Top Things to Know Before Visiting Mauritius
Top Good To Know Tips for Visiting Mauritius
There are very few things as beautiful in life as getting to travel to a different country and experiencing it firsthand. The ease at which humans can travel in the 21st century is probably one of the greatest things to happen to us as even the farthest places in the world can be visited within 24 hours which is just incredible. One of the most beautiful places you can visit certainly has to be Mauritius.
Mauritius is an African island nation in the Indian Ocean that has incredible natural beauty, wonderful people, and lots of great places to visit and things to do. Mauritius may be small in scale, but it’s a colossus in beauty and it should be on everyone’s bucket list in our opinion. Let’s dive into a couple of things that you should know before you go there.
Good Things To Know About Mauritius
There are beautiful beaches, lush vegetation, incredible wildlife, and friendly people. Mauritius is also home to some of the best luxury resorts in the world, so it’s perfect for those who want to relax and enjoy themselves. Mauritius has excellent public transportation options, so it is easy to get around. There are bus services, airport shuttles and taxis available. If you want to explore more of the island, then renting a car or scooter is an option as well. Mauritius also has great shopping opportunities. The local markets are full of colorful fabrics, spices and souvenirs. If you’re looking for something a bit more upscale then the shopping centers in and around Port Louis offer a great range of shops selling everything from designer clothing to electronics.
When it comes to dining, Mauritius has something for everyone. From fine-dining restaurants serving international cuisine to local dishes and street food, you’re sure to find something to your taste.
Pack light
Mauritius is somewhat unique in the fact that unlike most tourist locations you will tend to do a lot of travel on foot as a big part of the draw there are the exploration and discovery aspects. Therefore you really want to pack somewhat light and mostly use your backpack for carrying things so that you aren’t over-encumbered. Bring only what you need when exploring so that you can see as much as possible without tiring yourself out too much.
It may be a bit jarring to get used to but once you’re hooked on roaming around and seeing everything there is to offer it’s going to be hard to go back to the traditional ways of travel and you’ll wish that every place was as fun and easy to explore as Mauritius is. Of course, hiring a good travel guide is also a good idea so that you don’t get lost and can make sure that you visit all of the best spots during your trip there.
The best seasons to visit Mauritius
The best time of year to visit Mauritius is between May and December. This period offers the perfect combination of warm temperatures, low humidity and little rainfall. The main tourist season runs from June to August when the island experiences its highest temperatures with average day-time highs up to 27°C (80°F). However, if you don’t mind the heat, April and May are also great months to visit as the days are sunny and warm with temperatures around 24°C (75°F). Winters in Mauritius typically run from December to February and while they may not be as hot as the summer months, they’re still quite pleasant. The average temperature is around 18°C (65°F) and the humidity is low.
As Mauritius can get quite busy in peak season, it’s also worth considering visiting during the off-season when you can take advantage of lower prices, fewer crowds and better deals on accommodation. The rainy season runs from January to February so that might be one time to avoid, although the rain usually passes quickly and doesn’t ruin the holiday.
Passport and Currency
This is of course valid regardless of where you’re traveling, but it’s important to make sure that your passport or other travel documents are in order and of course that you have enough money and the proper currency. Make sure to visit an exchange before you leave so that you can get everything sorted and not have to worry about your currency not being accepted there. If you forget that’s not an issue, every airport has an exchange so you can simply use that once you land.
Making sure that your passport is in order is incredibly important so you don’t end up running into issues and potentially getting stuck and needing to contact an embassy. Check your passport expiry date and make sure that it’s at least half a year or more from expiring so that you can have decent peace of mind. Also, remember to keep your documents near you at all times and keep them safe, you don’t want to lose them under any circumstance.
Currencies Accepted in Mauritius
The official currency of Mauritius is the Mauritian rupee, however there are a few other currencies that are accepted in some places. These include the US dollar, the euro and the British pound. If you want to use any of these currencies make sure to check with your hotel or other vendors before making any purchases as not all places will accept them.
What you need to Know About Visas
You will need a visa to enter Mauritius, however as long as you are from one of the countries that have been listed as exempt from needing a visa, then you can simply go through customs with your passport and you will be good to go. If not, then you’ll need to get in contact with the embassy and look into getting a visa before traveling to Mauritius. Make sure that you check the requirements for your particular nationality and make sure that you meet them, otherwise you may not be able to enter the country.
Best Things To Do in Mauritius?
Mauritius offers so much to explore and experience, from stunning beaches, water sports and nature activities, to exciting nightlife spots, delicious food and local culture. Here are just a few of the many great things that you can do when visiting Mauritius:
Visit the beaches – Mauritius is home to many beautiful and diverse beaches, each offering something unique. From white sand and crystal clear waters to secret coves and hidden bays, there are so many to explore.
Explore Port Louis – The capital of Mauritius is a great place for shopping, nightlife, local markets and more. There’s something for everyone here!
Visit the incredible Black River Gorges National Park – Mauritius is home to some of the world’s most stunning natural landscapes and views. This national park should definitely be at the top of your list!
Take a boat trip – See the island from a different perspective by taking a boat ride around the coastline or exploring some of the nearby islands.
Try the local cuisine – Mauritius has some amazing food and it’s definitely worth trying out during your stay! From fresh seafood to traditional Mauritian dishes, you won’t be disappointed.
Check the food out
Mauritius isn’t only famous for its landmarks and incredible natural beauty. They are also well known for having delicious food so make sure to try the local dishes when you’re there. Some of them may be outside of your comfort zone but we recommend still giving them a shot if you aren’t allergic to any of the ingredients as who knows when you’ll have another chance to try local food carefully made by someone who lives there and knows what they are doing? Traveling is all about experiencing the country you are visiting and food is a big part of that so make sure to try out whatever you can.
The food is a blend of African, Chinese and Indian cuisines so you will be able to find something to suit your own tastes. Some of the popular dishes include fried noodles, curries and fish-based dishes served with accompaniments like rice or bread. You can also indulge in some sweet treats such as banana fritters and dumplings filled with fruit or nuts. It’s a good idea to find out what type of food is popular in Mauritius before you travel, so that you can make sure you try the food when you are there and don’t miss out on anything.
Crime is low
One of the main things you should check before deciding to visit some place is what the crime rate is like and how safe is it for tourists. Luckily the government of Mauritius is very good at keeping the place safe for travelers. Of course, every single location on Earth has some crime occur but here it’s low and doesn’t specifically target tourists which are the two things you should look for most.
It would be a shame to miss out on a beautiful place like this due to the influence of malicious people so we’re very grateful to the government and police force of Mauritius for keeping the place tidy and creating a safe space for anyone who visits. It truly makes a good experience even better knowing that you don’t need to worry that much.