Mauritius, located in the Indian Ocean, is a tropical island situated around 1,240 miles from Madagascar, off the east coast of Africa. This island getaway is renowned for its sun, sea, and surf. It has picturesque beaches, exquisite hotels, diverse tourist activities, and a wide range of water sports to thrill and entertain tourists…. but there’s more. Mauritius offers some exciting hunting opportunities, including Rusa deer, and wild boar game hunting adventures. Find out more about this fascinating destination and why you should include it on your bucket list.
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Key Takeaways:
- Situated in the southern hemisphere, Mauritius is an island in the Indian Ocean, around 1,240 miles east of Madagascar.
- Mauritius is made up of the main island, together with several smaller outlying islands, such as Cerf’s Island and Ambre Island.
- The island is known for its spectacular tropical beaches, amazing weather, and various tourist activities, making it one of the most popular island getaways for travelers looking for an unspoiled, natural island getaway.
- There are many reasons to consider a Mauritius hunting experience, including a diverse range of species, unspoiled weather, a variety of hunting methods to target your chosen game, lots of tourist activities to enjoy as a family, as well as experiencing the ultimate luxurious getaway in paradise.
- The island is home to some unique hunting experiences, including Rusa deer and wild boar hunting opportunities.
- Hunting methods include driven hunts, ambushing, spot-and-stalk, as well as hunting from a blind depending on the species targeted.
- The hunting terrain is diverse, from mountainous forests and sugar cane fields to hilly regions.
Why Visit Mauritius for a Hunting Safari?
While hunting may not be the first thought that enters your mind when considering Mauritius, the island offers travelers an array of sporting activities, including game hunting, to enthrall and entertain them.
Unique Species to Target when hunting in Mauritius
Hunting in Mauritius allows hunting enthusiasts to harvest a range of more diverse species, including the elusive Java Rusa deer, and the wild boar that will challenge and test a hunter’s skillset and abilities.
The Java Rusa deer was introduced by the Dutch in the mid-1600s and has thrived on the island ever since. The island’s dense forests and savannah-like terrain provide an ideal habitat for these deer, and they are renowned for their exceptional trophy quality. There are more than 60,000 deer in various areas across the island. These deer are challenging to hunt, as they have an excellent sense of smell (can smell hunters up to half a mile away), are very wary, and are incredibly intelligent.
Wild boars are hunted throughout the year and provide an exciting and action-packed safari for hunters looking for a different hunting adventure. With the ability to sniff out hunters up to half a mile away, a running speed of 25 miles per hour, combined with a jumping ability of up to 5 feet, these hogs are an exciting challenge to target, with hunters needing to bring their A-game to keep up with them. As fast as they appear, they disappear again, so hunters need to always be vigilant and ready for action!
Range of Hunting Methods to Appeal to a Diverse Group of Hunters
Hunting in Mauritius offers a range of hunting methods including driven hunts, walk-and-stalk, as well as ambush hunting. Also on offer is bow hunting, allowing a challenging method for those seeking a hunt to test their skill set to the max.
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
Excellent Outfitters Onboard
Mauritian outfitters are professional, offering travelers excellent guides, information, and experiences when hunting in Mauritius. As residents, they provide travelers with a wealth of information, from the hunt itself to the best excursions and tourist experiences.
Diverse Hunting Grounds
The island is home to diverse landscapes, culminating in an exciting experience for hunters. From grasslands and sugar cane fields to dense jungles and hilly terrain, the island offers a challenging backdrop for hunters.
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
Is there wildlife in Mauritius?
Mauritius is home to a diverse range of fauna and flora, including endemic species, as well as an array of birds and marine life.
Can you hunt in Mauritius?
Yes, hunting in Mauritius is legal, with species such as the Java Rusa deer and wild boars.
Does Mauritius have deer?
Mauritius is home to the Java Rusa deer that was introduced to the island in the 1600s. These invasive species are now targeted on hunting safaris on the island.
What can you hunt in Mauritius?
Game hunting in Mauritius includes wild boar and the Java Rusa deer.
When is Mauritius’s hunting season?
The hunting season for the island differs according to the species you are hunting. While wild boar are available to hunt throughout the year, Rusa deer hunting in Mauritius can be undertaken annually between 01 June to 30 September with driven hunts and using the walk and stalk method, from 15 May to 15 December.
Do US citizens require a visa to enter Mauritius?
No visa is required for US citizens, and they are allowed to stay for up to 180 calendar days for tourism and 120 calendar days for business activities. They do require a valid passport with a minimum of 6 months validity after the expected stay, proof of sufficient funds, a confirmed hotel booking or sponsorship letter, as well as an onward or return ticket.
What hunting methods are used in Mauritius?
The type of hunting method utilized depends on the species which you are targeting while hunting in Mauritius. For example, Rusa deer are often hunted using the spot-and-stalk method or targeted through driven hunts. .
What type of landscape and vegetation can you expect when hunting in Mauritius?
The hunting grounds cover a combination of open fields, dense jungle and forests, hills, and rugged mountains, offering wildlife a mixture of habitats in which to thrive.
Conclusion
Experience the excitement of hunting in Mauritius, with a range of terrain, species, and hunting methods to challenge any hunter. Add to this a kaleidoscope of experiences to enjoy while in this little piece of heaven, and you can understand why this tropical destination is such a popular one.