Mauritius is great for beach life and snorkeling because of its stunning white sandy beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and an abundance of marine life. The island is surrounded by coral reefs, creating calm lagoons that are perfect for …
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Backpacking Mauritius in 2025
A complete guide for backpacking in Mauritius with best places to go, best time to visit, what to bring and safety advice.
Visit Mauritius
Embark on a backpacker's paradise in Mauritius, a tropical haven blending stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and lush landscapes. Pros? Explore crystal-clear lagoons, indulge in diverse cuisine, and absorb the unique fusion of Indian, African, and European influences. While Mauritius is considered more upscale, budget-friendly options exist, though limited. The island offers a serene escape but may lack the bustling backpacker scene found in other destinations. For those seeking a mix of relaxation and adventure, Mauritius stands out as an idyllic, culturally rich getaway, where every corner unveils a new facet of this Indian Ocean gem.Why to go?Why backpacking in Mauritius
Beach life
Cheap
Backpacking in Mauritius can be a budget-friendly experience, with average daily costs ranging from $40 to $70 per person, depending on your travel style and preferences. Accommodation in hostels or guesthouses typically costs between $15 to $30 per …
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💡 HighlightsTop-5 things to do in Mauritius
- Beaches: Mauritius is famous for its stunning beaches with crystal clear waters and white sands, perfect for relaxing and water activities.
- Chamarel Seven Coloured Earth: This natural phenomenon features sand dunes with seven distinct colors, making it a unique and picturesque attraction.
- Black River Gorges National Park: Explore the lush rainforest, waterfalls, and diverse wildlife in this beautiful national park, perfect for hiking and nature enthusiasts.
- Port Louis: The capital city offers a vibrant mix of culture, history, and shopping, with attractions like the Central Market and the Blue Penny Museum.
- Underwater adventures: Discover the mesmerizing marine life by snorkeling or diving in the clear waters, including the famous underwater waterfall illusion off the coast of Le Morne.
But Mauritius offers more...[click to explore]
national parks
hikes
cities
festivals
Mauritius
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Photographed by: Mijke de Jong
🌤️ When to go?Best time to go backpacking Mauritius
The best time to visit Mauritius for backpacking is during the shoulder seasons of spring (September to December) and autumn (April to June). During these times, the weather is mild and pleasant, with fewer crowds and lower prices for accommodations and activities. The beaches are less crowded, and the hiking trails are more enjoyable with cooler temperatures. Additionally, the sea is calm and ideal for water activities such as snorkeling, diving, and swimming.Avoid visiting during the peak tourist season of summer (December to March) when the island experiences hot and humid weather, as well as cyclones and heavy rainfall. The winter months (July to August) can also be crowded and more expensive due to school holidays and festivals.
Overall, the shoulder seasons offer the best combination of good weather, fewer crowds, and better prices, making it the ideal time for backpacking in Mauritius.
🦜 How to communicate?Language in Mauritius
In Mauritius, English is widely spoken and understood, especially in urban areas and tourist destinations. As one of the official languages, it is used in government, education, and business. Most Mauritians are bilingual or multilingual, often fluent in Creole, French, and English.While English is prevalent, the level of proficiency can vary. In major cities like Port Louis and tourist hotspots, you will find that many locals, including hotel staff, shopkeepers, and guides, can communicate effectively in English. However, in more rural areas, you might encounter individuals who are more comfortable speaking Creole or French.
Overall, English-speaking travelers should feel at ease navigating the island, as the local population is generally friendly and willing to assist. Signs, menus, and information materials are often available in English, making it easier for visitors to explore and enjoy the rich culture and stunning landscapes of Mauritius.
👛 A typical day in MauritiusAverage daily cost for backpacking in Mauritius
Backpacking in Mauritius can be a budget-friendly experience, with average daily costs ranging from $30 to $70, depending on your preferences and activities.Accommodation: Dormitory beds in hostels typically cost between $10 to $25 per night. Budget guesthouses or homestays may charge around $20 to $40.
Food: Street food and local eateries offer meals for $5 to $10. If you prefer dining at restaurants, expect to spend $10 to $20 per meal.
Transportation: Public buses are an economical option, costing about $1 to $2 per ride. Renting a bicycle can be around $5 to $10 per day.
Activities: Many natural attractions, like beaches and hiking trails, are free. However, excursions, such as snorkeling or guided tours, can range from $20 to $50.
Overall: To maintain a comfortable backpacking experience, budgeting around $50 per day should cover accommodation, meals, transportation, and some activities. However, with careful planning and choices, you can manage on a tighter budget of around $30 daily.
Risk level: low (0%)Safety advice for Mauritius
- Cyclone season is from November to May, but cyclones can also occur at other times. Cyclones can result in heavy rainfall, strong winds and flash flooding. They can also disrupt power and water supplies. Monitor official sources and follow the advice of local authorities.
- Civil unrest is rare, but demonstrations can happen. Avoid large public gatherings.
- Crime levels are low, but petty crime occurs, including pickpocketing and bag-snatching. Don't walk alone after dark. Use ATMs in banks, hotels and shops, not on the street.
- Some travellers have been robbed and assaulted in unregistered beachside bungalows. Stay in accommodation that's registered by local authorities.
- There have been reports of taxi scams at the airport. Only use registered taxis marked with a yellow sign and the name of the operating base on the door.
source: smartraveller.gov.au
MauritiusMy tips to get you on the way!
Does Mauritius sound like your next backpacking destination? Use these steps to get you on the way.Get inspiration 📚
While guidebooks used to be the backpacker’s holy grail for finding accomodation, nowadays that’s more conveniently accomplished online. However, guidebooks remain an excellent resource for familiarizing oneself with the country, gaining inspiration, and discovering itineraries. I enjoy reading them before my travels and then leaving them behind at home when I embark on my journey.
While guidebooks used to be the backpacker’s holy grail for finding accomodation, nowadays that’s more conveniently accomplished online. However, guidebooks remain an excellent resource for familiarizing oneself with the country, gaining inspiration, and discovering itineraries. I enjoy reading them before my travels and then leaving them behind at home when I embark on my journey.
Prepare your trip ✅
Before embarking on your journey, several essential checks are crucial: passport, visa, vaccinations and insurance. Some countries mandate that your passport remains valid for 3 to 6 months post your return. Additionally, it is important to verify the specific visa requirements for Mauritius. These differ per country of origin. While you can handle visa arrangements independently, online visa services streamline the process as they know exactly what’s needed for each country. Mauritius may require certain vaccinations. Make sure to timely check which ones you still need. Lastly, if you don’t have a travel insurance yet, Safety Wing is a good choice as they are tailored for backpackers.
Before embarking on your journey, several essential checks are crucial: passport, visa, vaccinations and insurance. Some countries mandate that your passport remains valid for 3 to 6 months post your return. Additionally, it is important to verify the specific visa requirements for Mauritius. These differ per country of origin. While you can handle visa arrangements independently, online visa services streamline the process as they know exactly what’s needed for each country. Mauritius may require certain vaccinations. Make sure to timely check which ones you still need. Lastly, if you don’t have a travel insurance yet, Safety Wing is a good choice as they are tailored for backpackers.
Book your flight ✈️
The flight may be the most expensive part of your trip. Therefore it’s worth spending a bit of time finding the right one. Flight search engines like Skyscanner and Kayak are the best to compare all possible options. A good tip is to be flexible with your exact travel dates. Traveling one or two days earlier/later may save you some bucks. Also booking about three months in advance can help making the best deal for you (though I’m not the best one myself to follow this advice as I tend to decide last-minute). A final tip would be to check airports in neighbouring countries. Not necessarily for cost saving but it can be intriguing to journey into Mauritius, travel overland to one of its neighbours and fly back home from there.
The flight may be the most expensive part of your trip. Therefore it’s worth spending a bit of time finding the right one. Flight search engines like Skyscanner and Kayak are the best to compare all possible options. A good tip is to be flexible with your exact travel dates. Traveling one or two days earlier/later may save you some bucks. Also booking about three months in advance can help making the best deal for you (though I’m not the best one myself to follow this advice as I tend to decide last-minute). A final tip would be to check airports in neighbouring countries. Not necessarily for cost saving but it can be intriguing to journey into Mauritius, travel overland to one of its neighbours and fly back home from there.
Book your first night(s) 🛌
Depending on your travel style, you can either plan a detailed day-to-day route and pre-book your accommodations, providing peace of mind, or opt to book them spontaneously, offering greater flexibility to adjust your plan. Personally, I am a big fan of the latter approach, but I always ensure to book the first night(s) in advance.
Depending on your travel style, you can either plan a detailed day-to-day route and pre-book your accommodations, providing peace of mind, or opt to book them spontaneously, offering greater flexibility to adjust your plan. Personally, I am a big fan of the latter approach, but I always ensure to book the first night(s) in advance.
My personal packing list 🎒
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Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of packing minimally. It’s so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you’re headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.
Money & Documents
Clothing
Electronics
Health
Others
Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of packing minimally. It’s so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you’re headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.Money & Documents
Clothing
Electronics
Health
Others
Moneybelt
[Amazon]
“Best way to carry your important documents”
Quick dry pant
[Amazon]
“Nothing beats these quick dry and light pants when traveling”
Light rain jacket
[Amazon]
“Hiking in rainy season? These keep you dry”
Thermo underwear
[Amazon]
“Less weight and volume than bulky sweaters or jackets”
Quick dry towel
[Amazon]
“Normal towels get smelly and heavy when traveling”
Power bank
[Amazon]
“Pick a small and light one, with 10.000mAh or more”
Travel adapter
[Amazon]
“Needed as each country has its own electricity plugs”
Number lock
[Amazon]
“No chance of losing your key; handy for lockers in dormitories”
Packing cubes
[Amazon]
“Keep your wet or dirty clothes separate from the rest”
Travel pillow
[Amazon]
“Light and great for flights and long bus journeys”