Mauritius Road Trip Itinerary: A 5-Day Nature-Filled Escape for Curious Travelers
- Ankitha
- Mar 17
- 6 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
For our 11th anniversary last December, we swapped the city lights for island sunshine and embarked on a Mauritius road trip itinerary that turned out to be the best decision of the year. Once my husband wrapped up his work commitments and jokingly declared he was "done with paperwork," we packed our bags for a tropical getaway that offered something deeper than just beautiful beaches — it gave us space to breathe.
Mauritius, often overshadowed by flashier neighbors like the Maldives and Seychelles, pleasantly surprised us with its blend of nature, culture, history, and food. Whether it was winding coastal drives, hiking through rainforests, or stumbling upon century-old tea plantations, every corner of the island held a story — and this blog is your roadmap to experiencing it all. Use this guide as your Mauritius trip planner for a nature-packed escape
5-Day Mauritius Road Trip planner for Nature Lovers
Day 0 – Arrival in Mauritius, airport pick-up, check-in at resort
Day 1 – Explore the Black River Gorges National Park & Le Morne Hike
Day 2 – Hike through Bras D’eau National Park in northern Mauritius
Day 3 – Discover Bois Chéri Tea Factory, Grand Bassin, Alexandra Falls
Day 4 – Maison Eureka + hidden waterfall trails
Day 5 – Relax at the resort, morning spa, and depart
TABLE OF CONTENTS
FLIGHTS + VISA
We flew Emirates from Dubai to Mauritius. As Indian passport holders, we received visa-on-arrival for free. Just keep your hotel booking and return flight ready for immigration.
LANGUAGE
English and French are widely spoken. A few Creole phrases go a long way:
Bonjour! (Hello)
Mersi! (Thank you)
Offline Google Translate helped at roadside food stalls.
Best Time to Visit Mauritius
December is a fantastic time to visit — temperatures range between 25–30°C with plenty of sunshine and pleasant evenings. It’s just before peak tourist season, so places aren’t too crowded.
Renting a Car in Mauritius
We rented a Suzuki Swift through a local website. The owner delivered the car at the airport, and the process was seamless. Driving is on the left, and roads are well-maintained.
Mauritius pleasantly surprised us with its veg-friendly cuisine. Must-tries include:
Dholl puri: Spicy lentil wraps available at local stalls in Port Louis
Farata: A flaky flatbread served with bean curry
Fresh tropical fruits: Especially pineapple with chili salt
While resort meals did get repetitive, the street food scene made up for it. The cuisine in Mauritius is a blend of Indian, Creole, and French flavors..
WHERE WE STAYED
We splurged (anniversary, after all!) and stayed at the elegant Anantara Iko Mauritius, one of the best resorts in Mauritius, in their Deluxe Ocean View Suite — complete with a private jacuzzi, spacious living area, and sweeping beach houses. The resort emphasizes wellness — think yoga, tai chi, kayaking, and cocktail-making classes.
Our favorite experience? The free snorkeling trip to Blue Bay and Île aux Cerfs organized by the resort. Laid-back, luxurious, and incredibly well-managed. Anki’s Rating: 8/10
Deluxe Ocean View Suite is the one I recommend for longer stays, we stayed for 5 nights and really appreciated the super spacious living area and massive jacuzzi!
Things I loved: The Spa and the daily activities schedule, including archery classes, forest hikes, kayaking, yoga, Tai Chi, mocktail/cocktail tasting/making!
Don’t miss the free snorkeling boat trip to Blue Bay and Aux Cerfs through the resort. It was incredible! The best part? The tour starts right next to the resort so convenient and hassle-free. Food: the food did get a little repetitive as vegetarians, but that happens to us in most places, also why we are not fans of staying for too long in a single resort!
Anki’s rating: 8/10
Highlights from Our Mauritius Road Trip Itinerary
Black Gorges Area
The charming village of Chamarel is a staple on many a Mauritius road trip itinerary, famous for its winding roads, scenic views, and unique geological features. While Chamarel Waterfall and Seven Colored Earth are among the island’s most iconic attractions, they felt a bit underwhelming to us— maybe a 6.5/10. Beautiful, yes, but crowded and overly commercial.
Instead, we recommend skipping the mainstream spots and taking on the Le Morne Hike in Ebony Forest Several hiking trails lead to three breathtaking viewpoints: Le Morne, Sublime Point, and Piton Canot. We took the full trail to the top (about five hours) and were rewarded with incredible panoramic views and serene landscapes — far from the tourist crowds. If your itinerary allows just one big hike, this is the one to do.
Pro Tip: Skip the touristy spots and head for Sublime Point or Piton Canot trail for epic photos and serenity
Bras D’eau National Park – Hidden Gem in Northern Mauritius
On Day 2, we discovered Bras D’eau National Park, No Mauritius road trip itinerary is complete without discovering a few hidden gems — and Bras D’eau National Park in the north was one of our most exciting finds. I stumbled upon this quiet natural haven while researching lesser-known places in Mauritius, and it did not disappoint..
The forest park is home to 400-year-old ruins from the French colonial era, including the remains of a sugar mill and lime kiln. Two main trails wind through the forest: the “Coq des Bois Trail”, a 2.5 km path that ends at Mares Chevrettes, and the “Coq des Bois Loop”, which extends to 3.5 km and leads to a tranquil beach. We walked this peaceful loop trail with only birdsong and leaves crunching underfoot — a lovely break from the usual beach lounging. If you're mapping out a nature-based Mauritius road trip, definitely add this to your list.
Day Trip to Bois Chéri, Grand Bassin & Alexandra Falls
Another meaningful stop on our Mauritius road trip itinerary was the cultural trifecta of Bois Chéri Tea Factory, Grand Bassin, and Alexandra Falls. We began with fresh vanilla-infused tea at Mauritius' oldest tea plantation — set against sweeping valley views — and then visited the sacred Grand Bassin lake, surrounded by misty hills and towering Hindu deities..
We wrapped up the day with a scenic hike to Alexandra Falls, where lush greenery and misty cascades made for the perfect quiet escape. The best part? No crowds, just pure bliss!
The forest was untouched, the waterfall was stunning, and best of all — there were no crowds. For those planning a road trip with a mix of culture and calm, this day was one of our favorites
Maison Eureka + Waterfalls
If you're looking to blend colonial charm with wild nature in your Mauritius road trip itinerary, don't miss Maison Eureka. Nestled near the preserved 19th-century mansion is a trail leading to Eureka Falls — a series of four hidden waterfalls set against a backdrop of tropical flora and mountain serenity.
Starting from Eureka House, we hiked downhill through mango groves and towering palms. The trail is a bit steep but totally manageable, and the payoff is worth it — cascading falls, lush greenery, and zero crowds.
It’s an incredible combo of eco-tourism and heritage that adds depth to any road trip plan in Mauritius.
Pro Tip: Wear sturdy shoes and carry snacks. The hike is scenic but steep in parts!
FAQ – Mauritius Road Trip Itinerary
Is it safe to drive in Mauritius?Yes, just drive on the left and follow road signs.
Is Mauritius vegetarian-friendly?Absolutely! Dholl puri, faratas, and veg curries are delicious and widely available.
How many days do I need?5–7 days are ideal for a road trip around Mauritius.
Best part of the trip?The Le Morne hike and Bras D’eau National Park — crowd-free and full of raw beauty.
Final Thoughts
Choosing Between Mauritius, Seychelles & the Maldives
Every traveler has a different dream when it comes to tropical escapes. While this Mauritius road trip itinerary gave us a rich mix of nature, history, and coastal charm, it’s only natural to compare it to other island destinations we’ve loved: Seychelles and the Maldives.
Seychelles: Our Clear Favorite for Nature & Adventure
If rugged beauty and trail-filled adventures are your vibe, Seychelles is a clear standout. Its granite boulders, pristine beaches, and lush interiors make it a nature lover’s paradise. We found it more visually dramatic and adventurous compared to Mauritius.
Maldives: Ultimate Luxury & Marine Life
Maldives wins hands-down when it comes to indulgence, underwater life, and all-out relaxation. It's not ideal for road trips or inland exploration, but if you're after an ultra-luxurious, beach-only escape with spectacular snorkeling, it doesn’t get better than this.
Mauritius: The Balanced Road Trip Destination
Mauritius offers the best of both worlds — inland hikes, cultural depth, and stunning beaches. It may not be as rugged as Seychelles or as luxe as the Maldives, but it’s more affordable and easier to explore. If you want a varied, experience-rich road trip itinerary in Mauritius that doesn’t break the bank, this island is a fantastic choice.
Final Word on Our Mauritius Road Trip Itinerary
This Mauritius road trip itinerary gave us so much more than we expected — waterfalls, sacred lakes, lush forest trails, tea tastings, and a deeper connection with the island. It truly is the perfect destination for curious travelers who crave both adventure and peace.
Thanks for reading. If you’re planning your own road trip in Mauritius and need help with an itinerary planner?, feel free to leave a comment below. I’d love to help you explore this gem of an island.
Lots of Love,
Anki
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