Best Places to Visit in Mauritius by Rental Car
Mauritius is more than beaches and resorts. The island is full of coastal roads, mountain views, waterfalls, villages, markets and hidden places that are best discovered with your own car.
If you want freedom during your holiday, renting a car in Mauritius is one of the best ways to explore the island at your own pace.
With a rental car, you can wake up when you want, stop where you want, and discover more than just the places included in hotel transfers.
Why Explore Mauritius by Rental Car?
Mauritius may look small on the map, but every region has something different to offer.
The north is lively, the west is scenic, the south is wild, and the east is peaceful. Having your own car makes it easier to visit several places in one day without depending on taxis or fixed tours.
A rental car is ideal if you want to:
- Visit beaches freely
- Stop at viewpoints
- Explore local villages
- Try restaurants outside your hotel
- Visit waterfalls and nature parks
- Travel comfortably with family
- Discover hidden corners of the island
1. Grand Baie and the North Coast
Grand Baie is one of the most popular areas in Mauritius. It is known for restaurants, shopping, nightlife, beaches and easy access to the northern islands.
Nearby places worth visiting include:
- Pereybere Beach
- Cap Malheureux
- Mont Choisy Beach
- Trou aux Biches
- Pamplemousses Botanical Garden
This route is perfect for couples, families and first-time visitors.
2. Cap Malheureux
Cap Malheureux is famous for its red-roof church, ocean views and peaceful coastal atmosphere.
It is a beautiful stop for photos, especially if you are driving around the north of Mauritius.
You can combine it with Grand Baie, Pereybere and Mont Choisy in one easy day trip.
3. Flic en Flac and the West Coast
Flic en Flac is one of the best beach areas in Mauritius, especially for sunset.
The west coast is great by car because many beautiful places are close to each other.
You can visit:
- Flic en Flac Beach
- Tamarin Bay
- Black River
- La Preneuse
- Cascavelle
- Albion Lighthouse
This side of the island is ideal for sunset drives and relaxed beach days.
4. Chamarel and the Seven Coloured Earth
Chamarel is one of the most scenic places to visit in Mauritius by rental car.
The road itself is part of the experience, with mountain views, forest areas and beautiful landscapes.
Popular stops include:
- Seven Coloured Earth
- Chamarel Waterfall
- Ebony Forest
- Local rum distilleries
- Viewpoints over the west coast
This is one of the best road trips in Mauritius.
5. Le Morne Brabant
Le Morne is one of the most iconic places in Mauritius. The mountain, lagoon and coastal road make it a must-visit destination.
It is perfect for:
- Beach photos
- Scenic drives
- Kitesurfing views
- Relaxing by the lagoon
- Exploring the south-west coast
If you are staying in the north or east, having a rental car makes this trip much easier.
6. Black River Gorges National Park
If you love nature, Black River Gorges is a must.
This area offers mountain roads, viewpoints, hiking trails and cooler temperatures compared to the coast.
Popular stops include:
- Gorges Viewpoint
- Alexandra Falls
- Plaine Champagne
- Macchabée viewpoint
A comfortable rental car is recommended for this route because the roads can be winding.
7. Gris Gris and the Wild South
The south of Mauritius feels very different from the rest of the island.
Gris Gris is known for its dramatic cliffs, strong waves and wild ocean views. It is not a swimming beach, but it is one of the most powerful landscapes in Mauritius.
Nearby places to visit:
- Gris Gris
- La Roche Qui Pleure
- Rochester Falls
- Souillac
- Saint Aubin
- La Vanille Nature Park
This route is perfect if you want to see a more authentic and natural side of Mauritius.
8. Belle Mare and the East Coast
The east coast is peaceful, beautiful and less busy than some tourist areas.
Belle Mare is known for its long beach, clear lagoon and calm atmosphere.
You can combine it with:
- Trou d’Eau Douce
- Palmar
- Poste Lafayette
- Bras d’Eau
- Ile aux Cerfs departure points
This area is perfect for travellers who want quiet beaches and scenic coastal drives.
9. Port Louis and Central Mauritius
Port Louis is the capital city of Mauritius and a great place to discover local culture.
With a rental car, you can visit the capital and nearby attractions in one day.
Places to explore include:
- Caudan Waterfront
- Central Market
- Chinatown
- Marie Reine de la Paix
- Citadel Fort Adelaide
- Moka and Bagatelle area
Parking can be busier in Port Louis, so it is better to plan your visit outside peak traffic hours.
10. Trou aux Cerfs and Curepipe
Trou aux Cerfs is a dormant volcanic crater located in Curepipe.
It is a simple but interesting stop if you are exploring the centre of Mauritius.
You can combine it with:
- Curepipe town
- Floréal
- Grand Bassin
- Plaine Champagne
- Black River Gorges
This route is useful if you want to connect the centre of the island with the south-west.
Suggested 3 Day Mauritius Road Trip by Car
Day 1: North Mauritius
Grand Baie → Pereybere → Cap Malheureux → Mont Choisy → Trou aux Biches
Day 2: West and South-West
Flic en Flac → Tamarin → Black River → Chamarel → Le Morne
Day 3: South and East
Gris Gris → Rochester Falls → Belle Mare → Trou d’Eau Douce
This itinerary gives you a good mix of beaches, viewpoints, nature and local culture.
Best Cars for Exploring Mauritius
The best car depends on your trip.
For couples, a compact automatic car like a Suzuki Swift, Toyota Vitz or Nissan March is easy to drive and park.
For more comfort, a Suzuki Baleno, Toyota Yaris or Nissan Note is a good choice.
For families or groups, a Suzuki Ertiga or Kia Carens gives more space.
For scenic routes and extra comfort, crossovers like the Suzuki Fronx, Suzuki Jimny or Nissan Magnite are also great options.
Tips for Exploring Mauritius by Car
Before starting your road trip, keep these tips in mind:
- Start early for long routes
- Use Google Maps or Waze
- Keep some cash for parking or small shops
- Avoid rushing on mountain roads
- Check fuel before heading to remote areas
- Plan sunset stops on the west coast
- Keep your beach towel and water in the car
Mauritius is easy to explore when you have the right car and a flexible plan.
Rent a Car in Mauritius with KLS Car Rental
If you want to explore Mauritius freely, KLS Car Rental can help you choose the right car for your trip.
Whether you need an economy car, hybrid, SUV, crossover or 7-seater, our team can arrange a reliable vehicle with easy delivery and fast WhatsApp support.
Book your rental car with KLS Car Rental and discover Mauritius at your own pace.
FAQ
Is Mauritius easy to explore by rental car?
Yes, Mauritius is easy to explore by car, especially with Google Maps or Waze.
What are the best places to visit in Mauritius by car?
Grand Baie, Cap Malheureux, Flic en Flac, Chamarel, Le Morne, Black River Gorges, Gris Gris and Belle Mare are among the best places to visit by car.
Is renting a car better than taking taxis in Mauritius?
If you plan to explore several places, renting a car is usually more flexible and cost-effective than using taxis every day.
What type of car is best for Mauritius?
A compact automatic car is ideal for couples, while families may prefer a 7-seater or SUV.
Can I drive around Mauritius in one day?
You can drive around many parts of Mauritius in one day, but it is better to split the island into regions to enjoy each place properly.