Mauritius Holidays

What is Mauritius known for?

Mauritius is best known for the beautiful azure waters surrounding this island nation. Famed for its elegance and luxury, a holiday here is all about unwinding from the stresses of the modern world, while enjoying a breathtaking backdrop of sugary sands and biodiverse coral reefs.

In total, there are more than 93 miles of coastline to discover, with pristine beaches perfect for sun worshippers and water sports enthusiasts alike. Meanwhile, the Black River Gorges National Park is a wildlife lover’s dream, where you can find the likes of the Mauritius kestrel, pink pigeon, echo parakeet, Mauritian flying fox and macaque monkeys.

Mauritius is also home to a rich blend of local cultures, with people of Hindu, Muslim, Creole, Chinese and European heritage all influencing the cultural diversity of this peaceful and traditional country.

What food should I try in Mauritius?

Thanks to its smorgasbord of cultures, Mauritian cuisine features French, Indian, Chinese and African influences that have come together in an explosion of flavour. Here are some of the best dishes to try:

• Gateaux piment — chilli fritters served with a chutney side sauce
Dhal puri — an Indian-style flatbread
• Mauritian car — Mauritian curry, usually made with chicken or seafood
• Boulettes — similar to Chinese dumplings
• Bol Renverse — an upside-down stir fry, where the rice sits on the bottom

What do they drink in Mauritius?

Whether you’re looking for something soft to sip by the sea or a drink that packs a bit more of a punch, there are plenty of options to choose from on a Mauritian holiday. If you fancy something to quench your thirst, give any of these a try:

• Rhum Arrange – a Mauritian speciality, this drink is rum infused with a number of local spices and fruits
• Ti’ Punch – a rum punch that is usually made with limes and sugar syrup
• Phoenix Beer – the most popular brand on the island, Phoenix is a must-try lager while you’re here

For those wanting to branch out a little in the world of beer and spirits, some popular options are:

• Alouda – a sweet and milky drink which is often flavoured with nuts and jelly
• Vanilla tea – this vanilla-infused traditional tea is served hot
• Freshly squeezed fruit – straight from the tree to the cup, fruit juices such as guava, mango and passion fruit are popular

Our top tip? Make sure to wash everything down with some delicious coconut water. This healthy beverage is packed full of potassium, magnesium and sodium, which will help you stay hydrated and keep your muscles fully functional under the hot Mauritian sun.

What are the rules on tipping in Mauritius?

Tipping isn’t mandatory in Mauritius. That said, it’s customary to give a small amount for good service, and the standard 10-15% is usually enough. Some restaurants have started adding service charges to your bill, so always make sure to check, or else you might accidentally tip twice.

What is social etiquette like in Mauritius?

Common sense is often the best policy when it comes to social etiquette in Mauritius. Don’t be loud, obnoxious, dress inappropriately, or disrespect local customs or traditions. Locals will appreciate it if you learn a few basic words in Creole or French.

Some slightly less obvious tips are to bring a gift if you’re invited into a local’s home for dinner, and to always greet the elders first if you can.

When is the best time to visit Mauritius?

The best time to visit Mauritius is between September and October, when the weather is sunny and dry. While tropical storms can blow in at any time, they tend to happen more frequently between November and April.

If you don’t mind braving the tropical climate at its peak, then exploring Mauritius between May and August might be your best bet.

It’s worth noting that Mauritius is warm year-round, so you needn’t worry about chilly temperatures when deciding on the time of year to visit. Instead, plan your trip around any specific events or seasons you want to experience (or avoid, in the case of the rainy season).

What should I know about the Mauritius climate?

Mauritius has a subtropical climate with two main seasons: the dry season and the wet season. The dry season runs between the winter months (May to October), while in the Mauritian summer (November to April), things tend to be a lot stickier and more humid. In the summer, temperatures reach highs of 30-35°C, whereas in the winter, they hover around 25-28°C at most.

Where is Mauritius?

Mauritius sits in the middle of the Indian Ocean, just off the southeastern coast of Africa, a little east of Madagascar. Its remote location contributes to the luxurious and relaxing lifestyle found on the island.

How big is Mauritius?

Mauritius is 790 square miles in size, making it the 173rd largest country in the world based on land size alone. As of the last count, Mauritius had a population of 1,244,477.

What plugs are used in Mauritius?

Mauritius relies on a 230V supply. Plug types C (two round pins) and G (three rectangular pins, like we have in the UK) are available, but we’d always advise bringing along a universal adaptor in case. You’ll find that plug types vary quite a lot from building to building.

What is the capital city of Mauritius?

Port Louis is the capital city of Mauritius. It has a total population of 144,898 people and serves as the country’s political centre. The nation’s main harbour is found here, as well as several museums, theatres, educational hubs and even Mauritius’ very own Chinatown.

What language do they speak in Mauritius?

Mauritian Creole is the official language in Mauritius, but you’ll find that most people also speak French. English is commonly spoken in government and educational settings, while several other languages are also spoken in specific pockets of the island. Some of the most common you’ll hear are Bhojpuri, Tamil, Telugu, Hindi-Urdu, Arabic and Chinese.

What is the time difference in Mauritius?

Mauritius is four hours ahead of the UK for most of the year. During daylight saving time, it’s only three hours ahead.

What is the currency in Mauritius?

The Mauritian Rupee (MUR) is the official currency of Mauritius. One rupee is divided into 100 cents. ATMs are located all over the island, and international credit cards are accepted in most stores. You may be charged a high fee when using your card though, so it’s smart to bring Mauritian Rupees along in case.

Can you drink the tap water in Mauritius?

While some people do drink the tap water in Mauritius, we advise buying bottled water whenever you can. This is guaranteed to be safe and free of any bad bacteria.

When do stores open in Mauritius?

Offices are generally open from Monday to Friday from 9am to 4pm in the public sector, and 8.30am to 4.15pm in the private sector. However, these hours may vary from business to business.

In Port-Louis, the shops are generally open from Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 5pm, and on Saturdays (and possibly Sundays) from 10am to 12pm.

In areas of higher elevation, the shops open from 10am to 12pm on Thursday and Sunday, and from 10pm to 5.30pm on other days.

Muslim-owned shops close between 12pm and 2pm on Fridays.

How long is a flight to Mauritius?

The average flight time from London to Mauritius is around 12 hours. While direct flights are sometimes available, it's more likely that you'll have to get a connecting flight as part of your journey.

Do I need a visa to visit Mauritius?

If travelling as a tourist for less than 60 days, British citizens don’t need a visa to enter Mauritius. You’ll need to be able to provide evidence of onward or return travel.

What are the passport requirements for Mauritius?

Your passport should be valid for the duration of your stay and have at least one blank passport page. No additional period of validity is required.

What are the vaccination requirements in Mauritius?

All UK travellers should be up to date with their routine vaccines, such as the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine and the diphtheria-tetanus-polio vaccine. The tetanus vaccine is also recommended for a trip to Mauritius, while those who are more at risk should consider getting protected against dengue, hepatitis A and B, rabies and typhoid.