Mauritius

Introduction

Discover a tropical world of dramatic mountains, volcanic lakes and dazzling white sand beaches bordered by the clear turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. Savour mouth-watering cuisine influenced by the island’s French, Creole and Indian heritage. Dance the sultry nights away to soft sega rhythms or play baccarat in the casinos. Be pampered beyond your dreams and spend sunny days snorkelling in the lagoons or deep-sea fishing for marlin.

Mauritius also provides opportunities to enjoy spectacular natural scenery filled with fascinating wildlife. In Domaine du Chasseur, forest-clad slopes hide stags, monkeys, wild boar and many exotic wild orchids. Domaine de l’Yang Ylang at Vieux Grand Port, where perfume is distilled from the fragrant yellow flowers, commands a panoramic view over the bay, Domaine Les Pailles close to Port Louis is a nature park that spreads over three thousand acres, the Black River Gorges National Park offers walking trails through forest and rushing river canyons.

Regional Info

HIGHLIGHTS

• Port Louis
  The Capital of Mauritius to see fine colonial architecture such as Government house and the palm lined Place d'Armes.
• Casela Bird Park
  A favourite with families with over 140 bird varieties, main attraction is the pink pigeon, which is one of the worlds rarest birds.
• Water sports
  From Grand Baie you can enjoy a wide variety of water sports from submarine, parasailing and semi-submersible scooters. Whilst the Ile aux Certfs is great for beaches, golf and water sports.
• Black River Gorges National Park
  Walk around this large forest and see indigenous plants, birds and wildlife.
• La Vanille Reserve des Mascareignes
  Commonly referred to as Crocodile Park for its thousands of Nile crocodiles. It is the only place in the world which breeds Aldabra tortoises, now having more than 500 roaming free and also has monkeys, deer and boar.
• Pamplemousses Gardens
  One of the oldest botanical gardens in the world its international collection of plants includes giant Amazon lilies and the Talipot plant which only flowers once every 60 years.
• Blue Penny Museum, Port Louis
• Flacq Market
  Largest open air market in the country
• SSR Botanical Garden
• Ile des deux Cocos

EVENTS

• January - Thai Pongal
  The New Year's festival takes place on the first day of the month of Thai (14th January on a western calendar). It lasts for several days but the most important day is Thai Pongal itself.
• February - Thaipoosam Cavadee
  Tamil worshippers throughout Mauritius sport anatomy-defying piercings of all kinds, in one of the most impressive displays of organised religious fervour you are likely to find in anywhere in the world.
  

LOCAL SPECIALITIES

• Island Crafts
  The craft market at The Caudan include jewellery, Chinese and Indian jade, silks and model ships. Cashmere is a particularly good buy in Mauritius.
• Duty Free Shopping
  Shopping centres located around the island offer great savings for tourists on designer goods, perfume and jewellery.
• Food
  Venison (in season), Camarons (freshwater prawns) in hot sauces, Octopus, Dholl purri (wheat pancake stuffed with ground peas and served with curry), Gateaux piments (chilli cakes)
• Drinks
  Rum, Alouda (almond-flavoured ice milk drink), Fresh coconut milk
  

TRAVEL TIPS

CLIMATE
The best time to visit is between April and June or between September and November. Temperatures are at their highest from December to February and cyclones, although rare, can occur between November and March.

LANGUAGE
Official language is English. French and Creole are also widely spoken.

TIME DIFFERENCE
GMT +4 hours

CURRENCY
The Mauritian Rupee. Travellers cheques are easily exchanged.

FLYING TIME
Approx 12 hours non-stop

Eco

Families

Golf

Gourmet Dining

Honeymoons & Weddings

Spa

Map