Mauritius Multi-Centre Holidays

If you fancy a city break before you hit the beaches of Mauritius, why not enjoy a few days in the United Arab Emirates?

You could kick things off in the metropolis of Dubai. Home to iconic sights like the Burj Khalifa and the Palm Islands, this desert city is a great place to start your multi-centre holiday. Shopaholics can browse Dubai Mall and the Gold Souk, while adrenaline junkies can go jet-skiing or go on an exhilarating desert safari. Or you could simply relax in your luxury Dubai hotel, cocktail in hand.

Alternatively, Abu Dhabi and Mauritius make a great-looking couple. The UAE’s capital combines tradition and modernity, with thrilling theme parks and massive malls alongside grand mosques and fascinating museums. Must-see sights include Sheikh Zayed Mosque, Marina Mall and Yas Island – a fun-filled attraction offering rollercoasters, activities and more.

If your dream multi-centre holiday is a safari combined with some beach time, this is the perfect option for you. You can discover the delights of South Africa, and then retreat to Mauritius to relax.

Starting in Cape Town, get ready to immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the Mother City. Go up to the top of Table Mountain, stroll along the sands of Camps Bay, and explore the foodie hub of the V&A Waterfront. There are plenty of great day trips available from Cape Town, too. You can sail out to Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years, or see the adorable penguins of Boulders Beach. And, if you fancy a day of sipping Chenin Blanc in the sunshine, South Africa’s famous Winelands are just an hour’s drive from Cape Town.

Of course, no trip to South Africa would be complete without a safari. Go on exciting game drives in search of the ‘Big Five’ – lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo – and much more wildlife besides.

Once you reach Mauritius, you’ll find plenty of things to do. For starters, there are the incredible beaches. This Indian Ocean island is famous for its white sands, but the very best beaches in Mauritius are on the east and north coasts. Belle Mare, Trou aux Biches and the pint-sized island of Ile aux Cerfs are some of our favourites. You can unwind on the soft sands, go snorkelling among the corals, or try your hand at watersports.

If you fancy getting active, why not go on a hike through some of the island’s rich national parks? Or visit an animal park, where you’ll be able to see giant tortoises, monkeys and a variety of birds. You can also visit colonial plantation houses and rum distilleries. Or head to the capital city, Port Louis, to explore Hindu temples and colourful local markets.

When you’re planning your Mauritius multi-centre holiday, it’s important to think about the climate of both countries, to find the ideal time for your trip.

Generally speaking, the best time to go to Mauritius is between April and June or September and December, when you’ll have warm, sunny days and comfortable levels of humidity. If you’re planning to go to stop off in Dubai or Abu Dhabi, it would be best to book your holiday for April, November or December – otherwise you might find the Middle East is too hot, especially if you’re travelling with children.

If you want to visit Mauritius and South Africa, you’ll need to plan carefully to experience the best of both. Cape Town is lovely in December – the start of summer – so, if you go during this time, you’ll have great weather in both countries. But, if you’d like to see South Africa’s migrating whales – and you want Mauritian sunshine – you’ll need to holiday in August or September.