Mauritius and Rodrigues Itinerary 2026: 10 Days

Why combine Mauritius and Rodrigues

Mainland Mauritius delivers what most people imagine: polished resorts, calm lagoons, excellent spas and plenty to do, from the Black River Gorges to the botanical garden at Pamplemousses. Rodrigues, about 560 kilometres to the east, is a different world. The island is only around 18 kilometres long, with a population of roughly 40,000, and it is ringed by a lagoon larger than the island itself. Hotels are small, roads are winding and quiet, and evenings are spent over grilled octopus rather than in resort bars.

Together they make a satisfying contrast: comfort and choice first, then simplicity and space. For a deeper look at the second island, read our Rodrigues Island travel guide; for the mainland, start with our best luxury resorts in Mauritius.

The 10-day itinerary at a glance

If you have twelve days, add a night at each stop. If you have only a week, skip the south-west and go straight from the east coast to Rodrigues.

Why this order? Starting on the mainland gives you a soft landing after a long-haul flight, with resort comforts, room service and a calm lagoon while you adjust to the time difference. Ending on Rodrigues means the slowest, most peaceful part of the trip comes last, which many travellers find makes the holiday feel longer. The only drawback is that you must fly back through Mauritius to leave, so keep the final day light and choose a later international departure if possible.

Days 1 to 3: the east coast of Mauritius

Fly into Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport in the south-east and transfer north to the east coast, about forty-five minutes to an hour. This side of the island has long sheltered beaches, calm water inside the reef and many of the country’s most famous resorts, including One&Only Le Saint Géran on the Belle Mare peninsula, Shangri-La Le Touessrok near Trou d’Eau Douce and Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita.

• Day 1: arrive, swim and sleep. Long-haul flights from Europe often land in the morning, so ask about early check-in.
• Day 2: take a boat to Île aux Cerfs, or ask your resort for a quieter sandbank picnic and snorkel stop.
• Day 3: spa morning, then an afternoon in the botanical garden at Pamplemousses and the waterfront in Port Louis.

For beach choice across the island, see our list of the best beaches in Mauritius.

Days 4 to 6: Le Morne and the south-west

Move to the south-west for mountains and wilder scenery, about ninety minutes by car. Le Morne Brabant, the basalt peninsula on the cover of countless brochures, is a UNESCO World Heritage cultural landscape associated with the island’s history of slavery and resistance. The guided hike to the summit area is steep and best started early. Beaches here are beautiful, and the lagoon is a world-class kitesurfing spot when the trade winds blow.

• Day 4: transfer via the south coast, stopping at Gris Gris cliffs and Bel Ombre.
• Day 5: drive up to Chamarel for the Seven Coloured Earth, the waterfall viewpoint and a rum distillery lunch, then walk a short trail in Black River Gorges National Park.
• Day 6: Le Morne hike at sunrise, then a lazy beach afternoon.

Luxury stays in the area range from large beachfront resorts around Le Morne to villa properties in Bel Ombre. Honeymooners weighing Mauritius against Africa’s coast should also read our Zanzibar vs Mauritius honeymoon comparison.

If you prefer to stay put, you can skip the move and do the south-west as a long day trip from the east coast with a private driver, though it means around three hours in the car. Splitting the mainland nights is better if you want to hike Le Morne at dawn or enjoy the west coast sunsets, which the east coast does not get.

Days 7 to 10: Rodrigues

Fly to Rodrigues on the morning of day seven. Air Mauritius operates the route from the main airport to Plaine Corail in the south-west of Rodrigues; the flight takes around ninety minutes and uses smaller aircraft with tighter baggage allowances, so check limits on the Air Mauritius website. Car hire or a driver is the easiest way to explore once you land.

• Day 7: settle in, then drive to Port Mathurin, the tiny capital, and up to a viewpoint for sunset over the lagoon.
• Day 8: walk the coastal trail on the east coast from Graviers to Saint François via the beach at Trou d’Argent, one of the island’s loveliest coves. Bring water and sun protection; there is little shade.
• Day 9: take a boat trip across the lagoon to Île aux Cocos, a protected islet with nesting seabirds such as noddies and terns. In the afternoon, visit the François Leguat Giant Tortoise and Cave Reserve to walk among tortoises and through a limestone cave.
• Day 10: if your flight allows, visit the Saturday morning market in Port Mathurin, then fly back to Mauritius for your onward connection.

Accommodation on Rodrigues is mostly small boutique hotels, lodges and guesthouses rather than international brands. Choose by location: the south-east around Mourouk faces the kitesurfing lagoon, the east coast is close to the best hiking, and Port Mathurin is convenient for restaurants. Our sister guide to the 7-day Réunion itinerary covers the French island next door if you want a third stop.

Driving on Rodrigues is slow but rewarding. Roads twist over the central ridge between small villages, with sweeping views down to the turquoise lagoon on almost every bend. Allow more time than distances suggest, avoid driving after dark where roads are unlit, and stop at roadside snack shops for local bread and chilli. Many hotels can arrange guided hikes, fishing trips and visits to small community projects such as honey producers and craft workshops.

Best time to go and what to book first

Mauritius has two main seasons. The cooler, drier winter from roughly May to November brings comfortable temperatures and good hiking weather, though the south and east can be windy. The hot, humid summer from December to April is lovely for swimming but brings more rain, and the cyclone season peaks from around January to March. Rodrigues follows a similar pattern and is often breezier, which is why kitesurfers favour the middle of the year.

• Book first: the Rodrigues flights, which can sell out in school holidays and around Christmas.
• Allow buffers: plan a full connection margin when flying back from Rodrigues to meet a long-haul departure; weather and small-aircraft schedules can change.
• Pack for both islands: resort wear for Mauritius, plus hiking shoes, a hat and reef-safe sunscreen for Rodrigues.
• Check entry rules and holidays on the official Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority site.

Travellers deciding between Indian Ocean destinations entirely should also compare our Seychelles vs Maldives guide. For island background, the Rodrigues overview on Wikipedia covers its history and autonomous status.

Budget and travel-style tips

The cost gap between the islands is real. Mainland luxury resorts often sell half-board or all-inclusive packages, and rates rise sharply over Christmas, New Year and European school holidays. Rodrigues is generally less expensive, but choice is limited and the best rooms book early. A sensible split is to spend most of your budget on the mainland and accept simpler comfort on Rodrigues in return for space and authenticity.

On Rodrigues, carry some cash; card acceptance is improving but not universal in villages and markets. Try the local specialities: octopus salad and curry, sausages, chilli pastes and lime pickles, and the honey produced on the island. Dress is relaxed, but cover up when walking through villages and visiting churches.

Frequently asked questions