Essential Preparations: Black River Gorges National Park

Chronological Planning

Follow this guide for organized preparation.

Your Pre-Trip Timeline

Steps to follow for a well-organized trip to Mauritius.

Three Months Before

Passport & Visa

Check passport validity (6+ months beyond return). Research and apply for any visas well in advance.

Flights & Accommodation

Book international flights and your main accommodation, especially for peak season.

Health & Vaccinations

Check and update your vaccinations. Consult your doctor or a travel clinic for health advice.

One Month Before

Travel Insurance

Purchase comprehensive travel insurance. Consider World Nomads for coverage.

Tours & Activities

Book major tours or activities, like specific guided hikes in Black River Gorges, to secure your spot.

Driving Permit

Obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) if you plan to rent a car during your stay.

One Week Before

Confirmations & Banking

Confirm all bookings (flights, accommodation, tours). Inform your bank of your travel plans.

Packing & Apps

Pack a travel first-aid kit. Download offline maps for Mauritius and useful apps.

Home Arrangements

Inform family or friends of your itinerary. Arrange for mail, pets, or house-sitting if needed.

Required Advance Bookings

Secure your core travel components for peace of mind.

Reservations

International flights are typically booked in advance.
Accommodation, especially during peak travel times, deserves early booking.
Car rental, if desired, should be booked early to ensure vehicle availability.
Popular organized tours or specific guided hikes in Black River Gorges typically have limited capacity.

Pre-Trip Research

Learn about your destination for a richer experience.

Knowledge for Your Journey

Read up on Mauritian history and culture. This builds understanding and appreciation.
Familiarize yourself with the Black River Gorges National Park trail system. Understand trail difficulties and lengths.
Check current weather forecasts for your travel dates, especially if traveling during the wet season.
Research local connectivity options and consider a VPN service for secure browsing.

Home Preparation

Ensure peace of mind while away.

Inform Contacts

Inform family or friends of your itinerary and emergency contacts.
Share a copy of your flight and accommodation details.
Leave contact information for your trusted neighbors.
Arrange for mail collection.

Pet & Plant Care

Arrange for pet care or house-sitting if needed.
Organize watering for your plants.
Provide your pet sitter with vet contact details.
Ensure clear instructions for anyone looking after your home.

Home Security

Secure your home by locking doors and windows.
Stop deliveries to prevent mail buildup.
Unplug non-essential electronics to save energy and reduce fire risk.
Use timers for lights to create an occupied appearance.

Peace of Mind

A little preparation goes a long way towards a stress-free trip.

Arrival Checklist

Ensure a smooth start to your trip.

First Steps Upon Arrival

1
Immigration & Customs:
Clear procedures at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport (MRU).
2
Luggage Collection:
Collect your luggage from the baggage claim area.
3
Currency & SIM:
Exchange currency or withdraw local cash from an ATM. Purchase a local SIM card (optional).

Orientation Strategies

Accommodation Surroundings:
Familiarize yourself with your lodging surroundings. Locate nearby shops, restaurants, and transport.
Local Map:
Acquire a local map (physical or digital) to understand the area's layout.
Basic Phrases:
Learn basic phrases in Mauritian Creole or French and practice local etiquette for smoother interactions.

Transportation from Entry Point

Pre-Booked Transfers

Locate your pre-booked transfer service for a direct and comfortable ride to your accommodation.

This often saves time and avoids negotiation upon arrival.

Licensed Taxis

Utilize licensed airport taxis. Agree on the fare before starting the journey.

Official taxi stands are outside the airport terminal.

Rental Car

Proceed to your pre-booked car rental desk if you plan to drive yourself.

Ensure you have clear directions or a GPS ready.

Departure Preparation

Plan for a stress-free departure from Mauritius.

Souvenirs & Shipping

Purchase souvenirs in advance to avoid a last-minute rush at the airport.
If shipping large items, confirm arrangements with shops or postal services well before your departure date.
Pack duty-free purchases appropriately for customs in your home country.
Weigh your luggage to avoid excess baggage fees before heading to the airport.

VAT Refund Procedures

Mauritius has a VAT (Value Added Tax) refund scheme for tourists on certain goods.
Inquire about Tax Refund Counters at MRU Airport and eligible stores during your shopping.
Keep original receipts for eligible purchases for the refund process.
Complete all necessary paperwork at the airport before checking in your luggage.

Pre-Departure Timing

Allow ample time for airport procedures.

Timings

Travel to the airport:Factor in potential traffic and distance from your accommodation.
Check-in and security:A minimum of 3 hours is recommended for international flights.
Rental car return:Return your rental car with a full tank as per the agreement.
Final checks:Reconfirm flight details with your airline and have documents ready.

Return Trip Checklist

Reconfirm your flight details with your airline well in advance.
Ensure your passport and all other travel documents are easily accessible.
Pack any duty-free purchases appropriately for customs in your home country.
Confirm airport transfer arrangements if you pre-booked transportation.

Smooth Departure

Careful planning for your departure ensures a relaxed end to your holiday.

Take time for final souvenir shopping at the airport if needed.

Essential Preparations