Located off the east coast of Africa, Mauritius is a small island nation that’s best known for its tropical beaches and swanky resorts. In reality, it’s so much more!

Lush rainforests, incredible wildlife and waterfalls galore make Mauritius a bucket list destination for nature lovers. It also offers a rich cultural heritage thanks to its diverse mix of Indian, Creole, Chinese and French ethnic groups. 

So, with so much to see and do, where do you even start? I’ve put together a Mauritius itinerary for 7-10 days with all the best things to do. 

This Mauritius itinerary is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts who want to make the most of their time on the island. Whether you want laidback or action-packed, you can easily customise it to your travel style. 

I’ve also included where to stay to help make planning your trip easier. 

How to use this itinerary 

View from Sublime Point Lookout at Ebony Forest. Looks out across flat ground to the coast.

Discover the best things to do on the island in this 10-day Mauritius itinerary!

This Mauritius travel itinerary is designed to be completely customisable to you and your preferences. 

It starts in the east of the island and goes around it anticlockwise so both the beginning and end are close to the airport. You can easily do this itinerary back to front too. 

I’ve deliberately kept this itinerary fairly laidback with activities spread out across the 10 days but you can bunch them together or swap them out if you’re short of time. 

I’ve also included optional activities if you want more. Feel free to fit in more lazy days too! 

Whether you’re spending a week in Mauritius, 10 days or more, there’s plenty here to keep you occupied. 

Read More: The Ultimate Mauritius Packing List: What To Wear In Mauritius

How to get around Mauritius

Chamarel Waterfall tumbling over a sheer rock surrounded by green vegetation.

There are several ways to get around Mauritius depending on your travel style. These are: 

Hire a car

Probably the most flexible way to travel around Mauritius is by renting a car and driving. 

Most roads are pretty well-maintained but it’s still a good idea to practice caution when going along small side roads. I’d also avoid cities and business areas during rush hour as the traffic can get busy! 

In terms of a permit, you’re allowed to drive in Mauritius with your domestic license for up to four weeks. 

Use Rentalcars.com to get the best price on car hire in Mauritius. If at all possible, go electric or offset your car’s emissions to mitigate your environmental impact. You can do this here. 

Self-guided tour

If you want the freedom of doing it yourself with the structure and ease of an itinerary done for you, the best option is a self-guided tour. 

Pure Breaks is a travel agent specialising in tailor-made responsible holidays that suit your interests. 

Best of all, it does the hard work for you to make sure your trip is an eco-friendly one by partnering with eco-resorts and activities around the island. 

You’ll travel via private transport to make it easier. Pure Breaks uses Coquille Bonheur, an award-winning responsible tourism company – so you’re in good hands! 

Small-group tour

Since Mauritius is a relatively small island, there’s no need to do a big multi-day guided tour. 

However, if you do prefer that structure or you want to make the most of your time, I recommend booking day trips and activities. Read about the best top-rated ones here.

Then all you need to do is strategically choose accommodation nearby! 

Keep reading to find out more about the best activities you can do. 

Editor’s tip: still not sure how you want to get around Mauritius? Don’t panic! Plenty of hotels offer transfers to nearby attractions and they will be able to help you out. There are also plenty of taxi companies! 

Mauritius itinerary for 7-10 days 

Map provided by Wanderlog, a travel planner on iOS and Android

Day 0 – Arrive! 

Where to stay: Preskil Island Resort  

You’ve just landed in Mauritius and you’re ready for your trip to begin! Book a transfer to your resort or hotel and spend the rest of the day relaxing. 

It’s a long journey to Mauritius so you’ll want to rest and recuperate before you dive straight into your itinerary!  

Day 1 – Île aux Aigrettes

A giant tortoise in the rain at Ile aux Aigrettes. A must-visit on you Mauritius itinerary.

Spend your first day exploring the islands off the east coast of Mauritius. For wildlife lovers, Île aux Aigrettes is a must. This protected nature reserve is home to giant tortoises! 

Sadly, the native species of giant tortoise suffered the same fate as the dodo and went extinct in the 1700s. However, giant tortoises are a vital part of the island’s ecosystem as they help with seed dispersal. 

In an effort to restore the natural ecosystem, the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation introduced the Aldabra Giant Tortoise from Seychelles in 2000. The best place to see them is the tiny reef islet of Île aux Aigrettes. 

Here, giant tortoise conservation is in full swing and you can see adult tortoises roaming (albeit slowly) across the land. You can also see other rare native species of floral and fauna, including ebony trees and birds such as the Pink Pigeon and Mauritian Fody. 

By visiting Île aux Aigrettes, you can directly support important conservation work by the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation. The only way to visit is through a guided eco-tour with a ranger. Make sure you book at least 24 hours in advance. 

Note, there aren’t any restaurants or leisure activities at Ile aux Aigrettes, Île aux Cerfs is a better option for those – but there aren’t any giant tortoises…

Île aux Cerfs 

Further up the east coast of Mauritius is Île aux Cerfs, a large private island boasting white sandy beaches, a couple of restaurants and a golf course. 

A popular activity to do here is a full day cruise on board a 45-ft catamaran. Highlights include snorkelling, dolphin watching and a BBQ! 

If you want to visit both islands, you can either do Île aux Cerfs on day one or day two as my suggested accommodation for the second night is close by. 

Editor’s tip: as you drive up the east coast, make a stop at Boutique Vallée de Ylang Ylang, a lovely independent gift shop selling a range of natural skincare and essential oils. 

Day 2 – Full day at Otentic Eco Tents 

An eco-friendly safari tent with plants in front at Otentic Eco Tents.

Where to stay: Otentic Eco Tents 

On day two, I recommend staying and spending a full day on your Mauritius itinerary at Otentic Eco Tents because it’s such an amazing place. 

Located on the banks of the Grand River, Otentic is the only tented ecolodge in Mauritius. Accommodation is in the form of safari tents, complete with cosy beds and outside (but enclosed!) showers at the back. 

All furnishings are rustic and handmade from upcycled materials. 

Home cooking is a speciality here. The glamping site has its own vegetable garden and employs local people from the neighbouring village to cook some of the best food in Mauritius. Honestly, it was one of the highlights of my trip!

Otentic offers a range of activities including kayaking, snorkelling, hiking, kitesurfing, paddleboarding and bike hire. You can book a transfer to the beach / Ile aux Cerfs too. 

Day 3 – Snorkelling & the north 

Grand Baie - a beach at golden hour with blue water and a palm tree.

Where to stay: Lagoon Attitude Resort 

Anse La Raie Lagoon

Head north to the top of Mauritius for a relaxing day of snorkelling and beaching. The island is home to some beautiful coral reefs and you can meet the local marine residents by snorkelling in a protected marine reserve. 

Anse la Raie Lagoon is a Voluntary Marine Conservation Area (VMCA). This means local hotels, residents and industries have agreed to not fish or carry out any other destructive activities. 

You can do a snorkelling tour of the marine reserve through Lagoon Attitude Resort, a key member of the VMCA project. Help keep the reserve healthy by refraining from touching the reef and wearing reef-safe sunscreen. 

Afterwards, chill at your resort or hit the beach at Grand Baie via Cap Malheureux. 

Cap Malheureux 

Cap Malheureux is a scenic drive along the north coast with beautiful views out towards the northern isles. 

Although a seemingly quiet enclave, its name, meaning Cape Misfortune, comes from the number of ships dashed against the rocks. It’s also the historic site where the British invasion forces defeated the French in 1810. 

Look out for Notre Dame Auxiliatrice, a pretty red-roofed church which is worth a quick stop for as you pass by. 

Grand Baie 

If you’re looking for your fill of tropical beaches, Grand Baie on the northwest coast has plenty. Some of the best ones include: 

Pereybere Beach

The first beach after Cap Malheureux, Pereybere is popular among travellers. It’s excellent for snorkelling and offers plenty of restaurants and cafes. 

La Cuvette 

For somewhere a little more rustic and quieter, head to La Cuvette. Fewer boats in the bay here make it a lovely spot for a quiet swim or snorkel. 

Grand Baie Beach 

Beautiful crystal clear waters and white sandy beaches make Grand Baie Beach a must-visit. You can enjoy watersports activities here too. 

Read More: 19 Best Places To Stay In Mauritius For Every Budget

Day 4 – Port Louis & Botanical Garden

Girl in an orange dress walking through an avenue of trees at SSR Botanic Garden, Mauritius.

Where to stay: Labourdonnais Waterfront Hotel

Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden

Start the day at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden in Pamplemousses. 

Founded by Pierre Poivre (which translates to Peter Pepper in English, yes) in 1770, it’s the oldest botanical garden on the island and a lovely place to learn more about tropical plants. 

Discover plants from all around the world, including Asia, Africa, America and more. 

Enjoy a leisurely few hours wandering around the garden and taking in the sights. Make sure you visit the colonial-era mansion and take a photo of the famous giant water lilies!

The entrance fee is Rs 200 (Mauritian rupee) for non-Mauritian visitors. 

Port Louis 

From the botanical garden, it’s just a short drive to Port Louis, the capital of Mauritius. It’s a compact but relatively busy city. I’d recommend exploring on foot rather than navigating the streets if you’re driving!

There are enough sites in the city to keep you busy for the rest of the day. Head to Le Caudan Waterfront for lunch and shopping; visit the Central Market, the first market in Mauritius; see Blue Penny Museum with its collection of rare stamps and Chinatown with its French-style houses.

Other popular sights include Fort Adelaide which offers views of the Port Louis skyline; Jummah Mosque with its blend of Creole, Indian and Islamic architecture and the UNESCO World Heritage Aapravasi Ghat, an immigration depot built by the British in 1849 to receive indentured and contracted workers.  

A great way to experience a place from a local perspective is to do a walking or guided tour. There are Port Louis tours I recommend: 

  • Full Day Tour of Port Louis – this includes the botanical garden and Cap Malheureux church so it’s a good option if you want to cover a lot of ground!
  • Port Louis, Mont Choisy and National Botanical Garden Tour – this is a private tour of the city and botanical garden. It also includes a trip to Mont Choisy beach. 
  • Port Louis Street Food Tour –  I recommend this tour if you’re a foodie. It’s an amazing way to experience the local culture. The three-hour tour takes you to food spots only the locals know about. Book this one in advance as it’s likely to sell out!

Day 5 – Chamarel 

Chamarel seven coloured earth. Sand dunes with purple, red and orange colours with trees behind.

Where to stay: Heritage Le Telfair or Lakaz Chamarel 

Time to see a different side to Mauritius beyond the beaches and lagoons. Today, explore the island’s tropical interiors in Chamarel. 

There are two amazing places to visit here: 

Chamarel’s Seven Coloured Earth Geopark 

One of the best things to do in Mauritius, Seven Coloured Earth Geopark is home to a stunning natural spectacle of sand dunes that are streaked with different colours – much like Rainbow Mountain in Peru. 

The best time to visit is on a dry, sunny day as that’s when the colours really pop. 

You’ll need to pay an entrance fee (about Rs 200) but it also gives you access to the viewpoint of Chamarel Waterfall and tortoise pens. 

The geopark is a protected area of conservation. 

Ebony Forest Reserve 

Just around the corner from the Seven Coloured Earth is Ebony Forest Reserve, a refuge for threatened native flora and fauna. Here, you can go hiking and support rewilding projects either by donating or planting your own tree. 

The most popular activity you can do in the reserve is a guided or self-guided tour up a 300m raised walkway through native bush to reach Sublime Point Lookout. 

Just as its name suggests, the viewpoint gives you stunning panoramic views across Mauritius to the coast. 

You can either stay at the lookout and enjoy refreshments at the tiny cafe or continue hiking up to the summit of Piton Canot for even more amazing views. 

Admission to Ebony Forest Reserve is Rs 300 for hiking. Prices differ depending on the activity you want to do. The money you pay directly supports vital conservation work too. 

Day 6 – Heritage Nature Reserve 

A 4x4 jeep on a slope surrounded by trees at Heritage Nature Reserve. A top place to visit on your Mauritius itinerary.

Heritage Nature Reserve is 1300 hectares of unspoilt nature nestled close to the wider UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in Bel-Hombre in the south of Mauritius. It’s owned by Heritage Resorts but anyone can visit whether they’re a guest or not. 

Here, you can explore a tropical landscape of native forest, mountainous terrain, rivers and lush vegetation. 

There’s plenty of wildlife to see here too, such as the Pink Pigeon, Mauritian Fody, Echo Parakeet and the Mauritius Kestrel. 

Keep an eye out for giant fruit bats soaring above the canopy. Don’t worry, they’re fruitarians so completely harmless!

Activities in the reserve focus on education and conservation. You can take a tour with an expert guide or if you prefer to cover more ground you can do a guided quad bike or 4×4 tour. 

For a more relaxed approach, you can have a leisurely three-hour picnic lunch in the heart of the reserve. I recommend booking this in advance.

Afterwards, go back to your resort for a well-earned rest. It’s been a busy few days! 

Day 7 – Le Morne Brabant, Black River Gorges & Grand Bassin

Black River Gorges National Park. View from the viewpoint of tree covered hills and mountains in the distance.

Today is all about spectacular natural scenery, history and culture. There are multiple stops you can do. These are: 

Le Morne Brabant 

The most westerly part of Mauritius, Le Morne Brabant is a peninsula which is known for its huge basalt monolith rising 556 metres above sea level. 

It’s a dramatic sight and just off its coast, sand and silt give the illusion that the island is about to be sucked down a waterfall! 

Le Morne Brabant is a UNESCO World Heritage site not just for its scenery. 

It’s a symbol of freedom with a tragic past. 

During the time of the slave trade, many escaped slaves from Madagascar and mainland Africa lived on Le Morne Brabant. Conditions were harsh and there was little food, shelter and water. 

It’s said that after the British passed the Slavery Abolition Act in 1834, a group of soldiers visited Le Morne to tell the runaway slaves they were finally free. 

The sight of the authorities coming caused the former slaves to jump to their deaths rather than risk being captured. 

Today, this popular sunrise hike with a certified climber gives you the chance to learn more about the historical significance of Le Morne Brabant and enjoy panoramic views of the island. 

It’s approximately four hours to complete so you can always move Black River Gorges and Grand Bassin to the following day’s itinerary. 

Black River Gorges National Park 

It’s time to start heading eastwards and inland to Black River Gorges National Park. Here in the highlands, temperatures are slightly lower than at sea level so it can be a welcome break from the heat. 

You can make this stop as long or as short as you like by hiking up the many peaks in the park. Alternatively, keep it quick by visiting Alexandra Falls or enjoying the view from the Gorges Viewpoint. 

Grand Bassin 

On the other side of Black River Gorges is Grand Bassin, also known as Ganga Talao. It’s a sacred crater lake 550 metres above sea level with Hindu temples and small shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva and other gods dotted along its shoreline. 

Ganga Talao has been an important Hindu pilgrimage site since 1887 and is at the heart of the island’s biggest Hindu festival – Maha Shivaratri – which celebrates the god Shiva. 

In 2007, a 33-metre statue of Shiva was erected and towers over the trees to this day. 

You can walk around the lake, meditate, pray and spot local wildlife including fish, eels and monkeys. It’s a site well worth adding to your Mauritius itinerary!

Day 8 – Bois Cheri & Blue Bay Marine Park 

Bois Cheri Reservoir with tea plantations in front and lush vegetation surrounding it.

Where to stay: Preskil Island Resort 

Bois Cheri 

Before you make your way back to the east coast, stop by Bois Cheri Tea Factory and Museum. 

Tea has been grown commercially in Mauritius since the 19th century. Today the biggest producer is Bois Cheri with a plantation of 250 hectares. 

You can learn about the history of the Mauritian tea trade in the museum and take a guided tour of the plantation and factory to see how it’s produced. 

Next, take a short coach ride through the plantation to the tea tasting chalet which sits on a hill above a small reservoir. This picturesque spot offers tea tasting and you can relax with a brew of your choosing. There’s also an on-site shop where you can sample a few rums. 

During your visit, look out for deer and long-tailed macaque monkeys through the trees. You can also stay here at Bubble Lodge, an eco-glamping experience. Book in advance though as it sells out quickly! 

Blue Bay Marine Park

Finish the day back where you started on the east of the island at Blue Bay Marine Park. 

Declared a national park in 1997, it’s a protected area and home to stunning reefs – although there is some coral bleaching here, as a result of global warming. 

You can snorkel or take a glass-bottomed boat tour out on the water and see how much marine life you can spot. This tour includes a delicious Creole picnic lunch too. 

 As always, remember to wear reef-safe sunscreen to ensure the survival of the remaining coral. 

Day 9 – Relax or do some optional activities!

Beach bathed in sunlight at golden hour with a canopy of trees overhead in Mauritius.

Your last full day is free so you can do whatever you want. Have a rest at the beach or at your resort – or scroll down and take a look at some optional activities I’ve suggested below. 

Day 10 – Depart Mauritius 

Time to head home or to the next destination on your travels. 

Optional activities for your Mauritius itinerary 

Sunbeds on a white sandy beach with blue water behind in Mauritius.

Have a bit of time to squeeze in some more things to do? Here are some of my top recommendations below: 

Beach-hopping

Explore the island’s pristine tropical beaches. A few of the best ones are: 

  • Flic en Flac – a white sandy beach and one of the longest on the island. It has beautiful views out towards Le Morne Brabant
  • Grand Baie – you can take your pick of beaches around here. They’re great for watersports
  • Trou aux Biches Beach – just south of Grand Baie, this beach is a sunbather’s and snorkel lover’s heaven. It has good sunsets too. 
  • Belle Mare Beach – go here for picture-perfect turquoise waters and bright white sand. 

Skydiving 

Want to see the island in all its glory from above? Do a tandem skydive with Skydive Mauritius! Jump from 10,000ft and get HD pictures and videos of your experience. 

Catamaran Cruise to the Northern Isles

Do a full-day boat trip up the three Northern Isles of Mauritius. The activity includes snorkelling, drinks and BBQ lunch. If you’re lucky, you might even see whales and dolphins! 

Dolphin and whale watching 

Go whale watching and swimming with dolphins at Black River. Hop onboard a speed boat with an expert team who will provide you with live commentary. Soft drinks are included but you’ll need to bring your own snorkel. 

The tour is operated by Dolswim LTD which respects and interacts with the marine life safely. 

Tamarind Falls Hiking Trip 

Do a three-hour guided hike up to the spectacular Tamarin Falls. Walk through tropical rainforest and cool off with a swim in the natural pools!

Editor’s tip: don’t forget travel insurance! Even if you think you won’t need it, it’s always a good idea to have it, just in case. My go-to right now is Holiday Extras as it offers good cover (including gadgets) for a reasonable price.

The best places to stay in Mauritius

I’ve highlighted some key resorts throughout this itinerary which are strategically located so you can do your activities easily. Here’s why I chose them over the others on the island: 

Otentic Eco Tents 

Safari tent at Otentic surrounded by trees and green vegetation.

As previously mentioned, Otentic Eco Tents is a unique ecolodge. It’s also a good budget-friendly option.

Otentic has two locations: one by the Grand River and the other at the foot of Bambous Mountain. Both sites are small and intimate which makes them very popular. 

The Bambous Mountain location is smaller and has a vegetarian-only menu! 

Heritage Le Telfair 

Heritage Resorts Le Telfair pool from above with palm trees and the sea behind.

Part of the Heritage Resorts group, Heritage Le Telfair is a five-star luxury resort that has an eco-conscience. It’s Green Key certified, donates surplus food to NGOs and has an on-site recycling plant. Even excess oil is turned into biofuel. 

The resort owns Heritage Nature Reserve, a 1300-hectare protected area of conservation. 

Heritage Le Telfair is probably one of the most beautiful resorts I’ve ever visited (I was lucky enough to stay there once on a press trip). It’s a great option for a honeymoon or special luxury treat. 

Lakaz Chamarel 

A pool with sunbeds and a vila surrounded by trees and vegetation at Lakaz Chamarel. One of the best places to stay on your Mauritius itinerary.

A real tropical oasis, Lakaz Chamarel is nestled high in the Mauritian hills. It’s an ideal place for those who want a holiday of quiet relaxation. 

Accommodation is in the form of villas surrounded by trees and vegetation to give you privacy. There’s an on-site restaurant focused on Mauritian cooking, free yoga sessions and spa facilities. 

Lagoon Attitude 

zero waste refill station at lagoon attitude resort in Mauritius. Wooden counters with mason jars.

Lagoon Attitude is another chain resort but it’s taken huge strides in sustainable innovation. There are water refill stations all over the grounds and not a piece of single-use plastic is found in the rooms. 

There’s an on-site marine discovery centre for guests, schools, local tour operators and marine biologists to come and learn about marine conservation.

The resort also encourages guests to take a bag out with them and collect any rubbish they see on the beach and in the water. 

My favourite thing about Lagoon Attitude is the zero waste refill station for tea and coffee. Simply fill up glass pots of what you need and take them back to your room!

Mauritius travel itinerary: final thoughts

Small waterfall tumbling down the rocks into a pool at Heritage Nature Reserve.

As you can see, Mauritius is an island that offers so much beyond the beaches and resorts. Whether it’s relaxation, history, culture, nature or adventure, there’s something for everyone here.

I hope you found this Mauritius itinerary for one week to 10 days useful for planning the best trip possible. If you have any questions, let me know in the comments below!

I was hosted by Pure Breaks and Mauritius Now during my trip to Mauritius. All opinions are my own. 


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