DELICIOUS
Mauritius
Why holiday in Mauritius?
Mauritius is on many travellers lists as the perfect island beach holiday, but there is so much more. Vibrant coastal towns reflect the history of its rich colonial past with museums and mansions on the tea and sugar plantations. Port Louis, the capital, is a particular favourite and we love the food - a fusion of French, Indian, Chinese, and Creole. The resorts of the West Coast are more sheltered at certain times of year, otherwise the whole island offers great beaches, marine life, water sports and golf. Mauritius really is a perfect addition to a safari in Southern or Eastern Africa.
Discover Mauritius
Explore Mauritius
Wherever you go on Mauritius you’ll find world class resorts and beautiful beaches, so choosing your base often comes down to a matter of personal choice.
With long sandy beaches protected from the winds year-round, and lively seaside resorts, it’s no surprise that the island’s north coast is such a popular choice. At its heart is the vibrant resort of Grand Baie with its restaurants, bars and nightlife, as well as a beautiful beach perfect for swimming and watersports. The beaches at Trou aux Biches and Mont Choisy are considered among the best on the island. In the capital, Port Louis, sample local street food at the colourful markets.
The east coast of the island is particularly beautiful and home to some of the island’s most luxurious resorts. Along the winding coastline there are traditional fishing villages, picturesque coves and white sandy beaches - Belle Mare is one of the best. We highly recommend a boat trip to Ile Aux Cerfs where you’ll find a plethora of watersports and a renowned golf course.
For rugged beauty and a ‘back-to-nature’ feel, we recommend the south coast. Often referred to as the ‘Wild South’ there are impressive cliffs, fields of sugar cane, nature reserves, marine parks, historical sites and one of the most picturesque roads on the island from Maconde to Baie du Cap. Overlooking it all is Le Morne Brabant, an iconic landmark and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Protected from the easterly winds, the west coast of Mauritius is known for year-round good weather, calm waters and stellar sunsets. Picturesque villages line the coast; families flock to Flic-en-Flac while Tamarin has a laid-back surfers vibe. Large pods of dolphins swim off shore and the nature reserves inland and to the south are within easy reach.
Our Mauritius hotels and resorts are located all over the island – our experienced team will help steer you towards the best location for you.
Experience Mauritius
Beach life. Wherever you are on Mauritius, you won’t be far from a fabulous beach. Some offer tranquil relaxation, others a lively hub for watersports and local culture. All offer soft white sands and clear turquoise waters. Belle Mare’s long beach and calm lagoons are popular with families, on Ile Aux Cerfs there are plenty of activities. Rugged cliffs form a dramatic backdrop to the untamed beaches of the south while at Flic-en-Flac, lazy beach days end with a breathtaking sunset.
Aqua adventures. Most hotels and resorts offer a variety of watersports, catamaran trips and sunset cruises. For kite surfing or wind surfing, head to the south and eastern coasts, to beaches such as Le Morne, Bel Ombre and Belle Mare. The warm, clear waters are ideal for snorkelling and diving too, with many dive sites accessible from the island.
Natural wonders. Mauritius is blessed with some incredible natural wonders. Explore the dense forests, waterfalls and deep gorges of the Black River Gorges National Park or hike to the top of Le Morne Brabant for breathtaking views. Up here you may also catch a glimpse of something truly unique – the underwater waterfall. Best viewed from a helicopter, it’s actually a natural optical illusion, an incredible sight. At Chamarel, discover the Seven-Coloured Earth and take a canopy walk in the ebony forest. The Blue Bay Marine Park is home to vibrant coral reefs and a rich marine life.
Experience Mauritius
Whales & Dolphins. Pilot whales can be spotted year-round, while during the months of July to November, humpback whales migrate to the warm waters just off the southwest coast. Large pods of dolphins swim off the west coast, a thrilling sight.
Action & Adventure. In the parks and reserves, there are plenty of cycling and walking trails, while more adventurous activities such as zip wring, quad bike excursions and canyoning can be arranged.
Golfers paradise. Mauritius has a range of world-class golf courses, set against the most stunning backdrops. Many of our hotels offer packages that include golf, please ask our consultants for their recommendations.
Cultural interactions. Sugar museums, colonial mansions and tea estates all offer a glimpse of the island’s past. The traditional Sega dance is a colourful display that reflects the island’s diverse heritage.
Food & Drink. Mauritian food is a feast for the senses. Spices such as saffron, cinnamon and cloves are blended with local fruits and fresh seafood, with chillis for heat and coconut for a subtle flavour. Wash it all down with a glass of Mauritius rum, there are many distilleries on the island.
Places to stay in Mauritius
Travel Mauritius Your Way
The tropical island of Mauritius is on many a wish list as the ultimate destination for a luxurious beach holiday, and to combine this with a safari on mainland Africa is the best of both worlds. We’re here at African Pride to help plan and advise how to do this in a way that meets your wishes as effortlessly as possible.
Flying
Mauritius is well serviced by many the world’s leading carriers and also with regional flights to Johannesburg and Nairobi. If you want to arrive in style at your hotel then we can arrange a helicopter transfer. The African Pride team can advise on the best routes and fares to ensure an effortless journey.
Day Tours
Many hotels have access to the usual array of water sports that you’d expect in a destination such as Mauritius. But delve a bit deeper and you will find a surprising range of day tours available around the island. Blue Safaris, cooking courses with locals, golfing, visits to the Botanical Gardens or a dreamy boat ride around the shores of the island.
Cruise
Mauritius has a long history as a port of call on the shipping routes around the African continent and today cruise companies continue this tradition. Voyages are planned well in advance and working with the cruise companies we can incorporate a cruise into a pre or post Africa itinerary to help plan the trip of a lifetime.
Multi-Country Combinations
If the holiday of lifetime would be to combine the mighty Victoria Falls with views of Kilimanjaro across the plains of Amboseli, gorilla trekking in Rwanda, or seeing the Great Migration crossing the Serengeti before ending on an idyllic beach in Mauritius, then no problem, the African Pride team relish and excel at making such dreams come true.
Accommodation
The choice is yours! There is sure to be a hotel that will suit your preferences on the island of Mauritius. The vast range of beach hotels can be combined with a mountain lodge, a welcome change from the beach. Here at African Pride we can suggest properties to suit from the wide selection of hotels we know, first hand.
When to travel to Mauritius
Mauritius has a mild climate year round and just two seasons - summer and winter. April to early June and September to December are the most comfortable times to visit, avoiding the peak summer months of January to March when it can become very humid, with periods of heavy rainfall in February and March. From May to October it is warm with less rainfall and humidity. The prevailing winds at this time come from the east and southeast so it can be a few degrees warmer and drier on the north and west sides of the island. July and August are the windiest months, ideal for wind and kite surfers.
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Mauritius
Mauritius lies in the Indian Ocean to the east of Madagascar. It is known for its beaches, lagoons and reefs.
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