The Best Unique Things To Do In Mauritius For Couples, Family, and Honeymoon

The Best 10 Authentic Unique Things To Do In Mauritius

“The Best Unique Things To Do In Mauritius For Couples, Family, and Honeymoon. Explore the 10 things to do in Mauritius according to Affordable Luxury African Experts.”

Mauritius is more than just a beach paradise, it’s a melting pot of cultures, colors, and experiences waiting to be explored. Among the best things to do in Mauritius are the engaging activities that connect you with the island’s vibrant soul. Wander through the lively stalls of Port Louis’ Central Market, taste street food bursting with Creole, Indian, and Chinese flavors, and hike through the lush Black River Gorges for panoramic views of untouched nature. For a touch of heritage, explore colonial estates like Eureka House or discover the sacred serenity of Ganga Talao, a crater lake revered by locals.

Beyond the traditional tourist trail, you’ll find even more authentic things to do in Mauritius that make your journey unforgettable. Learn the art of traditional fishing with local villagers, sail to the lesser-known islets like Île aux Aigrettes to see rare flora and fauna, or experience a Sega dance performance under the stars. Whether you’re snorkeling with dolphins in Tamarin Bay or savoring rum at a historic distillery, the things to do in Mauritius go far beyond the brochure, they bring you face-to-face with the island’s true essence.

Highlights Of The Top 10 Unique Things to Do in Mauritius

“Things to Do in Mauritius For All Travelers”

1. Hike Le Morne Brabant – A UNESCO Trail with History

Le Morne Brabant is more than a mountain, it’s a monument to freedom. This iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site once sheltered escaped slaves, and hiking to its summit offers panoramic views and a powerful sense of history. The trail weaves through rugged terrain, native plants, and dramatic cliffs. At the top, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping vistas of turquoise lagoons and barrier reefs. Whether you’re a history buff or a nature lover, this cultural trek blends adventure with storytelling, making it one of the most moving experiences in Mauritius.

2. Explore the Seven-Coloured Earth of Chamarel

In the village of Chamarel lies a surreal natural wonder: dunes displaying seven distinct colors, red, brown, violet, blue, green, yellow, and purple. These volcanic sands never erode or mix, creating a rainbow-hued landscape that’s almost otherworldly. The site is located in a lush forest and is often paired with a visit to the nearby Chamarel Waterfall. Beyond the visuals, there’s a quiet spiritual energy here. A small on-site museum explains the geology, and you can meet giant Aldabra tortoises living nearby. It’s a peaceful, photogenic, and scientifically intriguing experience.

3. Visit a Tea Plantation – Taste Mauritius in a Cup

Step into the verdant fields of Bois Chéri or Domaine des Aubineaux for a deep dive into the island’s colonial-era tea culture. These plantations offer guided tours where you can walk among the aromatic tea bushes, observe the drying and processing steps, and enjoy panoramic views of the south. The experience culminates in a tea tasting overlooking scenic valleys. Discover unique local blends infused with vanilla, coconut, or exotic island spices. It’s a gentle way to explore Mauritius’ Indo-British roots and a perfect slow travel moment.

4. Walk with Giant Tortoises at La Vanille Nature Park

La Vanille Nature Park is home to over 1,000 giant Aldabra tortoises, some over a century old. Unlike traditional zoos, this immersive park allows visitors to walk alongside these ancient reptiles, feed them, and learn about ongoing conservation efforts. Set in a tropical rainforest, the park also features crocodiles, butterflies, and fossil exhibits. Children and adults alike are fascinated by this up-close encounter with one of nature’s slowest and most majestic creatures. It’s an unforgettable and educational experience rooted in environmental stewardship.

5. Discover the Rhythms of Sega Music and Dance

For an authentic cultural experience, one of the most enriching things to do in Mauritius is to immerse yourself in the rhythmic soul of Sega, the island’s traditional music and dance. Born from the struggles of enslaved Africans, Sega expresses deep emotion through its hypnotic drumbeats and swaying movements, evolving into a proud symbol of Mauritian identity. Often performed barefoot around a beachside campfire, the dance invites both locals and visitors to celebrate life’s joys and hardships. Whether you’re watching performers play the ravanne at a village festival or joining in at a family-run guesthouse, this cultural encounter is one of the most unforgettable things to do in Mauritius.

6. Explore Port Louis’ Central Market and Chinatown

Dive into the sensory overload of Port Louis’ Central Market. Spices, textiles, street food, and handcrafted goods are crammed into a vibrant maze of stalls. Interact with warm local vendors and taste authentic Mauritian snacks like gateaux piments and dholl puri. Just steps away, Port Louis’ small but colorful Chinatown offers a fusion of Chinese and Creole flavors. The market is where Mauritius’ melting-pot culture comes to life, raw, loud, flavorful, and irresistible. Come hungry, curious, and ready to bargain.

7. Kayak Through the Mangroves of Ile d’Ambre

One of the most rewarding things to do in Mauritius is kayaking through the untouched mangrove forests of Île d’Ambre, a secluded islet off the northeast coast. This peaceful, low-impact adventure takes you away from the crowds as you paddle through narrow water trails surrounded by lush mangroves teeming with birdlife and marine creatures. Along the way, you’ll explore hidden lagoons, snorkel in nearby coral reefs, and learn about the vital role these ecosystems play in protecting the coastline. For nature lovers seeking authentic and eco-friendly things to do in Mauritius, this soulful experience reveals a tranquil, often-overlooked side of the island.

8. Learn to Cook Mauritian Creole Cuisine with Locals

Go beyond restaurant menus and learn to cook Creole dishes like rougaille, fish vindaye, and farata in a Mauritian home. Hosted by friendly locals or small culinary schools, these hands-on classes are as much about storytelling as they are about food. You’ll grind spices, chop fresh herbs from the garden, and cook over wood fires, all while learning about the island’s complex cultural roots. It’s an intimate and flavorful way to experience Mauritius and take a piece of it home with you.

9. Discover Hidden Waterfalls in the South

Mauritius is dotted with breathtaking waterfalls, and the southern region hides some of the best-kept secrets. Drive or hike to Rochester Falls, known for its dramatic rectangular basalt columns, or take a guided walk to Alexandra Falls deep in the Black River Gorges National Park. Along the way, spot monkeys, tropical birds, and wild orchids. These falls aren’t just photogenic, they’re spiritual places for many locals. Cool off in natural pools or just soak in the untamed beauty of inland Mauritius.

10. Sail to Ile aux Aigrettes – A Conservation Island Experience

This tiny coral island off the southeast coast is a protected nature reserve managed by the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation. A guided eco-tour introduces you to rare endemic species like the pink pigeon, Mauritius kestrel, and ebony trees. Unlike a typical beach trip, this is a living laboratory showcasing the island’s biodiversity and the successful efforts to bring it back from the brink. The experience is capped with views of turquoise waters and a deep respect for how nature and conservation coexist on Mauritius.