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7 Reasons Why Mauritius Is Perfect For Families

 

Mauritius is exactly how you would imagine a tropical island to be. With perfect white sandy beaches, warm turquoise water, palm trees swaying gently, and a mild climate – it really is a little bit of paradise on Earth. With something for everyone, you can discover it’s natural beauty, an island with lagoons, reefs, rainforests, waterfalls, hiking trails and exotic wildlife.

Home to the now extinct Dodo, Mauritius is a small, friendly French, English & Creole speaking nation situated in the Indian Ocean, off the coast of Africa. From the UK it is about a 12 hour flight away,  from Sydney it will take almost 16 hours and from Cape Town a mere 5 hours. The most pleasant times to visit the island are between the months of April – June and between September – December.

I have had the pleasure of visiting Mauritius for work several years ago when I was a flight attendant and would absolutely love to return with my girls.  I think Mauritius with kids would be a fantastic holiday choice and here is why! I’ve been researching its family friendly attractions, and why Mauritius is great for the whole family. Most resorts have kids clubs where dedicated staff look after younger guests. For even more information on Mauritius, visit the Mauritius Tourism website.

Family friendly activities in Mauritius

• On my absolute wish list would be to see dolphins in their natural habitat – I know my eldest would adore this, especially as she often role-plays being a mermaid and talking to dolphins! In Mauritius you can arrange an early morning boat tour to see them playing in the open sea. There are several companies who organise these excursions. They all leave early morning and you can arrange a continental breakfast on-board or stay longer for lunch.

 

 

• Casela Nature and Leisure Park is a popular attraction which is respected for its conservation efforts. The park contains many African animals including lions, giraffes and giant tortoises who you can interact with. For younger children the petting zoo is popular as is the Kid’s Corner playground and the pony rides. For the more adventurous child (or adult) they have a zipline, mud karting, camel riding, and an avalanche mine ride for those over 1m!

 

 

 

• SSR Botanic Garden in Pamplemousse is a very beautiful  60 acre garden attraction. Explore giant lilies, meet deer and tortoises. Be sure to bring water and snacks as the cafe is outside the park. As it is so vast a stroller would be needed for younger children.

 

 

 

 

 

• The Curious Corner of Chamarel is a house full of optical illusions. You can walk in to a room that is upside down.The Ames room appears to be a cubic room where 2 people standing in the same room appear much bigger or smaller than the other one. Other illusions include walking through mirror mazes and so much more. An interesting, fun place which is a little bit different. A cafe is on site serving light snacks and there is also a shop too.

 

• Explore the Indian Ocean in a submarine or on a sub scooter! Get a unique look at life under the sea and even have lunch underwater. Suitable from age 2 onwards.

 

 

 

 

 

• Visit Ile Aux Cerfs Island.  A small picturesque island with warm, shallow water- perfect for younger children to play in. There are palm trees near by offering a retreat from the sun too. There are plenty of water sport activities, restaurants and also a flea market.

 

 

 

 

• The food! I can still savour the taste of perfectly cooked local fish in rougaille – a tomato based paste. A blend of cultures (Chinese, European and Indian influences) means that the food has delicious unique tastes. Rice and noodles are wildly available as are foods for non-adventurous palates. You’ll often find kids corners and play equipment, with the restaurants being warm and welcoming. Another food based  attraction to consider is visiting a sugar plantation as sugarcane is an integral part of the islands history.

 

 

 

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This post was written in collaboration with Mauritius Tourism. All words and opinions expressed are my own.

 

 

Would you like some more family travel inspiration? How about a cruise or the Algarve?

 

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