Quick Escapes

Quick Getaways: 9 Best Short Trips within 6h from Mauritius for Great Adventures

Living in Mauritius can feel like a permanent vacation. However, it’s easy to feel a bit isolated from the rest of the world on this tiny island in the middle of the Indian Ocean. Fortunately, several captivating destinations are just a short flight away, making it possible to escape for a quick getaway. Whether you’re craving a taste of adventure, exploring diverse landscapes, or immersing yourself in different cultures, here are the 9 best destinations within 6h from Mauritius for a refreshing break from island life.

Best short trips from Mauritius

1. Reunion Island (Saint Denis, RUN)

Flight Duration: 50 minutes
Cost: Approximately $240 return
Airline: Air Mauritius (daily flights)

Why going to Reunion Island from Mauritius: Known for its dramatic volcanic landscapes, Reunion features active volcanoes like Piton de la Fournaise, lush forests, and deep canyons. The island’s interior is mountainous, offering stunning hiking trails and panoramic views.

Cost of accommodation and food: It tends to be a bit higher than Mauritius. Expect to pay around $60–$150 per night for mid-range accommodation options and around $15–$30 per person for a mid-range restaurant.

Safety: Generally very safe for tourists.

Day Trips from Saint Denis:

Cilaos: About 1.5 hours by car, this charming town is known for its thermal springs and hiking trails.
Piton des Neiges: A challenging hike, this is the highest peak in the Indian Ocean, offering breathtaking views.

2. Rodrigues (RRG)

Flight Duration: 1 hour 40 minutes
Cost: Approximately $220 return
Airline: Air Mauritius (daily flights)

Why going to Rodrigues from Mauritius? Rodrigues, a smaller island east of Mauritius, is famous for its serene beaches, clear waters, and vibrant coral reefs, and is a great gateway for those searching for a relaxed atmosphere and untouched natural beauty, away from the crowds.

Cost of accommodation and food: Rodrigues tends to be more affordable than Mauritius in both accommodation and food, especially when it comes to budget options.

Safety: Very safe.

3. Madagascar (Antananarivo, TNR)

Flight Duration: 2 hours
Cost: Under $500 return
Airline: Direct flights with Air Mauritius (three days a week)

Why going to Madagascar from Mauritius? Madagascar is home to unique biodiversity, including the famous lemurs and baobab trees. The culture is also unique influenced by Malagasy traditions.

Cost of accommodation and food: Generally more affordable, especially for accommodations and dining, making it a great option for budget travelers looking for a laid-back experience. Expect to pay between $50 and $100 per night for mid-range accommodation.

Safety: Madagascar is one of the poorest countries in Africa but if you stick to touristic places and avoid going out at night, it’s generally safe.

Day Trips and other places not to miss in Madagascar:

Andasibe-Mantadia National Park: Approximately 3-4 hours by road from Antananarivo, it’s well worth the journey for stunning rainforest hikes. Andasibe-Mantadia is home to diverse wildlife, including the famous indri lemur, the largest living lemur species. You can also spot various other lemurs, chameleons, and unique bird species.

Nosy Be: A popular island destination for its beautiful beaches and diving spots, reachable via a short flight. Less commercialized than Mauritius, Nosy Be has a more laid-back, local feel. Internal flights are not cheap though.
Avenue of the Baobabs: Consider taking a short flight or a 10h drive to Morondava to see the Avenue of the Baobabs, one of Madagascar’s most famous landscapes.

4. Seychelles (SEZ)

Flight Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Cost: Approximately $400-500 return
Airline: Air Seychelles (three days a week)

Why going to the Seychelles from Mauritius? The Seychelles is an archipelago of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean. Each island boasts its own distinctive charm. Like Mauritius, the Seychelles is known for its breathtaking beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush landscapes. Visitors tend to find beaches in Seychelles more beautiful and less populated than in Mauritius.

Safety: Safe.

Accommodation and food costs: Seychelles tends to be more expensive than Mauritius.

Day Trips:

Praslin Island: A short ferry ride away, known for the Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Curieuse Island: Offers the chance to see giant tortoises and enjoy beautiful beaches.

5. Johannesbourg (South Africa, JNB)

Flight Duration: 4 hours
Cost: Approximately $500 return
Airline: South African Airways

Why visiting Johannesburg from Mauritius? Johannesburg is a gateway to South Africa’s wildlife and history. Visit the Apartheid Museum or take a trip to nearby Kruger National Park, one of Africa’s largest game reserves. Get the chance to observe lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, rhinoceroses and more wildlife.

Safety: Johannesburg has areas with higher crime rates, so staying in well-known districts and exercising caution is advised. Overall, it requires more vigilance than Mauritius.

Accommodation and Food Costs:

Mid-range accommodation in Kruger National Park typically costs between $70 and $200 per night, depending on the specific location and amenities, with rest camps generally priced from $70 to $150 and private lodges ranging from $150 to $200.

Day Trips:

Kruger National Park: About 4-5 hours by road, famous for the Big Five: : lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and rhinoceroses.

6. Nairobi (Kenya, NBO)

Flight Duration: 4 hours 20 minutes
Cost: Approximately $900+ return
Airline: Kenya Airways

Why going to Nairobi from Mauritius? Nairobi blends urban life with wildlife experiences. It’s home to Nairobi National Park, offering a unique opportunity to see wildlife in close proximity to the city. It is a bustling metropolis with a fast-paced urban lifestyle. The city is alive with business activities, markets, nightlife, and a thriving creative scene, offering a stark contrast to the more laid-back vibe of Mauritius.

Safety: Nairobi has areas with safety concerns, particularly in certain neighborhoods, so tourists should stay aware and avoid isolated places. Compared to Mauritius, it requires more caution.

Cost of accommodation and food: Traveling in Nairobi is generally more affordable than in Mauritius, especially when it comes to local transportation and dining. Meals at local eateries in Nairobi can cost between $5 and $10.

Day Trips:

Masai Mara National Reserve: Approximately 5-6 hours by road or a short flight, renowned for its exceptional wildlife and the Great Migration, which typically occurs from July to October.

7. Mumbai, India (BOM)

Flight Duration: 6 hours
Cost: Approximately $700 return
Airlines: Air Mauritius and Air India

Why visiting Mumbai from Mauritius? Mumbai, a bustling metropolis, offers a mix of historical landmarks, urban life, and a thriving food scene. Visit the Gateway of India or explore the local cuisine.

Safety: As a large metropolitan city, Mumbai has areas with higher crime rates, including petty crimes like pickpocketing and scams, particularly in crowded areas. Violent crime is less common.

Accommodation and Food: While hotels may be costly in the city, the food tends to be a lot cheaper than in Mauritius.

Day Trips:

Lonavala: About 1.5-2 hours by road, known for its scenic hills and waterfalls.

7. Bangalore, India (BLR)

Flight Duration: 6 hours
Cost: less than $400 return
Airline: Air Mauritius and Air India

Why visit Bangalore from Mauritius? Bangalore, known as the “Silicon Valley of India,” is a vibrant city that seamlessly blends modernity with tradition. It’s a food destination to explore the indian cuisine, and a good starting point to a few exciting day trips to explore rich historic sites in India, such as Mysore or Hampi.

Safety: Bangalore is generally safe for tourists, but like any major city, it has areas with petty crime, such as pickpocketing.

Accommodation and Food: Accommodation in Bangalore can vary widely, with a range of options from budget hostels to upscale hotels. Dining out is quite affordable, with delicious local cuisine available at lower prices compared to Mauritius.

Day Trips:

Mysore: About 3 hours by road, famous for the majestic Mysore Palace and vibrant markets.
Hampi: Approximately 6-7 hours by road, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its stunning ancient ruins and boulder-strewn landscapes.
Nandi Hills: About 1.5-2 hours by road, offering breathtaking sunrise views and scenic hikes.
Ramanagara: Around 1-1.5 hours by road, renowned for rock climbing and beautiful landscapes featured in the film “Sholay.”

9. Cape Town, South Africa (CPT)

Flight Duration: 6 hours
Cost: Under $700 return
Airline: Air Mauritius

Why visiting Cape Town from Mauritius? Cape Town is famous for its stunning landscapes, including Table Mountain and beautiful beaches. It combines natural beauty with rich history and vibrant culture and city life.

Safety: Cape Town has areas with higher crime rates; tourists should stay in safer neighborhoods and avoid walking alone at night. Compared to Mauritius, it requires more awareness of surroundings.

Cost of accommodation and food: In Cape Town, accommodation prices generally range from $50 to $150 per night for mid-range options, while food is often cheaper than in Mauritius, with meals at local eateries costing around $10 to $20.

Day Trips:

Hermanus: About 1.5-2 hours by road, known for whale watching and stunning coastal views.
Stellenbosch: Just 30-45 minutes away, perfect for wine tasting and exploring charming streets.