Private Sightseeing Tours in Mauritius

Private Road Trips Crafted by Local Drivers

Here’s the thing: Mauritius island looks tiny on the map, but it’s full of winding coastal roads, steep viewpoints, sugarcane fields, and little detours that only locals really know. Public buses are cheap but slow, self-driving can be stressful if you’re not used to driving on the left, and jumping between random taxis can quickly add up.

Well-organised sightseeing tours in Mauritius solve that in one go:

• A local driver who actually knows the roads, the traffic, and the shortcuts.
• A clear itinerary, but flexible enough to stop for photos, snacks, or a quick swim.
• No time wasted figuring out where to park or which turn you just missed.
• A full, easy day of discovery where you still get back with energy for dinner.

With Taxi Service Mauritius, most travellers choose a full-day sightseeing trip in the south or north, or they customise their own road trip Mauritius style with our help. Let’s walk through the options so you can see which side of the island calls you first.

South Mauritius: Dramatic Scenery, Wild Cliffs, and Cultural Stops

Ask any local about the best places to visit in the south, and you’ll notice a little smile. This part of the island feels wilder, more rugged, less “resort” and more “real Mauritius”. The roads curve around mountains and open suddenly to huge views over the ocean. Perfect for a long, lazy day in a private car.

With Taxi Service Mauritius, our south tour packages are grouped into four itineraries. You can pick one, combine ideas, or mix and match to build your own.

Itinerary 1: 

The Chamarel Adventure Tour (Approx. 7 hours)

If you’ve seen photos of waterfalls and rainbow-coloured earth, this is that tour. It’s the quintessential Mauritian road trip.

• Grand Bassin Spiritual Lake (Ganga Talao): A peaceful, sacred Hindu lake surrounded by statues and temples. Your driver will explain the basics, so you’ll know what you’re seeing (and what to do with your shoes).
• Black River Gorges Viewpoint: Deep green valleys and rolling hills—this is where you realize how lush our island truly is.
• Chamarel Seven Coloured Earth: Layers of volcanic soil that glow in the afternoon light.
• Chamarel Waterfall & Rum Factory: A mix of natural beauty and local flavours.

Itinerary 2:

Tea Tasting & Wildlife Exploration (Approx. 6 hours)

Perfect for families and those who love a slower pace.

• Bois Cheri Tea Route: You’ll walk through the factory to see how our famous vanilla tea is made, then head to a hilltop chalet for a tasting session overlooking the rolling tea plantations.
• La Vanille Nature Park: This isn’t just a park; it’s a lush jungle where you can walk among hundreds of giant Aldabra tortoises. It’s also home to the world’s largest private insect collection and a massive crocodile enclosure.
• Gris Gris & La Roche Qui Pleure: We end at the southern tip where there is no reef. The “Crying Rock” is a spot where the waves crash so hard against the cliffs it looks like the rock is shedding tears. It’s powerful, windy, and incredibly cinematic.

Itinerary 3:

South West Splendor Expedition (Approx. 6 hours)

A road trip designed for the “Instagram” moments and deep history.

• Le Morne Brabant: We drive along the base of this majestic UNESCO World Heritage mountain. It’s a symbol of freedom and resistance, surrounded by one of the most beautiful lagoons on earth.
• Macondé Viewpoint: You’ll climb a small set of stairs on a hairpin turn to stand right over the ocean. It feels like you’re standing on the prow of a ship.
• World of Seashells: A surprisingly modern and fascinating museum in Bel Ombre that houses thousands of shells from around the world, telling the story of our marine ecosystem.

Itinerary 4:

Journey Through Mauritian History (Approx. 7 hours)

For the curious traveler who wants to know how Mauritius became the melting pot it is today.

• Mahebourg Waterfront: A charming, sleepy town where time seems to have stopped. We visit the National History Museum housed in an old colonial mansion.
• Rault Biscuit Factory: Since 1870, this family has been making traditional cassava biscuits. You’ll see the ancient ovens and taste these unique treats with a cup of local tea.
• Blue Bay: We wrap up the day at one of the best marine parks on the island. The water here is so clear you can see the coral from the shore.

North TOUR Mauritius: Beaches, Culture, and Laid-Back Coastal Vibes

Itinerary 5:

Port LOUIS CITY TOUR (Approx. 7 hours)

Most visitors to Mauritius never make it to the capital. That’s a mistake. Port Louis is where the real soul of the island lives—the noise, the colour, the history, and the food. This road trip takes you straight into the heart of it.

• Marie Reine de la Paix: We start at this hilltop shrine overlooking the city. It’s peaceful, it’s beautiful, and it gives you a bird’s-eye view of Port Louis before you dive into the streets below. Your driver will point out the harbour, the mountains, and the racecourse from up here so you already have your bearings.
• The Central Market (Bazaar): Nothing prepares you for this. The moment you step in, you’re hit with the smell of fresh spices, dried herbs, and ripe tropical fruit. Vendors call out from every direction. Stalls overflow with turmeric, saffron, vanilla pods, and things you won’t find in any supermarket back home. This is also the best place on the island to try a Dholl Puri—our unofficial national street food. It’s a soft flatbread stuffed with split peas and served with a spoonful of curry and chutney. It costs almost nothing and tastes like everything.
• Chinatown: A short walk from the market, Port Louis has one of the oldest Chinatowns in the Indian Ocean. Colourful archways, dim sum shops, and little temples tucked between buildings. It’s a reminder of how many cultures built this island together.
• The Citadel (Fort Adelaide): Built by the British in the 1830s on a hilltop above the city, this fort was designed to keep watch over the harbour and control the population below. Today it offers the best 360° panoramic view of Port Louis—the rooftops, the container port, the Champ de Mars racecourse (the oldest in the Southern Hemisphere), and the mountains behind. Bring your camera.
• Caudan Waterfront: We finish at the waterfront, where the city meets the sea. It’s a modern, open-air complex with cafés, boutiques, a casino, and the famous colourful umbrella installation that everyone photographs. It’s a great spot for a cold drink, a browse through local craft shops, or simply sitting by the water and watching the boats come in.

This tour gives you culture, history, street food, and city life all in one loop. It’s the Mauritius that most tourists never see—and the one locals are most proud of.

Itinerary 6:

CULTURAL NORTH TOUR (Approx. 7 hours)

The north of Mauritius is known for its beaches, but scratch beneath the surface and you’ll find colonial estates, sacred gardens, and stories that go back centuries. This road trip is for travellers who want more than a suntan.

• Pamplemousses Botanical Garden (Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden): Founded in 1770, this is one of the oldest botanical gardens in the Southern Hemisphere and one of the most beautiful places on the island. Giant Victoria Amazonica water lilies float on still ponds, their leaves wide enough for a small child to sit on. Towering royal palms line the main avenue. Spice trees from around the world—nutmeg, cinnamon, clove—grow side by side. Your driver will walk you through the highlights and share the stories behind the plants. It’s calm, shaded, and genuinely magical.
• L’Aventure du Sucre: Housed inside a beautifully restored 19th-century sugar factory in Pamplemousses, this is one of the best museums in the Indian Ocean. It doesn’t just tell you about sugar—it tells you about us. How the Dutch, French, and British colonised the island. How enslaved Africans and indentured Indian workers built the sugar industry with their hands. How rum was born as a by-product. And how all of that history shaped the multicultural Mauritius you’re visiting today. There’s a rum tasting at the end, which feels well-earned after all that history.
• Château de Labourdonnais: A beautifully restored 19th-century colonial mansion surrounded by orchards and tropical gardens. Walking through the rooms feels like stepping into another era—original furniture, old portraits, and the smell of aged wood. The estate also produces its own fruit jams and rum, which make excellent gifts.
• Cap Malheureux & the Red Church: We end at the northernmost tip of the island. The little red-roofed church of Notre Dame Auxiliatrice sits right on the waterfront, framed by the turquoise sea and the silhouettes of Coin de Mire and Flat Island in the distance. It’s the most photographed spot in the north—and once you see it in person, you’ll understand why every photo you’ve seen doesn’t quite do it justice.
• Grand Bay & Pereybere: We round off the day with a stroll through Grand Bay, the north’s liveliest beach village. Cafés, boutiques, and the lagoon always in sight. If you want to dip your feet in the water before heading back, Pereybere beach is just a few minutes away—smaller, quieter, and just as beautiful.

Itinerary 7:

NORTH BEACHES HOPPING TOUR (Approx. 7 hours)

Some days, you don’t want a history lesson or a museum. You just want white sand, warm water, and absolutely nothing to worry about. This road trip is exactly that—a curated, unhurried hop between the best beaches in the north, with us handling everything so you can fully switch off.

• Trou aux Biches: We start here. The water is shallow, calm, and an almost unreal shade of turquoise. It’s one of the most family-friendly beaches on the island, with a long stretch of soft white sand and a reef that makes it perfect for snorkelling. If you’ve brought your mask and fins, this is the first stop to use them.
• Mont Choisy Beach: A few minutes up the coast, Mont Choisy is one of the longest beaches in Mauritius—a wide, open stretch of sand lined with casuarina trees that provide natural shade. On weekends, local families come here for picnics and barbecues. On a weekday morning, it feels like you have it almost to yourself.
• La Cuvette Beach: A smaller, more sheltered cove in Grand Bay. The water here is particularly calm and clear, making it ideal for a quiet swim or just floating on your back staring at the sky.
• Grand Bay & Pereybere: We finish at the two most popular spots in the north. Grand Bay has a lively beach with cafés and water sports right on the sand. Pereybere, just a short drive away, is slightly more relaxed—a favourite with locals and long-stay visitors who know the north well.

Practical Tips: Making Your Sightseeing Easy

To keep your road trip as smooth and easy as possible, here are a few insider tips from our team on the road:

• Know Your Price Upfront: Always confirm the total fare and exactly what is included before you set off. Hidden “surprises” at the end of a long day are the last thing you want. At Taxi Service Mauritius, we believe in total transparency—our inclusions and exclusions are clearly listed on our tour pages so you know exactly where you stand.
• Avoid the “Commission Trap”: It is a common (and annoying) practice for some drivers to force “quick stops” at specific souvenir shops where they get a kickback. You often end up being chased by aggressive salespeople. We have a strict code of ethics: our drivers do not make commission stops. Your time is yours, not a sales opportunity.
• Insist on a Local Expert: Many hotels now employ expatriate staff who are still learning the island themselves. To get that genuine Mauritian hospitality and deep local knowledge, you need a local. All our drivers are Mauritian born and bred—responsible professionals who know every “shortcut” and secret spot.
• The Freedom of Choice (Lunch): We don’t lock you into “set menu” lunch packages. We prefer giving you the freedom to decide on the day. Whether you want a high-end seafood spot or a hidden Creole shack, your driver will give you options. Just a quick tip: always have a glance at the menu prices before you sit down to ensure it fits your budget.
• Eat Light Before You Start: Our island roads can be winding, and the change in altitude (especially heading to the South) can be rough on the stomach. We recommend a light breakfast, especially for children, to avoid motion sickness. It’s a small detail that can save your entire day from being ruined.
• Pack for “Micro-Climates”: You might start the day in bright sunshine at the coast and find yourself in a cool, misty drizzle at the Black River Gorges 30 minutes later. Bring a light cardigan or a rain jacket and comfortable walking shoes—you’ll thank us when you’re exploring the forest trails!
• Stay Hydrated & Sun-Safe: The Mauritian sun is stronger than it looks, even on cloudy days. Bring plenty of water, a hat, and high-SPF sunscreen. If you run out of water, just ask your driver—they know exactly where to stop for a cold bottle or a fresh coconut.

Your Island, Your Pace, Your Way

At the end of the day, sightseeing in Mauritius shouldn’t feel like a chore or a series of logistical hurdles. It should feel like a discovery. Whether you are standing on the edge of a volcanic crater or sharing a laugh with your driver over a street-side snack, those are the moments that stay with you. We aren’t just here to drive you from point A to point B; we are here to ensure you experience the island with the honesty, safety, and warmth it deserves. When you step into a Taxi Service Mauritius vehicle, you aren’t just a passenger—you’re a guest in our home. Let’s make your Mauritian road trip exactly what it should be: unforgettable.