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Planung · Kapitel 1

Welcome to Mauritius

Mauritius Reiseführer

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PlanungKapitel 1: Welcome to Mauritius
Planung · Kapitel 1

Welcome to Mauritius

Everything you need to know about Mauritius before you set off — from the highlights to the best travel time and budget planning. The tropical island in the Indian Ocean awaits you with turquoise waters, cultural diversity, and unforgettable natural wonders.

Why Mauritius?

Mauritius is an island that touches all the senses. Far out in the Indian Ocean, just under 2,000 kilometers east of Madagascar, lies this volcanic paradise — and it is so much more than just a beach. Mark Twain once wrote: "God first created Mauritius and then heaven, which was copied after Mauritius." Anyone who has been there understands the statement.

  • Unparalleled dream beaches — Mauritius boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. From the powder-sugar white sandy beaches in Belle Mare to the dramatic peninsula of Le Morne to the hidden coves in the south — almost the entire coast is surrounded by a protective coral reef, ensuring turquoise calm waters.
  • Underwater world of the highest class — The offshore coral reef is home to over 100 coral species and hundreds of fish species. Snorkeling directly from the beach, diving with dolphins, swimming with whale sharks — the underwater world is spectacular and accessible year-round.
  • Cultural diversity — Mauritius is a unique melting pot: Indians, Creoles, Chinese, Europeans, and Africans live closely together. Hindu temples next to mosques, Chinese pagodas next to Catholic churches. This diversity is reflected in one of the most exciting cuisines in the world.
  • Natural wonders in the interior — The island is of volcanic origin, and the interior surprises with dramatic mountain landscapes, tropical forests, waterfalls, and the famous Black River Gorges National Park. The "Seven Colored Earths" of Chamarel and the underwater waterfall at Le Morne are among the most iconic natural phenomena worldwide.
  • Year-round destination — With temperatures between 20°C and 33°C, Mauritius can be visited all year round. The coral reef protects most beaches from strong waves, and even in the rainy season, the sun shines daily.
  • Excellent infrastructure — Despite its location in the Indian Ocean, Mauritius is surprisingly well-developed: modern roads, reliable public transport, first-class hotels, and a hospitable population that speaks English and French.
  • Safety — Mauritius is one of the safest countries in Africa with a stable democracy, low crime rate, and a friendly, tolerant coexistence of cultures.

Mauritius combines beach paradise, cultural journey, and nature adventure on a compact island of only 65 by 45 kilometers. Whether honeymoon, family vacation, adventure trip, or culinary discovery tour — this island offers the perfect experience for every type of traveler.

Mauritius at a Glance

TopicDetails
Official NameRepublic of Mauritius (Republic of Mauritius)
Area2,040 km² (main island), about the size of Saarland
Populationapprox. 1.3 million (2025)
CapitalPort Louis (approx. 150,000 inhabitants)
Official LanguageEnglish (official), French (daily use), Creole (native language)
CurrencyMauritius Rupee (MUR), 1 € ≈ 48–50 MUR
Time ZoneCET+3 (UTC+4), no daylight saving time
Electricity230V, Type G (British, three-pin) — adapter needed!
Drinking WaterTap water safe, bottled water preferred
ReligionsHinduism (48%), Christianity (33%), Islam (17%)
Telephone Code+230
Internet TLD.mu
VisaNot required for EU citizens (up to 90 days)
Highest MountainPiton de la Petite Rivière Noire (828 m)

Overview of Regions

Although Mauritius measures only 65 by 45 kilometers, each coastal region and the interior has its own unique character:

Northwest: Grand Baie, Pamplemousses & Port Louis

For whom: Beach lovers, nightlife fans, cultural travelers
The lively north and northwest are the tourist heart of the island. Grand Baie offers the best nightlife, Trou aux Biches one of the most beautiful beaches, Pamplemousses the famous Botanical Garden, and Port Louis the multicultural capital with Chinatown, the Central Market, and the harbor district Caudan Waterfront.

Southwest: Le Morne, Chamarel & Black River Gorges

For whom: Nature lovers, water sports enthusiasts, hikers
The most dramatic region of the island: The majestic Le Morne Brabant (UNESCO World Heritage) towers over the best surf and kite beaches. Chamarel enchants with the Seven Colored Earths and the highest waterfall on the island. The Black River Gorges National Park protects the last remnants of the original tropical forest.

East: Belle Mare, Ile aux Cerfs & Flacq

For whom: Luxury travelers, golfers, peace seekers
The east coast impresses with endless, untouched beaches with powder-sugar white sand and turquoise water. Belle Mare and Palmar are Mauritius' showcase beach sections. The offshore Ile aux Cerfs is a popular day trip destination, and the small town of Flacq offers the most authentic market on the island.

South & Highlands: Grand Bassin, Trou aux Cerfs & Bois Chéri

For whom: Adventurers, culture enthusiasts, tea lovers
The wild, less touristy south and the central highlands offer spectacular cliffs, the sacred Hindu lake Grand Bassin, the volcanic crater Trou aux Cerfs, and the tea plantations of Bois Chéri. Here you experience the authentic Mauritius away from the resorts.

Top 12 Experiences

  1. Experience the sunset at Le Morne Brabant — When the sun sinks into the sea behind the UNESCO-protected rock, turning the sky gold and pink, time stands still. The most beautiful sunset in the Indian Ocean. → Chap. Southwest
  2. Swim at the beach of Trou aux Biches — Powder-white sand, crystal-clear water, shady filao trees, and fantastic snorkeling right from the beach — the picture-perfect beach. → Chap. Northwest
  3. Marvel at the Seven Colored Earths of Chamarel — Dunes of volcanic earth in seven different colors that never mix — a geological wonder found nowhere else in the world. → Chap. Southwest
  4. Bargain at the Central Market of Port Louis — Spices, tropical fruits, street food, and the vibrant hustle and bustle of a multicultural capital. This is the heart of Mauritius. → Chap. Northwest
  5. Swim with dolphins — In the bay of Tamarin, spinner dolphins meet visitors in the wild. An unforgettable experience with responsible providers. → Chap. Southwest
  6. Hike through the Black River Gorges National Park — Over 60 kilometers of hiking trails through dense tropical forest, past waterfalls and rare endemic birds like the Mauritius pigeon. → Chap. Southwest
  7. Try street food in Grand Baie — Dholl Puri, Gâteau Piment, Alouda — the Mauritian street food culture is Indian-Creole-Chinese and incredibly delicious. → Chap. Northwest
  8. Explore Ile aux Cerfs by catamaran — A catamaran tour to the dream island with BBQ lunch, snorkeling stop at the coral reef, and rum tasting on board. → Chap. East
  9. Visit Grand Bassin — the sacred Hindu lake — Mauritius' holiest site: A crater lake surrounded by Hindu temples and a 33-meter-high Shiva statue. Especially magical during Maha Shivaratri. → Chap. South & Highlands
  10. Rum tasting at Chamarel or Rhumerie de Mauricia — Mauritius produces excellent rum from fresh sugar cane. A distillery tour with tasting is a must. → Chap. Southwest
  11. Kitesurf at the Le Morne Lagoon — Constant wind, flat water, tropical scenery — Le Morne is one of the world's best spots for kiters and windsurfers. → Chap. Southwest
  12. Tea tasting at the Bois-Chéri Plantation — Mauritian tea grows at 500 meters altitude in the highlands. The tour of the factory and the tasting in the pavilion with panoramic views are a delight. → Chap. South & Highlands

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