Tips on Mauritius Warnings and Dangers – Stay Safe!

Mauritius Warnings and Dangers

The island nation of Mauritius is known for its reefs, lagoons, beaches and the numerous recreational opportunities it offers. However, just like any other place, there are warnings and dangers you should be aware of when traveling to Mauritius.

It can be very expensive

If you are planning to travel to Mauritius, it is important to know that the cost of living is quite high. As much as the prices of goods in an island nation are likely to be high due to the cost of importation, the cost of living in Mauritius is higher than in most countries. If you are considering self-catering option when in Mauritius, you will have to bear in mind the high cost of living.

Dangerous animals

You should be careful when feeding the tortoises at La Vanille Reptile Park. These reptiles can bite your fingers when you hold leaves for them to eat. There are also sea gherkins which lie at the bottom of the sea but will leave a sticky and slimy substance on your feet when you step on them. It will be hard to pull off the white stuff from your skin. Sea urchins hide under coral and can sting you when you are walking or swimming, leading to infections. It is advisable to wear plastic sandals, just to be safe.

Traffic jams

When many people think about Mauritius, what comes to mind will be beautiful beaches and lagoons. Mauritius has a good number of people crammed up on the small island. This has led to congestion and traffic jams in the large towns and cities. When moving from one place to another, you will be better off if you factor in the time you will spend in traffic. This is vital since you can miss your flight if you delay in traffic. The good thing is that you will enjoy the beautiful views when held up in traffic.

Strong winds and storms

The weather in Mauritius is characterized by strong winds, heavy rains, and tropical storms. In some cases, the heavy rains lead to flooding, with deaths being reported when rivers burst their banks. Roads may also be swept away when flood waters rise. The strong winds are usually experienced on the southern coast of the island. If you are not careful as a visitor, these winds can blow you from the top of the cliff to the rocks located a distance below.

Navigation can be a challenge

Although Mauritius has decent roads, there are few roads signs. This makes it difficult for a visitor to find their way around the island nation. The maps provided by the local car rental companies may have some roads missing. When you get lost in Mauritius, it is advisable to ask one of the friendly locals for directions.

There are no banks in some areas

Some parts of Mauritius do not have banks and ATMs can be hard to find. It is recommended that you change money at the airport on arrival.

Editor’s note: The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about warnings and dangers in Mauritius.