Have a week-long holiday and plan a trip and you’re looking for 5 Day Travel Plan for Mauritius. Well, let me tell you that Mauritius is one of the best destinations to visit. Many people usually book an all-inclusive resort and spend their whole week there but I’ll not choose the same. I’ll recommend you to explore this beautiful island. 5 days might not be enough but I’ll try my best to fit as many things in this itinerary as possible in adequate time and comfortably.
Nestled in the Indian Ocean, this tropical paradise is a haven for adventurers and beach lovers. In this ultimate travel itinerary, I’ll blend relaxation, exploration and cultural immersion for you and you’ll have an unforgettable journey. Relaxation, adventure, or a bit of both, our 5 Day Travel Plan for Mauritius will help you experience the best that the island has in store. We would be sharing the best time to visit, how one can travel, and where to stay.
So without wasting any time, we’ll start our journey.
Best Travel Tips for a 5 Day Travel Plan for Mauritius
Before I share the itinerary for your trip I would like to share some tips and tricks for your trip which can help you plan in a much better way. This section will help you with deciding the perfect time to travel and choosing the right method of travelling to Mauritius.
What is the Best time to visit Mauritius?
The best time to visit Mauritius depends upon what activity you are looking for and what kind of weather you are into. Generally speaking, Mauritius experiences mild tropical weather and only gets a few down months.
May to December is the peak season in Mauritius due to the dry winter and mild temperature due to which it is fully crowded and prices for everything are high. This is idle time for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. It might look like this is not a good choice but considering the area in which Mauritius is located it is best to stick between this time.
January to April which is non-peak season in Mauritius. This time of year is hot and humid in this area. While this time is good for water activities you need to stay alert due to weather conditions. This region also experiences cyclones at this time of the year and this is the reason I recommend to avoid due to safety. It is very important to keep an eye on the weather forecast and plan your trip accordingly.
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How to Travel to Mauritius?
Arriving in Mauritius is an adventure in itself. Since there are only two ways to reach Mauritius which is either by air or by water.
By Air: The most common and easiest way to reach Mauritius is at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport which is well-connected and has direct flights from all over the world. There are regular flights that run throughout the year.
By Sea: Not so common but a lot of people go through this route as well since one can experience the cruise and beauty of Mauritius at the same time. Port Louis welcomes cruises from different parts of Europe and Africa. If you plan on taking a cruise then I recommend you to plan ahead of time and add more time to your plan.
Visa Requirements: Note that visitors from the USA, UK, Canada, and EU countries do not require a visa for 60 days. However, it is always a good idea to check the latest visa requirements before you travel.
How to Travel within Mauritius?
Rental Car: The most convenient and easiest way to travel around Mauritius is by renting a car. You can visit all the attractions at your own pace and convenience. There are several companies through which you can rent a car but I will only recommend this method if you are in a group. Just keep in mind that it is a left-hand drive so follow the local rule and get yourself ready for it.
Public Bus: The public bus network is very well managed and connects the island from all corners. If you are on a budget or want to experience it as a local then the bus is the right choice as it is affordable and you can interact with locals as well. The only thing to keep an eye on is the bus schedule which is irregular and buses get crowded in peak season.
Taxi: Taxis are available easily throughout the island. If you are looking to book a taxi then check with your hotel to book on your behalf. Since you are using a local taxi you can always negotiate the price which I’ll recommend. There is no Uber or Lyft in Mauritius yet so enjoy the taxi and the music.
Rental Scooter & Bike: If you’re looking for adventure then this is the way to go. There are several companies through which you can rent a bike or scooter and check out amazing places on the island, especially the off-beaten paths and locations. Make sure to follow the rules and take care of your safety.
Private Tour: Taking a private tour is the best way to explore the island as the local guide can show you around with hassle-free transportation. You can get a package deal with them to include multiple things like travel, activities, food and much more.
Boats: One thing I can tell you is that Mauritius has one of the most beautiful coastlines. You can hire a boat to get around and indulge in water activities like snorkelling, dolphin watching and a lot of water activities depending on the season.
Where to Stay in Mauritius?
When it comes to choosing to stay in Mauritius then my friend gets ready to get spoiled. From luxury resorts to charming hotels and budget-friendly options like guesthouses, there is something for everyone. I will recommend you choose it with your vacation package and get the best deals.
Best All-Inclusive Accommodation in Mauritius
Salt of Palmar – Check Availability
Constance Prince Maurice – Check Availability
Constance Belle Mare Plage – Check Availability
Best Hotels in Mauritius
LUX Grand Gaube – Check Availability
Paradise Cove Boutique Hotel(Adults Only) – Check Availability
Constance Sakoa Boutik – Check Availability
Best Budget-Friendly Hotels in Mauritius
Mon Choisy Beach R. – Check Availability
Voile Bleue Boutique Hotel – Check Availability
Monalysa Holidays – Check Availability
Depending on your choice there are all kinds of options available in Mauritius. Make sure to do your research well in advance and book to make sure you get the stay of your choice.
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5 Day Travel Plan itinerary for Mauritius
Mauritius is beautiful yet not as small as everyone thinks. It is vast and takes a lot of time to explore. I’ll start this travel itinerary from the point you arrive here and finish it with time to leave with amazing memories. Once you arrive here and get settled in your stay get freshen up and get a rental car or bike before doing anything else. This will save you a lot of time and let you enjoy every location.
Day 1: Exploring the North
Start with a Coffee
Start your day by visiting a local cafe and try their coffee and some amazing local breakfast. There are amazing cafes and restaurants which serve local breakfast. Once you are done with breakfast start your journey for your first Point of Intrest in Mauritius.
Pamplemousses Botanical Garden
Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanic Garden commonly known as the Pamplemousses Botanic Garden, is spread across 37.5 Hectares. This beautiful garden will keep you busy for at least 1-2 hours, consisting of various kinds of flora and fauna. I highly recommend a guided tour to explore this place and know it in a much better way. Once you finish roaming here head to your next destination.
L’Aventure du Sucre
This is not just a museum but a place full of the island’s history of more than 200 years. Located in the heart of Pamplemousses this place will capture you in the history of the sugar industry of Mauritius Island. This place is suitable for all audiences and provides guided tours with multiple kinds of exhibitions run throughout the year.
Grand Baie
In the Evening head toward Grand Baie and explore some of the beaches and local markets. Once the sun sets head for the nightlife for which this area is famous, the bars and clubs are very famous in this area. Enjoy the street food from the local vendor from the market and wrap up your first day by heading back to your Hotel.
Day 2: Exploring the South
Vallée des Couleurs Nature Park
Start your day with a thriller adventure at Vallée des Couleurs Nature Park. Situated in a lush tropical surrounding this park will make you go through a journey of stunning wilderness. You can enjoy Ziplining, Bicycle zipline, Hiking, Quad biking, Private 4X4 and wildlife spotting. My personal recommendation is to get a Quad bike and enjoy the park in the comfort.
Vallée des Couleurs Nature Park Website
La Vanille Nature Reserve
La Vanille Nature Reserve is a place where you can check the island’s rich biodiversity and natural beauty. You can check giant tortoises in the reserve which roam freely, other than that you can also see crocodiles, monkeys, deer and a lot of bird species. This reserve also offers a petting section where you can interact with some of the animals. A guided tour is highly recommended to get a lot of information about this place.
La Vanille Nature Reserve Website
Mahebourg
Next, you will head to the town of Mahebourg. The drive is not long so you can check a lot of other places on the route. Once you reach this town start by exploring the Mahebourg Waterfront. Explore this beautiful town and check out the local market and amazing street food. Once the evening starts to turn into night have dinner at a local restaurant to try amazing fresh food and head back to your hotel.
Day 3: Cultural Immersion and Beach Time
Mahébourg Market
Start your day by exploring the shops for fresh produce, spices and souvenirs. This is a perfect place to enjoy local snacks and to test your bargaining skills. Yes, don’t hesitate to bargain, I mean don’t lowball too much and respect the locals but show your skills. If it’s a Monday then you’re lucky my friend, this place turns into a real outdoor flea market.
Blue Bay Marine Park
Blue Bay Marine Park is a vibrant area to explore marine life, crystal clear water and colourful coral reefs. I recommend you not miss the opportunity to go for underwater exploration through snorkelling or glass bottom boat tours. Additionally, this park offers beautiful beaches which are good for relaxing and picnicking. Make sure to take extra pairs of clothes.
Séga dance performance
Séga is an amazing dance which shows the rich culture of Mauritius. It is not just a dance but a celebration of culture and identity. It is performed by generations on different kinds of occasions like festivals, gatherings, social events and much more. This is a perfect way to explore the culture of Mauritius.
After this finish your evening with a beachfront restaurant dinner in any of the restaurants nearby you. After this, you can head back to your hotel or explore the nightlife in the region.
Day 4: Central Highlands and Adventure
Black River Gorges National Park
This park is a standing evidence of the naturally beauty diversity of Mauritius. Located in the heart of the island and spread across 6500 hectares this park offers more than you can think of. This park is a haven for nature lovers and adventurers. Go for a guided tour or hiking or birdwatching or wildlife spotting.
Rhumerie de Chamarel
Are you a rum enthusiast like me? Well, then this is the place that you’ll love on your fourth day in Mauritius. Get a guided tour of this rum distillery and yes there is a tasting session included. Experienced guides will show you this amazing distillery and the combination of nature.
Ebony Forest Reserve
Once you’re done with Rum it’s time to get sober so go for a canopy walk and birdwatching at this reserve. If you’re a couple there’s a great activity for you here. You can plant a tree together that will be here and create an impact. If you don’t feel like walking after that good-tasting session then you can also take a guided safari jeep tour.
Le Morne beach
I know this was a long day so we will end with this final location where you can do horseback riding and enjoy the sunset. After this, you can finally settle for an amazing dinner at the beach and head straight to the hotel to rest after this long day.
Day 5: Island Excursion and Departure
Île aux Cerfs
It’s time to take a catamaran and go for a snorkelling experience in the clear water and relax on white sand beaches. Other than snorkelling there are a lot of other water sports activities available. There is a lot of land activity and a wide range of restaurants available as well.
After this, you can just relax on the beachside and enjoy the walking trails. Make sure to keep an eye open for local wildlife while out there. Before returning to the mainland and departing make sure to take a lot of photos and capture all the memories.
It’s finally time to say goodbye to this beautiful island and go back home but remember you are leaving with wonderful memories for your life. Before we finish this blog i have a bonus section which i highly recommend you to go through.
Tips for Staying Safe and Avoiding Scams in Mauritius
Although Mauritius can be considered a relatively safe destination for tourism, it never does any harm to be vigilant and informed so that your holiday can be trouble-free. Here are detailed tips on how you can stay safe and not fall into common scams that could trouble you during your visit:
Beware of Common Scams
Overpriced Tours and Services: Hawkers in famous tourist places may ask you to book tours and experiences. There should be a reservation only through top tour operators or your hotel concierge. Be sure to check prices and what’s included in the package you’re purchasing before committing, and avoid making last-minute decisions.
Unregistered Taxis: Make sure that the taxi you are hailing is from a reputable company. Unregistered taxis circumvent the meter system and tend to charge far steeper fares. If necessary, one should travel by taxis referred by the hotel or the apps for hailing a ride, where fares are according to the set standards.
Counterfeit money: Some vendors may want to pass you counterfeits. Be familiar with the Mauritian Rupee and its security features. If you receive a suspicious note, either carefully inspect it or ask to be paid with another note.
Street Vendors and ‘Too Good to Be True’ Offers: Always exercise caution while dealing with street vendors pitching their goods, as very often the offer may be too good to be a realistic deal. Such cases may be when the goods are overpriced or when low-quality products are being passed off for high quality.
Keep Your Belongings Secure
Use Hotel Safes: Items of value like passports, money, and expensive jewelry are better off in the hotel safe. Only carry what you need for the day and never flash quantities of cash or very expensive items in public.
Be Careful in Crowds: Pickpocketing can occur in flocks, particularly at markets, beaches, and most of all on crowded streets. Keep your stuff close and be vigilant all the time; one can also use a money belt or a bag that is secured to minimize the risk involved.
Avoid Flashy Displays: While Mauritius is very amiable, exhibiting costly cameras or other jewellery will more than likely mark you out for possible theft. Keep these pretty low-key and use them only when really necessary to do so.
I tried my best to write this blog with the most up-to-date information and the experience that will help you to enjoy this island. Make sure to comment once you return from this island and share your experience and information about something I missed. From beautiful beaches to awesome natural landscapes and a rich cultural heritage, Mauritius is a place that has everything on its platter. This 5 Day Travel Plan for Mauritius will ensure you explore the varied attractions on the island and enjoy a well-rounded holiday.
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