Best Things to Do in Mauritius on Your Holiday
This jewel of the Indian ocean is blessed with some of the most pristine beaches on the planet - but believe it or not, there are many other equally beguiling things to do in Mauritius!
From stunning natural parks to befriending giant tortoises, from spotting pink pigeons to discovering unique local cuisine - the island's many other draws demand your attention, too.
So roll up your beach towel, lace up your hiking boots - and add the following to your Mauritius Things to Do Bucket List.
The Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanic Garden
Named after Mauritius' founding father, The Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam ("SSR") Botanic Garden is a fitting tribute to the nation's first prime minister.
Often compared to Kew Gardens in London, this botanic garden has something that Kew doesn’t: tropical plants that thrive outside, rather than in a greenhouse.
Even if you're not a full-on botanist, it’s worth paying for a guided tour around the gardens - if only to discover which plant cures flatulence! Authorised guides wait at the entrance for customers, so no need to book ahead.
Alongside tropical plants you'll see deer, ducks and tortoises.
Whether for a few hours or a whole day, "SSR" is a must-visit if you’re wondering what to do in Mauritius.
West coast diving
If you're a diver, you'll be delighted by the array of dive spots on the rim of the lagoon that surrounds Mauritius.
The waves break on the horizon where the gas-blue lagoon meets the ocean.
Glimpse scuttling lobsters and a kaleidoscopic display of other marine life among the under-sea cliffs.
Highlights include the "La Cathédrale'', which can be accessed from Flic en Flac - the main dive start point on the island's western fringes.
Heritage Nature Reserve
Fancy seeing the Pink Pigeon? How about the Mauritius Kestrel or Mauritius Black Bulbul?
Even if you're not a “twitcher”, you'll be amazed by the stunning bird life in the Heritage Nature Reserve, not to mention the rock pools, waterfalls and epic cane fields.
While the area is incredible to behold, its beauty serves as a reminder of how little of the island's primary forest remains - around 2%.
The undulating patch of jungle covers 1,300 hectares and is best enjoyed on a quad bike tour. You might also try the eco buggy tour up the Riverine Trail.
Hiking in Black River Gorges National Park
More pink pigeons are to be found in the dense Black River Gorges National Park.
While they may be numerous here, they are sadly an endangered species, as are the Mauritius kestrel, and the echo parakeet.
Just half an hour from the coast, be sure to set aside an afternoon - or an entire day - for hiring this remarkable park, which is also home to some fabulous waterfalls.
Soak up the atmosphere of Rodrigues
Rodrigues is an autonomous outlying island within the Republic of Mauritius, and is world's away from the comparatively hectic feel of the mainland.
Key draws include diving and snorkeling around the southern coast, island hopping, saying hello to the numerous giant tortoises, and enjoying Port Mathurin's thriving Saturday market.
But for all its natural beauty, perhaps the best thing about Rodrigues is the incredibly laid back atmosphere, where watching the world go by is the name of the game.
Le Morne Brabant Mountain
The rugged, cave-bound peaks of Le Morne Brabant Mountain is where slaves once hid after escaping, and is one of the reasons it has won UNESCO World Heritage status.
It's also renowned for its amazing flora and fauna; the best way to understand it all - and to ensure you don’t get lost in one of the many caves - is by hiring a local guide.
Veteran visitors to the island will likely point you in Brabant's direction if you ask them - What is there to do in Mauritius?
Chez Tante Athalie restaurant
Mauritius' past is a patchwork of different peoples, including the Dutch, French and British colonialism, and later the Indian, Chinese and Creole peoples.
Little wonder, then, that the island's cuisine has been influenced by all of these groups.
One of the best ways to get a taste of this culinary super-fusion is by visiting Chez Tante Athalie.
As well as fantastically unique dishes, the setting is very special, too: vintage cars are scattered across the ground, where tropical birds fly overhead.
Chamarel
Pull yourself away from those stunning white sandy beaches and ascend the breezy, relaxing mountain hamlet of Chamarel.
As well as being the western access point for the Black River Gorges National Park (see above), it's also famed for its exceptional rum (drop in to the rhumerie distillery) and excellent restaurants (both family-run and high end).
Other highlights include the Terres de 7 Couleurs - a geological formation displaying seven different earth-colours; and the unmissable Chamarel Waterfall - one of the best on the islands.
Chamarel is a great place to explore on your holiday to Mauritius - even if you only tick off a few of the above.
Which side of Mauritius is best?
Many Mauritius-bound visitors wonder: which side of the island is best?
For most, the west offers a warmer climate while being blessed with the prettiest beaches - not to mention Instagrammable sunsets. It’s also home to the bustling capital, Port Louis - although the best nightlife is found outside the urban sprawl and along the coast.
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