Mauritius, Mauritius - Travel Guide

Mauritius is an Indian Ocean jewel where turquoise lagoons meet volcanic mountains. Beyond stunning beaches and luxury resorts, discover a unique cultural blend of Creole, Indian, French, and Chinese influences. The Seven Colored Earths of Chamarel, the underwater waterfall illusion, and Le Morne's dramatic peak await.

Quick Facts

Recommended Stay10 days

Budget$70/day

Mid-range$180/day

Luxury$450/day

Known For

mauritiusindian_oceanbeachesluxury_resortsseven_colored_earthschamarelle_morneport_louisunderwater_waterfallmulticulturalcreolehindudivingsnorkelinghoneymoonblack_river_gorgestropicalisland_paradisedodorum

🇲🇺 Country Information: Mauritius

CapitalPort Louis

CurrencyMauritian rupee (₨)

Language English , French, Mauritian Creole

Phone Code+230

Electricity230V (Type C, G)

Tap WaterSafe to drink

Tipping

Tipping is generally not expected but is appreciated for good service
For hotel staff, a small amount (e
g
, 50
100 MUR) can be given for good service
In restaurants, a service charge may be included; if not, rounding up the bill or leaving a small tip is common (5
10%)
Taxi drivers do not typically expect tips, but you can round up the fare

Money & Payments

ATMs are common in urban and tourist areas, but less so in rural areas
Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, larger restaurants, and shops, but cash is preferred for smaller establishments and markets
It is advisable to carry some cash, especially outside of major towns
There is no significant black market for cash

Cultural Norms

Dress modestly when visiting religious sites
It is considered rude to point with your index finger; use an open hand instead
When eating, it is customary to wait for the host to indicate when to start eating
Public displays of affection are generally frowned upon

LGBTQ+ Information

Generally LGBTQ+ friendly. Mauritius has decriminalized same-sex acts. While there are no specific laws recognizing same-sex marriage or civil partnerships, discrimination based on sexual orientation is prohibited in employment.

Alcohol & Drug Laws

The legal drinking age is 18
Drug laws are very strict, with severe penalties for possession, trafficking, and cultivation of illegal drugs, including cannabis

Special Laws

Importing drones requires prior authorization
Be aware of strict environmental protection laws, especially regarding marine life and corals

Common Phrases

NoNon (nohn) Non

YesOui (wee) Oui

HelloBonjour (bon-ZHOOR) Bonjour

PleaseS'il vous plaît (seel voo PLEH) S'il vous plaît

Excuse meExcusez-moi (ex-koo-zay-MWA) Excusez-moi

Thank youMerci (mair-SEE) Merci

Climate

Tropical climate with warm weather year-round. Summer (Nov-Apr) is hot and humid (25-35°C) with occasional cyclones Jan-Mar. Winter (May-Oct) is cooler (17-25°C) and drier. East coast windier, west coast calmer. Sea temperature 22-27°C.

Best Time to Visit

Best Time: May
October (winter, dry, cooler)
Peak Season: July
August, December holidays
Cyclone Season: January
March (can be risky)
Shoulder: April, November (transitional)

Getting There

Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport (MRU) receives flights from Europe (Paris, London, Frankfurt), Middle East hubs (Dubai, Doha), Africa (Johannesburg, Nairobi), and Asia (Singapore, Mumbai)
Air Mauritius is national carrier
Flight from Paris is about 11 hours
Airport is 48km from Port Louis

Getting Around

Rental car essential for exploring (drive on left)
Roads are good but can be winding
Taxis expensive
negotiate in advance
No Uber but local taxi apps exist
Buses cheap but slow and infrequent
Many resorts offer shuttle services
Metro Express connects Port Louis to southern towns

Health & Vaccinations

No special vaccinations required
Routine vaccinations up to date
Hepatitis A recommended by some
Dengue possible
use repellent
Good private medical facilities
Sun protection essential

Staying Connected

Emtel, my
t, MTML providers
Good 4G coverage
eSIM works well
WiFi at resorts and hotels
Data affordable

Local Cuisine

Dholl Puri must_try

The national street food - thin flatbread stuffed with ground yellow split peas, served with curry, pickles, and chutney. Sold by vendors everywhere.

Gateaux Piments must_try

Spicy chili fritters - deep-fried balls of yellow split peas and chilies. Classic street snack, often eaten in bread. The national addiction.

Curry & Rougaille must_try

Mauritian curries blend Indian and Creole influences. Rougaille is a tomato-based sauce with meat or fish. Rice is always served. Comfort food across

Alouda must_try

Refreshing drink of milk, tukmaria (basil) seeds, rose syrup, and ice cream. Pink, sweet, and perfect in the heat. Found at street stalls.

Fresh Seafood must_try

Freshly caught fish prepared Creole style - grilled with garlic and herbs, or in vindaye (mustard-turmeric sauce). Octopus curry is local specialty.

Book in Advance

Plan ahead for the best experience. Here's what to book before your trip:

🔴 Must Book in Advance

Luxury Resorts (Peak Season) Accommodation

Book 2-6 months in advance for peak season

Top resorts book months ahead for European winter holidays and honeymoons.

🟡 Recommended to Book Ahead

Helicopter/Seaplane Tours tour_or_activity

Book 1-4 weeks in advance

Limited capacity, weather dependent. Underwater waterfall tours very popular.

Popular Restaurants Dining

Book 3-14 days in advance

Beach restaurants and fine dining fill up, especially for sunset tables.

Fun Facts

1. The dodo bird was endemic only to Mauritius and went extinct within 80 years of human arrival.
2. Mauritius is the only African country where Hinduism is the majority religion.
3. The Seven Coloured Earths of Chamarel are sand dunes in seven distinct colors that never erode despite heavy rains.
4. Mark Twain wrote "Mauritius was made first, then heaven; and heaven was copied after Mauritius."

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