I lived in Mauritius for 2 years alone when I was working there and it felt pretty safe. However, there were 2 robbery attempts in my home, nothing major, I suspect they were drug addicts who needed quick cash, but those experiences were scary. I immediately after the second robbery, moved to an apartment complex with security and camera for added safety.
Mauritius is generally considered a safe destination for solo female travelers. The country has a reputation for being welcoming and hospitable, with a relatively low crime rate compared to many other tourist destinations. However, it’s important for solo female travelers, as with any destination, to exercise caution and be aware of their surroundings. In any case, do not stay in a private villa, no matter how beautiful and tempting it would look, it’s not safe for a solo female.
Here are some safety tips for solo female travelers visiting Mauritius:
- Stay Vigilant: While Mauritius is relatively safe, it’s important to remain vigilant, especially in crowded tourist areas and at night.
- Secure Accommodations: Choose reputable and well-reviewed accommodations that offer a sense of security (I would suggest something with automated locks that can be only opened by the residents)
- Avoid Isolated Areas at Night: As with any destination, try to avoid isolated or poorly lit areas, particularly after dark. I used to live in Quatre Bornes and in the night it would get really spooky as people usually shut down shops by 5 and restaurants are not open beyond 10. So don’t try and venture alone walking or on bike. If you are driving a car then it’s fine.
- Dress Respectfully: While Mauritius is relatively liberal, it’s advisable to dress modestly and respectfully, particularly when visiting religious sites or more traditional areas.
- Keep Valuables Secure: Be mindful of your belongings and avoid flaunting expensive jewelry or large amounts of cash. In the first robbery, my wallet and mobile was stolen, so ensure that you don’t keep small items in open.
- Use Authorized Transportation: When moving between locations, use licensed taxis or reputable transportation services. Try the AC bus services, they are pretty comfortable and safe.
- Don’t trust men: This maybe true in every part of the world but here you would find lot of drug addicts that will befriend you in hope of getting easy cash.
Don’t worry, compared to other tourist destinations, it’s still one of the safest and if you just stay a little extra careful, you would be sure to have a wonderful time.