Simply put, Mauritius is a little topical paradise wrapped in turquoise lagoons and sugarcane fields. It is a country that blends natural beauty with cultural diversity. It is a destination for chasing adventure and claiming relaxation. And most importantly, it is a region of the world that despite its popularity, still feels untouched, offers a touch of luxury even in its simplicity and brings together stillness and thrill of living life.
What’s even better though, are the country’s fun facts. Here are some of the most fascinating:
- The dodo is the national animal, and the flightless bird had no natural predators on the island before human settlement.
- The island has no indigenous people and was uninhabited before it was settled by Europeans, namely the Dutch, French, and British. The diverse population today is a result of various groups being brought over, including enslaved people from Africa and India.
- Mauritius does not have a standing army and is considered one of the most peaceful countries in Africa.
Travel and Accommodation In Mauritius
Getting to Mauritius is simple, with Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport (MRU) connected to major cities in Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Africa. From the airport, taxis and private transfers are the easiest way to reach your accommodation, though some resorts also offer shuttle services.
For exploring the island, rental cars, taxis, and shuttle services are common while buses connect major towns but are less convenient for remote attractions.
Mauritius offers an incredible range of places to stay, from luxury beach resorts to charming boutique hotels and eco-lodges. Popular areas include:
- Luxury: Constance Prince Maurice, Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita
- Mid-Range: Veranda Grand Baie, Zilwa Attitude
- Budget: Villa Anakao, Le Bamboo Guesthouse
Eight Things To Do In Mauritius
Golf on World-Class Courses
Mauritius is home to some of the most scenic golf courses in the Indian Ocean. With sweeping ocean views, lush fairways framed by palm trees, and perfectly maintained greens, golfing here is both relaxing and quite the experience. Many resorts, especially those on the east coast, offer championship-level courses ideal for players of all levels and is worthy of a golfer’s bucket list.
Helicopter Over the ‘Underwater Waterfall’
One of the most iconic sights in Mauritius is the incredible underwater waterfall illusion off the coast of Le Morne. A helicopter tour takes you above the swirling turquoise and deep-blue currents that create the illusion of a cascading waterfall beneath the ocean’s surface. It’s dramatic, otherworldly, and one of the island’s most unforgettable experiences.
(I missed the opportunity due to unfortunate weather, so cannot comment on personal experience, but it does look like a once in a lifetime opportunity)
A Scenic Boat Trip
Whether you choose a catamaran cruise, a dolphin-spotting excursion, or a sunset sail, exploring Mauritius by boat is essential. Glide across calm lagoons, stop at snorkelling spots filled with colourful fish, visit tiny offshore islands, or simply sit back and enjoy the warm ocean breeze.
The Seven Coloured Earth of Chamarel
Tucked away in the lush southwestern hills of Mauritius, the Seven Coloured Earth of Chamarel is one of the island’s most extraordinary natural wonders. The series of dunes are a striking palette of rich red, purple, blue and yellow,created by centuries of volcanic activity and the slow cooling of basaltic lava.
What makes it truly fascinating is that the colours never blend, even when mixed together. Each layer of sand stays distinct, creating waves of colour that shift subtly depending on the sunlight. Visit at sunrise or sunset when the light is softest; the hues appear more vivid and the shadows give the dunes a textured, rippling effect.
Beyond its visual beauty, the Seven Coloured Earth is an evident example of Mauritius’ volcanic past. Informational boards around the delicate terrain explain how the island was formed millions of years ago through layered eruptions and how minerals like iron and aluminium created this rainbow-like effect.
The Chamarel Waterfall
Just a few minutes from the dunes, the Chamarel Waterfall is the highest waterfall in Mauritius and plunges over 100 metres into a lush green canyon and its rumble echoes through the surrounding rainforest. While I found the viewpoint particularly underwhelming, it is still worth a quick stop while you’re on your way to/from The Seven Coloured Earth of Chamarel.
Tour and Taste at the Rhumerie de Chamarel
Having minimal prior knowledge of Mauritius, I was surprised to discover that one on the top things to do here is visiting a rum distillery. Surrounded by sugarcane fields, the Rhumerie de Chamarel is a beautifully designed and feels more like a tropical estate that just a ordinary place to try local alcohol. Take a guided tour to see how their artisanal rum is made, then enjoy a tasting session of their premium blends infused with vanilla, spices, and local flavours. If alcohol is not your thing, stop over for a delicious lunch instead.
Top Tip: Seven Coloured Earth of Chamarel, The Chamarel Waterfall and Rhumerie de Chamarel are all within a 5 min drive of each other so plan to do these together.
Hike Through Black River Gorges National Park
Spanning over 6500 hectares of protected forest, the Black River Gorges National Park is the heart of Mauritius’ wild interior, and the perfect place for anyone craving a break from the island’s beaches and hoping to marvel at dramatic mountain peaks, hidden waterfalls, and sweeping valleys.
A hike here is one of the most rewarding experiences the country has to offer, with trails winding through lush canopies that filter through streams of light also come alive with birdsong. You may even spot some of Mauritius’ rarest species, including the pink pigeon, Mauritius kestrel, and echo parakeet. The air is fresh and cool and the landscape constantly shifts between open ridges and shaded jungles to keep you wanting more.
The paths vary from gentle forest walks to more challenging climbs, but your efforts are rewarded with breathtaking viewpoints overlooking the rugged southwest coast, stretching all the way to the sparkling lagoon of Le Morne, no matter the route you take.
Kayak on the Tamarin River
The Tamarin River is where mangroves, mountains, and wildlife create a serene backdrop for a guided kayak tour. Paddle through tranquil stretches of river, spot birds and playful macaques, and enjoy a unique perspective of Mauritius’ breathtaking west coast. If you’re lucky you might find yourself enjoying the current alongside dolphins!
Practical Information About Mauritius
Location: Indian Ocean, off the coast of Africa
National Language: English (official), French (widely spoken), Mauritian Creole (commonly used in daily life)
Currency: Mauritian Rupeee
Neighbouring Countries: Réunion, Madagascar, Seychelles
