This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel. We share our insider knowledge of tips, tricks and important things to look out for in Mahébourg.
Whereas the north and west coasts of Mauritius are full of tourists and resorts, the east coast remains relatively unexplored. However, the west coast is definitely worth a visit with Mahébourg being the biggest city; beautiful, unspoiled white sand beaches still can be found here.
Mahébourg might be the biggest city in west Mauritius, but it is just a small village where all places are easily accessible on foot. Wherever you book a hostel in this town, you will never be far from the city centre and the waterfront. As there are few hostels in the city, it is advised to check the availability in advance.
Mahébourg is the city that is located the closest to the airport. A public bus brings you in less than 15 minutes from the airport to the town centre. The town of Mahébourg is small and can be seen in just a few hours. Points of interest are the market and the waterfront. There may not be any beaches within the city, but less than 4 kilometers from the centre, visitors can find the most beautiful white sand beaches that have graced many postcards. The first beach is usually very quiet. Blue Bay is 2 kilometers farther. Here visitors will also see the turquoise sea and white sand beaches, but this area is a bit more commercialized; more tourists tend to sunbathe here while some shops and restaurants provide a beautiful eating and shopping experience by the bay. Both beach locations are easily accessible by public bus, which leaves frequently from the bus terminal in Mahébourg. There are no hostels near the beaches at Blue Bay, so the only hostels available are in Mahébourg.
Mahébourg is comparatively cheap by Mauritian standards. While most Mahebourg hostels provide a basic breakfast, tourists also can find baguettes and western style bread in many shops. For lunch and dinner, the city has many economical and mid-range restaurants to choose from.
When traveling around Mauritius, visiting Mahébourg for a few days will enrich your experience without putting a huge dent in your pocket.
Written by local enthusiast for Mahébourg hostels
Martin Straatman