Where is Mauritius?
Mauritius is in the Indian Ocean, about 2,000 km off the south-east coast of Africa and east of Madagascar. The republic is made up of the main island, 2,040 square kilometres, together with Rodrigues, Agaléga and St Brandon.
What is the capital of Mauritius?
The capital is Port Louis, the island's largest port and its commercial and financial centre. It is also one of its main sights, with the Central Market, the Jummah Mosque and the UNESCO-listed Aapravasi Ghat.
Do Saudi citizens need a visa for Mauritius?
At the time of writing, Saudi citizens, like other GCC nationals, need no visa in advance. The immigration officer sets the length of stay on arrival, usually up to 90 days per visit. You need a passport valid beyond your stay, a return ticket, a confirmed hotel booking and enough funds for your stay, and you complete the Mauritius All-in-One Travel Form before or on arrival. These rules change from time to time, so we confirm them before you book.
What is the currency of Mauritius?
The currency is the Mauritian rupee (MUR). Some sights, such as the Chamarel park, take cash in rupees only, so it helps to carry a little.
What is the weather like in Mauritius?
Mauritius, south of the equator, has a mild tropical maritime climate with two main seasons. Summer, November to April, is hot and humid, warmest in January and February with daytime highs around 29°C on the coast; February and March are the wettest months, and this is also the cyclone season, at its most active from January to March. Winter, June to September, is milder and drier, averaging about 20°C with cooler nights. May and October are in between, and October is the driest month of the year. The west and north coasts are warmer and drier than the east and south.
When is the best time to visit?
Mauritius works all year, but the best months are May to December, away from the rains and cyclones that peak between January and March. September to December brings dry weather and a warm sea together, the sweetest time for the beach. Each activity has its season: diving is best from November to April, kitesurfing from June to August, and humpback whales pass from July to October.
How long should I stay?
The ideal stay is 7 to 10 days, enough to see the island's main sights without hurrying. We often suggest splitting it between two resorts on different coasts, such as the quiet east and the south-west near Le Morne.
How do I get to Mauritius from Riyadh?
At the time of writing there are no direct flights from Riyadh. The easiest route is via Dubai with Emirates: about 2 h 10 from Riyadh to Dubai, then about 6 h 40 to Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport, with several flights a day. Saudia has filed provisional plans for a Jeddah to Mauritius service from 2027, not yet confirmed. We arrange the cabin and timings that suit you.
Is halal food easy to find, and where can I pray?
Yes. Muslims are roughly 18% of the population, so halal food is common in restaurants and markets; most of the street food at the Central Market in Port Louis is halal, and many restaurants display their certificate. There are several mosques, the best known being the Jummah Mosque in Port Louis, with others in Curepipe, Quatre Bornes and Mahébourg. Most resorts provide a prayer mat and the qibla direction on request, and we ask for halal menus in advance.
Does Mauritius suit families and travellers who value privacy?
Yes. The calm, reef-sheltered lagoons suit children, and there is plenty for families: beach rides at Riambel from the age of three, the tortoise park at Chamarel, Île aux Aigrettes and Vallé Advenature Park. For privacy there are villas on the water such as Villa Saphir, and private pool villas at many resorts, and we arrange transfers, boats and guides privately, never shared with other groups.