Tips for Traveling in Mauritius

1. Driving in Mauritius

   • Drive on the left-hand side of the road. Roads are often narrow and winding, so drive carefully and avoid sticking too far to the left.
   • Be cautious of speed cameras and fast drivers who often overtake sharply.
   • Fuel costs tend to be cheaper in cities than in villages. Refuel near urban areas to save.

2. Renting a Car vs. Hiring a Driver

   • Many travelers prefer a combination: Rent a car for freedom on travel days, and use a driver on days when you’re planning on consuming alcohol. Both options are relatively affordable compared to similar destinations.
   • Consider renting a car without a deductible or with deductible refund coverage to avoid hidden costs.

3. Book Accommodation Early

   • Secure your hotel as early as possible, especially during peak seasons. Contact us for exclusive discounts on top-rated resorts.

4. Beaches and Hotels to Visit

   • Le Morne Peninsula: A must-visit with turquoise waters, a climbable peak, and luxury resorts.
     • JW Marriott: A 5-star resort with excellent food and year-round deals. Highly rated by travelers.
     • RIU Palace: All-inclusive, adults-only.
     • Dinarobin Beachcomber: Beautiful location, but rooms are slightly dated.
   • Northwest Mauritius:
     • Westin Turtle Bay: Great value, spacious rooms, excellent service, and food. Sheltered from winds, making it ideal most of the year.
     • Constance Sakoa Boutik: Boutique luxury on one of the island’s most beautiful beaches, Trou aux Biches.
     • Royal Palm Beachcomber Luxury: Highly rated and one of the island’s best resorts.
   • East Mauritius:
     • Constance Prince Maurice: Known for outstanding service and food. Located on a beautiful, wind-sheltered beach.
     • Shangri-La Le Touessrok: Perfect for couples and families. Renovation to be completed in October 2024.

5. Avoid Certain Areas

   • Flic en Flac: Busy, crowded, and lacking charm with fewer highly-rated hotels.
   • Albion: The Club Med resort here is outdated, and the beach is rocky.

6. Local Attractions

   • Le Morne Peninsula: Explore the colored sands, take dolphin or whale cruises, and visit the nearby Casela Amusement Park for horseback riding and zip-lining.
   • East Mauritius: Enjoy the stunning beaches and try activities like kite surfing or golf.

7. Winds and Weather

   • Winds blow from the east most of the year, especially between June and October. Consider staying on the west side during these months for calmer conditions.

8. General Tips

   • Always inspect your rental car for damages before driving and ensure all pre-existing damage is documented.
   • Avoid leaving valuables visible in your car.
   • Most attractions and roads are easy to navigate with a GPS or mobile app, but signal in remote areas may vary.
   • Bring some cash for smaller purchases, as not all places accept credit cards.

By combining careful planning and local tips, you’ll have an unforgettable trip to Mauritius. Contact us for tailored advice and exclusive deals on hotels and rentals!

1. Book Early: Reserve your car in advance to secure availability and the best rates, especially during peak seasons.

2. Choose Full Coverage: Opt for full participation cancellation to avoid unexpected costs. With Noah Tourism, full coverage is included, and no client has ever been charged for damage.

3. Fuel Policy: Return the car refueled near the airport to avoid extra charges, as even small shortages will be billed.

4. Driving Rules: Drive on the left-hand side. Use the trick: “Left close, right far”—stay in the near lane when turning left, and the far lane when turning right.

5. Avoid Left-Side Damage: Be cautious of the left mirror and bumper, as most vehicle damage occurs here.

6. Keep Valuables Hidden: Never leave handbags or valuables visible in the car to prevent theft.

7. Navigation: GPS may not be necessary as mobile networks are reliable. Download maps for remote areas.

8. No Toll Gates: Driving in Mauritius is toll-free.

9. Hotel Delivery: Cars can be delivered to your hotel for an additional fee.

10. Inspect the Vehicle: Check for pre-existing damage and document it in the rental agreement before driving off.

11. Cash Payments: Carry some cash for parking fees or fuel in remote areas, even though most places accept cards.

12. Child Safety: Confirm child safety seats are available if traveling with children.

1. Additional Driver:
   An additional driver is included in the rental price in Mauritius.

2. Young Driver Supplement:
   Drivers under the age of 23 are charged a daily supplement (as of 2024). If the driver has had their license for less than three years, an additional cost—identical to the young driver’s supplement—will apply.

3. Hotel Delivery:
   Cars can be delivered directly to your hotel for an additional fee. Contact us to arrange this service.

4. Traffic Reports:
   The rental company charges 400 rand per report, in addition to the cost of the actual report (as of 2024).

5. Credit Card Requirements:
   A credit card with sufficient available limit is required. We recommend having two credit cards as a precaution.

6. Driver’s License:
   An international driver’s license may be required in some destinations. However, an Israeli license is sufficient in Mauritius, provided it is in English.

7. Fuel Policy:

   • There is no obligation to refuel before returning the vehicle.
   • If you choose to refuel, do so near the airport, as the fuel filling fee is approximately NIS 10, and prices are controlled and uniform.

8. Vehicle Cleaning:
   Cleaning is not required before returning the vehicle. However, if exceptional cleaning (e.g., upholstery) is needed, the rental company may charge a fee. Returning the car clean is courteous and helps ensure you don’t leave behind personal belongings.

9. Rental Branch Locations:
   We only partner with major rental companies that have branches conveniently located in airport terminals for seamless pick-up and drop-off.