Ranked among Africa’s top beach holiday hubs, the island of Mauritius offers travellers a wealth of experiences. Here are some tips to help you enjoy a memorable getaway in the island nation.

Image via Anantara Iko Mauritius Resort & Villas

Familiarise Yourself with the Basics

As when planning any other holiday, it is important to read up on the island and use online and offline resources to learn more about the destination. Made up of 16 islands, Mauritius is considered a part of Africa and is connected to both Reunion Island and Madagascar. The lingua franca is French although most residents do understand and speak English. The currency in use is the Mauritian Rupee.

Time the Visit

Although it is tipped to be a year-round holiday hotspot, the best time to visit the country is from May to December when sunny skies prevail but the weather is not too humid. The summer season is the official tourist season in the country and the beaches are especially crowded this time of year.

Getting Around

The most affordable way to get around the island is via the public bus service, which serves nearly every corner of the landscape except Le Morne Peninsula and Plaine Champagne. Renting a car or a motorbike is the next best way to travel in Mauritius as local roads are not especially conducive to cycling or walking extensively.

What to Pack

Due to the tropical weather, it is best to pack cotton clothing for your trip to Mauritius as synthetic clothing can be uncomfortable and impractical due to the humidity. Swimwear and resort wear is also a must in addition to flip flops and sneakers for those based at Anantara Iko Mauritius Resort & Villas or any one of the other Mauritius resorts.