Top 6 Things Mauritius Is Famous for - A Guide for First Time Visitors 

If it’s your first time visiting Mauritius, your attention will be on the beaches, as it should, but Black River Gorges National Park is an easy attraction to find and deserves a spot on your list. What do you find at the park? An experience that’s action-packed and filled with the serene, rugged wilderness. Hiking is the best way to explore the park. There are over 37 miles of hiking trails and numerous picnic spots. Wildlife is a highlight – keep your eyes peeled for macaque monkeys and the Mauritius kestrel. Get ready for all kinds of weather, and bring bug repellent.

Mauritius’ beaches are its crowning glory. You can spend months here beach hopping and never find them all. The country regularly features in tropical destination lists for a reason. If you’re a family looking for fun and adventure, you’ll find plenty of beaches near the main towns and resorts. On the other hand, if you’re looking for seclusion and calm vibes, there are secret coves and hidden lagoons. This variety in beaches is what makes Mauritius one of the best beach destinations. Some of the most popular are Le Morne, Ile aux Cerfs, Flic en Flac, Tamarin Beach, and Blue Bay. Whatever it is you’re looking for in your beach adventure, you’re sure to find it on Mauritius’ beaches. The best way to find most of these beaches, if not all, is to stay at a hotel with a good location. Luckily for you, the country’s top tourist destination status means a variety of accommodation. For those visiting Mauritius, island resorts are a popular choice of accommodation. If you want some five-star indulgence, check out The Residence Mauritius.

If you want a break from all that energetic beach hopping and hiking, head to the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden. Also called the Pamplemousses Botanical Garden, this park was established in 1767. The 81-acre grounds, with their varied flora, palm trees, and a spice garden, are ideal for those looking for a stroll among nature’s bounty.

Is there anything Mauritius doesn’t have? It seems not! There’s a good selection of museums for those fascinated by the history and culture of a place. Visit the Natural History Museum to discover a dodo skeleton and learn about the bird, which, as it happens, is a national emblem that features on money and stamps. The Blue Penny Museum is a must-visit; its collection includes the 1847 Blue Penny and Red Penny stamps. If you have more time, the Postal Museum, sitting inside a 200-year-old building, is worth a look – the building is as fascinating as its contents. More must-visit museums include Robert Edward Hart Memorial Museum and La Vanille Nature Park.

Mauritius has an eventful history centred around the production of sugar. The crop was introduced to the island by the Dutch, but it only became a commercial product during the French period. This was a time when slavery was part of the island’s social fabric. Then the British took over the country. After the abolition of slavery, the British brought indentured labourers from India to work in the plantations. Eventually, Indians became the majority of the population. Sugar continued to be a lucrative commercial product, but in recent years, sugar prices took a hit, and the country has diversified its economy. Nevertheless, sugar remains the primary commercial product. If you visit the L'Aventure du Sucre Museum, you can learn all about the island’s sugar history and more.

A private island boasting 250 acres, Île aux Cerfs is a short boat ride from the mainland. Many come here to try their hand at golfing among the palm trees and ocean scenery. If golfing is not your thing, head to the beach to work on your tan or for a swim. You can take a picnic if you wish or go for a private barbecue lunch on the beach, which is an upmarket alternative that needs to be booked in advance.