Mauritius enjoys a worldwide reputation as a paradise destination. The tiny neighboring island of Madagascar is of volcanic origin and covers just under 2,000 square kilometers. Perfect for seeing all the the main sights in under two weeks.

Did you know?: Mauritius was the home of the now extinct dodo – today the island is home to flying foxes. In addition, the entire island is protected by a coral reef.

Mauritius' colonial history began in 1598 with the Dutch, followed by the French and the British. What remained after their conquest was the language, customs, traditions and laws. © Teodor Kuduschiev

Basic Info

Location & climate: Indian Ocean, east of Africa and Madagascar; summer tropics
Best time to visit: year-round, best outside the rainy season in the months of May, June, September, October and November.
Weather & water temperature: between 25 and 30 °C; water between 24 and 26 °C
Flight time: direct flights to Port Louis from Vienna in 10 hours, Zurich in 11 hours, Frankfurt in 12 hours
Good to know: Mauritius is a left-hand traffic country

Where to eat

Kot Marie-Michèlle Table d'Hôte

Marie Michele's small farm serves typical Mauritian Creole island cuisine. A real experience as the hostess takes the group to the market to choose the ingredients, which they prepare together afterwards.

Port Louis Market

At the Spice Market or Central Market in Port Louis, you can buy spices as well as authentic street food. A must: mild Mauritian curry and the delicious Alouda milkshake with ice cream and sabja, sweet basil seeds.

Where to stay

Crystal-clear turquoise waters and fine sandy beaches lie at the feet of this sprawling luxury resort in the south of the island. © Heritage Le Telfair

Around the Heritage Le Telfair Golf & Wellness Resort in the unspoiled south of Mauritius, nature is in full bloom. The five-star resort was designed in French colonial style and stretches between the beach, golf course and jungle. In addition to the generous range of culinary and leisure experiences, it excels for its relaxed ambience and attentive service.

Heritage Le Telfair Golf & Wellness Resort
B9 Coastal Road, Bel Ombre, Mauritius
Tel.: +230 601 5500
Web: heritageresorts.mu
Price: Doubles from €375 per night/person

The top 10 highlights in Mauritius

1. port louis

Fort Adelaide affords outstanding panoramic views of Port Louis. © Shutterstock

Due to its protected location, Port Louis became one of the first and subsequently most important landing points of the colonial powers in Mauritius. Under the French, the place became one of the most important ports of the Indian Ocean – and also the gateway of the slave trade. Those who want to delve deeper into the history of slavery and Indenture should pay a visit to the Aapravasi Ghat World Heritage Site. The former camp of Indian immigrant laborers also includes a museum. The Natural History Museum of Port Louis also features the only surviving complete skeleton of a dodo.

You can catch the best view over the city from the citadel Fort Adelaide, built in the 19th century by the British. And if you're looking for a little urban ease, wander leisurely through the colorful harbor area.

2. pamplemousses botanical garden

The giant water lily pond in the botanical garden is a sight to behold. © Shutterstock

The Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden in the north of the island's capital is the oldest botanical garden in the southern hemisphere. It extends over 37 hectares and invites visitors to stroll in the greenery, past the giant water lily as well as the lotus pond. The Mon Plaisir estate also houses a botanical museum.

3. chamarel

Almost unreal: The Seven Colored Earth in Chamarel is an absolute highlight on the Indian Ocean island. © Shutterstock

The Terres des Sept Couleurs is a colorful hilly landscape of volcanic origin. The basalt lava, which becomes clay minerals via weathering, is responsible for the multifaceted colors of the natural phenomenon.

4. volcano Trou aux Cerfs

Mauritius is volcanic in origin - as evidenced by remains such as Trou aux Cerfs, an extinct volcano whose crater is now enclosed by dense jungle. © Shutterstock

The dormant Trou aux Cerfs volcano attracts travelers to Curepipe: the cone reaches 605 meters in altitude, and those who cross the deep green thicket come across the crater, which is about 300 meters in diameter, filled with water and 80 meters deep. 

5. le Morne Brabant

The climb to Le Morne Brabant is rewarded with a great view over the coast and the ocean. © Xavier Coiffic

The 556 meter high mountain is located in the southwest of the island and offers not only beautiful coral sand beaches, but also hiking trails. You can reach the top in two to three hours and will be rewarded with a breathtaking view. Since 2008, Le Morne Brabant is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Good to know: The iconic underwater waterfall - an optical illusion - is located just off the coast of Le Morne Brabant.

6. beach of Le Morne

Mauritius is known all over the world for its paradisiacal beaches. © Goran Backman

In front of the iconic Le Morne Brabant stretch gorgeous white beaches of coral sand. The crystal-clear waters off the coast attract not only swimmers and amateur divers - thanks to perfect conditions, surfers and kitesurfers are at their best here.

Tip for the north of the island: The uninhabited islet of Gunner's Quoin is a popular dive spot because of its steep cliffs known as The Wall.

7. chamarel waterfall

From a viewing platform, which can be reached by car, you have the best view of the 100-meter Chamarel Waterfall. © Shutterstock

The Rivière de Cap near Chamarel plunges over a 100-meter-high cliff into the depths: visitors to the Seven Colored Earth should definitely plan a trip to the highest waterfall on the island.

8. Black River Gorges National Park, Bel Ombre

Bel Ombre at dawn: Numerous animals - including flying foxes and tropical birds, but also deer - find refuge here. © Xavier Coiffic

It is the first and probably most important national park in Mauritius: visitors can expect 60 kilometers of hiking trails in the Black River Gorges, which lead through dense primeval forests, past thundering waterfalls and colorful birds of paradise. There are 300 plant species and nine endemic birds to see.

Good to know: There are hardly any poisonous animals on land, which is why you can walk through the forests with complete peace of mind.

9. ganga talao / grand basin

Colorful temples and giant statues: The Ganga Talao is considered a sacred site by Mauritian Hindus. According to the origin story, the god Shiva spilled some drops of the Ganges on the island. © Shutterstock

At the eastern end of the Black River Gorges National Park is the Grand Bassin or Ganga Talao. It is the holiest pilgrimage site of the Mauritian Hindus, here people chant, meditate and pray. Around the crater lake numerous huge colorful statues, temples and shrines can be visited, sometimes monkeys can be seen at the Grand Bassin.

10. tea plantations of Bois Cheri

In Bois Chérie, walk among fragrant green fields. © Shutterstock

In the small village of Bois Chérie, the first tea plantation was founded in 1892. Bright green fields, tastings, factory tours and a small museum await visitors. For lunch in the fragrant greenery, the former colonial-style mansion is ready.