Usually when I say my family is from Mauritius, people don’t know where I’m talking about. To be fair, Mauritius is a tiny tropical island off the coast of Madagascar, with a population of roughly 1.2 million people.
So, when my dad (who left to live in Australia when he was four) planned a trip to go back I jumped at the chance. If you’re dreaming of a tropical getaway, consider this your go-to-guide for exploring this beautifully unique country.
A little bit of history
Mauritius’ documented history begins in the 16th century when Portuguese explorers discovered and named Mauritius, as well as the surrounding islands of Reunion and Rodrigues. However, its first settlement wasn’t until the late 1500s by the Dutch.
Only staying for a short time, the island was then inhabited by French settlers who brought over African slaves to work the Sugarcane fields. This was also short lived, as British merchant ships were sent to capture the island during the Napoleonic Wars.
The British arrived, overpowering the French and took ownership of Mauritius, keeping the language, customs and traditions of the French settlement. This is why the main languages in Mauritius are French, English, and a French-based Mauritian language known as Creole.
Where to go
For the entirety of my stay, we were housed in a villa in Flic En Flac, one of Mauritius’ most popular beaches and tourist areas. Long stretches of crystal clear water lap at the coastline – but be sure to bring your water shoes! The coral is sharp and plentiful.
If beaches are your thing, another one you can’t miss is Le Morne. Nestled under a huge mountain, Le Morne is an amazing swimming spot, treating locals and tourists alike to warm water and beautiful sunsets.
Another must see place is Port Louis. Mauritius’ capital, Port Louis is home to the bulk of the population and is a hotspot for tourist activities. Featuring a local parks, a shopping centre, a fruit and vegetable market, boutique shops and more, you’ll be spoilt for choice.
Last but not least, Grand Baie is another tourist hotspot to check off your list. Similar to Port Louis, Grand Baie also boasts the calm turquoise bay it’s named for.
Where to eat
Mauritius is not lacking in amazing food options. Showcasing a combination of French and Indian cuisine, most eateries serve traditional Creole meals, which are a curry featuring fresh seafood or chicken, in a rich, fragrant sauce.
You will find the occasional pizza or hot chips if you’re not feeling too adventurous, but the seafood is what’s really worth visiting for. Sweets are also something that Mauritius does well. Many a sweet treat was had on my trip, including my favourite, the Puits d’amour (meaning Well of Love) – a shortcrust pastry tart filled with buttercream and topped with coconut and a dollop of guava jam – yum!
What to do
With Mauritius’ main economic booster being tourism, there is plenty to do. If you’re like me and trying to soak up as much as possible, here’s a shortlist of the best activities to do on the island.
– Chamarel 7 Coloured Earth Geopark: Mauritius’ first geopark, the landscape was shaped through millions of years of volcanoes and waterfalls, and the 7 Coloured Earths were formed by Iron and Aluminium oxidising the clay, creating the seven beautiful colours. This park also features a Tortoise Park, housing eight fully grown Tortoises, as well as many babies, and a viewing platform for the Chamarel Waterfalls.
– Port Louis Street Eats and City Highlights Walking Tour: This tour takes the guess work out of bustling Port Louis and allows you to try a wide range of dishes that make up Mauritius’ cultural scene. From Chinatown eats to bakery sweets, this tour combines history with adventure, taking you all around the city.
– Blue Bay Marine Park: Located off the Southeast coast, the Blue Bay Marine Park is a snorkeller’s dream! This trip was my first time snorkelling, and being an anxious person, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Putting my head underwater for the first time was the most amazing feeling I think I’ve ever felt. Thanks to the clear and shallow waters surrounding Mauritius, an underwater world was brought to life before my eyes. Countless types of fish and coral lay just below my feet. At one point, I swam through a school of fish and felt them brush against me – a truly unique and exhilarating feeling. This tour features a glass bottom boat and two snorkelling spots, as well as a Creole lunch on a private island.
Although not always on everyone’s radar, Mauritius is an amazing place to visit. With breathtaking sights and deep culture, make this your next travel destination!
