastries

  • Enso Restaurant & Lounge Bar ⎮ Local bar with a wide selection of foods

  • Chez BB ⎮ Local dishes

  • GSR La Gaulette Supermarket ⎮ Supermarket to grab groceries and anything else you need

  • Farmers Markets ( Fruits and Veggies) ⎮ Local farmers market stand selling locally sourced fruits and veggies (better selection and cheaper than the GSR Supermarket)

 

Le Morne

  • Wapalapam Island Eatery ⎮ One of the few options not in a resort in this area. Excellent selection of Indian Ocean cuisine

  • Emba Filao Restaurant ⎮ Fast food comfort

  • L'Harmonie ⎮ Mix of comfort classics

  • La Ravanne ⎮ Serves a little bit of everything

 

Chamarel

  • Le Chamarel Restaurant ⎮ Mauritian food with a view

  • Varangue Sur Morne ⎮ Mauritian food with a view

  • Rhumerie de Chamarel Restaurant & Rum Distillery ⎮ Mix of cuisines + rum distillery

  • Chez M Chamarel ⎮ Local Mauritian cuisine

  • One Love Snack ⎮ Mauritian dishes

  • Saveur Tropical ⎮ Seafood and Mauritian dishes

 

READ ALSO: 14 of the Best Restaurants in La Gaulette and Le Morne: Where to Eat on Southwest Mauritius Coast

Suggested 3-Day Southwest Mauritius Itinerary

There is a number of ways to spend your time in Southwest Mauritius but the stops laid out in the below itinerary are I believe the best use of a short amount of time that shows you the most diversity of the region. Each day is packed full but doable and rewarding!

Day 1: Black River Gorges National Park Hike, Lookout Points, and Waterfalls / Chamarel Seven Colored Earth Geopark

Start off your time in this part of Mauritius with a bang! There are countless things to do outdoors to appreciate the surrounding landscape and beauty. What I have listed below are some of my top and must-sees for a quick visit to the area.

Image by Gregory wong of Unsplash

First Stop: Black River Peak Hike (The highest peak in Mauritius)

Your first early morning stop for day 1 is in Black River Gorges National Park to hike to the highest peak in Mauritius. The trail to get here is about 4.2 miles out and back and is considered moderately challenging per All Trails. Most of the trail is covered and has no views until the very end when you come above the tree line and are finally rewarded with views of the below.

You can park down the road at Gorges Viewpoint parking and make the short 5-minute walk back up the road to where the Black River Peak Hike trailhead location is marked. Follow this route on AllTrails!

TIP: We made plans to hike this and ended up having to cancel due to rain. After reading reviews for this trail, it was advised to avoid this trail during or after recent rainfall due to the slickness of mud and steep inclines that can make this hike more dangerous. I recommend keeping an eye on the weather to keep you the most safe!

Cost: Free

Other hikes in the area:

Second Stop: Gorges Viewpoint

One of the best viewpoints that require some of the least effort in Black River Gorges National Park is Gorges Viewpoint. This viewpoint looks into the mountains and forest of the National Park from above. To your right is a waterfall and to your left is the tallest peak in Mauritius that you just hiked.

There is a good-sized parking lot right off the main road. This gets packed by mid-day with taxis so the sooner you can get here the better! The easy and short walk to this viewpoint passes some local vendors selling souvenirs and there is a beverage and snack truck to refuel your body if you need it!

TIP: During storms, there will be little to no visibility from the viewpoint. Most storms pass pretty quickly so I recommend waiting it out or hitting this stop on your way back down the mountain later when it clears. This viewpoint was so breathtaking it made me cry!

Cost: Free

 

Third Stop: Lunch at Varangue Sur Morne

Down the street is the perfect place to grab lunch, Varangue Sur Morne. This fine dining restaurant has mountain views and traditional Mauritian dishes. It’s also been a popular spot for hosting important events and people such as presidents and actors from around the world.

Location: B103 - Plaine Champagne Road, Mauritius - Get directions on Google Maps

 

Fourth Stop: Alexandra Falls Viewpoint

After lunch, head towards Alexandra Falls. There is a viewpoint here where you can see the falls and another perspective of the ocean’s horizon to the West. To get to this viewpoint there is a large parking lot and a short walk (with some stairs) to follow down to the viewpoint.

Cost: Free

Location: Get directions on Google Maps

 

Fifth Stop: Chamarel Waterfall

Visit the tallest waterfall in Mauritius, Chamarel Waterfall. This waterfall is 100m tall and drops into a deep ravine into Saint-Denis River. Luckily this is one of the most accessible waterfalls on the island as it is located within the Chamarel Seven Colored Earth Geopark. You simply follow the signs toward the waterfall, park in the parking lot, and can walk up to 2 different lookout points.

One lookout point has no stairs but you are only able to see the top half of the waterfall. If you walk up the stairs to the right of this lookout you will be gifted with a second viewpoint where at the right angle you can see the entire waterfall in all its glory.

Cost: 500Rs/adult (about $11 USD) - grants you entry to see Chamarel Waterfall and Seven Colored Geopark listed below

Location: Get directions on Google Maps

 

Sixth Stop: Chamarel Seven Colored Earth Geopark

Within the same park as Chamarel Waterfall is another popular sight - the Geopark. This is a rainbow-hued natural phenomenon from the islands’ volcanic history resulting in 7 colors of earth in a single area.

Note that the path to take to this part of the park from the parking lot does have some steps and inclines but is relatively short and easy.

Cost: 500Rs/adult (about $11 USD) - grants you entry to see Seven Colored Geopark and Chamarel Waterfall listed above

Location: Get directions on Google Maps

 
 

Seventh Stop: Dinner at Le Chamarel Restaurant

Le Chamarel Restaurant is an idyllic place to catch the sunset from above, with incredible views of La Gaulette below, of Le Morne, and the horizon. Their menu is Mauritian-Creole and as delicious as it sounds. I recommend booking a reservation ahead of time regardless of the time you plan to eat here in order to get the best table you can.

Location: La Crête, Main Road, Chamarel, Mauritius - Get directions on Google Maps

Eighth Stop: Chamarel Viewpoint

On your way back down the mountain to La Gaulette, make a quick stop at Chamarel Viewpoint, a free lookout point with unobstructed views of the sea and surrounding landscape off the side of the road.

TIP: The view here is pretty much the same as at Le Chamarel Restaurant. So if you skip dinner there, you still have an opportunity to see the views from this road from this viewpoint. There is no parking or a place to pull over off the main road, however. Luckily traffic on this road is scarce so quickly parking in the street shouldn’t be an issue. Alternatively, you could park at the Le Chamarel Restaurant and walk down the street to this viewpoint.

Cost: Free

Location: Get directions on Google Maps

Day 2: Day Trip to Benitiers Island (Île aux Benitiers)

A popular day destination in the Southwest Mauritius region is Benitiers Island - a 160-acre island you can see from the shores of La Gaulette and Le Morne. As assumed, this can only be reached by boat tours with a local guide. There are a number of boat tour agencies available in the area to choose from to get you there. There is more than just the island to see while out on the waters though. Many tours include snorkeling and exploring a bit of the natural rock formations in the Indian Ocean before landing at Benitiers Island for a unique day experience. I highly recommend finding a tour that will take you to do at least the things listed below.

Here are some boat tour agencies in the area:

I have created a full blog post just for visiting Benitiers Island that includes detailed information, tips, and things to do on Benitiers Island should you take a guided day trip from Le Morne or La Gaulette. You can read that here but I also go into a bit of the highlights of spending your day off the Mauritius coast below.

 

READ ALSO: Day Trip Guide to Benitiers Island in Mauritius: How to Get to Benitiers Island, Things to Do, & More

 

First Stop: Snorkeling off Le Morne Coast

Le Morne has some of the best snorkeling in the area and is a popular stop for many Benitiers Island boat tours. This was a major highlight of our island tour because the waters are crystal clear and there is so much wildlife under the surface to see.

 

Second Stop: Crystal Rock

Crystal Rock is a natural rock formation jutting out of the middle of the Indian Ocean off the coast of Benitiers. There isn’t much to see of this and you won’t exit your boat, just simply drive by it. But it is cool nonetheless. Nature rocks.

 

Third Stop: Benitiers Island Tour / Lunch on Benitiers Island

Depending on the boat tour you book, your time on Benitiers Island could range from a half-day or full-day on the secluded little island. Luckily there are a number of things to do while you are here:

  • Sunbathe: An obvious island activity - sunbathing under the glorious tropical sun. Pick a soft sandy spot and layout for a bit.

  • Explore the island: Your boat driver will take you to the West facing side of Benitiers Island where there is the most stretch of beach and all vendors are stationed. If you walk in either direction (North or South) you can find an oasis for yourself. We walked to the very North of the island and spent most of our day there having it to ourselves.

  • Have a rum coconut (or 3): There are little stalls perched on surfboards in the water serving rum coconuts (and strong rum coconuts at that).

  • Shop for souvenirs from local vendors: Scattered across the Western side of the island are local vendor booths selling jewelry, sarongs, seashells, trinkets, and more.

  • Eat Mauritian cuisine with locals: There are few places on Benitiers Island to grab food so if you aren’t keen on Mauritian food, bring your own snacks. In particular, behind the lady selling sarongs, there was a hidden area where we were sold one of the most delicious Mauritian meals I had while in Mauritius. We got to eat with locals and talk about our travels. It was incredible. Alternatively, there are a couple of other shacks and if you book a tour with a BBQ included, you will eat with your group at the BBQ.

 

Fourth Stop: Dinner at a Local La Gaulette Restaurant

When back in La Gaulette after a long day on the water, have dinner at a local La Gaulette restaurant. One of my favorites was Heritage Sunset when I was looking for a good, hearty Mauritian dish. For local, carby comfort, visit Chez Bhim.

Day 3: Beach Day in Le Morne, Mauritius

Every trip needs a chill day where the most you do is eat fresh fruit and drink coconuts on the best beach in the country and end with sunset. It’s the perfect way to end your time in Southwest Mauritius. Le Morne is a sight to behold and deserves a day to it!

First Stop: Breakfast at Le Morne Public Beach Fruit Stands

Start off your beach day fueling up at the local fruit stands located at Le Morne Public Beach. Vendors sell a beautiful arrangement of fruits from coconuts, mangos, watermelons, and bananas. Be sure to bring enough cash!

 

Second Stop: Le Morne Public Beach

According to many locals I spoke to, Le Morne Public Beach is the best beach in Mauritius. And I have to agree! After visiting several beaches along the South, West, and North coast, we came back to La Gaulette for an extra week in Mauritius just to have access to Le Morne Beach.

The sands are white and soft, there is plenty of parking, its free to access, it’s Western facing so the sunsets here are unmatched, there is food and drinks on the beach so you don’t have to go far, plenty of shade to hide from that tropical sun, and it’s one of the cleanest beaches I went to. In addition, the waters are blue and clear which is great for swimming and snorkeling.

Bring a towel, reef-safe sunscreen, and a good book and layout today in a breathtaking setting!

Cost: Free

Location: Get directions on Google Maps

Third Stop: Lunch on the Beach at Emba Filao Restaurant

A relaxed, fast food type restaurant (one of the few that aren’t fancy resort restaurants) right on Le Morne beach is the perfect stop for lunch and you won’t have to go far. Emba Filao Restaurant serves anything from hot dogs and nachos to fish curry and grilled fish to cold beer and teas. You can take the food back to your spot on the beach or dine at their tables on the sand.

Location: Get directions on Google Maps

 

Fourth Stop: Sunset at Le Morne Peninsula Beach

This beach is not labeled on a map but I think is one of the best spots on this peninsula for sunset, kitesurf watching, and getting away from where most people are going to spend their day (Le Morne Public Beach). This beach is where all the kitesurfers and windsurfers come to surf because the wind on this southern peninsula always has heavy winds so in the evenings during sunset the skies are littered with kites which is a joy to watch. There is also ample parking available.

Cost: Free

Location: Get directions on Google Maps

 

Photo by Xavier Coiffic of Unsplash

Fifth Stop (optional & condition permitting): Drone Over Underwater Waterfall

While you are at the end of the Le Morne peninsula, you are getting closer to the Underwater Waterfall. This is a natural phenomenon where sand and sediment drop into a deep cliff in the ocean floor giving the illusion of water flowing as a waterfall. This is such a unique and incredible thing to see in Mauritius but it can only be seen from above.

If you have a drone, this peninsula area is where to get it out to fly over the Underwater Waterfall to get your very own look at it. You may need to walk down the beach a bit more to get into closer range.

TIP: Check wind speeds before putting up your drone. This part of Mauritius is notorious for very heavy winds most of the time. We have a DJI mini and the wind allowance for this drone was less than the wind speeds at that time so we could not fly, unfortunately.

Cost: Free

Location: Get directions on Google Maps

 

Sixth Stop: Dinner at Wapalapam Island Eatery

Wapalapam Island Eatery is one of the few stand-alone restaurants in Le Morne not attributed to a resort resting at the foothills of impressive Le Morne. It’s casual dining with easy access/parking and well-priced Mauritian dishes and cocktails.

Location: Centre Commercial de L'Harmonie, Le Morne Brabant 91202, Mauritius - Get directions on Google Maps

11 More Things to Do in Southwest Mauritius

1. Helicopter sightseeing tour of Le Morne & Underwater Waterfall

The Underwater Waterfall off of Le Morne is a natural phenomenon. From above, it looks like there is a waterfall flowing underwater. In reality, there is sand and settlement falling into a deep drop-off underwater creating the illusion of a waterfall and movement. The best way to see this is either by drone or helicopter tour. Here are a few:

- Mauritius Attractions

- Air Mauritius Helicopter Tours

- Expedition Tour

 

2. Take a windsurfing or kitesurfing class

Mauritius is a top destination for windsurfing and kitesurfing - for both beginners and the seasoned. There are countless courses in the Southwest Mauritius region so you can try your hand at the sport. Here are a few school options in the area:

- Mauritius Surf Holidays

- Kite Lagoon Vibes Mauritius

- Airswitch Kitesurfing

- Hang Loose Tours Kiteboarding

3. Take a guided tasting tour of Rhumerie de Chamarel Rum Distillery

Rhumerie de Chamarel Rum Distillery is one of the best places in Mauritius to get a taste of the product of the Mauritian farmland - sugar cane turned into rum.

Cost: Depends on the tour

Location: Get directions on Google Maps

 

4. Visit the Maconde Viewpoint

Maconde Viewpoint is a Southern Coast lookout point with 360-degree views of the rugged and twisting coastline in one direction and the Indian Ocean horizon in the other. There are stairs to climb to reach the top.

Cost: Free

Location: Get directions on Google Maps

 

5. Have a beach day at La Prairie Beach

Also located on the Southern Coast down the road from Maconde Viewpoint is La Prairie Beach. A beautiful stretch of sandy beach and crystal clear water. There is little to no tree coverage here for shade so visiting in the mornings or evenings for sunset is best.

Cost: Free

Location: Get directions on Google Maps

6. Hike the Cascade 500 Pieds trail to Alexandra Falls

Located at the Alexandra Falls Viewpoint which is recommended to visit on Day 1, is also a 1.6-mile out-and-back trail that leads you to the top of the waterfall - a new perspective of Alexandra Falls. You can follow this trail on AllTrails here.

Cost: Free

Location: Get directions on Google Maps

 

7. Drive to the sacred Grand Bassin

Grand Bassin (Ganga Talao) is a crater lake in Mauritius seen as sacred by Hindus and beautiful temples built in and around the crater to worship Hindu Gods.

Cost: Free

Location: Get directions on Google Maps

 

8. Visit the largest collection of seashells in Africa | World of Seashells

This was one of the best things we did in Mauritius. World of Seashells is home to the largest collections of seashells in Africa on display in a beautiful way with a lot of informational plaques to learn about seashells and their importance in so many cultures.

Cost: 275 Rs/adult (about $6USD)

Location: Coastal Road Place du Moulin Bel Ombre MU, 61002, Mauritius - Get directions on Google Maps

 

9. Lunch and tour at Le Chateau de Bel Ombre

Le Chateau de Bel Ombre is a 19th-century mansion boasting a look at Mauritian heritage. You can have dinner or lunch here, stroll the stunning gardens, or even stay the night in a luxurious suite.

Cost: Cost depends on activity & choice of meal

Location: Get directions on Google Maps

10. Visit the Martello Tower Museum

A small fortress on the West Mauritius Coast turned into a museum giving you the ability to step back into a time of conflict in Mauritius. The Martello Towers are now a part of the Mauritius National Heritage Site.

Cost: 100Rs/person (about $2.23USD) for a tour of the fortress

Location: Get directions on Google Maps

 

11. Rochester Falls

A little bit of a drive to the Central Southern coast you can find a 10m tall basalt waterfall with a perfect natural pool to take a dip in. Simply putting this name in Google Maps will take you straight there. Bring a swimsuit!

TIP: Depending on the recent weather and the type of car you are driving, it may be best for you to park in the large gravel area right after the small bridge and before the road to the right turns to dirt. You will likely see other cars parked here as well. This road that forks off to the right leads straight to Rochester Falls but after heavy rainfall is very muddy and always has deep potholes and uneven terrain. For a low-lying or 2WD car, this would not be ideal. We personally parked at the end of the road and walked in which was about 800 meters there and back.

See the map below - the starting point is the area to park in. The end pin at Rochester Falls is the location of the waterfall.

Cost: Free

Tips & Things to Know Before Visiting Southwest Mauritius/La Gaulette

  • US citizens do not need a visa to enter Mauritius if they are staying less than 60 days. You just need a valid passport, proof of your exit ticket, and proof of accommodation. In addition, there is an All-In-One Travel Form required. This can be filled out ahead of time (highly advised) or you can fill it out in person before getting in the immigration line.

  • Speaking of going through immigration - this took me over an hour. The airport is small and there are limited flights coming in at the same time. If you can get a seat as close to the front of your plane as possible so you can get out quicker, have your All-In-One Travel Form already filled out digitally, and quickly head to the immigration line, you can get ahead of most of the people on your flight. Otherwise, you will be there for a while.

  • It is cheaper to get your SIM card outside of the airport. You can find Emtel shops all around Mauritius to get your SIM card or top-up. Another option is to get an eSIM through Airalo ahead of time to have service right when you land. This is more expensive than a physical SIM card but convenient to get you going.

  • Wear reef-safe sunscreen to protect the wildlife in the waters and be sure to reapply sunscreen for your own protection regularly.

  • The weather can change rapidly being on a small island in the middle of the Indian Ocean. Keep an eye on the weather when making outdoor plans. Cyclone season runs from September to May.

  • Most places in Mauritius take cards but I recommend keeping extra cash on you just in case. Taxis, some local vendors, and farmers markets for example are cash only.

  • Mauritius can get expensive quickly. You can expect to pay Western prices at most restaurants (unless it’s a small local cafe, sometimes much less). Accommodation can be done for as little as $40 USD/night up to hundreds-thousands a night depending on what you are looking for.

  • Exchange your money in Mauritius. This will get you the best rate vs exchanging outside of the country.

  • There are no large predator animals to worry about in Mauritius, no venomous animals, and no current cases of malaria.

  • Take a look at the vaccine requirements from the CDC for Mauritius prior to your visit. There are no special vaccines required that aren’t already advisable in most other countries (unlike many other parts of Africa).

  • We noticed that the Google Maps hours provided by many restaurants and stores were incorrect. The best thing to do is to find the place you are wanting to go on Facebook or their website and check their open times there. If they don’t have that noted, send the owners a DM to confirm. (Had to do this a few times).

  • Many places are closed on Saturdays, (especially) Sundays, and public holidays. Regardless of Mauritius being a tourist destination, the locals prioritize their weekends and holidays - as they should! You may need to do some planning with preparing food from your accommodation on Sundays or holidays.

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Anna Rooker
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