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Mauritius Gymkhana Club

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Mauritius Gymkhana Club (Mauritius)

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The Mauritius Gymkhana Club in Vacoas is steeped in history, dating back to its establishment in 1844 by officers of the British 35th Regiment. It holds the prestigious title of being the oldest golf club in the Southern Hemisphere and one of the oldest in the world outside of the United Kingdom. Originally designed as a private enclave for the British military and colonial administrators, it functioned as a vital social hub where the island's governing elite would gather for leisure and networking. The clubhouse itself is a historical gem, maintaining its colonial-style elegance and housing a wealth of memorabilia from the Victorian era. The 18-hole golf course, while not overly long, is famously challenging due to its tight fairways and mature trees that demand precision from players. Beyond golf, the club remains a cornerstone of Mauritian social life in the Vacoas-Phoenix area, offering a blend of traditional British heritage and modern sporting facilities in the island's lush central highlands.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.

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Rain mm127113124794732282629313448

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The historic golf club is still in active use today, which means access for non-members is subject to certain rules. The clubhouse and outdoor facilities can often be visited by prior arrangement.
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Typical hours
Club operations usually run from the early hours of the morning until late into the evening. For historical tours or guests, it is highly advisable to visit during the core daytime hours.
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Photography
The well-kept green areas and the welcoming colonial heritage of the clubhouse offer wonderful, tranquil photo opportunities. However, always respect the privacy of playing members when taking pictures.
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Time needed
A relaxed walk around the grounds and a look into the historical rooms will take about one to two hours. Enjoying a refreshing drink in the club restaurant will pleasantly extend your visit.
Combine with
The club is located in Vacoas, which combines excellently with excursions into the central plateaus of the island. The nearby botanical gardens or traditional tea plantations are also well worth seeing.
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Getting there
The facility is well connected to the road network and usually features adequate parking spaces for guests. Prior contact will clarify whether any special access conditions apply to casual tourists.
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Insider tip
Inquire in advance about the dress code, as traditional golf clubs often expect a certain standard of attire. Polite behavior frequently opens doors to areas located away from the main public pathways.

Geography

Coordinates
-20.29250, 57.48350

Facts

  • Year of foundation: 1844
  • Location: Vacoas
  • Oldest golf course in the Southern Hemisphere
  • Founded by British naval officers
  • Number of holes: 18
  • Traditional social meeting point

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Sights in the town Mauritius Gymkhana Club (9)

Farqhuar House🏰 castle

Building near the Mauritius Gymkhana Club. Historic estate.

Serge Constantin Theatre

Theatre in the Mauritius Gymkhana Club area. Cultural performances.

Indira Gandhi Centre for Indian Culture

Cultural centre in Mauritius. Promotes Indian culture and arts.

J&J Auditorium

Auditorium near the Mauritius Gymkhana Club. Event venue.

Candos Hill

Hill in Mauritius. Elevation near Beau Bassin-Rose Hill.

Masonic Lodge🏛 museum

Masonic lodge in Mauritius. Museum on the history of Freemasonry.

Triangle of Peace

Monument in Mauritius. Symbol of peace.

Clarisse house

Manor house in Mauritius. Historic building.

ruin

Ruin in Mauritius. Remains of a building.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Is the club publicly accessible?
Often membership or prior arrangement is necessary.
What does the club offer?
Sports facilities like golf and tennis.
Where is it located?
In Vacoas.
Is it historic?
Yes, it is one of the oldest golf clubs in the region.
Is there a dress code?
Yes, for sports activities it is customary.
Mauritius Gymkhana Club: where is it located?
Mauritius Gymkhana Club is located in Mauritius.
Mauritius Gymkhana Club: what is there to see?
Highlights include Farqhuar House, Serge Constantin Theatre, Indira Gandhi Centre for Indian Culture.
Mauritius Gymkhana Club: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.
Mauritius Gymkhana Club: why is it worth visiting?
The Mauritius Gymkhana Club in Vacoas is steeped in history, dating back to its establishment in 1844 by officers of the British 35th Regiment.
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