Senior travel: Port Louis
An easier pace for an older traveller: how many stops fit in a day, which places are step-free, and what the guide says about getting around, medicines and stairs.
Was this useful?
Pace for a day
About 3 stops a day. 5 h out − 45 min rest, divided by an average visit of 48 min (from this city’s guide) + 30 min to move.
Places, easiest access first
- Place d'ArmesStep-free: yes · about 20 minLevel, paved square.
- Blue Penny MuseumStep-free: yes · about 75 minModern building with lifts; confirm routes with staff.
- Jummah MosqueStep-free: partial (check before you go) · about 20 minSteps at the entrance; ask staff.
- Kwan Tee PagodaStep-free: partial (check before you go) · about 20 minSmall entrance step (check).
- Natural History MuseumStep-free: partial (check before you go) · about 50 minOlder building with steps; ground floor may be accessible (check).
- Aapravasi GhatStep-free: partial (check before you go) · about 60 minLevel quay and interpretation centre; ruins have uneven steps.
- Central MarketStep-free: partial (check before you go) · about 60 minLevel hall; crowded and narrow at peak; steps at some entrances.
- Champ de Mars racecourseStep-free: partial (check before you go) · about 90 minStands have steps and ramps; wide grounds.
- Fort Adelaide (the Citadel)Step-free: no (check before you go) · about 40 minSteep road and steps; uneven stone.
Getting around in Port Louis
The centre is hard going on wheels: narrow, high-kerbed pavements, steps and crowded aisles. The Caudan Waterfront and Blue Penny Museum are step-free; plan door-to-door taxi rides.
- Pavements:
- Narrow, uneven and often blocked by stalls and parked cars.
- Getting around:
- Taxis are the step-free option; buses and the light rail have steps or ramps (check).
- Hotels:
- Larger hotels have lifts and accessible rooms on request.
- Toilets:
- Accessible toilets at the waterfront and larger hotels; rare elsewhere.
- Fort:
- Steep hill and steps; not suitable for wheels.
Medicines and health on the ground
The Mauritius guide lists no medicine paperwork. Check the official customs page for your medicines.
- Mosquito-borne illness:
- Dengue and chikungunya occur: use repellent and cover up at dusk.
- Heat and sun:
- Shade and water every hour; strong sun year-round.
- Water:
- Tap water is treated and generally drinkable; many visitors prefer bottled.
- Food:
- Choose busy stalls and hot food; wash fruit.
- Sun and sea:
- Reef-safe sunscreen, a rash guard and water shoes for coral and urchins.
- Insurance:
- Take travel insurance with medical cover and evacuation.
More: how much medicine to pack, medicine times across time zones.
Ask your insurer
Age limits and prices differ by policy and the guides do not hold them, so put these to the insurer before you buy.
- What is the oldest age the policy covers, at purchase and on the last day of the trip?
- Does the price or the cover change after a certain age?
- Are existing conditions covered, and what must be declared?
- Does the cover include medical evacuation and trip interruption?
Not medical advice. This page does not know anyone’s health. Ask a doctor before the trip, and carry a list of medicines and conditions.