Find the cheapest flights from Johannesburg to Mauritius in 2026. Compare airlines, prices by month, and booking tips to save on your trip.
Route: Johannesburg (JNB) → Mauritius (MRU)
Distance: Direct flights not available
Flight Duration: 7-12h with 1 stop
Prices by Month
| Month | Avg Price | Demand |
|---|---|---|
| January | €520 | high |
| February | €480 | high |
| March | €440 | medium |
| April | €380 | medium |
| May | €310 | low |
| June | €330 | low |
| July | €420 | medium |
| August | €450 | medium |
| September | €340 | low |
| October | €360 | medium |
| November | €400 | medium |
| December | €580 | high |
Airlines on This Route
- Air Mauritius (direct): from €380 — Book direct on Air Mauritius website – they often have flash sales. Their ‘Explore’ fare allows changes without fees.
- South African Airways (direct): from €420 — SAA often has connecting specials through their website. Check their ‘Go Light’ fares for cheapest options.
- Emirates (connecting): from €520 — Use Skyscanner to compare Emirates via Dubai – sometimes cheaper than direct when booked as two separate tickets.
- Kenya Airways (connecting): from €450 — Kenya Airways via Nairobi often undercuts Gulf carriers. Book 6-8 weeks ahead for best rates.
Booking Strategy
For Johannesburg to Mauritius, the sweet spot is booking 6-10 weeks ahead for both direct and connecting flights. Direct flights on Air Mauritius and SAA are typically cheapest at €320-€450, while connecting flights via Dubai or Nairobi start around €400 but can drop to €350 in off-peak months. Tuesday and Wednesday departures are consistently €30-€50 cheaper than weekend flights. May, June, September, and October offer the best value with prices dropping to €310-€380 for direct flights. Avoid December-January when prices surge to €500+. Use Google Flights to track price trends – set alerts for JNB to MRU. If flying via Dubai, consider booking Emirates and Air Mauritius separately to combine benefits. South African residents should check Air Mauritius resident discounts.
Route Tips
- Book Air Mauritius direct flights on their official website – they frequently run flash sales of €350-€380 return that third-party sites miss
- South African passport holders get 90 days visa-free on arrival – no advance visa application needed
- Consider flying into Mauritius on a Tuesday/Wednesday and out on a Saturday – this combo often saves €50+ vs weekend-in weekend-out
- If booking via Dubai, allow at least 3 hours connection time as terminal transfers can be lengthy
- May-September is Mauritius’ dry, cooler winter – ideal for outdoor activities. Sea temperatures remain warm at 22-24°C
- Don’t ignore Kenya Airways via Nairobi – their 7-hour total travel time often undercuts Emirates/Doha by €100+
- MRU airport has efficient customs – you can be beachside within 90 minutes of landing
- Book accommodation in Belle Mare or Flic en Flac for the best beach-to-price ratio – these east/west coast areas offer better value than resort-heavy north
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the flight from Johannesburg to Mauritius?
Direct flights from Johannesburg (JNB) to Mauritius (MRU) take approximately 4 hours 30 minutes. Air Mauritius operates daily direct flights, while South African Airways runs seasonal services. If you take a connecting flight via Dubai, Nairobi, or Doha, expect total travel time of 7-12 hours depending on the layover duration. The shortest indirect routes are via Nairobi with Kenya Airways (around 7 hours total), while Dubai connections typically take 9-11 hours including a 3-5 hour layover.
How much does it cost to fly from Johannesburg to Mauritius?
Return flights range from €300 to €600 depending on season and booking timing. The cheapest economy return flights start at €310-€380 when booked in off-peak months (May, June, September). Peak season (December-January) sees prices rise to €500-€600 for the same route. Business class on direct flights costs €1,200-€2,500 return. Connecting flights can sometimes be cheaper than direct, with fares starting around €350 via Nairobi on Kenya Airways or €400 via Dubai on Emirates.
Are there direct flights from Johannesburg to Mauritius?
Yes, direct flights are available and are the most popular option. Air Mauritius operates daily direct flights between Johannesburg O.R. Tambo (JNB) and Mauritius Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Airport (MRU), taking about 4 hours 30 minutes. South African Airways also offers direct seasonal flights. These are the fastest and usually most convenient options, though prices can be higher than some connecting alternatives. If you can’t find a direct flight within your budget, connecting via Nairobi (Kenya Airways) or Dubai (Emirates) are reliable alternatives.
What is the cheapest month to fly from Johannesburg to Mauritius?
May is typically the cheapest month to fly from Johannesburg to Mauritius, with average prices around €310 for economy return. June and September also offer excellent value at €330-€340. The Mauritian winter (May-November) sees lower tourist numbers, resulting in cheaper flights. However, note that June-August can have slightly higher demand due to European summer holidays. The most expensive period is December through mid-January when prices average €550-€600 due to Christmas and New Year peak season. Shoulder months like April, May, September, and October offer the best balance of low prices and good weather.
Which airlines fly from Johannesburg to Mauritius?
Several airlines serve this route. Air Mauritius is the main carrier with daily direct flights (4h 30m, from €380). South African Airways offers seasonal direct flights (from €420). For connecting options, Kenya Airways flies via Nairobi (from €450, 7h total), Emirates via Dubai (from €520, 9-11h), Qatar Airways via Doha, and Etihad Airways via Abu Dhabi. Air Mauritius typically offers the best combination of price and convenience for direct flights, while Kenya Airways provides the most competitive connecting fares with shorter layovers than Gulf routes.
What airport do I fly into in Mauritius?
You will fly into Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport (MRU), located in the southeast of Mauritius near the town of Mahébourg. The airport is about 30km (approximately 45 minutes by road) from the capital Port Louis and 35km from the popular beach resorts of Belle Mare and Trou d’Eau Douce on the east coast. Taxis to Port Louis cost approximately €30-€40, while shuttle buses to major hotels run €15-€25. Car rentals are available at the airport from €40/day. The airport itself is modern with good facilities, though smaller than major international hubs.
How far in advance should I book Johannesburg to Mauritius flights?
For the best deals, book 6-10 weeks before your intended travel date. This window typically offers the lowest prices – around €320-€380 for direct flights. Booking too early (more than 12 weeks) sometimes results in higher prices as airlines haven’t released their discount fare buckets, while last-minute bookings (less than 2 weeks) rarely secure deals under €450. For peak season travel (December-January), book 10-14 weeks ahead as prices rise quickly. May and September offers the most flexibility with good deals available even 2-4 weeks out.
Is it cheaper to fly from Johannesburg to Mauritius on weekdays?
Yes, flying mid-week is noticeably cheaper on this route. Tuesday and Wednesday departures are typically €30-€60 cheaper than Friday-Sunday flights. A direct flight on a Tuesday in May might cost €340 return, while the same flight on Saturday could be €420. The cheapest day to fly is generally Wednesday, followed by Tuesday and Thursday. Weekend premium is most pronounced during South African school holidays and Mauritian peak season. If your schedule is flexible, shifting your departure by 1-2 days can save significant money. Return flights follow similar patterns with Monday-Tuesday returns being cheapest.
Data updated: 2026-03
