7-Day Mauritius Road Trip Itinerary: The Perfect Self-Drive Holiday

The best Mauritius road trips are not about covering every kilometre. They are about choosing a few places you really want to see, giving each one time and letting the island’s scenery fill the gaps. This seven-day plan visits the main regions in a loop, starting and ending near the airport.

Drive times here are approximate and depend on traffic, so treat the plan as a template. Adjust it to your accommodation, and read our driving guide before you set off.

Before you go: how to plan the loop

• Base yourself in two or three places instead of changing hotels every night.
• Keep each day to one region, with one or two main stops and a swim.
• Start early: mornings are cooler, clearer and quieter on the roads.
• Collect your car at SSR Airport for the simplest start.

Day 1: Arrival and the south-east

Collect your car at the airport and head to Mahébourg, a historic port town close by. Stroll the waterfront, visit the market if it is on, and take a first swim. Keep the day light: you have just landed, and the first drive on the left deserves a calm start.

Day 2: The east coast

Drive up the east coast towards Trou d’Eau Douce and Belle Mare. Take a boat from Trou d’Eau Douce to Île aux Cerfs, or simply spend the day on the long, calm beaches of the east. In the afternoon, enjoy the coastal scenery on the way north.

Day 3: The north

Visit the Botanical Garden at Pamplemousses in the morning, then continue to Cap Malheureux for the red-roofed chapel and the view of Coin de Mire. End the day at Grand Baie with dinner by the water. For more detail, see our north coast road trip.

Day 4: Port Louis and the central plateau

Spend the morning in Port Louis: the central market and the Caudan waterfront are good places to start. Aim to arrive after the morning rush and use a car park. Continue to the plateau around Curepipe for the Trou aux Cerfs crater and, if you have time, Grand Bassin. Remember a light jacket: the weather can change quickly.

Day 5: The west and Flic-en-Flac

Head to the west coast, known for sunsets and long beaches, and spend the day around Flic-en-Flac and Tamarin. Tamarin is also known for its salt pans and surfers. This is a good rest day with a lot of beach time and short drives.

Day 6: Chamarel and Black River Gorges

Start early at the Black River Gorges viewpoints, then continue to Chamarel for the Seven Coloured Earth and the waterfall. The roads climb and twist, so drive carefully and take breaks. Return to the coast for a late swim.

Day 7: Le Morne and the south coast

Visit the Le Morne area for the iconic mountain and lagoon viewpoints, then drive the south coast through Bel Ombre and towards the airport. Allow a comfortable margin before your flight. Our south coast road trip goes into more detail.

Choosing the right car for the loop

Small hatchbacks are ideal for this itinerary: they are easy to park in Grand Baie and Port Louis and cope well with the hills. If you are travelling as a family, a seven-seater is more comfortable. Add child seats and a tourist SIM card when you book. For longer stays, ask about our long-term rental options.

Tips to make the trip easier

• Fill up the tank before climbing into the hills or crossing long stretches.
• Book beach days and one flexible day in case of rain.
• Download offline maps in case signal drops in valleys.
• Keep valuables out of sight and park in legal spaces.

Shorter or longer: how to adapt the plan

• Five days: drop day 4 (Port Louis and the plateau) and combine the east with the north.
• Ten days: add a full rest day on the east coast, a second day in the north for boat trips, and a day for walking in Black River Gorges.
• Two weeks: use two or three bases and treat each region as a short stay, with day trips by car from each.

If it rains: a flexible plan B

Keep one day loose. If the weather turns, swap the day’s plan for the drier side of the island, usually the west, or switch to indoor stops such as the museums and markets of Port Louis. Check the forecast the evening before and decide over breakfast: a car makes that flexibility easy.