Mauritius is better known to American travelers for its beaches and Indian Ocean resorts, yet Hunting in Mauritius offers the opportunity to pursue Rusa deer and wild boar in terrain ranging from forested hills to sugar cane country. For hunters looking beyond the traditional mainland African safari, the island combines genuine hunting opportunities with deep-sea fishing, family activities and some of the best-known resorts in the Indian Ocean.
Rusa deer are the primary hunting draw, with mature stags attracting international hunters to the island, while wild boar can add another objective to the trip. Mauritius is particularly well suited to hunters traveling with non-hunting family members or those looking to add several days of hunting to a longer journey through Africa.
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Why Visit Mauritius for a Hunting Safari?
Mauritius is unlikely to be the first destination that comes to mind when an American hunter starts planning an international hunting trip. That is also part of what makes it interesting. The island offers the opportunity to pursue Rusa deer and wild boar in terrain ranging from forested hills and mountains to open grasslands and sugar cane country, all within a destination better known for its beaches and luxury resorts.
Rusa deer are the main hunting draw, particularly for hunters interested in adding a distinctive deer species to their trophy collection. A mature stag can require considerably more work than the island setting might suggest, with thick vegetation, changing winds and broken terrain all influencing how the hunt unfolds.
Mauritius also works particularly well when the hunter is not traveling alone. A spouse or family can enjoy the beaches, resorts, golf, fishing and other activities while the hunter spends time in the field, avoiding the compromise that sometimes comes with taking non-hunters to a remote safari camp.
For hunters already planning travel to Africa, Mauritius can also be considered as an extension to a larger trip. Combining a traditional mainland safari with several days of deer or wild boar hunting on an Indian Ocean island creates two very different hunting experiences within the same journey.
Species to Hunt in Mauritius
Rusa deer and wild boar are the two principal game species pursued by international hunters visiting Mauritius. Both have established populations on the island, but they offer very different hunting opportunities depending on the terrain, season and hunting method.
Rusa Deer Hunting in Mauritius is the main draw for most visiting hunters. Introduced to the island centuries ago, Rusa deer have become well established across suitable habitat and can be found in forested hills, open country and agricultural areas. Mature stags are highly sought after by international hunters, with the island developing a reputation as a distinctive destination for those looking to add Rusa deer to their trophy collection.
Wild Boar Hunting in Mauritius provides a very different addition to the trip. Boar inhabit thick vegetation, forest and agricultural country, where available cover can make encounters unpredictable. Depending on the hunting area, they may be pursued during dedicated hunts or combined with a Rusa deer safari.
Hunters interested in both species can potentially include Rusa deer and wild boar in the same trip, creating a more varied hunting itinerary without taking away from the other activities that make Mauritius an appealing destination for couples and families.
Why Rusa Deer Are the Main Hunting Draw
Rusa deer are the species most likely to put Mauritius on a hunter's radar. Mature stags are impressive trophies, but hunting them can be more demanding than the island setting might suggest. Dense vegetation, steep ground and an animal that quickly reacts to scent and movement can make getting into position difficult.
The style of hunt can vary depending on the property and time of year. Spot-and-stalk hunting gives the hunter an opportunity to deliberately pursue a particular stag, while traditional driven hunts offer a completely different approach.
Hunters specifically interested in a mature trophy should plan their dates around the appropriate season rather than treating Rusa deer as something that can simply be added at any time of year. The quality of the hunting area and the management of its deer population are also important considerations when choosing where to hunt.
How Rusa Deer and Wild Boar Are Hunted in Mauritius
The hunting method used in Mauritius depends largely on the species, hunting area and time of year. Rusa deer may be pursued on foot using spot-and-stalk techniques, with hunters glassing suitable terrain before using forest, hills and natural cover to approach a mature stag.
Traditional driven hunts offer a very different style of hunting, with animals moved through designated areas towards waiting hunters. Wild boar may also be encountered during driven hunts or pursued using methods suited to the terrain and conditions of the hunting area.
Bow hunting is available in some areas for hunters looking for an additional challenge. Thick vegetation and the need to close the distance can make this a demanding way to pursue game, particularly when hunting wary Rusa deer. Hunters interested in a particular method should discuss this with their outfitter before booking, as the options available may depend on the property, species and season.
Some of the Best Fishing Around
Mauritius is renowned for its big game fishing, with exceptional catches recorded throughout the year. Hunters often combine deer and boar hunting with a deep-sea fishing adventure, for the best of both worlds and maximum excitement when targeting some very different trophies. Combining Mauritius hunting safaris and fishing expeditions is the perfect way to experience the destination on land and at sea. Whether you are harvesting fur or fins, be prepared for some extraordinary trophies available during both activities.
Target fish species in Mauritius include blue marlin, black marlin, swordfish, Wahoo, Tuna, Dorado, and Barracuda.
Luxury Getaway
Mauritius is truly a tropical paradise, and this is seen through the exquisite accommodations and experiences available to travelers on the island. From 5* hotels with sun-kissed beaches to luxurious self-catering villas, complete with staff, the options are endless for your island getaway.
Some resorts may be best suited for romance or families, check out what best suits your needs and requirements. Whichever you choose, be prepared for the ultimate in luxury and indulgence.
A Range of Tourist Activities to Entertain the Entire Family
Mauritius is the perfect family vacation spot! Check out some of the family-friendly activities to enjoy:
- Enjoy the beautiful beaches with its array of watersports, such as parasailing, kite surfing, wake boarding, snorkeling, and water skiing.
- Swim with the dolphins
- Enjoy La Vallée Des Couleurs Nature Park with its zip lines and range of hiking trails
- From camel rides, mini-golf, and safari rides to a petting zoo and cinema, Casela Nature Park has something for young and old!
- Fancy some adventure? Enjoy some quad biking, ziplining, or horse riding through the forests and enjoy the beautiful scenery
- Explore Black River Gorges National Park’s trails and waterfalls with a guided tour
- Explore the Central Market in Port Louis, famous for its crafts, delicious cuisine, and the perfect place to pick up some souvenirs
- Enjoy a round of golf at one of the five golf courses that have been designed by international golfing greats, like Ernie Els and Bernard Langer
Diverse Hunting Grounds
Mauritius may be a relatively small island, but its hunting terrain can change considerably from one area to another. Rusa deer and wild boar may be pursued across forested hills, open grasslands and agricultural country, with sugar cane fields and thick vegetation creating natural cover that can make game difficult to locate and approach.
In the more broken country, hunters may need to glass across hillsides before planning an approach, while dense forest can reduce visibility and make encounters happen at considerably closer distances. The changing terrain is particularly important when pursuing Rusa deer, where wind direction, available cover and the ability to move quietly can determine whether a hunter gets within range of a mature stag.
A Hunting Safari That Feels Very Different From Mainland Africa
Hunting in Mauritius is quite different from the classic African safari most American hunters picture when planning their first trip across the Atlantic. There are no vast dangerous game concessions or long days tracking buffalo through remote wilderness. Instead, the appeal lies in combining a genuine hunting objective with everything else the island offers.
A morning may be spent pursuing Rusa deer through forested hills and broken terrain, while the afternoon can be back at the coast with the family. This makes Mauritius particularly interesting for hunters traveling with a spouse or children who may have little interest in spending an entire vacation in a hunting camp.
It can also work well as an extension to a longer African trip. An American hunter already traveling through Johannesburg for a safari elsewhere in southern Africa may choose to add several days in Mauritius, combining hunting with fishing, beaches and time with the family before returning home.
What Does a Typical Hunting Day in Mauritius Look Like
A hunting day in Mauritius can look quite different from a traditional safari on mainland Africa. Depending on the hunting area and accommodation arrangements, hunters may leave early in the morning to reach the property before beginning a spot-and-stalk hunt for Rusa deer or preparing for another hunting method suited to the area.
The amount of time spent in the field will depend on the species, conditions and objectives of the hunt. A hunter specifically pursuing a mature Rusa stag may dedicate considerably more time to locating and approaching the right animal, while a shorter hunt can leave part of the day available for fishing, sightseeing or time with family.
This flexibility is one of the advantages of hunting in Mauritius. A hunting trip does not necessarily mean the entire family has to spend a week in a remote camp. Depending on the arrangements made with the outfitter, the hunter can spend meaningful time in the field while the rest of the family enjoys the island.
What Does Hunting in Mauritius Cost?
The cost of hunting in Mauritius depends on the species being pursued, the number of hunting days and the type of hunt being arranged. A hunter traveling specifically for a mature Rusa deer may have a different cost structure from someone adding a day or two of wild boar hunting to a longer family vacation on the island.
Accommodation can also influence the overall price considerably. Mauritius offers everything from dedicated hunting arrangements to luxury beachfront resorts and private villas, so hunters should consider the complete cost of the trip rather than the hunting fees alone. Trophy quality, hunting method, local transportation, trophy preparation and international shipping may also affect the final cost.
Hunters combining Mauritius with a safari elsewhere in Africa should budget for each part of the journey separately. Our African Hunting Safari Prices guide explains the typical costs involved in planning a mainland African safari and can help hunters understand daily rates, trophy fees and other expenses when comparing the two parts of a longer hunting trip.
Great Hunting Weather All Year Round
With the hunting season for Mauritius being throughout the year for some species, travelers will be glad to know that this tropical paradise has a warm climate throughout the year, with an average temperature of 73°F along the coast, reaching a slightly cooler 68°F in the higher altitudes.
Temperatures range between 80-93°F on the coast during summer, with inland regions slightly cooler at 71-82°F. The summer season is also the wet season on this southern hemisphere island. Winter weather is drier, with cooler temperatures of around 66-77°F inland, and 71-82°F along the coast.
When not hunting, the weather is perfect for the ultimate in island getaways and activities.
Traveling to Mauritius
Located around 30 miles from the island’s capital city Port Louis, Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport, in Plaine Magnien, welcomes international travelers from Africa, Asia, and Europe. Mauritius’s national carrier, Air Mauritius, has connections from Johannesburg (South Africa), Paris (France), London (UK) and Singapore (Singapore), while other international airlines flying into Mauritius include British Airways, South African Airways, Emirates, Air France, Lufthansa, and Turkish Airlines.
For those hunters looking at starting their hunting safari in Africa and then continuing to Mauritius, the most direct route to the island would be via Johannesburg, South Africa.
Many European citizens, as well as individuals traveling on a US passport, do not require a visa to enter Mauritius for tourism or business stays under standard conditions. They are allowed to stay in the country for up to 180 days for tourism and 120 days for business activities. Individuals do, however, need a passport that is valid for at least 6 months after their expected stay, proof of sufficient funds to sustain themselves during their stay in Mauritius (minimum of US$100 per day), a confirmed hotel booking or sponsorship letter, as well as an onward or return ticket.
European and US citizens may complete the Mauritius All-In-One Travel Form online or upon arrival in the country.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Americans hunt in Mauritius?
Yes. American hunters can travel to Mauritius and hunt legally with an appropriate local outfitter, subject to current hunting seasons, licenses and local regulations.
What animals can you hunt in Mauritius?
Rusa deer and wild boar are the principal game animals pursued by visiting hunters. Rusa deer are the island's signature hunting species and are particularly sought after by international trophy hunters.
When is the best time to hunt Rusa deer in Mauritius?
The best dates depend on the hunting method and current local season. Hunters planning a trip specifically around Rusa deer should confirm the applicable season with their outfitter before arranging flights and accommodations.
Can I combine hunting in Mauritius with an African safari?
Yes. Mauritius can be added before or after a safari in southern Africa, with Johannesburg providing a practical connection for many international hunters. This can be particularly appealing to hunters who want to combine a mainland African safari with several days of hunting, fishing and family vacation time on the island.
Is Mauritius a good hunting destination for a family trip?
Mauritius is particularly well suited to hunters traveling with non-hunting family members. While the hunter is in the field, beaches, resorts, golf, fishing and other activities provide considerably more options for accompanying family members than many remote hunting destinations.
What is Rusa deer hunting in Mauritius like?
The hunting can involve forest, hills, open areas and agricultural terrain, depending on the property. Spot-and-stalk and driven hunting are among the methods used, with the approach depending on the season and hunting area.
Can you hunt wild boar in Mauritius?
Yes. Wild boar can be hunted in Mauritius and provide an additional hunting opportunity alongside Rusa deer. Hunters should confirm current seasons and availability with their outfitter when planning the trip.
Hunting in Mauritius: More Than an Island Getaway
Mauritius offers something quite different from the traditional African safari. Rusa deer and wild boar provide genuine hunting opportunities, while the island's beaches, deep-sea fishing, golf and resorts make it particularly appealing to hunters traveling with a spouse or family.
It can also be an interesting addition to a longer African journey. Hunters already traveling through Johannesburg may choose to combine a mainland safari with several days in Mauritius, creating a trip that offers two very different sides of hunting and travel in this part of the world.
When comparing Hunting Trips, Mauritius is unlikely to replace the classic African safari, but it does not need to. Its appeal lies in offering hunters the opportunity to pursue distinctive game while enjoying one of the Indian Ocean's best-known island destinations with the people who traveled with them.