Mauritius
A volcanic island of lagoons, mountains and a richly mixed culture in the Indian Ocean.
Introduction
Mauritius lies in the Indian Ocean east of Madagascar. Coral reefs enclose much of the island, creating calm lagoons, while the interior rises to forested peaks and gorges. Its population and cuisine reflect Indian, African, European and Chinese heritage.
Highlights
- Le Morne Brabant — A dramatic mountain and UNESCO World Heritage cultural landscape.
- Black River Gorges National Park — Forested gorges, waterfalls and hiking trails.
- Chamarel — Known for its waterfall and the Seven Coloured Earth.
- Port Louis — The capital, with markets and the UNESCO-listed Aapravasi Ghat.
- Lagoons and reefs — Snorkelling, sailing and beaches around the coast.
Why travellers visit
Mauritius combines beach holidays with hiking, culture and food, and offers a wide range of places to stay, from large resorts to smaller guesthouses.
Before you go
Mauritius has a tropical climate. The cooler, drier months fall in the southern winter, while the hotter, wetter months coincide with the cyclone season. Entry rules, health advice and safety guidance change over time, so always confirm current requirements with official government sources before you travel.
Plan your trip with our specialist guide
Mauritius Travel Guide
Our complete guide to Mauritius: regions, routes, seasons, accommodation and tours.
Combine with
Indian Ocean IslandsSeychelles
Granite boulders, white beaches and rare wildlife across an archipelago of 115 islands.
Indian Ocean IslandsMaldives
Coral atolls, lagoons and reefs spread across the Indian Ocean, from resort islands to local islands.
Photo credits
Le Morne Brabant, Mauritius: photo by Xavier Coiffic / Unsplash, Unsplash License (resized and converted to WebP)
Anse Source d’Argent, La Digue, Seychelles: photo by NorbertNagel / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 (resized and converted to WebP)
Baa Atoll, Maldives: photo by Frédéric Ducarme / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 (resized and converted to WebP)