I love the beautiful Island of Mauritius. I have been several times and I will keep going back because it is the best place for me to relax and leave the stress and routine of everyday life behind. Getting to Mauritius is convenient with daily flights directly from Johannesburg and direct options available from Durban and Cape Town on certain days. There is a variety of hotels to suit all budgets and the overall standard of accommodation is very good. The Mauritian people are incredibly hospitable and the food is heavenly. Plus there are no visa or health requirements for South Africans.
It is the perfect destination for couples or families with children and ideal for honeymoons, babymoons, anniversaries and meet in the middle holidays.
If possible take an all-inclusive package especially if you plan to spend most of your time at the resort. The cost of meals and drinks are high which can put a damper on your relaxing holiday
When is the best time to go?
The climate in Mauritius is relatively mild with moderate temperatures and occasional rainfall which makes it possible to enjoy this beautiful Island at any time of year.
The Mauritian summer falls in the European winter making it particularly popular with Europeans escaping the cold and with many direct flights out of Europe into Mauritius, who can blame them.
The most pleasant times to visit Mauritius weather wise are between the months of April and June and between September and December.
Heavy rain is common between January and March during their monsoon season and Mauritius is at its hottest in February with temperatures averaging 32℃.
August and September bring trade winds in a south-easterly direction which can be a bit windy on the south-east coastlines. If this is a concern, rather stay at a resort on the North or West coast of the Island.
The lowest temperatures are felt in July and August (20℃ on the coast). Water temperature is also at its coolest which can make it uncomfortable to swim in the sea for extended periods of time.
If you are looking for a good deal, avoid the high season of late December and early January which is the Islands peak season.
How to pick a Hotel in Mauritius?
In my opinion, Mauritius is the type of holiday where you would spend most of the time at your resort. There are a couple of recommended excursions which could tempt you to leave your piece of paradise for a day or two but for the most part, you will be enjoying the facilities at your resort.
For this reason, it is imperative to choose a resort that will suit your needs. In general, 3 Star hotels have fewer facilities than 4-star hotels. Be careful as there some 3 Star hotels that are across the road from the beach and if you are dreaming of lazing on the white sand while being served delicious cocktails from the pool bar, you will be bitterly disappointed.
Most resorts have a typical hotel feel with rooms next to each other in double or triple story buildings along the coastline. If you want a private villa to feel be prepared to pay for it or head to the Maldives.
In some hotels, entry-level rooms have a shower only or are located at the back of the hotel. I would recommend that you investigate a room upgrade if this is the case with your hotel choice.
The location of the resort, the length of the beach, number of restaurants, pools, facilities or activities available at the resort will all impact your holiday. Make sure you make an informed decision based on your particular needs.
How to get around?
Most packages will include airport/hotel transfers.
There are only two major highways in Mauritius connecting the major cities. Otherwise, roads are typically narrow and twisting, winding through congested towns and villages.
- Transport to and from your hotel to the airport is usually included in the packages we sell, as well as any pre-booked tours. Shared transfers are the most commonly used.
- The cheapest way to get around Mauritius is by bus which frequently runs along the more popular coastal areas.
- Another popular way to get around is by taxi. Taxis are more readily available and faster but also more costly.
- Renting a car is a great way to see the island and can be booked from your hotel.
The eastern side of the island is wilder and less developed than other parts of Mauritius.
It feels blissfully untouched by mass tourism. The several kilometer-long Belle Mare beach is its main attraction.
The east is also the windiest coast, which means a welcome cooling breeze in summer, and billowing sails for windsurfers and sailors in winter.
The north of Mauritius is home to Grand Baie – the Island’s resort town.
It is famous for the many water activities departing from its bay, such as water-skiing, windsurfing, yachting, catamaran cruises, deep-sea fishing and sailing trips.
There are plenty of trendy bars and restaurants situated within close proximity to the hotels.
The south of the Island is known for its high sea cliffs and the dramatic sight of big waves crashing against the rocks.
The reason for the big waves is the break in the coral reef in that area which allows the waves to reach all the way to the coast.
The west coast is known for the best beaches and the most beautiful sunsets on the Island.
The weather is warmer and more humid on the west coast; it is also relatively wind-free, except during winter or cyclonic conditions. The lagoons are generally calmer and currents less intense.
Recommended excursions
The 7 coloured Sands
The Seven Coloured Earth is a geological formation. It is a relatively small area of dunes created by volcanic rocks that cooled at different temperatures.
Over time the rocks were pulverized into sand reflecting seven distinct colours (red, brown, violet, green, blue, purple and yellow). Available as a tour from the hotel.
Catamaran Cruises
One of the best ways to see the island is on a full-day cruise onboard a catamaran. Whether you explore the west coast in search of dolphins around Tamarin Bay or take a trip to Ile Aux Cerfs Island on the east coast, you will not be disappointed. Available as a tour from the hotel.
Currency and what money to take?
In Mauritius the currency of choice is the MUR (Mauritian Rupee). Euros or dollars are not always accepted and if they are you may be given an unfavourable rate of exchange.
Credit Cards – Mastercard and Visa are widely accepted. Due to a recent bank partnership between MCB (A local bank) and American Express, Amex is now also widely accepted.
Tips for exchanging money
Where should you buy Mauritius currency?
Mauritian Rupees are not widely available in South Africa. You may need to order them at your local Bank and they may be difficult to sell if you don’t use them all. Many people will exchange their Rand into Euros in South Africa and then exchange their Euros into Rupees in Mauritius at a local foreign exchange office.
You are able to exchange Rand into Rupee on arrival at the Mauritius airport. The money exchange counters will be open even if you arrive in the middle of the night however you may feel pressure to take your transfer immediately upon arrival if you are travelling in a shared transfer.
There are several foreign exchange offices and ATM machines throughout the island to exchange your Euros. You’ll have better rates at money changers than at banks or hotels.
Credit cards are widely accepted in Mauritius: Visa, MasterCard, Diners and American Express. ATM withdrawals are also a popular way to obtain Mauritian Rupees. Check with your bank if they charge a fee to process cash withdrawals from ATM machines overseas.
Passports are usually required for money transactions. Bank debit cards and credit cards will require your PIN number.
Warning: Check with your bank if your debit/maestro card will be accepted in ATM in Mauritius. New Security regulations mean you might not be able to use these types of bank cards to withdraw money at ATM.
