Africa has plenty of beautiful islands for those travellers looking for a unique sense of remoteness and natural beauty. Some of the most famous include the Seychelles, Zanzibar, Madagascar and Cape Verde to name but a few.
But perhaps the most splendid of them all is to be found around 2,000 kilometres off the southeastern coast of East Africa. The island country of Mauritius lies in the magnificent Indian Ocean and attracts tourists in their droves. It welcomed a whopping 1.4 million travellers in 2024, a 6.7% increase year-on-year, and surpassed the previous record.
Often referred to as the pearl of the Indian Ocean, it offers exquisite white sandy beaches, turquoise lagoons and lush vegetation.
The island is a year-round destination and has just two seasons – summer between October and April and winter during the remaining six months.
The temperature never drops below 16C and can easily rise to a sweltering 35C. One of the best times of the year to visit is in October, when the daytime temperature normally reaches 27C.
Mauritius is not just an island renowned for its beautiful beaches, boasting lush rain forests and stunning mountain ranges.
Black River Gorges National Park is the place to go to experience walking in a rain forest and gets rave online reviews.
Søren Bøgeskov wrote on Tripadvisor: “Black River Gorges National Park is an absolute must-see when visiting Mauritius. Around 12% of the island’s original rainforest can still be found here – and it is truly breathtaking.
“The park offers wonderful hiking trails through lush scenery, where you can enjoy peace, fresh air, and pure nature.
“There are no dangerous animals, so you can hike safely and simply take in the beauty around you.
“Along the way, you’ll discover stunning waterfalls, a rich birdlife, and plenty of other wildlife that make the experience unique.”
Mauritius is also a scuba diver’s paradise, with its incredible array of coral reefs supporting a wide variety of marine life.
There are around 50 breathtaking diving sites across Mauritius, varying in difficulty and depth. The island is often described as “betther than the Maldives” for families with children or people who want to explore.