Custom travel to Mauritius

Mauritius is one of the Indian Ocean's most iconic destinations — a 2,040-km² volcanic island 800 km east of Madagascar, home to 1.3 million inhabitants. Independence came in 1968 after Dutch, French and British colonial periods. A fascinating multicultural society blends Indo-Mauritian Hindus and Muslims, Creoles, Sino-Mauritians and Franco-Mauritians, with Mauritian Creole, French and English coexisting daily. Beaches rank among the Indian Ocean's finest — Belle Mare's 8-km stretch in the east, Trou aux Biches in the north, Flic en Flac in the west, and Le Morne in the southwest, a world-class kitesurfing spot. Highlights: the UNESCO Le Morne peninsula, symbol of maroon slave resistance (UNESCO 2008); Black River Gorges National Park and its primary forest; Chamarel's Land of Seven Colors; and Île aux Cerfs with its turquoise lagoon. Magnificent fusion cuisine of chicken curry, dholl puri, rougail and biryani. Historic luxury tourism — Mark Twain said God created Mauritius before heaven. 7 to 10 days to combine beach relaxation and nature.

Highlights

• Le Morne (UNESCO, legendary peninsula)
• Black River Gorges (endemic wildlife)
• Chamarel: Land of Seven Colors
• Île aux Cerfs (private beach island)
• Belle Mare and Trou aux Biches (beaches)
• Unique Mauritian fusion cuisine

Sample itineraries

When to go

April-June and September-November are the best periods (ideal 22-28 °C climate, little rain, calm sea). Avoid January-March (hot-humid austral summer 30 °C+, possible cyclones — especially January-February). July-August: stronger southeast trade winds, cool (20-26 °C, ideal for kitesurfing at Le Morne).

• Austral spring (September – November) — All sites, beaches, optimal diving
• Austral winter (kitesurfing) (June – August) — Kitesurfing at Le Morne (world season), Black River hikes
• Hot austral summer (December – March) — Beach and palace, but unstable weather
• Austral autumn (April – May) — All sites, advantageous prices

Practical information

One of the world's safest countries (almost zero crime, low corruption). No visa for French citizens (stay < 90 days). Cards accepted everywhere. Tap water drinkable (British heritage). English and French omnipresent (Mauritian Creole is used between Mauritians, but they speak French to Europeans). Left-hand drive (British heritage). Tipping: 10% appreciated in restaurants (sometimes included in service charge). Possible cyclones January-March (rare but can disrupt a stay).

Frequently asked questions

When?

April-June and September-November (ideal climate). Avoid January-March (hot-humid, possible cyclones).

How long?

8 days minimum. 14 days combining with Reunion (30-min flight).

Budget?

€3,200-€4,500 per person for 8 days in comfort, excluding flights. Premium: €5,500-€8,500. Flights: €800-€1,200.

Visa?

No for French citizens < 90 days.

Family?

Yes, exceptionally. Calm beaches (reefs protect), palaces with kids clubs, fun excursions. Ideal for families.

How to get around?

Private car with driver (British heritage, left-hand drive). No rental needed for confident drivers.

Mauritius or Seychelles?

Mauritius: iconic palaces, accessible prices (€4,500-€8,500), Francophone, livelier. Seychelles: preserved nature, more exclusive (€5,500-€12,000), more expensive, English-Creole. Mauritius ideal family, Seychelles ideal honeymoon.

Combine?

Yes: Mauritius + Reunion (30-min flight, ideal), Mauritius + Seychelles (1 h 30 flight), Mauritius + Madagascar.

Cyclones: risk?

January-March season. Rare (1-2 strong cyclones per decade). Mauritius is well prepared. Avoid these months if possible.

Tips?

10% appreciated in restaurants (sometimes included in service). Appreciated in hotels.