Mauritius

Mauritius is a major tourist destination, ranked 3rd in the region and 56th in the world. The island has a tropical climate with warm, clear seawater, lovely beaches, tropical flora and fauna, complemented with a multi-ethnic as well as cultural population. These tourism assets are its main strength, especially as they are supported by well-designed and managed hotels and reliable and functioning services and infrastructure.

In January 2012, Mauritius was awarded “World Leading Island Destination” as well as “World’s Best Beach” at the World Travel Awards for the 3rd time.

Problems often faced by foreign tourists include fraud, inflated prices and double pricing.

The total area of the country is 2,040 km2, which is about 80% the size of Luxembourg, the 180th largest nation in the world by size. The Republic of Mauritius is composed of the main island of Mauritius and several offshore islands. Rodrigues is the 2nd largest island with a surface area of 108 km2 and is situated 560 km east of Mauritius, while its twin island, the Agalega, covers a total area of 2,600 hectares and is situated approximately 1,000 km north of Mauritius. Saint Brandon is an archipelago consisting of a series of sandbanks, shoals and islets. It lies about 430 km northeast of Mauritius and is mainly used as a fishing base. The nation’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) covers about 2.3 million km2 of the Indian Ocean, of which about 400,000 km2 are jointly administered with the Seychelles.

Mauritius island

Mauritius is located approximately 2,000 km (1,242 miles) from the southeast coast of Africa, which is between latitudes 19°58.8′ and 20°31.7′ on the South and longitudes 57°18.0′ and 57°46.5′ on the East. This island is 45 km wide and 65 km long. More than 150 km (93 miles) of beautiful white and sandy beaches surrounding the island, while the lagoons are protected from the open sea with the world’s 3rd largest coral reef that surrounds the island. There are some 49 uninhabited islands and islets off the Mauritian coast, of which some serve as natural reserves to preserve endangered species.

The island of Mauritius is relatively young in geological terms, having been formed by volcanic activity about 8 million years ago. Together with Saint Brandon, Réunion and Rodrigues, the island belongs to the Mascarene Islands. The islands were formed as a result of gigantic underwater volcanic explosions that happened thousands of km on the east of the African-Madagascar continental block. They are no longer volcanically active and the hotspot now rests beneath Reunion Island. Surrounded by mountain ranges varying in altitude from 300 to 800 metres above sea level, Mauritius is a land of great natural beauty. The land rises from the coastal plains to a central plateau where it reaches an altitude of 670 m; the highest peak is in the southwest, Piton de la Petite Rivière Noire at 828 m. Streams and rivers line the island, many of them formed in the cracks created by lava flows.

The estimated permanent population of the Republic of Mauritius as at 1 July 2014 was 1,261,208. With a female population of 637,032 and a male population of 624,176, Mauritius has a population of 1,219,265, Rodrigues had a population of 41,669 and Agalega and Saint Brandon had an estimated population of 274. Mauritius is the most densely inhabited country of Africa.

Official statistics on ethnicity are not available as such questions were removed from the 1972 census. Mauritius is a multi-ethnic society composed of Indian, African, European (mostly French) and Chinese origin.

From the 2011 census which was carried out by Statistics Mauritius, the largest religion is Hinduism (48.5%), which is followed by Christianity (32.7%), and Islam (17.3%) while Buddhism made up ( 0.4%). Those belonging to other religions accounted for 0.2% of the population, while the non-religious accounted for 0.7%. Finally, 0.1% refused to fill in any data. Mauritius are the only nation amongst those in Africa which have a Hindu majority.

Being an officially secular state, Mauritius remains a religiously diverse nation in which freedom of religion is established as a constitutional right. The vibrant and colourful culture of the Mauritian people is reflected in the various religious festivals celebrated throughout the year, some of which are recognised as public holidays.

Although the official language of Mauritius is English, in practice French is by far the most widely spoken language and is often used in professional and formal settings. English-language television programmes are usually dubbed into French. Most subjects in the education system are taught and tested in the Commonwealth variety of English, which means that you will be able to communicate with locals in English, although the level of difficulty varies.

Mauritian Creole is a French-based creole which incorporates vocabulary from many different sources, such as English, Dutch, and Portuguese, with some differences in pronunciation compared to standard French.Although locals generally converse among themselves in Creole, Standard French is also commonly spoken and understood. Virtually everyone working in the tourism industry can speak fairly good, if heavily accented, English, and all government agencies have English-speaking staff on duty. Other languages spoken by a much smaller number are: Hindi, Urdu, Hakka, Bhojpuri and Mandarin. Tamils make up about 10 % of the population and speak Tamil.

Nationals of many countries, including Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, New Zealand and most other OECD countries, do not need a visa in advance. For more information, visit the Passport and Immigration website.

If you need a visa to enter Mauritius, you may be able to apply for one at a British embassy, high commission or consulate in the country where you are legally resident if there is no Mauritius diplomatic mission. For example, the British embassies in Al Khobar, Amman, Belgrade, Guatemala City, Jakarta, Jeddah, Pristina, Rabat, Riyadh, Rome and Sofia accept Mauritius visa applications (this list is not exhaustive).

British diplomatic missions charge GBP 50 for processing a Mauritius visa application and an additional GBP 70 if the authorities in Mauritius require the visa application to be forwarded to them. The Mauritius authorities also may charge an extra fee for communicating directly with you.

Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport (IATA: MRU +230 603 6000) in Plaisance in the southeast of the island is the main gateway for travellers from abroad.

• Air Mauritius serves as its home carrier, serving a network of routes to the local islands as well as to international destinations across Africa, Australia, Europe and Asia.
• Regional airlines:
• Air Austral, Air Madagascar and Air Seychelles  link Mauritius with the nearby islands.
• Internationale Fluggesellschaften wie Air France, Emirates, Austrian Airlines, British Airways, Condor , South African Airways, Air India , Meridiana, Kenya Airways, Egypt Air, Malaysia Airlines und Corsairfly.

The arrivals hall can be quite crowded in the morning when most flights arrive from Europe. Immigration officials tend to be quite slow and the whole immigration process can be a frustrating experience.

Visitors must provide accommodation details to the Immigration Department on arrival. If you are coming to Mauritius from a country where malaria is endemic, you may receive a visit from the National Health Service and be required to provide a blood sample for malaria screening.

Ships arriving at the port are mainly cargo ships. The Mauritius Pride and the Trochetia are the Mauritian ships that usually sail to and from Reunion Island, Rodrigues Island and Madagascar. Costa Cruises ships have recently started a cruise through the Indian Ocean with a visit to Mauritius.

In April 2008, a one-way boat flight from Tamatave in Madagascar to Mauritius cost 275 euros in first class and 255 euros in second class, compared with 212 euros for a flight from Antananarivo on Air Madagascar. The journey takes at least four days, more if you travel via Reunion. A boat leaves every other Wednesday.

If you try to go directly to the port in Tamatave, you can negotiate with a boatman for a berth without a cabin. A visit to the Nautical Club in Tamatave to enquire about yachts that might sail to Mauritius rarely yields positive results.

Buses and taxis are excellent options for getting around There are also bicycles and motorbikes for hire.

A main motorway runs from north to south, otherwise a good network of paved, if sometimes narrow, roads covers the island. Traffic drives on the left-hand side.

There are many car rental companies, including large international and independent companies. Prices vary widely, starting at 800 MUR per day. To be on the safe side, visitors with comprehensive insurance should rent cars from companies that have a tourism business licence. These cars can be recognised by their yellow number plates, while private cars have black number plates. If you rent a car at the airport, remember that you will have to pay a fee of 20 MUR when leaving the car park, which must be paid in cash.

The driver must be at least 18 years old. Speed limits are 110km/h (68mph) on the motorway and 50km/h (31mph) in built-up areas. Seat belts are compulsory. Foreign driving licences are accepted.

The following table gives approximate travel times (in hours and minutes) from Port Louis to other major cities/places/resorts in Mauritius.

• Curepipe 0:20
• Grand Baie, North 0:30
• Mahebourg, Southeast 0:45
• Flic-en-Flac, West 0:30

Several quite good bus lines operate on the island. The most economical way to travel is by bus. Air-conditioned buses have recently been introduced on some routes.

The main bus companies are:

• National Transport Corporation (NTC), +230 426 2938.
• United Bus Service (UBS), +230 212 2026.
• Mauritius Bus Transport (MTB), Long Mountain, +230 245 2539.
• Triolet Bus Service (TBS), +230 261 6725.
• Others. Other smaller companies have amusing names like Apollo and Turbo. In late 2014, local buses were available at the SSR airport car park. Cheap & following more interesting routes than the luxury buses, but of course slower. edit

The buses are manned by a driver and a conductor who runs around collecting fares and handing out tickets after passengers have boarded. Most conductors are helpful in giving directions to tourists. In the local Creole dialect, conductors are called con-tro-lair (literally controller).

Bus routes and timetables are available from the Ministry of Transport [www] and Mauritius Buses [www], which lists all major operators and their schedules.

Try to pay with small notes, otherwise the conductor may not have enough change. Deliberately inflated prices for tourists are not common.

Taxis are the perfect way to explore the island. Various tours are available from MUR2,500: The Sacred Lake, Chamarel 7 coloured earth, Le Morne, dolphin tours in Tamarin and Ile aux cerfs are among the most appreciated by visitors.

Taxis in Mauritius do not use a taximeter. Negotiate the price of your ride before you get into a taxi; otherwise you may have to pay too much.

Buses and taxis are excellent options for getting around There are also bicycles and motorbikes for hire.

• Port Louis – Capital of Mauritius
• Vacoas-Phoenix
• Curepipe
• Beau Bassin-Rose Hill
• Quatre Bornes
• Flack
• Mahébourg
• Tamarin

• Domaine du Chasseur Nature Reserve
• Pereybère – A small coastal town in the north
• Macabée Bel Ombre Nature Reserve
• Rodrigues – a separate island 500 km east of Mauritius, but under its political control
• Trou d’Eau Douce – Located to the east, visitors can easily visit L’Ile aux Cerf from here

• Grand Bay. It was the first area on the island to fully experience the tourist boom. Grand Bay is a shopping and leisure paradise and is also where Mauritians go when they want to have a fun night out (restaurants, bars and discos). The newly renovated La Cuvette beach is definitely a must see.
• Pereybere. Pereybere’s beautiful public beach is popular for its shopping, restaurants and pubs.
• Balaclava Ruins. Just a few metres from the Baie aux Tortues, named by 17th century sailors after the many turtles in the area, are the ruins of the ancient estate of Balaclava. Visitors can see the sea walls, the first foundations of which were laid by Mahé de Labourdonnais. The archaeological site is nowadays part of the Maritim Hotel and access for the wider public may be restricted.
• Triolet Shivala. In Triolet, the longest village on the island, you can visit Maheswar Nath, the largest Hindu temple, built in 1819 to worship Lord Shiva, Lord Krishna, Lord Vishnu, Lord Muruga, Lord Brahma and Lord Ganesha.
• Labourdonnais Orchards – Discover a great variety of tropical fruit trees as well as colourful and fragrant exotic flowers. Excursions by mountain bike or on foot are possible.
• Caudan Waterfront. The Caudan Waterfront and its surrounding area has a wide selection of local souvenir shops and other foreign branded items such as clothing, spirits Besides the Mauritius Harbour, you will also find the cinema, amusement arcades, local restaurants
• Blue Penny Museum. A modern museum which is dedicated to Mauritius’ history and the well-known legends of Paul and Virginia. The museum is also the owner of the two most famous stamps in the world: the Post Office Blue Two Pence and the Post Office Red One Penny. Both stamps are on display at the museum, but they are only lit for 10 minutes on the half hour, first at 10:30am and last at 4:30pm. The museum is open Monday to Tuesday from 10:00 to 16:30, closed on Sundays and public holidays.
• “Bazar” of Port-Louis (Central Market). The name literally translated as “Market of Port Louis”, is where you can find a wide range of local snacks as well as tropical fruits. These are the cheapest foods you will find in the capital. Many shops sell handicraft items such as the “Goni” basket. You will also find many stalls selling pirated TV shows, movies and games: they are cheap but of varying quality. As in all busy areas, be aware of your surroundings and carry your belongings with you. Food sold on the street can have health problems, but problems are rare.
• SSR Botanical Garden. If you want to see some plants native to Mauritius, this is the place to be. SSR is the oldest botanical garden in the southern hemisphere. Founded in 1770 by Pierre Poivre (1719 – 1786), it contains some plants unique to Mauritius and covers an area of about 37 hectares. It also houses some animals, being particularly known for its fish, deer and turtles, as well as an old replica of a sugar mill.
• Restaurants – Don’t hesitate to seek out the various local restaurants in the city. Although many of them advertise a particular ethnic cuisine, they have their own mix of traditional and local, just like anywhere else in the world. You may discover that “fried rice” can have more than one flavour.

• Flacq. One of the most important villages in Mauritius. This meeting place for the inhabitants of the East has the largest open-air market in the country. This very colourful market is a magnet for many people.
• Ile aux Cerfs. A paradise for water sports enthusiasts and has one of the most beautiful beaches in Mauritius. This tiny island perched delicately on the ocean, a real pearl in the Mauritian landscape, is not to be missed. Price-conscious visitors are well advised to take plenty of food and drink with them, as the only bar and restaurant on the island cater primarily to well-heeled tourists. Boats depart regularly from the village of Trou-d’Eau Douce to the east (itself home to some of the island’s best seafood restaurants). There are a variety of vessels serving the route, including catamarans, yachts and “pirate ships”. Some meals ( predominately barbecue, particularly seafood) which are included in the price are served on board, and there is a tendency to take a diversion to the Grand River South East Falls. The island also offers a 5-star hotel (Le Touessrok) as well as a golf course.
• Beaches- The eastern part of the island is known for its long sandy beaches and famous hotels such as “The Coco Beach Hotel” and the 5-star “Le Touessrok”.

• Dutch ruins. At Vieux Grand Port, which is the oldest settlement in Mauritius, visitors can see the remains of the very first Dutch fortifications. Excavation work is underway to uncover an important part of Mauritian history.
• Ile aux Aigrettes. Thanks to the remarkable work of the Mauritius Wildlife Fund, the island has become an international standard for the protection of natural resources and endangered species. Some of the rarest birds in the world, including the kestrel, can be seen there.

• Mahebourg. The most significant fishing town on the island. The village, situated in the magnificent bay of Grand Port, was established in 1804 by Charles Decaen, the French governor. Monday market is the biggest market on the island and is located next to the main bus station.
• Domaine du Chasseur, +230 634-5011, Fax: +230 634-5261. Situated on the hills of Anse-Jonchet, the Domaine des Grands Bois covers 900 hectares of magnificent hunting grounds. Deer, monkeys and wild boar live amidst the lush vegetation of the hill. One can observe some endangered bird species, including the kestrel. The domaine consists of four thatched bungalows and a restaurant with a panoramic view of the sea. Take the opportunity to enjoy a meal of game meat. The view is great and worth the visit, but the food can be described as average at best. The venison is very chewy. From the car park there is a steep path up the hill to the restaurant. The restaurant offers a 4wd taxi service, which is free if you eat one of their overpriced meals, but if you just want a cup of tea or a dessert, they charge 230 MUR per person for the 5-minute ride.
• Souillac. A small seaside resort on the rugged coast of the Savannah District. The garden overlooking the sea, named after Dr Charles Telfair, is remarkable. A popular lookout point at the southern end of the village, right on the cliff: Gris Gris.
• Blue Bay. The bluest water and the most amazing white sand beaches you will ever see…. Take the trip across the island from Port Louis and see what this quiet place has to offer. Very busy with locals at weekends. Try to go during the week. Glass bottom boats are an excellent place to visit. Part of Blue Bay has been designated as a Marine Park and the snorkelling trips by boat to this area, available for purchase at the main public beach, are worth a try.

• Tamarin beach. White sand and crystal clear water. Both beginners and experienced surfers come here to find some of the best waves on the island. There are also pods of dolphins in the bay and dramatic views of the Montage du Rempart, an extinct volcano. It was voted Beach of the Week by luxury online travel magazine Beach Tomato on 29 November.
• Flic en Flac. A local fishing village that has become a popular destination for tourists and expats. Flic en Flac has an exceptionally nice long white sand beach stretching along the west coast of Tamarin, where both locals and tourists can enjoy themselves. The main attraction is the outstanding diving, which is only a couple of minutes away from the beach. There is a reasonable supermarket and a variety of accommodation and restaurants to suit all budgets.
• Martello Towers, La Preneuse, Black River. They represent a milestone of the island’s history, symbolising the end of slavery and beginning of Indian immigration.
• Chamarel. A winding road leads from the village of Case Noyale to the coloured earths of Chamarel: a hilly landscape with different and contrasting hues. The various tonal shades of green, blue, red and yellow appear to be the consequence of volcanic ash erosion. The neighbouring waterfalls of Chamarel spring from the bogs and native flora. The place has a rare beauty. An adventure park was also recently opened in Chamarel. Much of the sand was acquired by the locals as a souvenir. It is now segregated, but not as impressive.
• Salt pans. Tamarin is the heart of salt production in Mauritius due to the exceptionally high levels of sunshine the district receives.
• Casela, +230 452-2828. Located in the Rivière Noire district, the Casela Nature and Leisure Park covers 25 hectares. It is home to more than 140 species of birds from five continents and many other animals, including giant tortoises, zebras, a tiger and ostriches. Activities include lion walks, rando fun (ziplines & suspension bridges), quad, buggy & segway and a petting farm.
• Yemen. The Yemen Reserve may not be the largest game reserve on the island, but there is still plenty to see. You will be able to get close to herds of deer and admire some magnificent species of Mauritian fauna. There are some rustic kiosks in the reserve that offer an unobstructed view of the sea. There you can sip a local punch while watching the sunset.
• Beaches – The west coast has some of the best and longest white sand beaches on the island. These include Trou aux Biches, winner of the World’s Best Beach at the 2011 World Travel Awards, and Le Morne Beach, which is used by a number of 5-star resorts, including the Paradis Hotel & Golf Club (winner of the 2012 World Travel Award “Mauritius Leading Golf Resort”), the all-suite Dinarobin Golf & Spa and the Lux* Le Morne. There is also a dedicated public beach between Dinarobin and Lux* Le Morne, although it must be said that all beaches in Mauritius are public.
• Cultural landscape Le Morne. A peninsula and mountain of the same name in the southwest of Mauritius. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

• Black River Gorges. This 6,574-hectare national park was established in 1994 to protect the remaining native forests of Mauritius. It is home to endemic plant species, rare bird species and magnificent scenery. A trail leads from the information centre in Pétrin to an area of typical flora and a nature reserve.
• Eureka, +230 326-4775, Fax: +230 326-9732. The Eureka is an old Creole residence built in 1830. It is an essential place to visit during your stay in Mauritius if you want to immerse yourself in tropical sweetness. Includes a tour of the colonial house with the opportunity to buy overpriced textile products, as well as a tour of the gardens and a visit to the waterfalls below.
• Ganga Talao – Grand Bassin. Behind La Marie and Mare-aux-Vacoas is one of Mauritius’ two natural lakes. It sits on an extinct volcano crater. Ganga Talao is an important pilgrimage site and many Mauritians of Hindu faith walk there during the Maha Shivaratri festival, the nightly fast in honour of Shiva. Giant eels live in the lake and are fed by the pilgrims. A walk to the top of the mountain next to the lake is recommended for a beautiful view over the area known as the “Plaine Champagne”.
• L’AventureduSucre, +230 243 06 60. Daily 09:00-18:00. Interactive exhibition in the heart of an old sugar mill. Discover the history of Mauritius and the adventure of sugar cane on 5,000 m². Souvenirs, tasting of special unrefined sugars as well as local rum.

• Views – Climb Le Pouce or ‘The Thumb’ at 812m for spectacular 360-degree views of Port Louis and the north. It’s an easy 2-hour climb from the village of Petit Verger (near St Pierre), and it takes another 2 hours to walk to Port Louis. The summit of Signal Mountain offers spectacular views of Port Louis and the north. It is much easier to climb Signal Mountain from Labourdonnais Street, where there is a paved jogging path and it takes about 45 minutes to walk to the top. A start from Saint Louis is also possible.
• Take a tour of the Moka Mountains – by quad bike, on horseback or by off-road vehicle in Domaine Les Pailles’ accessible 1,500-hectare nature park. Take a train or horse-drawn carriage to the sugar mill and rum distillery before dining in one of the four restaurants.
• Deep sea fishing – The island of Mauritius is ideally located for game fishing. Depending on the season, it is possible to catch blue or black marlin, sailfish, wahoo, yellowfin tuna, giant trevally, dogtooth tuna, bonito, dolphinfish, sharks and many more. Almost all big game fishing boats are fully equipped with a VHF radio, a cell phone, navigation system with GPS, a radio phone, radar, a safety gear, a Penn International reel, a safety kit, a life jacket, a first aid kit, a fire extinguisher, flares and all relevant such as fighting chairs and rods (usually 9). Visitors can choose either a half-day or a full-day fishing trip. Big game fishing is best on the west coast of Mauritius because the currents swirl around the base of Le Morne, creating a marine environment attractive to baitfish, which in turn attracts the bigger fish.
• Head to Grand Baie – for water sports such as parasailing, an underwater walk, submarine and semi-submersible scooter, or to La Cuvette, a long beach with clear waters between Grand Baie and Cap Malheureux, for sailing, windsurfing and water skiing.
• Safari Jeep Excursions – The Safari Jeep Excursion takes place in the Yemen Nature Reserve on the west coast of Mauritius. It is home to two of the longest rivers on the island – Rivière Rempart and Tamarin River – and is a haven for all kinds of native and exotic wildlife. The actual size of this nature reserve is about 4,500 hectares. Yemen Park is the setting for safari excursions where you can experience an exciting ride and see many beautiful animals such as zebras, ostriches, African antelopes, Java deer, monkeys, ducks and geese and enjoy exceptional panoramic views of this stunning part of the island.
• Safari Quad Biking Excursions – Adventure quad biking activities in the most magnificent and unique natural environment in the 4,500 hectare Yemeni Nature Reserve. More than a quad biking excursion as it includes a safari. During the ride it is possible to see deer, zebra, ostrich, African antelope and wild boar.
• Swimming – At the northern beaches such as Trou aux Biches, shaded by casuarinas, Mont Choisy, a 2 km long narrow strip of white sand that winds northwards from there, and Péreybère, a small bay between Grand Baie and Cap Malheureux.
• Diving – When diving in Mauritius, you can explore coral reefs, multi-coloured marine life, 18th and 19th century shipwrecks or some more recently sunken ships that form beautiful artificial reefs. There are numerous dive sites scattered all over the island, as well as some near the offshore island of Rodrigues. One of the most famous and popular dive sites in Mauritius is Cathedral, located off Flic en Flac on the west coast of Mauritius. Other dive sites in Mauritius include Whale Rock and Roche Zozo, an underwater pinnacle, and the sunken crater at Ile Ronde. Mauritius is almost completely surrounded by coral reef, which is home to many sponges, sea anemones and a variety of colourful fish such as damselfish, trumpetfish, boxfish and clownfish, as well as the orange Mauritius dragonhead. Most dive sites are on the west coast around Flic-en-Flac or in the north, at Trou aux Biches or the Northern Islands. The best time to dive is from November to April with very good visibility underwater. The Mauritius Scuba Diving Association (MSDA) can provide more information.
• Watch dolphins – up close in their natural habitat off the west coast (Tamarin) of the island.
• Speedboat trips are available from Trou d’eau Douce to the popular island playground of Ile aux Cerfs for beaches, golf and water sports. During quieter days, a catamaran can also take you to the Northern Islands, Gabriel Island, Flat Island and Gunners Quoin.
• Hiking and Trekking – In Mauritius, a breathtaking landscape of mountains, rivers and forests. Discover this magnificent natural paradise by hiking through the fields, zip-lining or trekking on a bike. Mauritius is a volcanic island and has several stunning peaks and valleys that you can explore on foot. You can visit the Black River Gorges National Park, a 6,794-hectare forest, to see native plants, birds and wildlife. While the Black River Peak Trail leads to the highest mountain in Mauritius, the Maccabee Trail begins nearby and continues down the gorge to the Black River.
• Tandem Skydiving – Experience a skydive at 10,000 feet in Mauritius. Spectacular scenic flights combined with amazing tandem skydiving. Skydiving tandem is a type of skydiving where the students of skydiving are attached to a tandem skydiving instructor via a safety harness. The instructor guides the student through the entire jump, from exit to freefall, parachute control and landing. The student needs minimal instruction before making a tandem jump.
• Horse Racing – The Horse Racing Club of Mauritius, also known as Champ de Mars, was established in 1812 which makes it the oldest horse racing club of the Southern Hemisphere. Horse racing is the most popular sport in Mauritius and attracts about 30,000 visitors every race day. The horse racing season usually starts in April and ends at the end of November. There is an average of 9 and a maximum of 12 horses per race. On average, about 60 horses take part in each race day. It is highly recommended to experience the electrifying atmosphere of horse racing in Mauritius. For those interested, it is also possible to get VIP treatment in one of the VIP suites while enjoying snacks and drinks and an unobstructed view of the race from your private balcony
• Parasailing – If you are looking for a more exciting sea and air activity, you should try parasailing. It will give you a breathtaking bird’s eye view of the stunning lagoon and beaches. Parasailing begins with a short safety briefing. Then you will be taken by boat to the launch gondola where you will take off and start parasailing. The sails follow the course of the ship, so no steering is required.
• Water Skiing – Water skiing is one of the most popular water sports in Mauritius. You can enjoy water skiing on several of the coasts of Mauritius or in some of the lakes. The best area for water skiing is considered to be the northern area of the island, along the coasts, where the lagoon provides full protection from the large waves of the open sea and offers ideal water skiing conditions of very calm seas
• Dolphin watching – Go on a speedboat trip and watch dolphins in the open sea. You can choose from 2-hour, half-day and full-day trips where you can watch the bottlenose and spinner dolphins that have made the west coast of Mauritius a place where they rest before heading into the deep sea to fish.
• Lion & Cheetah Walk – Experience a one-to-one encounter with lions and cheetahs. Watch the lions up close, see them playing and hopping on the rocks of the riverbank and climbing the trees. The participants have a rare opportunity to interact with the lions as they roam freely among them.
• Blue Safari Submarine – See the wonderful tropical underwater fish without even getting your feet wet. Go underwater aboard a real submarine to a depth of 35m. Visitors can explore the shipwreck, and the rich coral reefs, and observe and encounter a variety of fish species. Each submarine is equipped with air-conditioning and features see-through cabins, giving you an extraordinary panoramic view of the underwater world.
• Underwater Scooter Adventure – Control your own underwater scooter, or as a pair, at a depth of 3-4m. Sitting comfortably one behind the other, you breathe freely and naturally in a transparent and panoramic dome that allows you to enjoy the view of the reef and marine life. You will be briefed on how to operate the underwater scooter beforehand and will be required to wear a diving suit.
• Sea kayaking – It’s a great way to explore the green beauty of the lagoon and the open waters of the Indian Ocean. It is possible to find a wide range of sea kayak tours and packages, from breezy, quieter routes to a multi-day trip around the island in the deep ocean waters. It is also possible to take a kayak tour to one of the small islands surrounding the main island, such as Ile D’Ambre.
• Rock Climbing – Rock climbing on the southwest coast of Mauritius. Experience rock climbing near the famous Albion Lighthouse in the beautiful setting of Belle Vue Cliffs, lined with the caves of “La Pointe aux Caves”. It is a great outdoor sport to learn basic knot tying techniques, safe climbing and rock progression from Mauritius’ top professional guides.
• Canyoning – For those seeking more adrenaline and thrills, canyoning is abseiling down the steep walls of canyons using natural watercourses and canyoning equipment. Canyoning is offered in a few places in Mauritius. Canyoning ( aka canyoneering) of Mauritius is composed of navigating through canyons with the use of various techniques which can include walking, climbing, jumping, abseiling and swimming.
• Rodrigues Island – It is a small volcanic island located 550 km (340 miles) northeast of Mauritius and is known as the “Anti-Stress Island”. The capital, Port Mathurin, is only seven roads wide and inhabited by a Creole population. Rodrigues offers opportunities for hiking, scuba diving, kite surfing and deep sea fishing.
• Tamarind Falls – Tamarind Falls is a lovely tourist attraction located in the southwestern part of Mauritius. These falls are circuitous to reach, but no doubt worth the effort. The Tamarind Falls in the inner part of the island are an incredible string of about 7 waterfalls, surrounded by green mountains and hidden behind a sugar cane field. Bring something to swim in as there are numerous pools to dip into below some of the falls. There are a few places where you have to get a little dirty, but it’s well worth it. We advise first-time visitors not to go without a guide. This is one of the most beautiful and tranquil places in Mauritius and one of the best places for nature and animal lovers and to find exotic plants and birds.
• La Vanille Réserve des Mascareignes – A wide variety of animals, reptiles, and plants live here. The park is situated in a stunning rainforest valley, with natural freshwater springs full of shrimp and fish. It is commonly referred to as “The Crocodile Park” because of its thousands of Nile crocodiles. It is the only place in the world where Aldabra turtles are bred. It also includes a mini-zoo of Mauritanian fauna, where visitors will be able to find most Mauritanian mammals and reptiles, which include skinks, felsma (geckos), turtles, bats, deer, mongooses, monkeys, pigs, and domestic animals such as goats, fat-tailed sheep, and donkeys. In the park shop you will find crocodile belts and other crocodile merchandise.

Gastronomes will find a variety of tastes and flavours inherited from different migrations throughout history. Culinary traditions from France, India, China and Africa have been passed down through generations.

Depending on the region, rice or a type of flatbread called chapattis or roti, called farata (paratha) by the locals, is eaten with the curries. Extensive use of spices such as saffron, cinnamon, cardamom and cloves and herbs such as thyme, basil and curry leaves are the usual ingredients that provide a strong yet subtle flavour. Dal, a type of lentil soup, comes in many variations depending on which variety of lentil is used; vegetables, beans and pickles accompany the dishes. Dholl puri and roti, originally an Indian delicacy, have become the fish and chips of Mauritanians.

Biryani originates from the Mughal Empire and is a dish prepared by the Muslim community in which meat is mixed with spiced rice and potatoes.

You can buy many snacks on the streets of Mauritius, including the famous pimento tarts (a variation of the Indian vadai; literally, chilli cake) and vegetable or meat samosas (puffs), along with octopus curry in bread. Rougeille (pronounced rooh-guy), a dish prepared with a base of tomatoes and onions, is a variant of French ragout. All Mauritius eat this dish frequently, if not daily, as the dish typically is composed of meat or seafood (rougaille of corned beef and salted snook fish is a favorite among the locals).

Mauritanians have a sweet tooth and make many types of “tarts” as they are called. The tarts vary and one finds tarts that are very similar to those in France and others that resemble Indian sweets such as gulab jamun and rasgulla among many others.

When you leave Mauritius, don’t wait until you go through passport control if you want a snack. The coffee shop after passport control is not cheap. It is better to visit the snack bar before you check in and take your purchases with you. However, remember that you can only take a limited amount of liquids with you through passport control due to liquids, aerosols and gels regulations.

Mauritius produces a wide range of sugar cane rum. It is very cheap and makes a nice drink when mixed with cola and ice. A popular drink is coconut water with a squeeze of lime and a splash of local rum on ice.

A pint of local beer, Phoenix, costs about 30 MUR. Usually it is served very cold. Black Eagle, a locally brewed beer produced in Nouvelle-France, is also excellent.

The Mauritian rupee (French: roupie mauricienne) has been used since 1877 and we use the international currency code ISO 4217 of MUR, which is placed before the amount in all our items. However, if you shop locally, you may also see the ₨ sign, both with and without a dot and placed before or after the amount.

Banknotes come in denominations of 25, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1,000 and 2,000 MUR, and coins of 1, 5 and 10 MUR are in circulation.

The approximate exchange rates in September 2013 were:

USD1 = MUR32.0

1 € = 39.6 MUR

GBP1 = MUR46.9

CHF1 =MUR32.0

CAD1 = MUR28.8

JPY100 = MUR29.8

CNY1 = MUR4.84

ZAR1 = MUR2.99

XAF100 = MUR6.03

Mauritius is very different from Bali or Thailand. Don’t expect local traders to be interested in prolonged haggling. Many shops will not reduce prices, and even in the markets, don’t expect more than 10-20% off. However, there are some bargains to be had, as many big brand clothing companies produce in Mauritius, and you can often find overstocked or slightly faulty items at a fraction of European prices. Visitors are also encouraged to look for unique jewelry and crafts including artificial flowers, a model boat, and woodwork. It is possible to reach the main shopping centres by public transport or take a full-day shopping tour that includes a driver to take you to the main centres and craft workshops.

The Caudan Waterfront in Port Louis offers a variety of shops (including designer shops) and is an ideal place for tourists to shop. For traditional handicrafts, the Port Louis Central Market (Bazaar Port Louis) is a good place to go.

Mauritius holidays include a fusion of several cultures from the history of Mauritius. There are Hindu festivals, Chinese festivals, Muslim festivals and also Christian festivals.

Public Holidays in Mauritius

Traditional Mauritian music is known as Sega music, although other genres such as reggae, zouk and souk are also quite popular. Among the best known traditional Mauritian sega singers are Tiflére, Marlene Labaton, Serge Lebrasse, Michel Legris, and Fanfan.

The musicians in Mauritius are very talented and over the years Mauritian music has developed to international standards. There are many jazz and blues artists on the island.

Sega, Seggae and Reggae are still the most popular music produced in Mauritius by Mauritian artists. Thanks to a decent internet connection, we see more developed artists making RnB, hip-hop, soul, dubstep, club, techno and other world-renowned music these days.

The sega is usually sung in Creole (the native language of the Mauritians). Many singers had thought about performing the English version of the sega songs as well, but later decided against it in order to preserve the uniqueness and cultural richness of the local music of Mauritius.

The original instruments are fast disappearing, making way for the more conventional orchestral ensemble. But everywhere in the fishing villages along the coast, the traditional instruments such as the “ravanne”, “triangle”, the “maravanne” and the traditional guitar are still used.

In 2015, some of the best known Mauritian Sega artists were – Alain Ramanisum, Desire Francois, Ziakazom.

Mauritius has a strong attachment to French culture and excuses a French “savoir vivre”. The great importance of French cuisine, such as bouillon, tuna salad, daube, civet de livre, coq au vin, etc., accompanied by good wine, indicates that French influence is still prevalent in Mauritius today. Over the years, some have been adapted to the island’s more exotic ingredients to give them a unique flavour and not consist of Caribbean cuisine.

The most popular sport in Mauritius is football and the national team is Club M. Among some other popular sports in Mauritius are biking, ping-pong, badminton, basketball, volleyball, handball, boxing, judo, karate, taekwondo, bodybuilding, and athletics. Water sports include swimming, sailing, diving and water skiing.

Horse racing, which dates back to 1812 when the Champ de Mars racecourse was inaugurated, remains very popular. The country hosted the second (1985) and fifth (2003) editions of the Indian Ocean Island Games. The first Olympic medal for Mauritius was won at the 2008 Summer Olympic Games in Beijing by boxer Bruno Jury when he took the bronze medal.

As for golf, the former Mauritius Open and the present AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open are part of the European Tour.

Crime rates have dropped in recent years and Mauritius is a much safer country for visitors than most other destinations. Tourism police and coastguards regularly patrol areas frequented by tourists, and most towns, beaches and other major attractions are monitored by cameras. Nevertheless, use common sense and watch out for suspicious behaviour, as you would anywhere in the world.

• Police, 999 or 112.
• Tourism Police, 213 1740 / 210 3894.
• Coast Guard, 280 8317 / 212 2747.
• Harbour Police.
• Anti-Drug Squad (ADSU), 208 1212.
• Traffic Police, 211 8434/8478.
• Environmental Police, 210 5151/5252.
• Fire, 115 or 995.
• SAMU Ambulance, 114.
• National Directory, 150.
• Mauritius Airport, 603 6000.
• Air Mauritius, 207 7575.

Mauritius is a risk area for infection with dengue fever, also known as “bone-breaking fever” because of the muscle paroxysms that are sometimes triggered. A vaccine is not available. Although, there are no recorded cases of dengue fever for several years in the country.

Since 2005, a certain species of mosquito called Aedes albopictus causes the viral disease chikungunya during the high season and the insect is more common during the day.

It is important to always use mosquito repellent. Mosquitoes are more common in rural areas, but they can also inhabit the beach in the tourist zone and cause swollen joints and/or rashes. Symptoms last from a week to several months, depending on how badly you are affected. Some people recover quickly, but it can take several months to fully recover.

In 1991, 86% of the population had antibodies indicating that they had been exposed to the hepatitis A virus, following an epidemic of the disease in 1989. Hepatitis A vaccination is generally recommended by the CDC for travel in East Africa (and most other places).

Depending on the season, many of the beaches are infested with sea urchins and it is not uncommon to see broken glass on the beach or in the water. If you venture into the water, you can either buy or bring your own plastic/wet shoes. This is usually not a problem in the big hotels as the designated bathing areas on the beaches are regularly cleaned of sea urchins and broken glass. Nevertheless, use wet shoes.

A neurotoxin similar but not identical to that found in Caribbean reef fish has been found in reef fish on Mauritius.

It is important that you do not eat peanuts or consume alcohol when eating coral or reef fish such as sea bass, snapper, mullet, grouper, there are many more. The toxic algae that grow on coral reefs are eaten by fish. Do not eat the guts or testicles of the fish as this is where higher concentrations of the toxin accumulate. Symptoms include gastrointestinal distress, vomiting and diarrhoea, and sometimes numbness in the arms and legs.