Road-trip: The Best Itineraries to Explore Mauritius By Car

Are you tempted by the idea of driving around Mauritius?

Looking for itinerary ideas for an amazing Mauritius road trip?

You’re in the right place!

Mauritius is relatively small and you can easily explore the whole island by car.

Public transportation isn’t very convenient for exploring Mauritius as it’s slow and doesn’t reach every part of the island.

Driving in Mauritius is the best way to make the most of your time and freely discover all the wonders of the island.

By choosing to go on a road trip in Mauritius, you’ll get to see the island’s most beautiful spots, including hidden secrets not accessible through organized tours!

To help you organize your tour of Mauritius by car, I’ve prepared several detailed itineraries depending on the length of your trip: 2-3 days, 4 to 5 days, a week, 10 days, 2 weeks, or 3 weeks!

In this article, you’ll also find plenty of tips and recommendations for finding the best accommodations to fit your budget in each region.

So, ready to discover the 6 best Mauritius road trip itineraries?

Let’s go!

Tips for Organizing a Road Trip in Mauritius

How to Get Around in Mauritius?

If you didn’t know already, it’s important to note right away that in Mauritius, they drive on the left!

Yes, it’s a national rule inherited from past British colonization.

But don’t worry, the transition is usually easy, and lots of tourists use cars to visit Mauritius without any trouble. So why not you?

Road Trip in Mauritius: Where to Rent a Car?

Road trip means one thing for sure… a car!

Since you can’t bring your own vehicle to Mauritius, you’ll certainly need to rent one locally.

You will find several car rental agencies at the airport, and a few in tourist towns.

However, I strongly advise against using small private rental services to avoid scams and questionable insurance conditions.

My recommendation for renting a car in Mauritius is to go through Booking Cars.

There is no better option on the island in terms of pricing, safety, and quality of service.

With Booking Cars you can be sure of:

• easily comparing prices for all car rental offers in Mauritius
• having a comprehensive insurance protection against theft and accidents
• getting a quick refund in case of any issues
• being able to modify or cancel your booking for free.

Plus, if you find a cheaper deal elsewhere, they will refund the difference! That says a lot about them having truly the best prices.

For your road trip in Mauritius, don’t hesitate to compare car rental offers now and to book your vehicle without delay to get the best rates. To do so, simply click on the button below:

Best Time to Visit Mauritius

If you’re wondering when to go to Mauritius, here’s some advice.

Mauritius is a destination that can be visited all year round. However, there is a less favorable period for road trips: the rainy and cyclone season, which is between January and March.

Even though the weather can be extremely beautiful during these months, rainfall is heavier and the risk of storms or cyclones is significant. January to March is also the peak of summer, so it’s a particularly hot and humid season.

In my opinion, the best time to go on holiday to Mauritius is between May and October.

It’s the driest season, it’s warm but not stifling like in the middle of summer, and the conditions are ideal for hiking, swimming, and fully enjoying your trip.

Budget for a Road Trip in Mauritius

It’s quite difficult to give you an exact price range for a road trip in Mauritius.

Why? Because besides the price of the airplane ticket, the budget for visiting Mauritius by car can vary greatly depending on:

• the time of year you travel
• the duration of your stay
• the category of hotels you choose
• the activities you plan to do.

It’s also important to know that the sooner you book your accommodations and activities, the less expensive they will be.

The same goes for the plane ticket and the rental car: it’s best to book as early as possible to benefit from advantageous rates.

Therefore, I strongly recommend that you start planning as soon as possible to define your itinerary and make your reservations. By doing so, you’ll make real savings!

Road Trip Itineraries in Mauritius

Mauritius Road Trip for 2 to 3 days

Do you want to spend a weekend of 2 or 3 days in Mauritius?

If you come from Reunion Island, South Africa or another island in the Indian Ocean, Mauritius is indeed a perfect “weekend destination!”

A duration of 2-3 days is a bit short to do a complete tour of Mauritius. To optimize your time, I recommend that you choose one or two regions to explore.

To give you some ideas, here are examples of 3-day tour itineraries for each of the regions:

Mini Road Trip in Northern Mauritius

Settle into your accommodations in Grand Baie.

• Day 1: Tour of the northern beaches
• Day 2: Catamaran cruise to the Northern islets
• Day 3: Visit Port Louis and the Pamplemousses Botanical Garden

Visit the West Coast of Mauritius in 2-3 Days

Stay in Flic-en-Flac for the weekend with this itinerary:

• Day 1: Flic-en-Flac beach + visit to the Black River Gorges National Park
• Day 2: Tamarin Falls 7 Cascades hike
• Day 3: Boat trip to île aux Bénitiers

A Weekend in the South of Mauritius

Head to your accommodation in Chamarel and start exploring the region:

• Day 1: Visits in Chamarel: The Seven Coloured Earths, Ebony Forest, The Rhumerie
• Day 2: South coast road trip (Le Morne beach, Bel Ombre, Gris Gris, Rochester Falls…)
• Day 3: Excursion in the South-East (Natural Bridge + Blue Bay beach + Pointe d’Esny beach + visit of Mahébourg)

3-Day Itinerary in Eastern Mauritius

Unpack at your accommodation in Bellemare and enjoy a relaxing weekend:

• Day 1: Beach hopping on the East coast (Bellemare, Palmar, Trou d’Eau Douce, Poste Lafayette)
• Day 2: Cruise to île aux Cerfs, including a stop at the Grande Rivière Sud-Est waterfall
• Day 3: Walk in the Bras d’Eau National Park

5 Days Road Trip in Mauritius

Now moving on to 4-5 day itineraries!

Planning to spend 4 to 5 days in Mauritius and eager to discover the most beautiful spots on the island?

To help you plan your mini Mauritian road trip, I have prepared a detailed itinerary that includes all the must-see attractions for your short stay.

Here’s what you can expect from this 4 or 5-day tour around Mauritius:

• The northern beaches (Grand Baie, Peyrébère, Trou aux Biches, Cap Malheureux…)
• The West coast (Flic-en-Flac, Black River Gorges National Park)
• The Southwest region (Chamarel and Le Morne)
• The East coast (Bellemare and île aux Cerfs)
• Choose between: Port Louis or Mahébourg as a bonus

Following my guide will help you plan your trip and let you fully enjoy your few days on the island without wasting time or missing out on the most beautiful things to see in Mauritius!

To find out more about this step-by-step detailed itinerary, where I also recommend the best accommodations where to stay in each location, click here: Visiting Mauritius in 4 or 5 Days

1-Week Road Trip Itinerary in Mauritius

If what you’re looking for is a 7 or 8-day road trip in Mauritius, I’ve got you covered!

To help you plan your adventure, I’ve prepared an itinerary that covers a complete tour of the island in a week.

During this road trip, you’ll discover Mauritius’ most beautiful beaches, several must-see natural sites like Le Morne and Black River Gorges, along with a few cultural visits to Port Louis, Grand Bassin, and Mahébourg.

Here’s a sneak peek of what awaits you on this week-long road trip in Mauritius:

• Day 1: Grand Baie and the North Coast
• Day 2: Port Louis and the Pamplemousses Botanical Garden
• Day 3: Bellemare and Île aux Cerfs (East Coast)
• Day 4: Flic-en-Flac and Black River Gorges National Park (West Coast)
• Day 5: Le Morne Brabant (hiking and beach)
• Day 6: Grand Bassin and the Seven Colored Earths of Chamarel
• Day 7: Mahébourg and Blue Bay

Find all the details on this itinerary, along with my bonus hotel recommendations, in my complete guide: Visiting Mauritius in 1 Week

What Itinerary for a 10-Day Road Trip in Mauritius?

Are you lucky enough to be spending 10 days in Mauritius?

Don’t feel like staying on the same beach the whole time and would rather explore the island by car?

Great idea! Mauritius is brimming with wonders, and it would be a shame to stay in one place for the entire duration.

For your road-trip of 9, 10, or 11 days in Mauritius, I have prepared a detailed itinerary in 7 steps that will allow you to thoroughly explore the island, from north to south and from east to west!

Here is an overview of the program I suggest:

Step 1 – The North of Mauritius (4 days)

On the first day, take a tour of the stunning Northern beaches (Grand Baie, Trou aux Biches, Cap Malheureux…) and take the time to swim and try water activities. Have a seaside dinner in Grand Baie.

The next day, embark on a superb catamaran for a full-day cruise in the lagoon, up to the 3 islets of the North. An activity you can book here!

Then, plan a day to visit the capital Port Louis to see:

• the monuments of the downtown area (Governor’s Palace, Place d’Armes, the oldest theater in the Indian Ocean…)
• the grand covered market
• the Caudan Waterfront.

I also suggest you take the Port Louis food tour to enjoy Mauritian culinary specialties while learning a lot about the history of the city.

The next day, visit the Pamplemousses Botanical Garden and then the “L’Aventure du Sucre” Museum.

Step 2 – The Western Region of Mauritius (4 days)

Head to the west of the island to spend time on the stunning beach of Flic-en-Flac, before heading to the largest nature reserve in Mauritius: the Black River Gorges National Park, just a few kilometers away.

The next day, head southwest to climb to the top of Morne Brabant on a 4-hour guided hike (breathtaking views at the top!)

You can then rest on the paradisiacal beach of Le Morne, which is right at the foot of the mountain.

On the 7th day of your holiday, set out to discover the charming village of Chamarel, which houses many must-see sights:

• the rum distillery
• The Seven Coloured Earths (a natural wonder you must see during your road trip in Mauritius)
• the island’s tallest waterfall
• the Ebony Forest Reserve
• the optical illusions museum (“Curious Corner“).

The following day, I suggest visiting the sacred site of Ganga Talao (also known as Grand Bassin), with its colossal statues of Hindu gods, temples, and a lake nestled in an ancient crater.

You can then make a stop at the Alexandra Falls lookout to admire the beautiful waterfall and the superb view of the bay.

Finish the day with a stroll through the Plaine Sophie Botanical Reserve and/or by visiting the Bois Chéri estate where the famous Mauritian tea is produced.

Day 3 – East and Southeast Coast of the Island (2 days)

For the penultimate day of your Mauritius road trip, head to the East coast to discover the iconic Bellemare Beach. Get ready for relaxation, swimming, snorkeling, and a variety of water sports!

Then, take a boat trip to Île aux Cerfs and spend a few paradise-like hours on this small island surrounded by turquoise waters.

To get there, you can choose between taking a shuttle that goes back and forth several times a day from Trou d’Eau Douce, or opt for a day cruise with lunch on board.

Complete your 10-day tour of Mauritius with the beautiful Southeast region, represented by the villages of Mahébourg and Blue Bay. On the agenda for this last day:

• Visit Mahébourg
• Pointe d’Esny Beach (my favorite beach in Mauritius!)
• Blue Bay Beach and, if you have time, a half-day glass bottom boat tour in the lagoon

Find this 10-day itinerary for Mauritius with more details, tips, and recommendations in my complete article right here: Visiting Mauritius in 10 days

Visit Mauritius by Car in 15 days

Visiting Mauritius for 15 days will allow you to fully enjoy the country’s different facets: beaches, hiking in nature, cultural visits, water activities… And even spend a few days in Rodrigues, the nearby small island!

The 2-week road trip itinerary I propose includes:

• 2 days on the North coast to enjoy the beaches
• 1 day to visit the capital Port Louis and its surroundings
• 2 days on the East coast, around Bellemare (including a cruise to Île aux Cerfs!)
• 4 days on the West coast around Flic-en-Flac and Morne Brabant (2 hikes on the agenda!)
• 1 day for the Tea Route
• 2 days in the Southeast to discover Mahébourg and its stunning lagoon
• 3 days in Rodrigues to finish in style!

Discover this complete itinerary with all my advice, tips, and hotel suggestions for each location here: Complete guide for a 2-week road trip in Mauritius

A 3-week Road Trip in Mauritius

By spending 3 weeks in Mauritius, you’ll have plenty of time to discover all the must-visit spots on the island, as well as venture off the beaten path!

To help you plan it all, I’ve prepared a 20-21 day road trip circuit in Mauritius which you can find in this article: A 3-week itinerary in Mauritius

If you don’t feel like reading it in detail right now, here’s a summary:

Days 1 to 3 – Exploring Southeast Mauritius

Start your Mauritius trip in the Southeast region, specifically in Mahébourg (conveniently close to the airport!).

Stroll along the seafront and quickly visit the town before discovering the first beach of your stay: the stunning Pointe d’Esny Beach!

End the day at another picturesque beach in the area: Blue Bay Beach, just a 5-minute drive away.

Stay overnight in Mahébourg.

The next day, head to Ferney Valley, a nature reserve just 10 minutes from Mahébourg, for an immerse expérience in the lush nature of Mauritius.

If you have the time, make a quick visit to Blue Waterfall before returning to your hotel.

For day 3, I suggest a 3-hour quad biking tour with a guide to explore the wild Southeast and its natural wonders!

Days 4 and 5 – The East

Head north for the continuation of your 3-week Mauritius road trip, heading towards Bellemare, the emblem of the East coast.

Spend some time on the Bellemare beach with its picture-perfect scenery, and take the opportunity to relax and/or try out some of the offered water activities (diving, water skiing, towed tubing…).

Head to Trou d’Eau Douce in the early afternoon to catch the shuttle that takes you to Ile aux Cerfs, a little piece of paradise just 15 minutes by boat away.

Another option for the day: a full-day catamaran cruise in the Bellemare lagoon, which includes lunch on board and two stops at the Grande Rivière Sud-Est waterfall and Ile aux Cerfs!

Overnight in Bellemare.

The next day, a pleasant and easy hike awaits you in the forest of the Bras D’Eau National Park.

Days 6 to 8 – Flic-en-Flac, Black River Gorges National Park and Tamarin Falls Hike

First, make your way to Flic-en-Flac, a coastal village known for its wide white-sand beach, one of the most beautiful and popular on the island. Take your time to enjoy the beach on the first day. And why not try scuba diving that day?

The next day, leave the sea behind and venture into the tropical forest of Mauritius’ largest nature reserve: the Black River Gorges National Park.

You’ll have a choice of several hiking trails, but the best way to see the most beautiful spots without getting lost is to opt for a guided hike!

For the 8th day of your Mauritius island tour, I suggest another key hike in this area: the 7 Cascades trail (also known as the Tamarin Falls). It’s one of the most extraordinary nature activities to do in Mauritius!

A hike you should definitely do with a guide, as the paths are not marked. To book your guided hike to Tamarin Falls, click here.

Day 9 – Port Louis and the Pamplemousses Garden

On day 9, head to Port Louis, the capital of Mauritius. During this day, you’ll be able to discover the historical heritage of the city through its colonial-era monuments.

Also, take a stroll through the covered market and the Caudan Waterfront, a lovely open-air shopping center on the waterfront.

For an in-depth exploration of Port Louis, I recommend the food tour of Port Louis which allows you to discover the city while tantalizing your taste buds!

Before or after your Port Louis visit, don’t miss out on the Pamplemousses Botanical Garden, located just 20 minutes away by car. It’s the oldest botanical garden in the Southern Hemisphere and a must-see attraction in Mauritius!

Day 10 – Le Pouce Mountain and Eureka House

On the 10th day of your stay in Mauritius, head towards the center of the island to the small town of Moka.

Here are 2 absolute must-do activities:

• Visit the Eurêka Creole house
• Hike at Le Pouce mountain.

In the evening, head back north to stay in Grand Baie or the surrounding area.

Days 11, 12 and 13 – The North Coast of Mauritius

Over the next three days, you can enjoy the lively North Coast of Mauritius, famous for its white sandy beaches and turquoise waters.

On the agenda:

• A series of dream beaches (Trou aux Biches, Grand Baie, Peyrébère, Mont Choisy, and more)
• A catamaran cruise to the Northern islets
• Scuba diving
• A guided food tour of Grand Baie
• An electric bike ride along the sea or a submarine tour!

Days 14 to 16 – The South West

The next stage of your Mauritius road trip takes you for 3 days to the area of Morne Brabant and Chamarel in the Southwest.

Start by checking out the must-see natural curiosity in Mauritius: the famous Seven Colored Earth. Close by, you’ll also find Chamarel waterfall, the highest waterfall on the island.

Continue the day with a visit to Ebony Forest, a nature reserve within the primary tropical forest.

Finish this 14th day of your Mauritius road trip by visiting Chamarel Rhumerie to discover all the secrets of making the famous sugar cane liquor.

Stay in Chamarel and wake up early the next day to climb to the top of Morne Brabant!

An amazing hike awaits you with a breath-taking panorama at the summit!

Afterwards, you can relax on the beautiful Morne beach, right at the foot of the mountain.

The next day, you’ll set out for a boat trip to the small islet off Morne: Île aux Bénitiers, with swimming and snorkeling breaks and a lunch served on board! A truly relaxing day awaits.

Day 17 – The Tea Route

On day 7 of your Mauritius road trip, embark on the Tea Route, a journey that takes you through 3 stages to learn everything about Mauritian tea production:

• Stage 1: Domaine des Aubineaux, to learn more about the tea industry in Mauritius.
• Stage 2: Bois Chéri, where you’ll visit the tea plantations and production factory.
• Stage 3: Domaine de Saint-Aubin, where the sugar and vanilla used in the iconic Mauritian tea are produced.

You can tour this route independently with your rental car, or choose to go with a guide for a more relaxed experience without worrying about the route.

To book your “Tea Route” day trip with a driver-guide, click below:

Days 18 to 21 – Rodrigues Island

On day 18, it’s time to say goodbye to Mauritius, but not quite, as you’re flying to Rodrigues, a small Mauritian island located about 500km away.

Upon arrival, you’ll need to rent a car. The island is small and rather remote, so there are only a few small rental agencies. I can recommend Rodrigues 2000 Tours for reliable and serious service. I used them, and everything was perfect.

(If you’ve tried another rental service and had a good experience, feel free to let me know in the comments below this article! 🙂 )

On your first day, take a stroll along the East Coast to discover small wild beaches and coves. Don’t miss the stunning Trou d’Argent beach!

Then, go admire the sunset from Mont Limon.

The next day, visit the capital Port Mathurin and then head to Pointe Diable for a canoe trip to Île aux Cocos.

And just like that, it’s already day 20 of your Mauritius road trip!

This day is dedicated to exploring the southern part of Rodrigues, with a boat trip from Anse Mourouk to see two small wild islands: Île aux Chats and Île Hermitage!

If you have another full day before heading home, you should visit Grande Montagne Nature Reserve, which shelters one of the last endemic forests of Rodrigues.

Where to Stay During a Road Trip in Mauritius?

Defining the itinerary of your Mauritius road trip is the first thing to do in planning your journey.

Then, you also need to figure out where you’re going to stay at each stop!

To save you time, I’ve prepared a list of the best accommodations in each region, suitable for all budgets!

You can find my selection of the best hotels to stay at in Mauritius in my articles dedicated to each town and region, as well as in my itinerary guides.

You can also access them directly by clicking on the links below:

• Grand Baie (Northern region): where to stay?
• Flic-en-Flac (Western region): where to stay?
• Bellemare (Eastern region): list of the best accommodations
• Mahébourg (Southeast region): which hotel to choose?
• Le Morne (Southwest region): my selection of hotels
• Chamarel (Southwest): the best places to stay

Travel Insurance for Mauritius: My Advice

And there you have it, the end of this guide on the best road-trip itineraries in Mauritius! I hope it will help you to plan your next vacation to perfection.

Feel free to share your experiences in the comments!

 

What about you, what are your plans for your road trip in Mauritius? 🙂