Mauritius

  • Mauritius is a volcanic island, and does not have the white-sand beaches you might have seen on the internet. For instagram-ready white-sand beaches you gotta go to the Maldives (coral islands). The Mauritius beaches are basic, and nothing to blog about.
  • English is spoken and understood almost everywhere.
  • Pretty safe place – even for a solo female traveler.
  • You will want to rent a car – Public buses are available, but not a real option since you will be staying at a hotel/resort away from the bus stops.
  • You drive on the left side of the road – like in England and India.
  • Traffic isn’t terrible, but roads are narrow (except the motorways, which are great) – if you have never driven on the left side of the road, be real careful.
  • You want to pay for half-board (Breakfast and Dinner). There aren’t that many good restaurants outside of the hotels, and you cannot just walk to a restaurant for a quick dinner. You can easily skip lunch or eat out if you are out exploring the island.
  • Expect to pay U$D 500 per night for half-board.
  • Book your room directly on the hotel’s website. You can save 30-40% just by choosing an ongoing promotion. These promotions aren’t well described on Expedia.
  • Shanti Maurice Resort in the south of the island is a good option.
  • Overall, My recommendation for Mauritius is Meh 4/10. If you live in the US, got to Hawaii or the Caribbean.

Day 1

Day 2

  • Visit Bobato Ship Model Factory (Meh, you cannot see the artisans making the ships anymore) 3/10
  • Lunch in Flic En Flac at Roti Aka Vinoda (small shack, handheld food) or Creole Shack (Sit down, Creole)
  • Casela world of adventures – General Entrance ($24) gives you access to: Safari Bus Ride to see zebras, ostriches, rhinos, African impalas, wildebeest, Tortoise Pen) and Cheetah interaction ($23). If you have never done a safari and want to – this is a great option. The Cheetah interaction is awesome. MUST DO – 9/10
  • Martello Tower
  • Captain Matthew Flinders monument
  • Total driving time: 2h30

Day 3

Nothing. Drink some Phoenix beer, swim a little and get a tan.

Day 4

  • Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanic Garden (Pamplemousses) – MUST SEE for the giant water lilies. 9/10
  • Domain de Labourdonnais (Château de Labourdonnais and rum tasting) – Meh, Skip
  • Lunch at Le Bask restaurant
  • Visit Maheswarnath Mandir (Grand Shivala Triolet) – It’s ok 4/10
  • Trou aux Biches Beach – Meh 4/10
  • Park at The Granary or the Caudan Waterfront and walk the next 3
    • Aapravasi Ghat (UNESCO World Heritage Site) MUST SEE 9/10
    • Mercado Central – Active market used by locals. Has a lot of character – there are 3 sections: (1) fruits & vegetables, (2) small restaurants, and (3) souvenirs. MUST SEE 9/10
    • Caudan Waterfront – modern mall with retail shops and waterfront restaurants. GOOD 7/10
  • Drive to Citadel Fort Adelaide
  • Total driving time: 3h40

Day 5

  • La Vallee Des Couleurs Nature Park (ziplining, quad riding) – Meh, skip
  • Ganga Talao (Grand Bassin) is considered the most sacred Hindu place in Mauritius – there several temples around the lake. MUST SEE 9/10
  • Bois cheri tea factory and tea museum. You pay for a factory tour and tea tasting. After the factory tour, you have to go to the restaurant for the tasting. The restaurant is on top of a hill with nice views. Good 7/10
  • La Vanille Nature Park – MUST SEE for the Aldabra giant tortoises. There are literally hundreds of these giant tortoises. The park is hard to find – make sure you have good driving directions. MUST SEE 9/10
  • Total driving time: 1h30

Day 6

  • International Slave Route Monument 6/10
  • Le Morne Beach – Good white-sand beach 6/10
  • Le Morne Brabant (UNESCO World Heritage Site) – The site was a sanctuary for runaway slaves and is a strong cultural and patrimonial symbol for every Mauritian. UNCLEAR –> You have to hire a guide to hike the mountain. You can climb to the top of the Mountain by yourself but by signing a Reliability Form first which is usually available with the Security Officer at the View point. Ask for a form at the makeshift visitor centre or with any security officers that stop you along the way.
  • Chamarel waterfall and seven colored earth. This is a package deal. You pay to enter – there are 2 viewpoints for the waterfall and then the last stop for the seven colored earth
    • Chamarel waterfall – Its alright 5/10
    • Seven Colored Earth. Lame – you don’t really see the colors, you just have to believe they are there 5/10
  • Visit Rhumerie de Chamarel for Distillery tour and Rum tasting. This is a VERY commercialized, touristy distillery. Meh 5/10
  • Visit Black River Gorges National Park. Meh 5/10
    • Gorges viewpoint has nice view
    • Alexandria waterfall is lame, and barely visible from the viewpoint
  • Total drive time: 2h