Pamplemousses and Moka Day Trips
The island is small, but the road time between regions is not. From Port Louis, five places make easy half-day outings in the north and centre, each roughly 15 to 30 minutes by road. The far trips need an entire day.
Half-day outings
Pamplemousses
Two attractions share this northern district.
- SSR Botanical Garden. Giant Victoria water lilies, tortoises and spice trees fill the grounds, which open around 08:30 and close around 17:30. Visitors from abroad pay about Rs 300 per most sources, so confirm at the gate. The free Sunday and holiday admission is for Mauritian citizens. A guide at the gate asks about Rs 100.
- L’Aventure du Sucre. Next to the garden, the sugar museum is open 10:00 to 16:00 Monday to Saturday and shut Sundays. The ticket is Rs 1,200 for an adult and Rs 600 for a child aged 6 to 13.
Taxis and cars take 15 to 25 minutes. Public buses leave from the northern bus station (Immigration Square, also called Gare du Nord), but bus numbers and fares vary, so ask there.
Mapou: Chateau de Labourdonnais
An estate in the north. Ask the estate directly for hours and ticket prices.
Moka: Maison Eureka
A 19th century Creole house with a restaurant. Entry runs about EUR 8 to 10 in most guides, and Sunday opening varies, so check before you drive up.
Triolet: Maheswarnath Mandir
A large Hindu temple. Dress modestly and remove your shoes at the door.
Whole-day outings
| Trip | Distance | Why it needs a day |
|---|---|---|
| Chamarel and Seven Coloured Earths | 45 to 55 km | 1.5 hours or more each way |
| Black River Gorges | 45 to 55 km | 1.5 hours or more each way |
| Le Morne | about 50 km | 1 to 1.5 hours each way |
| Ile aux Cerfs | east coast | the whole day |
Do not stack two of these into one day.
Le Morne is a UNESCO site, and for Mauritians it is a place of memory of escaped slaves. Visit it in a quiet, respectful way.
Dolphins
Wild dolphin boats sail from Tamarin and Black River on the west coast. Pick a permitted operator that watches from a distance. Avoid trips that put swimmers in the water with resting animals, a documented welfare problem.
Planning
- Cyclone season stretches from roughly November to May, and nobody can leave their lodging while a cyclone passes. Leave a buffer day.
- Heavy rain brings landslides on hill trails such as Le Pouce and Pieter Both, so choose another day for those.
- Read the latest UK advice for Mauritius before you go.
Read more: attraction tours , multi-day trips and the 4 day Mauritius itinerary .
Drivers and tours can be compared on GetYourGuide . Agency pages: SSR Botanical Garden , L’Aventure du Sucre and FCDO Mauritius advice .