Mauritius

Welcome to Mauritius

Capital of Mauritius: Port Louis
Population of Mauritius: 1.3 million - 47th in Africa
Size of Mauritius: 2,040 km2 - 52nd in Africa
Languages in Mauritius: English is the official language, but French and Creole are widely spoken.

A small but surprisingly multicultural island in the Indian Ocean, Mauritius sits just east of Madagascar and offers a white-sand coastline lapped by sapphire waters. The contrasts of colors, tastes, and cultures here makes a vacation in Mauritius richly rewarding, with plenty to do along the coast and deeper inland. A tour of Mauritius usually includes long stops at the island's beaches, which serve as launching points for deep-sea fishing trips, dolphin-watching excursions, and scuba diving adventures. Farther away from the water, you can discover a paradise for hikers and nature lovers. Mauritius is made for explorations on foot, with several volcanic summits and a large national park sheltering abundant species of indigenous plants and birds.

Highlights

Get lost in the vibrant and bustling markets of Port Louis. If you’re shopping for fruits, vegetables, spices or souvenirs, you’ll find them here.
Worship the sun at any of the island's stunning beaches. Belle Mare, Trou aux Biches and Flic en Flac are considered by locals to be among the best.
Take a trip to the island of Rodrigues, which offers some of the country’s best diving.
Live it up in the party town of Grand Baie. Great restaurants, shops and its buzzing nightlife make for a great night out.
Get spiritual at the Grand Bassin, one of two natural lakes and a sacred Hindu site. Try to visit during the Maha Shivaratri festival to see pilgrims walk on fire.
Visit the sleepy town of Mahébourg. Established in 1805 the former bustling port town is now a charming fishing village.
Jump on a ferry and head to the tiny island of Ile Aux Cerf, the white sands and turquoise waters of its beaches make for a popular day trip.