It is easy to run out of adjectives when attempting to describe the natural beauty of the small tropical Indian Ocean island paradise of Mauritius. The volcanic island Republic, covered with lush forest, streams and waterfalls, and fringed with palms, dazzling white sands and teeming coral reefs, lies east of Madagascar just south of the Equator.
Mauritius Travel Guide
Full Name
Republic of Mauritius
Former Name
None
Capital City
Port Louis
Government Type
parliamentary democracy
Area Size
total: 2,040 sq km
Time Zone
UTC/GMT +4 hours
Climate
The local climate is tropical, modified by southeast trade winds; there is a warm, dry winter from May to November and a hot, wet, and humid summer from November to May. Cyclones affect the country during November-April.
Geography
Together with Réunion and Rodrigues, Mauritius is part of the Mascarene Islands. This archipelago was formed in a series of undersea volcanic eruptions, as the African plate drifted over the Réunion hotspot. Mauritius and Rodrigues were formed 8-10 million years ago. They are no longer volcanically active, and the hotspot now rests under Réunion. The island of Mauritius itself is formed around a central plateau, with its highest peak in the southwest, Piton de la Petite Rivière Noire at 828 metres. Around the plateau, the original crater can still be distinguished from several mountains.
Languages
Creole 80.5%, Bhojpuri 12.1%, French 3.4% (official), other 3.7%, unspecified 0.3% (2000 census)
Culture
It is no surprise that Mauritians, who originate from three continents, celebrate festivals that reflect the diversity of their cultures. Most of these festivals are closely associated with religion.
History
Discovered by the Portuguese in 1505, Mauritius was subsequently held by the Dutch, French, and British before independence was attained in 1968. A stable democracy with regular free elections and a positive human rights record, the country has attracted considerable foreign investment and has earned one of Africa's highest per capita incomes. Recent poor weather and declining sugar prices have slowed economic growth, leading to some protests over standards of living in the Creole community.
Travel Information
The national airline is Air Mauritius (MK). Mauritius (MRU)), commonly referred to as Plaisance Airport, is 48km southeast of Port Louis. Taxis are available to the city (journey time - 45 minutes). Airport facilities are Duty-free shops, banks/bureaux de change, snack bar, post office, shops and car hire. Main ports: Port Louis is primarily commercial but there is a limited passenger service to Madagascar, Réunion and Rodrigues Island; contact Mauritius Shipping Corporation. Cruise ships occasionally call at the island.
Accommodation
In Mauritius, the hotel park consists of luxury resorts, small to medium hotels and charming villas that are as welcoming and offer the same high quality service. There are eight major hotel groups: Beachcomber, One and Only Resorts, Naïade Resorts, Apavou Hotels, Accor, Veranda, Indigo Hotels and Resorts, and the Constance Hotels. The natural charm of the country and the tax incentives offered by Government have also attracted other reputable international hotel chains such as Hilton, Oberoi, Sofitel and Méridien
Visa Requirements
Tourists from the European Union and from most Commonwealth countries do not require a visa to spend their holidays in Mauritius. Visitors must however hold a passport that is valid at least six months after their date of return as well as a return ticket and enough financial resources to cover their expenses for their holidays.
Getting Around
Air Mauritius operates daily flights connecting Plaisance Airport and Rodrigues. Air Mauritius Helicopter offers transfers and sightseeing tours. Coraline sails once a week to Rodrigues Island from Port Louis.One major highway runs north to south, otherwise a good network of paved, if sometimes narrow, roads cover the island. Traffic drives, erratically, on the left. Excellent and numerous bus services ply the island, The main three companies are the National Transport Corporation (NBC), United Bus Service (UBS) and Mauritius Bus Transport (MTB). Taxi are regulated and metered and linked to provinces or hotels, printed on a yellow panel on the drivers' door. Tips are not customary for taxi drivers, but appreciated. Numerous car hire firms include major international and independent firms. Drivers are required to be over 23 years old. Speed limits are 80kph (50mph) on the motorway and 50kph (31mph) in built-up areas. Seat belts must be worn. A foreign licence is accepted. Bus and taxi services are best used in urban areas. Bicycles and motorbikes are also available for hire.
Health & Safety
No vaccination certificates are required for entry into Mauritius, unless travelling from a country infected by yellow fever or where yellow fever is classified as endemic. Typhoid and hepatitis vaccinations are recommended. Stonefish stings are uncommon but can in some cases be fatal. You should obtain urgent medical attention if stung; many hotels stock anti-venom serum. Visitors should take precautions against mosquito bites as there have been several cases of the Chikungunya virus, which is spread by mosquito bites. Travellers should stick to bottled water. Medical facilities are good and free in public hospitals, but private clinics are expensive and medical insurance is recommended. A visit to Mauritius is usually trouble free, however petty crime can be a problem and it is not wise to wander alone at night outside the grounds of hotels. Visitors should be aware of pick-pocketing in the central market in Port Louis. Care should be taken of bags and valuables when visiting popular tourist areas such as Pereybere, Grand Baie, Flic en Flac and Tamarin. There has been an increase in break-ins in self-catering accommodation and visitors are advised to only rent accommodation from registered proprietors. Cyclone season is from November to May.
National Holidays
1-2 Jan - New Year. 1 Feb - Abolition of Slavery Day. 1 Feb - Thaipoosam Cavadee. 15 Feb - Maha Shivaratri. 18 Feb - Chinese New Year. 12 Mar - National Day. 20 Mar - Ougadi. 1 May - Labour Day. 15 Aug - Assumption. 16 Sep - Ganesh Chathurthi. 13 Oct - Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan). 1 Nov - All Saints' Day. 2 Nov - First Labourers' Day. 9 Nov - Diwali (Festival of Lights). 25 Dec - Christmas Day.
Currency
Mauritius Rupee (MUR)
Electricity
220v AC
Working Hours
Bank hours from 9.15 am -3.15 pm (Monday to Thursday), 9.15 am -3.30 pm (Friday) , 9.15 am -11.15 am (Saturday). Banks are also open to coincide with the arrival and departure of international flights at the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Airport.
Emergency Numbers
114
