Are you dreaming of a beautiful beach destination for your next solo trip? The answer may lie in an idyllic island in the Indian Ocean.
With its lush landscapes, luxurious resorts and excellent safety record, Mauritius is a great destination for those travelling alone. I had an 11-day solo vacation there and am excited to give you the lowdown.
Whether you are a beach bunny, shutterbug or a fervent foodie, get the lowdown on this African island nation in my Mauritius solo travel guide.
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TOP 5 PLACES TO VISIT
- Port Louis
- Pamplemousses Botanical Garden
- Black River Gorges National Park
- Grand Bassin
- Ile aux Cerfs
BEST MONTHS TO VISIT MAURITIUS: May to October
FEMALE SOLO TRAVELLER RISK: Very low
BEST WAY TO GET AROUND MAURITIUS: Rental car or private driver
RECOMMENDED EXCURSIONS
LOCAL CURRENCY: Mauritian Rupee (MUR). Withdraw cash from ATMs or credit cards widely accepted.
LANGUAGES SPOKEN: Creole (majority), French and English
Why Mauritius is Good for Solo Travellers
Mauritius offers a captivating blend of natural beauty and cultural richness. As there are not a lot of must-see attractions, this is the perfect place for a relaxing solo trip.
Put aside any concerns that you will be the only one travelling there alone. Although Mauritius is popular with honeymooners, I was not the only solo traveller at either of the hotels in which I stayed.
Luxurious resorts – If ever there was a place to treat yourself to affordable luxury travel, this is it. The island has world-class resorts, some of which are bang on the beach. I stayed at SALT of Palmar and the Westin Turtle Bay Resort and Spa, which were both out of this world.
Stunning beaches – Mauritius is famous for its pristine white-sand beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters.
Diverse landscapes – Venture beyond the beaches to Mauritius’s lush mountains, sugar cane plantations and waterfalls.
Underwater wonders – The coral reefs encircling Mauritius make it a paradise for snorkelling and diving enthusiasts.
Water activities – Beyond snorkelling and diving, Mauritius offers many other water activities, including sailing, windsurfing, kiteboarding and deep-sea fishing.
Unique wildlife – Mauritius is home to unique flora and fauna, including the endangered pink pigeon and giant tortoises. Nature reserves and wildlife parks provide opportunities to observe and learn about the island’s distinctive biodiversity.
Delicious cuisine – The culinary scene in Mauritius is a delicious mix of flavours influenced by its multicultural population. Its fresh fish and seafood, Creole dishes, Indian curries and tropical fruits will tantalize your taste buds.
Warm and welcoming locals – I can vouch for the warm and friendly hospitality for which Mauritians are known.
Relaxation and wellness – Whether it’s a massage at your luxury resort or yoga on the beach, Mauritius is for you if you are seeking relaxation and rejuvenation.
Cultural diversity – This is a cultural melting pot of Indian, African, Chinese and European influences. This cultural blend is reflected in the island’s cuisine, traditions and festivals.
Is Mauritius Safe for Solo Female Travellers?
Personal safety when travelling is one of the most important considerations of female solo travellers. Mauritius is very safe to visit, easily one of the safest countries in Africa for solo travellers.
As with any travel destination, a little bit of common sense goes a long way. Petty theft is the most common crime and nimble-fingered pickpockets operate in Port Louis.
Don’t make yourself a target.
Keep your valuables at your accommodation and use an anti-theft backpack when you are out and about. I use this PacSafe backpack which has anti-RFID technology and a hidden pocket.
Getting There
Most people arrive in Mauritius by air.
Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport is served by direct flights from major hubs in Europe, the Middle East and Asia. I flew from London Gatwick Airport with British Airways.
If there are no direct flights available from your location, you may need to book a connecting flight. Common layover cities for flights to Mauritius are Dubai, Doha, Paris and Johannesburg.
Mauritius is also a port of call for Indian Ocean cruises.
Upon arrival at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport, use an airport taxi, shuttle service or pre-arranged transfer to reach your accommodation. I booked a transfer here.
Car rentals are also available if you prefer to explore the island at your own pace.
Getting Around Mauritius
Although Mauritius has a public bus system, I could not make it work for me. The places I wanted to visit were not on direct routes and buses are a slow way of exploring the island.
I did what many visitors do; I hired a driver for the day. Even as a solo traveller, this was affordable.
Taxis are widely available in Mauritius and you can hire a driver directly, via your hotel (the most expensive option) or through a third-party booking platform. I use GetYourGuide or Viator.
Renting a car is another popular option for exploring Mauritius independently. Several international and local car rental agencies operate on the island. They drive on the left in Mauritius and roads are generally well-maintained.
Mauritius Solo Travel: Top 10 Places to Visit
I visited most of the places listed below on two private tours with a taxi driver: a north island tour and a southwest island tour.
1. Port Louis
The island’s capital city offers a mix of historical and modern attractions. Shop for souvenirs at the Central Market and stop for an excellent coffee at Café Luxe on the Caudan Waterfront.
Yomp along the ramparts of Fort Adelaide (the Citadelle) for panoramic views of the city and beyond. This hilltop historic fortress was built during the French colonial era and serves as a testament to the island’s rich history.
2. Pamplemousses Botanical Garden
This was my favourite place to visit in Mauritius.
Also known as Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden, it is one of the oldest botanical gardens in the Southern Hemisphere. Pamplemousses Botanical Garden is home to a vast collection of indigenous and exotic plants, including the famous giant water lilies.
3. Chamarel Seven Coloured Earth Geopark
The striking patchwork of colours known as the Chamarel Seven Coloured Earths draws the crowds. This natural wonder features sand dunes with distinct hues, ranging from red and brown to blue and green, caused by the varying mineral content in the soil.
4. Chamarel Waterfall
Nearby, Chamarel Waterfall cascades from a height of about 100 meters, surrounded by lush greenery. There’s a panoramic viewpoint here and adjacent walking trails if you want to stretch your legs.
5. Black River Gorges National Park
Black River Gorges National Park is a UNESCO heritage nature reserve and home to rare bird species, including the rare Pink Pigeon (I didn’t spot one). This is a haven for nature lovers and hikers.
6. Grand Bassin (Ganga Talao)
Dive into Mauritius’ Indian culture at Grand Bassin. This sacred crater lake is surrounded by temples and is an important pilgrimage site for the Hindu community.
The annual Maha Shivaratri festival attracts thousands of devotees making offerings to the goddess Shiva. Year-round, the area is occupied by chattering monkeys.
7. Red Church at Cap Malheureux
Have your camera ready. The Red Church at Cap Malheureux is one of the most photographed attractions in Mauritius.
The Notre Dame Auxiliatrice Church was founded in 1938 and is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. From its location at the northern tip of Mauritius, there are sweeping views of the five northern islets.
8. Le Morne Brabant
Once a refuge for escaped slaves, Le Morne Brabant is Mauritius’s most famous landmark and a UNESCO world heritage site.
It is a popular spot for hiking and photography.
>>> DISCOVER LE MORNE ON A GUIDED HIKE
9. Ile aux Cerfs
This small island off the east coast is known for its blindingly-white sandy beaches and water activities. You can go snorkelling, relax on the sandy shores or take a boat trip to explore the surrounding lagoon.
>>> TAKE A DAY TOUR TO ILE AUX CERFS
10. La Vanille Nature Park
If tortoises are your thing, head to La Vanille Nature Park. This wildlife park is home to giant Aldabra tortoises, various species of crocodiles and multi-coloured butterflies.
Best Time to Visit Mauritius
The best time to visit Mauritius is between May and October. I visited in September and although it was breezy on a few days, the weather was mild and dry.
This is the dry season and the waters of the Indian Ocean are calm and clear, making it an excellent time for water activities.
Where to Stay
Mauritius is known for its upscale resorts and I viewed this solo trip as an opportunity to treat myself. That said, the island offers a range of accommodation to suit all travellers and budgets.
I split my 11-day stay between two tranquil spots: Flacq on the northeast coast of Mauritius and Turtle Bay on its northwest coast. From the east coast, you can see the sunrise over the Indian Ocean; the west coast gives you those magical sunset views.
Other popular places to stay include Grand Baie (for night owls), Flic en Flac (famous for its long sandy beach), Bel Ombre (upscale resorts) and Le Morne (more secluded).
Here is where I stayed.
SALT of Palmar was one of my favourite places to stay in recent years.
This boutique, design-led hotel was perfect for a relaxing stay on a lovely beach in Mauritius and had sky-high levels of customer service. I loved its approach to sustainability and the way it supports local communities.
Find out more in my SALT of Palmar review.
Westin Turtle Bay Resort & Spa
The Westin Turtle Bay is an excellent resort hotel on the northwest coast of Mauritius.
I loved my spacious room with its private Zen garden and outdoor shower. Guest service was stellar and the sunsets were sensational.
Get the lowdown in my Westin Turtle Bay review.
Thank you for reading my guide to solo travel in Mauritius
I hope it helps you plan your vacation (or decide if this is the right solo destination for you).
For me, it was the perfect location for a relaxing beach holiday in an idyllic setting amidst the warm hospitality for which Mauritians are known. The reliance on taxis to get around was initially a drawback but chatting to the drivers and learning about their lives became part of the experience.
Finally, if you’d like to do some more homework before you book your vacation, take a look at these fascinating Mauritius facts.
PS. If you’ve found this Mauritius solo travel guide helpful, Pin it to read later!
About Bridget
Bridget Coleman has been a passionate traveller for more than 30 years. She has visited 70+ countries, most as a solo traveller.
Articles on this site reflect her first-hand experiences.
To get in touch, email her at hello@theflashpacker.net or follow her on social media.