Safari/Mauritius with kids (May or October?)

[jock mcsporran]

Thinking about Mauritius next year, either May half term or October half term. Any recommendations for which week is best and hotel recommendations. Hotel budget would probably be up to about 3k (preferably less) for the week and gluten free for my wife if anybody has any experience on that part. Need plenty to do for kids as my son is like a steamtrain and more energy than I remember ever having myself.

We'll probably go and do a SA Safari on the other week and it looks 50/50 on May or October being best for that (early dry season v early wet season), both times seem to have their pluses. First glance would probably have Safari in May and Mauritius in October, does that sound about right?

Cheers for any advice on the above.

[SunsetZed]

I'd do the safari in October as it's Spring so it's not too hot and there will be lots of young animals.

Personally I wouldn't do Mauritius with active kids, I don't think that there's that much for them to do compared to other places, it's more of a couples holiday in my opinion.

[hornetrider]

We did Mauritius/Kenya safari for our honeymoon at the start of October, it was all good weatherwise and the safari on the Mara was amazing.

We stayed in Legends which we found to be a lovely hotel, but its the one where that poor Irish girl was murdered a few years later...

[Jockman]

Do the Sands near flic en flac, Jock.

Otherwise one near Grande Baie (Veranda). We also did the Casaurina at Troux au Biches, perhaps the best beach on the island? but I wouldn't recommend based on recent reviews.

Not really the place for kids unless they can amuse themselves.

[jock mcsporran]

Was looking at La Pirogue. They seem to have plenty of kids stuff on and he'll be happy getting in the sea.
I would probably get a car for a few days and go explore the island. I've seen the comments on some other threads about it being a bit grubby when you scratch the surface but I've spent about 9 years working in Africa so I'm sure I've seen worse.

[Jockman]

jock mcsporran said:

Was looking at La Pirogue. They seem to have plenty of kids stuff on and he'll be happy getting in the sea.
I would probably get a car for a few days and go explore the island. I've seen the comments on some other threads about it being a bit grubby when you scratch the surface but I've spent about 9 years working in Africa so I'm sure I've seen worse.

Go for it Andy. East coast, Ille aux Cerfs, fantastic, bit windy but, heh, make your own mind up. Enjoy in good health, mon ami.

[cervezaman]

Never been, but when we were looking for a very similar trip we looked at www.safari.co.uk

Seem to do some amazing trips, albeit maybe a little more tailored and pricey. Hoping to go next year if we can get a good deck.