South African millionaires are turning a luxury coastal corner of Mauritius into one of Africa’s fastest-growing wealth and lifestyle destinations, with Black River’s millionaire population surging 120% over the past decade.

The region, which includes the sought-after seaside town of Tamarin, has become particularly attractive to wealthy South Africans looking for luxury homes, oceanfront living and a more exclusive island lifestyle.

The trend has earned part of Black River an unusual nickname: “Boere Monaco.” Magnus Heystek, director at Brenthurst Wealth Management and a resident of the area, said the growing presence of South Africans has made the coastal community feel distinctly South African.

New World Wealth’s 2026 Africa Wealth Report ranks Black River as the fastest-growing millionaire hotspot on the continent, with prime property in Tamarin emerging as a major draw for wealthy South African expatriates.

Tamarin becomes a magnet for luxury living

For affluent South Africans, the appeal extends beyond buying a property. Tamarin offers the combination of a tropical coastal setting, upscale residential developments and access to the lifestyle infrastructure increasingly demanded by international high-net-worth residents.

Black River has also benefited from the development of Cap Tamarin, a large-scale mixed-use smart-city project designed around residential and commercial life.

Its facilities include retail outlets, schools, healthcare services, offices, senior residences, a cultural centre, sports facilities and a three-hectare park along the river.

The development is helping reshape the area into a more self-contained luxury community, providing wealthy residents with access to services without giving up the attractions of island living.

Heystek has previously highlighted the quality of facilities available in the area, including Life Medical Centre, which he described as world-class. He said the medical facility assisted him during a health scare last year.

Luxury property fuels Mauritius’ wealth appeal

Property is central to the influx. Luxury villas and apartments purchased by foreign investors accounted for about R6.6 billion($406.71 million), according to preliminary figures from the Bank of Mauritius.

That spending adds to Mauritius’ reputation as a destination where wealthy international residents can combine investment with an upscale holiday-style lifestyle.

The island’s beaches, coastal communities and established hospitality infrastructure have helped reinforce its appeal among affluent buyers.

The South African connection is particularly visible in Black River. Heystek said skilled professionals, entrepreneurs and other South Africans are also moving to the island, contributing to the growing community around Tamarin and neighbouring coastal areas.

The region’s millionaire growth also stands out against other African luxury destinations.

Marrakech recorded 82% growth over the decade, compared with 63% for South Africa’s Whale Coast, 55% for the Cape Winelands, 43% for the Garden Route and 35% for Cape Town.

While Cape Town is projected by New World Wealth to overtake Johannesburg as Africa’s wealthiest city by 2030, Black River has already established itself as a standout luxury wealth destination.

For South African millionaires seeking an island address, Tamarin’s mix of prime coastal property, luxury amenities and an expanding South African community is turning the “Boere Monaco” nickname into a defining feature of Mauritius’ high-end lifestyle market.