Best Things To Do in Mauritius

It's no wonder Mauritius ranks tenth among the world's most popular destinations when this spectacular natural wonder makes tourists' jaws drop every year. Rising to an impressive height of 556 metres (1,824 ft), this UNESCO World Heritage mountain is nestled around turquoise lagoons and densely vegetated jungle caves. Once you reach the top of the mountain, expect what looks like an 'underwater waterfall' in mesmerising hues of three shades of blue water. Nature lovers are sure to love the 3.5km trail of lush green foliage and exotic wildlife that takes them to the top!

Not only does this UNESCO World Heritage Site have huge cultural significance for Mauritians, Le Morne Brabant has a lot going for hikers too. Home to a number of endemic plant species –alas, this is the only place you can still spot the bright red Mauritian national flower, the Trochetia boutoniana. See if you can spot one on the 3-4 hour hike to the top.

The Seven Coloured Earth Geopark is made up of magnificent sand dunes of seven different colours; red, blue, violet, brown, green, purple and yellow! This extraordinary phenomenon was created due to a high concentration of metals in the soil. The basaltic lava converted to clay minerals forming a stunning prodigy of nature. With its 600 million years of history, Chamarel Seven Coloured Earth has become the most famous tourist attraction in Mauritius!

Close to the charming village of Chamarel, the Terres des Sept Couleurs (as it's known in French), you can experience the Seven Coloured Earths from observation posts, which form part of a protective fence line, and we recommend that you arrive early to see the display at its best as the sun rises. 

Geologists still struggle to explain some of the strange features of the sands: despite constant exposure to the elements the dunes don’t appear to erode and if you mix the sand grains together, they will gradually separate into their original colours. And, pop into the gift shop on your way out so you can buy a test tube filled with coloured grains and watch them separate yourself.

Experience nature at its best as you explore this national park, which covers 2% of the island's surface area, the largest protected forest in Mauritius. Named after the black stones lining the river, the Black River Gorge offers exceptional panoramic views of mangroves and magnificent waterfalls, interspersed with 50km lush hiking trails and some of the best birdwatching in the world!

Fixed footpaths and hiking trails, partnered with cooler temperatures compared to the rest of the island, makes this the perfect place for anyone who loves walking. This National Park is home to 300 native plants and nine species of birds that are unique to Mauritius, making this any bird watchers idea of paradise. Wild boars, deer and monkeys can also be spotted roaming freely around the park.

If you're short on time, you can drive to several viewpoints for an Insta-worthy photo: don't miss the Alexandra Falls viewpoint and the Gorge viewpoint.

So what are you waiting for? Grab your walking boots and binoculars and start exploring.

Explore a former sugar factory transformed into a fascinating museum. Embark on a 250-year journey, uncovering the island's rich sugar-making heritage and colonial past. Learn about Mauritius' famous iced rum, then indulge in delectable sugarcane treats – it's a perfect end to your sweet adventure!

Get a taste of local life by visiting the heart of Mauritius. Known as the bazaar of Port Louis, it's packed with succulent fruit and vegetables, mouth-watering spices and nostalgic souvenirs - it's impossible to get enough. Once you've forayed into the capital's market, stroll over to the Blue Penny Museum to step back in time to the historic origins of Mauritius.

Endless hectares of land stretch across 650 species of flora and fauna: the famous giant water lilies, the Lion King's baobabs, plants with medicinal properties and the ruby-red bell-shaped Trochetia Boutoniana. Alleys overhung by tropical palms, explosions of colour and sweet scents that pollinate the air. For an enchanting experience in a corner of paradise, take a guide for a leisurely stroll through an exotic utopia.

Fifteen minutes south of Grand Baie, the SSRBG, commonly known as the Pamplemousse botanical gardens, are said to give London’s Kew Gardens a run for their money, with 80 different types of palm tree and water lilies big enough to sunbathe on.

Whether you're travelling solo or in a group, this attraction will fill your belly with joy and laughter. The latest news is that this water park features exhilarating slides and wave pools, bumper cars, a 5D cinema and "Aquaplay" - a playhouse for children who want to have fun and relax from the breathtaking water activities. This pirate paradise is located on the east coast at Belle Mare.

Connect with nature as you stroll into an animal kingdom of charming elephants, mystic birds and striking rhinos. A tropical safari experience sounds an impossible and bizarre combination. But head to Casela Nature and Reserve Park on the West coast of Mauritius and that, and more, is exactly what you will get.

Near the town of Flic en Flac is a magical 620 acres of fun and wonder to be enjoyed by all ages. Go on safari where you can observe all the African favourites: lions, zebras, impalas as well as representatives from other continents such as tigers and monkeys, and make sure you raise your eyes skywards to see some of the 140 bird species living in the park. The safari experience can be enhanced by joining a walk with lions or taking a camel ride.

When you have had your fill of wildlife then this exclusive Nature Park will blow your mind with endless thrilling and heart-warming activities at affordable rates across the five themed areas of Thrill Mountain, Predator Kingdom, African Safari, Pangia Birds and World of Events.

Perhaps you'd like to walk with lions or have breakfast with giraffes? No problem. Safari Quad bike with zebras? Go ahead! Thirsty for a bit of action? Zipline through forests of jungles, and race your family down the west coast for the most astonishing scenic views! Launch yourself on a segway ride and make sure you save time to see things from a different perspective on the canyon swing.

Casela Nature Park has it all, from zoo-keeping glorious turtles to Tulawaka Gold Coaster, you won't want to miss this glamorous park, full of action and non-stop activities!

Ile aux Cerfs offers white sandy beaches, lush green forests and turquoise lagoons, as well as a wide range of activities and facilities, making it a prime destination and a 'wild and chic' paradise for visitors to Mauritius. Its pristine white beaches sparkle in the reflection of the warm azure waters, making it an idyllic place to clean up and soak up the sun. The island is also home to one of the world's finest golf courses. To create unforgettable memories, Adventure Land offers a multitude of land and water-based activities for young and old to enjoy! The locals call it "the chic and wild island".

Most visitors prefer to sunbathe on this veritable paradise, but take the opportunity to explore the rich and varied marine life that abounds in and around the surrounding coral reef; grab your snorkelling gear or take a glass-bottom boat trip to be truly amazed. Other water activities are available and can be booked at one of the many water sports kiosks on the beach. If these activities don't appeal to you, why not try the island's eighteen-hole golf course, often voted one of the finest in the world.

There are hotels on Ile aux Cerfs, but many people come for the day. The island is open to the public from 9am to 6pm every day and a shuttle boat service runs every 30 minutes from Port Maurice on the mainland to Ile aux Cerfs at Masala Jetty.

In the shade of lime palms, meet graceful Seychelles tortoises chomping through twisted bamboo. Venture onto 3.5 hectares of land to spot Nile crocodiles, iguanas, cute tenrecs and amazing animal exhibits!

If you’re wanting a once in a lifetime opportunity and a chance to get up close to animals that you wouldn’t usually encounter, then a trip to La Vanille nature park is a must. Situated in a lush green rainforest with natural freshwater springs, makes this the perfect setting for an enjoyable family day out.

Make the most of your included guided tour as you witness a variety of wonderful creatures in their enclosures such as: monkeys, tortoises and iguanas and learn plenty of interesting facts that you can later impress everyone with back home.

If that isn’t enough fun already, watch the crocodiles and tortoises being fed at the feeding show or take a trip to the onsite fossil museum.

La Vanille Nature Park is located in Rivière Des Anguilles, in the south of Mauritius.