Mauritius Island Loop
Split your stay between the north, east, and southwest to balance beaches, Port Louis history, and mountainous nature.
Although the island is not large, traffic jams and winding mountain roads are common. Staying in different regions is more time-efficient than doing day trips from a single base. Spend the first two days exploring the north and Port Louis, head to the east coast for a boat trip in the middle, and stay in the southwest for Chamarel and the Black River Gorges at the end. Perfect for self-driving couples and families visiting for the first time. This itinerary is sightseeing-oriented; if you prefer more beach time, consider staying an extra night at one of the coastal bases.
There is a risk of cyclones from January to March. Drive on the left, and avoid driving on mountain roads at night.
Day by day
Day 1 · Arrive and Transfer to the North Coast
Mauritius Island（Grand Baie、Cap Malheureux）
Pick up your rental car at the airport and drive north to Grand Baie via the M1 and M2 motorways (approx. 1–1.5 hours). Spend the afternoon exploring the northern tip.
Stay: Grand Baie
Day 2 · Pamplemousses and Port Louis
Mauritius Island（Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden、L'Aventure du Sucre、Port Louis Central Market、Aapravasi Ghat、Le Caudan Waterfront）
Drive south from Grand Baie, visiting Pamplemousses first and then Port Louis. The one-way drive takes about 40 minutes. Return to Grand Baie for the night.
Most businesses in Port Louis are closed on Sundays, so schedule this day on a weekday.
Stay: Grand Baie
Day 3 · Château to Île aux Cerfs on the East Coast
Mauritius Island（Château de Labourdonnais、Île aux Cerfs、Belle Mare Beach）
Drive to the east coast (approx. 1 hour), take a boat to Île aux Cerfs from the Trou d'Eau Douce jetty, and head to Belle Mare in the evening.
Stay: Belle Mare
Day 4 · Southeast Coast to the Southwest
Mauritius Island（Île aux Aigrettes、Blue Bay Marine Park、Gris Gris）
Drive south to Blue Bay (approx. 1 hour), then follow the southern coastal road to Le Morne (approx. 1.5 hours, with many bends).
Visits to the Île aux Aigrettes Nature Reserve require a guided tour, which must be booked in advance.
Stay: Le Morne
Day 5 · Chamarel and Black River Gorges
Mauritius Island（Chamarel Seven Coloured Earth、Chamarel Waterfall、Rhumerie de Chamarel、Black River Gorges National Park）
Drive up the mountain from Le Morne to Chamarel (approx. 30 minutes), then continue along the Plaine Champagne road to view the gorges. Return to Le Morne for the night.
Arrive at the Seven Coloured Earth before 9:00 AM to beat the tour groups. Clouds often gather in the afternoon.
Stay: Le Morne
Day 6 · Climb Le Morne Brabant and Transfer to the West Coast
Mauritius Island（Le Morne Brabant、Casela Nature Parks、Flic-en-Flac Beach）
Hike Le Morne Brabant in the early morning (3–4 hours). After descending, drive north along the west coast to Flic-en-Flac (approx. 40 minutes).
The upper section of Le Morne Brabant is steep. Hiring a guide is recommended, and avoid hiking after rain.
Stay: Flic en Flac
Day 7 · Central Highlands Back to the Airport
Mauritius Island（Trou aux Cerfs、Grand Bassin (Ganga Talao)）
Drive through the Central Highlands to Trou aux Cerfs (approx. 40 minutes), then visit Grand Bassin (Ganga Talao). It takes about 50 minutes from there to the airport.
Grand Bassin is a sacred Hindu site. Please remove your shoes and dress respectfully before entering the temples.