Sarah Hoffman
A year-round destination with everything you want from a tropical vacation.
We traveled to the breathtaking island of Mauritius on the coast of East Africa, and we can’t stop thinking about it. So, we’re here to share all the details you need to know about traveling to this lush, tropical island.
Flying out over the heat-haze cityscape of Riyadh, I felt my stomach fill with butterflies of wanderlust and anticipation. We were just a flight away from one of the world’s most idyllic tropical islands, where my family and I would be spending a week immersed in rich cultures and natural beauty. The children waved goodbye to Saudi Arabia from our window seat, and we let our minds drift off to imagine the crystal-clear waters, sandy beaches, and vibrant terrain we were heading for.
About Mauritius
Mauritius is a quaint, tropical island off the coast of East Africa. Locals mostly speak English, French, and Mauritian Creole, but it’s truly a world of culture and diversity in terms of everything from its people to its flora and fauna. The island is home to marvelous turquoise waters, sparkly lagoons, soft sandy beaches, swaying palm trees, bright green mountains, and everything you want from a tropical, family-friendly destination. Simply walking off the plane, I was greeted by the salty aroma of the Indian Ocean and a gentle paradise-like breeze, and I knew I was going to have a hard time leaving.
Speaking of Riyadh, we locals are used to the hot, sun-drenched, and dry days of the city. Mauritius is a breath of fresh air, literally. It’s dewy and humid, but completely warm and mild all at once. It’s the best of tropical weather, and it helped create the ideal situation for exploring this miraculous little island.
And while exploring the island, here are 5 of the top places to visit in Mauritius with a family.
Casela Nature Parks
Casela Nature Parks is the epitome of family-friendly fun in Mauritius. It’s a massive park divided into five zones. The park offers African safaris, mountain ziplining, theme park rides, restaurants, a 4D cinema, and so much more.
Imagine taking quad buggies through beautifully rugged terrain while getting to see zebras, white rhinos, and other safari animals up close. Then, an hour later taking on an exciting zipline ride boasting gorgeous views of Mauritius. It’s a must-have experience!
Open every day from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM and until 9:00 PM on Saturdays. Adult tickets are Rs 294. Children’s tickets are Rs 200.
Chamarel Seven Colored Earth Geopark
One of the most iconic places to visit in Mauritius, the Seven Colored Earth Geopark is a tremendously unique geological formation in the Chamarel plain of the Rivière Noire District of the island. What makes it so special is its sand dunes encompassing seven distinct colors. Kids will love the vibrant colors and nature and geology lovers will be impressed with this work of natural art.
Open every day from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Adult tickets are Rs 225. Children’s tickets are Rs 75.
Chamarel Waterfall
Just near the geopark is a 272-ft waterfall set in the middle of lush vegetation. It is one of the most beautiful places in Mauritius. You can see the waterfall from a viewing deck at the Seven Colored Earth Geopark or follow a trail down for a closer look and a swim in its shallow pool.
L’Aventure du Sucre
For a chance to see and understand the cultivation of sugarcane, a visit to L’Aventure du Sucre is a must. With interactive displays, it’s fun for the entire family and boasts of dreamy, palm-tree-filled views and even has a shop to stock up on sugary goodies.
Open Monday to Saturday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Admission Fees:
Adults: Rs 525 (tastings included)
Children (6 to 13): Rs 250 (exploration guide included)
Students (13 to 26): Rs 250 (student ID required)
Glass Bottom Boat Ride
Some of the best things to do in Mauritius happen on the water, and a glass-bottom boat ride is one of those things, especially for younger children. See vibrant marine life navigating through crystal clear waters as you soak up fantastic oceanside views. Then, take a closer look at the fish with a snorkeling adventure! It’s a little bit of relaxation and adventure in one.
Where to Stay
We stayed at the timeless and elegant JW Marriott Mauritius Resort, located on the Le Morne peninsula on the southwest tip of the island. The hotel is equipped with picturesque rooms, many outdoor swimming pools, and direct beach access. The property provides idyllic views over the lagoon and a backdrop of Le Morne Brabant Mountain, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
As cliche as it sounds, I felt like a movie star while staying here. Plus, the kids’ play area gave me and my husband quality time for ourselves, while perfectly combining family-time and romance. One of our trip highlights was our evening with a private beach dinner on the white sand beaches at the JW Marriott Mauritius. We reminisced about our days and watched the sunset over bubbly cocktails and delicacies fresh from the ocean.
The JW Marriott Mauritius is in a great location with easy access to some of the best things to do on the island.
Every color in Mauritius is rich and vibrant, creating one of the most picturesque tropical destinations I’ve ever laid eyes on. The colors combined with its fantastic weather, sparkling lagoons, and picturesque mountaintops make this African island a paradise destination for families. I spent the majority of the flight back to Saudi Arabia swiping through photographs and replaying the memories in my head… Needless to say, Mauritius is magical, and it should absolutely be on your family vacation bucket list.
When to Visit
Mauritius is considered a year-round destination. However, the best times to visit the island are from April to June and from September to December to avoid the peak of summer and winter, the only two seasons in Mauritius.
Covid-19 Situation
As of March 12, 2022, incoming visitors no longer have to present a negative PCR test taken 72 hours before arrival in Mauritius. Also, over 90% of the adult population is vaccinated. Testing is widely available and can usually be arranged by your hotel. However, be sure to plan and schedule RT-PCR tests required for return travel well in advance as turnaround times can vary.
Flights
Saudi Airlines flies directly to Mauritius at different times throughout the year. However, another popular flight option from Riyadh is through Emirates Airways. After a quick transit in Dubai the flight to Mauritius is 6.5 hours.
Visas
Citizens of GCC and western countries such as the USA and UK, do not require a visa to enter Mauritius. Nationals of countries such as the Philippines can easily obtain a visa on arrival and some nationalities require a visa prior to travel.
Transportation
Travel agents provide different transportation booking options including private chauffeured cars and rental vehicles online via their respective websites. Many hotels can also arrange your transportation for a fee. Public buses are available through the island and don’t require pre-booking. In 2019, Mauritius also introduced the metro which provides tickets for purchase at the stations and online. Keep in mind, roads through the mountains are narrow and winding, and driving is on the right side.
