Safaris are a brilliant choice for a family holiday – offering unforgettable wildlife experiences, cultural immersion and plenty of adventure. But after the early morning wake-up calls and long days out in the bush, the idea of a few days relaxing on a tropical beach becomes incredibly appealing.
So, which destination offers that perfect balance for every member of the family post-safari? Having just spent a week exploring the Indian Ocean Island of Mauritius, I believe this could be the perfect family choice.
Where is Mauritius – and is it safe for families?
Located in the heart of the Indian Ocean, Mauritius is a lush, tropical island carved from volcanic rock, with a dramatic mountainous interior and over 300 kilometres of coral reef. These natural features create beautiful lagoons with calm, shallow waters, which are ideal for safe swimming and family-friendly watersports.
The island is home to a rich and vibrant multicultural society, known for its warmth and hospitality. Widely regarded as one of the safest destinations in the region, Mauritius is also malaria-free, which is especially reassuring for families travelling with young children.
Are there direct flights to Mauritius from Europe and other destinations in Africa?
Yes – and with convenient flight connections from South and East Africa, Mauritius pairs easily with a safari or self-drive adventure elsewhere in Africa:
- Daily direct daytime flights from Johannesburg make it easy to add Mauritius to any South African (or southern African) safari itinerary.
- Twice-weekly overnight flights from Cape Town mean you can combine it with a Cape Town city break, a few days in the stunning winelands, or a Garden Route road trip.
- Regular flights from Nairobi also allow for a seamless transition from East Africa’s iconic open plains to Indian Ocean island relaxation.
Mauritius can just as easily be visited as a standalone beach destination, with:
- Direct flights from the UK, France, and Germany
- Excellent international connections via Dubai
- Smooth island transfers on arrival
How long does it take to get from the airport to the hotel in Mauritius?
The island’s good road network ensures airport transfers are straightforward. Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport (MRU) is located in the southeast of the island, and most resorts can be reached within an hour or 90 minutes, depending on traffic. Resorts on the northern tip of the island may take a little longer to reach.
What is the best time of year to visit Mauritius? Climate guide for families:
Mauritius enjoys a mild tropical climate, with two key seasons:
- Summer (November-April): high temperatures and humidity with some rain. January and February are cyclone season and best avoided.
- Winter (May-October): drier, cooler, and ideal for a family getaway, with average temperatures in the mid to high 20s°C.
Which coast of Mauritius should I choose for a family holiday?
The north and west coasts are more sheltered from the trade winds, making them ideal for summer holidays.
During the hotter months (e.g. Christmas holidays and October half term), the breezes on the east coast provide a welcome relief from the humidity.
Where to stay: Family accommodation options in Mauritius
When it comes to family-friendly places to stay, Mauritius excels with a range of mid to high end hotels offering:
- Spacious family rooms with shared bathrooms
- Suites with additional lounges
- Two bedroom apartments for extra space
- Interconnecting en suite rooms
- Beachfront villas with private pools for maximum privacy and exclusivity
Whatever your family’s preferred configuration, there are a number of wonderful hotels to suit most needs and preferences.
The standard of accommodation on Mauritius is generally very high and during my stay I visited an excellent range of hotels which welcome families with children of all ages, from comfortable mid-range accommodation to top end, deluxe resorts. Having said that, I found The Ravenala Attitude, Heritage Awali Golf Resort & Spa and Sugar Beach particularly good for families with younger children. For slightly older children and teens, the vast range of activities on offer at some of the Beachcomber properties (Paradis Golf Resort & Spa and Trou aux Biches Golf Resort & Spa,) and the One&Only Le St Géran, would be ideal.
What makes Mauritius so family-friendly? Are the kids’ clubs complimentary?
The majority of family-friendly hotels in Mauritius offer complimentary kids’ clubs, often with fun and inviting names like the Coconut Tribe, The Kite Flyers Club or PLAY. These clubs are specially designed for children aged three to 12 years and are typically open from early morning until late evening. Staffed by trained childcare professionals, the clubs provide a safe and engaging environment for young guests. Activities on offer range from baking and cooking in mini kitchens, to arts and crafts, treasure hunts and mini sports events like “beach Olympics”. There are also options for children to enjoy gardening, nature-based play, movie nights and pool games.
Most clubs also offer the choice for children to have lunch or dinner at the club, allowing parents some well-earned downtime or the chance for a quiet meal in a specialty restaurant. Some even allow for supervised naps (for the children!).
Children under three are of course welcome, but will need to be accompanied by a parent or a qualified babysitter (available at an additional cost).
Teen clubs and activities for older children in Mauritius
Mauritius also caters well to older children and teens, with many resorts featuring dedicated teen clubs or zones for 12-17 year olds. These spaces offer a range of activities, from land and water sports like kayaking, table tennis, volleyball, golf and archery, to games consoles, music lounges, and popcorn movie nights. Designed to give teens space to hang out independently and connect with peers, these clubs strike the perfect balance between freedom and structure, providing just enough independence within a safe, relaxed environment.
Things to do in Mauritius with kids
While you could happily spend your entire trip on the beach, there’s so much more to experience on this beautiful island. There are opportunities for quad biking, mountain bike hire and zip-lining in the south and central plateau; there are also great hiking trails around Chamarel Mountain, which are suitable for a range of abilities; and visits to the Chamarel Waterfalls and the Chamarel 7 Coloured Earth geopark are impressive. I booked a catamaran excursion with dolphin watching and absolutely loved it – a day on the water is a must. Families of all ages can enjoy a half or full-day catamaran trip, which typically includes:
- Dolphin-spotting
- Snorkelling (in stunning, crystal-clear waters!)
- A relaxed beach barbecue lunch on a nearby island or even on the boat itself
It’s the kind of day out that children and parents will talk about long after the holiday ends.
Why choose Mauritius for your next family holiday?
Mauritius ticks every box for a family getaway – whether you’re looking for a standalone beach escape or the perfect add-on to a safari adventure. The island offers a safe, malaria-free environment and a welcoming, multicultural society known for its hospitality. Families will find a wide range of diverse, family-friendly accommodation options, excellent service, and an abundance of activities to suit all ages, from toddlers to teens. And beautiful beaches and calm waters make for ideal play and relaxation. Mauritius combines stunning scenery, warm hospitality, and something for everyone, making it an ideal destination for your next family holiday.
Inspired to plan your trip to Mauritius?
Contact our expert travel team on +44 (0) 1787 888590 or reach out via our Contact Us page. We’ll help you design the perfect Mauritius itinerary.
Mary stayed at: the Heritage Le Telfair, St Regis Le Morne Resort, The Ravenala Attitude, Trou aux Biches Beachcomber Golf Resort & Spa, LUX* Grande Baie, Constance Prince Maurice and Shangri-La Le Touessrok.
With thanks for images: Trou Aux Biches Beachcomber Golf Resort & Spa
