As a parent who love to explore new places recently we explored Mauritius with our two kids, ages 6 and 10, I can confidently say that this island is a fantastic family destination. Renting a car gave us the freedom to explore at our own pace, making it much easier to manage the kids’ needs and moods. Here’s my guide to the top family-friendly attractions in Mauritius and some tips for traveling with kids by car.
Top Family-Friendly Attractions
- Casela World of Adventures:
Our first stop was Casela World of Adventures, and it was an instant hit with the kids. Located in Cascavelle, it’s about a 45-minute drive from Port Louis. The park offers a variety of activities suitable for different age groups. My 6-year-old loved the petting farm, while my 10-year-old couldn’t get enough of the zipline adventures. We spent a full day here, and the kids still didn’t want to leave. - La Vanille Nature Park:
About an hour’s drive from Port Louis, La Vanille Nature Park was another favorite. The giant tortoises were the main attraction for my kids. They got to feed them and even take photos with these gentle giants. The crocodile park was equally fascinating, though my younger one was a bit scared at first. - Blue Bay Marine Park:
For a day of sun and sea, we headed to Blue Bay Marine Park. It’s roughly a 50-minute drive from Port Louis. The clear, shallow waters were perfect for the kids to snorkel and see colorful fish. We rented a glass-bottom boat, which was a great way to see the marine life without getting wet. - Chamarel Seven Coloured Earth:
The drive to Chamarel is scenic, taking about an hour from Port Louis. The kids were amazed by the natural phenomenon of the seven-colored earth. We combined this with a visit to the nearby Chamarel Waterfall, making it a full day trip. - Bois Cheri Tea Factory and Museum:
For a change of pace, we visited the Bois Cheri Tea Factory. It’s about a 45-minute drive from Port Louis. While I enjoyed learning about tea production, the kids loved the mini train ride through the tea plantations and the chance to sample different teas. - Pamplemousses Botanical Garden:
Just a 15-minute drive from Port Louis, this garden was a peaceful retreat. The giant water lilies were a big hit with the kids, and we all enjoyed the calm walk through the beautifully maintained gardens. - Mauritius Aquarium:
Located in Pointe aux Piments, about 30 minutes from Port Louis, the aquarium was perfect for a rainy day activity. The touch pool was particularly popular with my younger one.
Tips for Traveling with Kids by Car in Mauritius
- Choose the Right Car
Choosing the right car for a family friendly trip is must, we rented a mid-size SUV car from Crystal car rental, which provided enough space for our family of four and our luggage. It also handled the sometimes bumpy roads well. If you’re traveling with a larger family, consider a minivan. - Plan for Frequent Stops
Mauritius isn’t huge, but the roads can be winding. We found it helpful to plan stops every 45 minutes to an hour. This allowed for bathroom breaks and gave the kids a chance to stretch their legs. - Pack Snacks and Water
We always had a cooler with snacks and water in the car. This saved us from unnecessary stops and potential meltdowns when the kids got hungry. - Bring Entertainment
While the scenery is beautiful, kids can get bored on car rides. We brought tablets loaded with games and movies, as well as some travel-friendly board games. - Use Google Maps
Cell service in Mauritius is generally good. We found Google Maps to be accurate and helpful for navigation. Download offline maps just in case. - Start Your Day Early
We tried to start our days early to avoid the midday heat and crowds. This also gave us more flexibility if we needed to change plans. - Be Prepared for Sun and Rain
Mauritius weather can be unpredictable. We always had sunscreen, hats, and light rain jackets in the car. - Learn Basic French
While English is widely spoken, knowing a few French phrases can be helpful, especially in more rural areas. - Keep Cash on Hand
While many places accept credit cards, some smaller attractions and restaurants are cash-only. We always made sure to have some rupee with us. - Be Flexible
Perhaps the most important tip: be flexible. Some days, the kids were too tired for our planned activities, so we’d switch to a beach day instead.
Safety Considerations
Mauritius is generally safe, but as with any travel, take basic precautions. Always lock your car and don’t leave valuables visible. We used child seats for both kids, which we rented along with the car.
Driving in Mauritius
Driving is on the left side of the road in Mauritius. If you’re not used to this, take some time to practice in a less busy area before hitting main roads. Speed limits are generally 110 km/h on highways and 50 km/h in built-up areas.
In conclusion, exploring Mauritius by car with kids was an incredible experience. The freedom to go at our own pace, stop when we needed to, and change plans on the fly made for a stress-free family vacation. With its diverse attractions and beautiful scenery, Mauritius offers something for every family member. Just remember to pack your patience, plan for plenty of breaks, and be ready for an adventure your kids won’t forget!
