Tourism in Mauritius
Tourism in Mauritius is an important component of the Mauritian economy as well as a major source of its foreign exchange earnings. The tourism industry is also a major economic pillar on the island of Rodrigues; however, tourism has not been developed in the Agalega Islands. Mauritius is mostly appreciated by tourists for its natural environment and man-made attractions, the multi-ethnic and cultural diversity of the population, the tropical climate, the beaches and water sports.
The tourism sector is under the supervision of the Ministry of Tourism and Leisure. The Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority (MTPA) promotes Mauritius through advertising campaigns, participation in tourism fairs and organizing, in collaboration with the local tourism industry, promotional campaigns and activities in Mauritius and abroad. The Tourism Authority (TA) is responsible for licensing, regulating and supervising the activities of tourism businesses, yachts, skippers and canvassers. It also contributes to the promotion of the destination and provides technical assistance to Rodrigues Island. The Association of Hoteliers and Restaurateurs of Mauritius (AHRIM) is a non-profit organization created in 1973 to represent and promote the interests of hotels and restaurants in Mauritius.
The best tourist destinations in Mauritius
It is considered one of the best tourist countries in Africa and the world. It is also characterized by a beautiful nature and there are many tourist destinations there...., Let's get to know the best destinations in Mauritius together.
Port Louis
Port Louis, the capital of Mauritius, is a dynamic city. Located in the northwest of the country, Port Louis will surely seduce you. Founded by French governor Bertrand François Mahé de la Bourdonnais in 1735, the city is the economic center of the island and is bustling during the day and full of life. Visit the colorful market, stroll the streets, visit museums and other historical and cultural sites, taste the Mauritian street food and get to know the people... A tour of the capital is a must during your stay in Mauritius and let yourself be immersed in local life, history and Mauritian culture. Port Louis is a cultural melting pot, a city where tradition and modernity go hand in hand.
Street food in Mauritius is also very popular and Port Louis is the perfect place to sample all the flavors that make up Mauritian culinary culture. The choice is yours: dol puris and fratas - large dumplings made of flour and split peas served with various spicy sauces and curries, chili buns - crispy chickpea buns with chili, Chinese dumplings - savory meat and vegetable dumplings, stir-fried noodles, and the famous biryani, a rice dish prepared with vegetables and meat with special spices, is a delight! A jewel of the capital is its theater, currently under renovation, which dates back to the 19th century and has seen many theater groups perform during its heyday. Regularly hosting the most prestigious operas and operettas in Europe, the Port Louis Theater, one of the oldest theaters in the region, was known for its exceptional acoustics.
Grand Baie
With lively restaurants, white sandy beaches, ever-expanding resorts and a natural harbor, Grand Bay is a fertile tourist ground. Located on the northwest coast of Mauritius, its fashion and handicraft stores appeal to landlubbers, while swimming, sailing and windsurfing enthusiasts frolic in the emerald Indian Ocean. Glass-bottom boat tours offer a window into the underwater world, but for a unique experience, climb aboard a two-person submarine and sail below the surface with tropical fish.
Black River Gorges National Park
The Black River Gorges National Park is located in the western part of Mauritius. It is the largest national park and protected forest in Mauritius, offering over 50 km of trails. Come here to explore the scenic hiking trails, enjoy a picnic in the lush rainforest, relax under the waterfalls and admire the rare species of local birds and flowering plants. The Black River Gorges National Park in Mauritius covers 2% of the total area of the island nation. The national park is located about 37 kilometers from the national capital, Port Louis, Mauritius. It can be reached via a chartered cab along the M2 highway in just one hour. Once upon a time, the park was used as a hunting ground. In 1994, scientists identified endemic bird species and flowering plants on this site. The site has since been granted national park status. Because of its location in the hilly interior of Mauritius, Black River Gorges National Park experiences relatively mild temperatures compared to the rest of the humid island. September through January is the ideal time to visit the park.
The park protects the country's pristine rainforests, but some of them have been destroyed by the introduction of foreign plant species. The national park is rich in biodiversity and contains rare species of birds, plants and animals. Currently, there are 700 native plant species in this national park. In general, it takes about 3 to 4 hours to explore the rich surroundings of the park. The minimum age for visitors is 10 years and older.
Flic En Flac Beach
Flic en Flac, which was once an idyllic little seaside town, is one of the most popular tourist areas in Mauritius after Grand Bay. With its name translating to "Free and Flat Land", which was an old Dutch proverb, Flic en Flac originally started as a fishing village that was a hunting ground for wild birds and ducks. Located on the west coast of Mauritius, the beach of Flic en Flac is the most popular tourist destination in the region with miles of sand and azure waters. An 8 kilometer wide beach with a range of water sports, Flic en Flac has long stretches of casuarinas lining the entire west-facing beachfront. The north side of flic en flac is a small rocky beach, while the south side offers an enchanting view of Tamarin Bay nestled at the foot of a rocky mountain.
Rodrigues
The landscape of Rodrigues Island is a spectacular combination of mountains, valleys, lagoons and cave systems. A guided exploration of the Caverne Patate reveals playful rock formations created by the movement of tectonic plates. Above ground, the François Leguat Giant Turtle and Cave Reserve will introduce you to the island's rarest plants and most laid-back residents. Hike to the center of Mount Limon for majestic panoramic views or dive among the intricate coral reefs. Rise early to visit Port Mathurin on market day, when the otherwise sleepy village comes alive.
Le Morne
In addition to its charming inhabitants, the village of Le Morne has extraordinary natural and cultural riches that are internationally recognized. In fact, one of the unique facets of this historic, colorful and tranquil village is that it is surrounded by both ocean and mountain. The majestic mountain of Morne Brabant located on the peninsula that juts out into the Indian Ocean in the southwest of Mauritius, has gained international recognition with its inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage List as the "Cultural Landscape of Le Morne" due to its outstanding universal value and exceptional testimony of "marronnage" and also as a symbol of the slaves' struggle for freedom.
You can discover many shades of blue in the Morne lagoon, which in addition to being a source of sustenance for fishermen, is also home to a variety of nautical activities. The waters surrounding the peninsula are internationally recognized as one of the best kitesurfing spots in the world. One of its other hidden treasures unique to the waters of Le Morne is the famous underwater waterfall which is a spectacular optical illusion. In addition to these unique natural wonders, the culture, heritage, history and emotions create a special atmosphere to this fishing village that cannot be perceived anywhere else. The local culture contributes to the identity and sense of belonging of the local multi-ethnic inhabitants which is passed on from generation to generation through traditional cooking, stories, myths and legends or music. The "Séga" music which is said to originate from Le Morne is inscribed on the intangible list of UNESCO's World Heritage.
Chamarel
Chamarel is located in the Black River district of Mauritius. It is known for its picturesque attractions. The places to visit in Chamarel attract tourists from far and wide. There are many sites to see here, such as the Land of Seven Colors and the Waterfalls of Chamarel and the Black River Gorges National Park. The coffee, which is grown locally here, is famous all over the world. Their coffee is shipped to many places in Mauritius. Coffee growing is one of the main sources of income for the inhabitants of Chamarel. St. Anne's Church is another popular place where you should stop on your trip to Chamarel.
To be precise, Chamarel is located on the west coast of Mauritius. It is at an altitude of 850 feet above the ground. Black River flows along the area. The village is known for its rustic atmosphere and lush landscapes. If you are a fan of turtles, you are in for a treat.
Mahébourg
One of the island's main fishing villages, Mahebourg is built along the shore of the huge Grand Port Bay. Mahébourg was founded in 1804 by the French governor Charles Deccan and witnessed Napoleon's only naval victory over the British in 1810. This victory is also included in the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. Mahébourg was a major center of economic life under the French administration and was also known as a slave market. Full of emotion, it is one of the few places on the island that has kept this particular period of our history engraved in stone.
There are many places to visit in Mahebourg, but you must visit the beautiful National Maritime Museum and the Historical Museum. Located at the entrance to the city, the Chateau de Robillard is an 18th century French colonial building that houses the National History Museum. Ancient maps, inscriptions, pottery, pirate swords and even shipwreck fragments tell the story of the island's rich maritime history. The jewel of this magnificent museum is the bell recovered from the wreck of Saint Geranne.
Tamarin
Tamarin is located on the west coast of Mauritius in the Black River district and is about 50 km and one hour drive from the international airport. Port Louis, the capital is located about 30 km north of Tamarin and the journey also takes about 1 hour. Tamarin has a good bus line leading to key places in Mauritius. You can easily take the bus to Port Louis or other towns such as Baie du Cap and Quatre Bornes and you can easily venture further across the island.
If a tropical environment where it is warm all year round appeals to you, then Tamarin is a fantastic place. The coolest months of the year are July and September, when temperatures generally range from lows of 19°C to highs of 26°C. The hottest months of the year are January and February, when the mercury rises to 30°C on a typical day, with minimum temperatures usually around 24°C.
Flic en Flac
If you're looking for the perfect beach vacation, look no further than Flic-en-Flac in Mauritius, a picturesque seaside town whose name literally translates to free flat land. It's a beautiful vacation destination, especially popular with honeymooners and adventurers. However, there are more things to do and places to see in Flic en Flac than people realize, and we're here to show you some!
Flic en Flac beach, and Casela World of Adventures, and Dolphin Encounter Mauritius, and Tamarin Bay, and Cascavelle Shopping Village, and La Vanille Nature Park, and SpeedoMax, and SSR Botanic Garden, and Le Morne Brabant, and Pereybere Beach
Accommodation: The best hotels in Mauritius