Mauritius: Perfect Itinerary for 10 Days

What you need to know before the trip: visa, flight, money, communication

Money

• Cash needed: it is recommended to withdraw some cash as soon as you arrive at the airport. There are not many ATMs on the island, especially in small towns or in nature, so it’s better to have a reserve.
• Cards are accepted almost everywhere, especially in hotels, restaurants, and supermarkets. But in small shops and markets, cash is preferred. Sometimes, a commission of 3-5% is charged for card payments.
• The main currency is the Mauritian rupee (MUR). However, payment in euros or dollars is often possible — at the internal rate (usually not very favorable, but convenient in an emergency).

Mobile Communication and Internet

In Mauritius, there are two convenient options to stay connected:

• eSIM — can be purchased online before arrival (e.g., via Airalo or other services). This is convenient, but rates are usually higher.

• Physical SIM card — we chose this option because it turned out to be more cost-effective.

You can buy a SIM card right at the airport upon arrival. We took a package from the operator Emtel:

• 750 MUR (~15 euros)
• 200 GB mobile internet for 1 month
• Everything was activated right on the spot — quickly and without problems

Coverage on the island is good, and the internet worked steadily even in many remote locations (except perhaps in dense jungles 😉).

Accommodation

From my experience, I can sincerely recommend booking not just accommodation, but a ready-made tour that includes both the flight and the hotel. We chose this option ourselves — and it was very convenient.

Why is this a better choice than a separate villa or apartment?

• Safety — hotels are guarded, have a reception, cameras, and infrastructure. When renting a villa in an unfamiliar area, you can never know how safe or convenient it is.
• Location — by choosing a tour, you get to a tested place. You don’t have to guess whether the sea, restaurants, and shops will be nearby.
• Meals included — breakfast, dinner, or even all-inclusive. You don’t have to spend time searching for food, especially after an active day.
• Less organizational worries — everything is already planned for you: transfer, accommodation, meals. You can just relax!

Getting Around in Mauritius

Mauritius is a small but very diverse island, so getting around here is part of the adventure 🌴

• Car rental — the most convenient way to explore the island at your own pace. The driving is left-handed (British system), which you get used to quickly.
• Roads: between villages, the roads are not always in perfect condition — there can be potholes and uneven surfaces, but overall the roads are fine. Also, there are many cars, cyclists, and motorcyclists, and the traffic is very dense. People often cross the road anywhere; cars sometimes stop in the middle of the road to go into a shop. Birds and dogs can suddenly run out in front of the wheels — it takes a bit of time to get used to this pace of movement.
• Driver’s license: Ukrainian licenses are usually accepted, but it’s better to have an international one.
• Parking: free near beaches and tourist areas.
• Taxis: available but not very cheap — often it is more economical to rent a car.
• Public transport: buses run often, but slowly and not always on schedule, making it inconvenient for tourists.

Complete Itinerary for the Perfect Trip

Day 1: Casela Park and Tamarin Beach

Start your journey with adrenaline and wildlife at Casela Nature Park — here, zip lines, safaris, lions, giant tortoises, and suspension bridges with mountain views await you.
After your adventures, relax by dipping your feet in the sand on Tamarin Beach. This is a favorite spot for locals: calm waves, surfers on the horizon, and one of the best sunsets on the island. Also, from here, you can see the incredible view of Tamarin Mountain — an ideal place for photos.

More about Casela Nature Park here

Day 2: The Illusion of the Waterfall, Maconde Viewpoint, and Le Morne Beach

Get ready for one of the most exciting moments of the entire trip — a helicopter or seaplane flight over the ocean, during which you will see the famous illusion of the underwater waterfall. This natural phenomenon takes your breath away and leaves an unforgettable impression.
After that, visit the iconic Maconde viewpoint — a winding coastal road with stunning panoramas, perfect for photos.
Finish the day best on Le Morne beach, where the majestic mountain of the same name rises behind turquoise waves.

How to book a flight in Mauritius
Where to get the best view of Le Morne Mountain

Day 3: La Vanille Nature Park and Beaches Telfair, Gris Gris

Start your morning at La Vanille Nature Park, where giant tortoises roam freely, crocodiles bask in the sun, and lush greenery creates the atmosphere of a true Jurassic world.
In the afternoon, head to Telfair Beach — the perfect place for a quiet picnic or a stroll. Finish the day by heading to the impressive Gris Gris Beach, known for its cliffs, wild waves, and pristine natural beauty.

How to feed giant 100-year-old tortoises

Day 4: Palm Road and Belle Mare

Start the day with a picturesque drive along the road lined with tall palms — one of the most photogenic spots on the island, perfect for vibrant Instagram shots.
Then head to Belle Mare beach — a long stretch of white sand where you can swim wonderfully or simply enjoy the tranquil atmosphere.

Day 5: Swimming with Dolphins and Flic en Flac Beach

The morning begins with an incredible adventure — swimming with dolphins and whales in the open sea. This is an experience you will remember for a lifetime!
After that, head to Flic en Flac beach — one of the busiest and most lively beaches on the island with beach bars, live music, and a perfect sunset.

All information about swimming with whales here

Day 6: Bois Chéri Tea Plantation, Grand Bassin, and Tamarin Falls

Visit the cozy Bois Chéri tea plantation, where you can learn more about Mauritian tea and enjoy panoramic views.
Then head to Grand Bassin — a sacred lake surrounded by temples and statues. This is the spiritual heart of the island.
Next, go to the viewpoint at Tamarin Falls, where you can enjoy the dramatic view of the terraced landscapes of the island. If you still have energy — return to Flic en Flac beach for another evening swim.

Book your trip to the tea plantations

Day 7: Chamarel and Black River Park

After breakfast, head to Alexandra Falls — one of the most picturesque places in the central part of the island, where the water cascades down a high cliff amidst dense forest. Nearby is Gorges Viewpoint, which offers a breathtaking panorama of the canyons of Black River Gorges National Park — an ideal place for photos and immersion in the silence of nature.

Then head to the village of Chamarel to see a true natural wonder — the Seven Coloured Earths. This colorful landscape looks as if created by an artist rather than nature. Don’t forget to visit the Chamarel waterfall, which beautifully descends among the green hills.

Finally, explore the Ebony Forest — an ecological reserve where wooden paths will guide you through rare endemic trees. From the viewpoints, there are captivating views, especially in the late afternoon when clouds float over the mountains.

Finish your day at the Chamarel Restaurant, renowned for its authentic Mauritian cuisine, curry dishes, and fresh fruits. And if you’re lucky — enjoy the sunset panorama right from your table.

More about Black River Park here

Day 8: Hidden Valleys and Views

Visit La Vallée de Ferney — a protected nature reserve with cozy trails, tropical birds, and wildlife.

After that, head to the viewpoint on Mosque Road — one of the island’s best-kept secrets with stunning views of the mountains and the coastline.

Days 9-10: Relaxing in the North

These two days are perfect for a leisurely rest, sun, and sea. Spend them in the northern part of the island, exploring the coziest beaches: Trou aux Biches, Mont Choisy, Pereybere, Bain Boeuf.

Each of them is unique in its own way — choose the mood and just enjoy the last days on the island. Time for sunbathing, picnics under the palms, light walks, and beautiful sunsets.

The Best Beaches in Mauritius

Want to make your adventure even cooler? Mauritius offers even more:

• Climb Le Morne Brabant mountain — for epic views and a sense of accomplishment
• Participate in treks through jungles, waterfalls, and green valleys
• Swim to Ile aux Cerfs island — one of the most famous islands with turquoise lagoons
• Visit Ile aux Aigrettes — a protected islet with rare fauna and coral reefs
• Dive or snorkel in the island’s marine parks

Cafes and Restaurants

We had breakfasts and dinners included at the hotel, so for lunch, we usually bought something at the supermarket or went to local cafes. There are many cozy places on the island with a homely atmosphere where you can eat deliciously and affordably. Also, in large supermarkets, there is a wide selection of ready meals, fruits, and treats.

Here are a few cafes that we can confidently recommend:

• ☕️ Kind Coffee — a cozy place for breakfast or a coffee break
• 🍽️ The Chaser Mauritian Bistro — a stylish bistro with local dishes
• 🌿 OBOĒ Gardenstē — an atmospheric cafe with a beautiful interior and a healthy menu
• 🥐 La Brunchetta Mauritius — an ideal place for brunch
• 🥗 The Good Café — light snacks, salads, and great coffee

Must-have for the trip

• Mosquito spray
• Mosquito repellent (though there is often one in the hotel, but it’s better to have your own)
• Paracetamol — the only safe remedy for relieving symptoms (headache, fever) in case of suspected malaria. Important: do not take other medications without consulting a doctor — malaria requires specific treatment.
• Medicine for diarrhea/intoxication
• Sunscreen
• Aqua shoes (water shoes) — protect feet from corals, stones, and hot sand.
• Comfortable closed shoes (if you plan on hiking or climbing)
• Raincoat (mandatory if you plan to go to the jungle or mountains)

Our trip to Mauritius on Maps.me. Check it out and download — there’s even more interesting stuff there!

To make it easier for you to navigate during the trip, we prepared a special map with marked points: interesting places, landmarks, and other useful locations.

The map is saved in .kmz format, which works great in the Maps.Me app — it functions offline, so you won’t need the internet.

📥 How to Use the Map in Maps.Me

1. Download the map file (.kmz) from the link below.

Download the route map

2. Install the Maps.Me app if you haven’t installed it yet:

📱 [iOS]
📱 [Android]

3. Open the .kmz file — it will automatically import into Maps.Me.