Accommodation
Accommodation
There is an abundance of hotels throughout the island and a number of smaller family holiday bungalows. From June to September, and during the Christmas season, reservations should be made in advance. A 10 per cent tax is added to all hotel bills. For more information, contact the Tourist Office (see Top Things To Do)
Accommodation Information
Association des Hôteliers et Restaurateurs de l’Ile Maurice (AHRIM)Level 7, Travel House, Sir William Newton Street, Port Louis, MauritiusTel: 211 6105 or 637 3782 (desk at the airport). Website: www.mauritius.net/ahrim
Business
• GDP: US$6 billion. • Main imports: Manufactured goods, capital equipment, foodstuff, petroleum products and chemicals.• Main exports: Clothing and textiles, sugar, cut flowers and molasses.• Main trade partners: Bahrain, China, France, India, Italy, Japan, Madagascar, South Africa, UK and USA.
Economy
Sugar dominates Mauritius’ agricultural economy: raw and processed sugar accounts for one-quarter of the island’s export earnings. Tobacco and tea are the other main cash crops. Since independence in 1968, the government has deliberately sought to develop the industrial and service components of the economy. The island’s industrial capacity is centred on a number of Export Processing Zones whose main products are clothing and textiles, consumer and industrial electronics, flowers and jewellery. Mauritius’ service economy is based on tourism and financial services. Tourism is well established and now worth over US$500 million annually. The growth of financial services arose from a government initiative implemented in 1989; as a result, the island has since attracted more than US$1 billion of investment, mainly from South Africa and the Indian subcontinent. The overall economy grew at 4.6 per cent in 2004. The government’s economic policy aims to counter the threat to the two largest sectors of the economy – sugar and textiles – from new regulations introduced by the World Trade Organization. The centrepiece of its strategy is the creation of a custom-built ‘cyber-city’, based on similar development in India, using high-speed communications links to offer e-commerce and financial transactions. Mauritius is a member of the Indian Ocean Commission, which promotes regional economic cooperation, and of the Southern African Development Community.
Business Etiquette
Suits are often worn in business circles. Office hours: Mon-Fri 0900-1600, Sat 0900-1200 (some offices only).
Commercial Information
Mauritius Chamber of Commerce and Industry3 Royal Street, Port Louis, Mauritius Tel: 208 3301.Website: www.mcci.org
Climate
Climate
Warm coastal climate (particularly January to April), with relatively little seasonal variation in temperatures, although they are generally slightly lower inland, with more rain on the plateau around Curepipe. Cyclones may occur between November and February. Sea breezes blow all year, especially on the east coast.
Required clothing
Tropical lightweights, with warmer wear for evenings and winter months (July to September). Rainwear advisable all year round. In the summer months, sun-care products and a hat are advisable.
Communications
Telephone
IDD is available. Country code: 230. There are no area codes. There are a limited number of public telephone booths, mainly at the airport and in major hotels.
Mobile telephone
Roaming agreements with international mobile phone companies are available and coverage extends over the entire island.
Internet
There are Internet cafes in Phoenix, Vaoas and other main towns. Most hotels offer Internet facilities.
Post
Airmail to Western Europe usually takes five days; by sea, mail takes four to six weeks. Post office hours: Generally Mon-Fri 0815-1115 and 1200-1600, Sat 0800-1145.
MEDIA
Press: Of the 10 daily newspapers, two are published in Chinese and the remainder in French and English. L’Express (website: www.lexpress.mu), Le Mauricien (website: www.lemauricien.com) and Le Matinal (website: www.lematinal.com) have the highest circulation. TV: MBC is state-run and operates three channels. Radio: MBC stations include Radio Maurice 1 and 2, Kool FM, Taal FM and One World FM. Other stations include Top FM, Radio One and Radio Plus.
Duty Free
The following goods may be imported into Mauritius by persons 18 and over without incurring customs duty: 200 cigarettes or 250g of tobacco products or 50 cigars; 1l of spirits and 2l of wine or beer; 250ml of eau de toilette and 100ml of perfume for personal use.
Restricted items
Vegetables, fruit, flowers, plants, bulbs and seeds must be declared (all require permit from the Ministry of Agriculture), as must firearms and ammunition. Imported animal products also require a permit and a health certificate from the country of origin.
Prohibited items
Sugarcane and related parts thereof, soil micro-organisms and invertebrate animals.
Entertainment
Food & Drink
Standards of cuisine, whether French, Creole, Indian, Chinese or English, are generally very high but fruit, meat, vegetables and even fresh seafood are often in short supply and restaurants must usually depend on imports.National specialities:• Venison (in season).•
Camarons (freshwater prawns) in hot sauces.• Octopus.• Fresh pineapple with chilli sauce.• Rice with curry.• Dholl purri is a wheat pancake stuffed with dholl and dipped in tomato sauce.• Samosas.National drinks:• Rum.• Beer.• Alouda (almond drink).• Fresh coconut milk. Things to know: Waiter service is normal in restaurants and bars.Tipping: 10 per cent is usual in most hotels and restaurants. Tips are not customary for taxi drivers.
Nightlife
In Grand Baie and some towns there are discos and nightclubs with music and dancing. Rivière Noire is a Creole fishermen’s district where sega dancing is especially lively on Saturday nights. Sega troupes give performances at most hotels. Gamblers are lavishly catered for; casinos in the island’s hotels are amongst the island’s attractions.
Shopping
The Central Market in Port Louis is full of beautifully displayed goods, including fruit, vegetables, spices, fish, meat and handicrafts. Island crafts include jewellery, Chinese and Indian jade, silks, basketry and pottery. Shopping centres are located at Quatre-Bornes and Rose-Hill. There is no duty payable on a number of products, including textiles. Shop signs may be in English, French or Chinese. Beside the Museum in Mahébourg, on the southeast coast of the island, is a handicraft village. Shopping hours: Ranges from Mon-Sat 0930-1930. Some shops are open until 1200 on Sundays and public holidays. There are no shops open on Rose-Hill, Curepipe and Quatre-Bornes on Thursday afternoons.
General Information
Area
2040 sq km (788 sq miles).
Population
1.2 million (UN, 2005).
Population Density
588.24 per sq km.
Capital
Port Louis. Population: 146,319.
Geography
Mauritius, a volcanic and mountainous island in the Indian Ocean, lies 2000km (1240 miles) off the southeastern coast of Africa, due east of Madagascar. The island state stands on what was once a land bridge between Asia and Africa called the Mascarene Archipelago. From the coast, the land rises to form a broad fertile plain on which sugar cane flourishes. Some 500km (310 miles) east is Rodrigues Island, while northeast are the Cargados Carajos Shoals and 900km (560 miles) to the north is Agalega.
Government
Republic. Gained independence from the UK in 1968. Head of State: President Sir Anerood Jugnauth since 2003. Head of Government: Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam since 2005. Recent history: Post-independence Mauritian politics have been dominated by Ramgoolam, and then by the two principal figures of the Mauritian Left, Paul Bérenger and (later Sir) Anerood Jugnauth. The charismatic Bérenger made a dramatic contrast to the cautious, pragmatic Jugnauth, and the focus of the Mauritian political scene has often been the personal and political clash between the two. Jugnauth withdrew from politics in 2003. After over a decade of dominating Mauritian politics, Jugnauth handed the Premiership over to Bérenger (who thus became the first non-Hindu to hold the post), and the leadership of the Socialists to his son, Pravind. In the most recent election in 2005, Navin Ramgoolam won his second non-consecutive term. Under constitutional amendments that came into effect in March 1992, Mauritius is now a Republic. Legislative power rests with the unicameral 62-seat National Assembly, which is elected by universal suffrage for a five-year term. Four additional members are appointed by the Supreme Court. The National Assembly elects the President of the Republic who is Head of State. The President appoints the Prime Minister from the Assembly and other ministers on the recommendation of the Prime Minister.
Language
The official languages are English and French (with French being the more popular), the most commonly used are Creole (a mixture of French and African languages), Hindi and Bhojpuri. Urdu and Chinese are also spoken.
Religion
52 per cent Hindu, 28 per cent Christian, 17 per cent Muslim.
Electricity
220 volts AC, 50Hz. UK-type three-pin plugs are commonly used in hotels.
Social Conventions
Handshaking is the customary form of greeting. Visitors should respect the traditions of their hosts, particularly when visiting a private house. The type of hospitality the visitor receives is determined by the religion and social customs of the host, which are closely related. It is appropriate to give a gift as a small token of appreciation if invited for a meal. Dress is normally informal although men will need to wear a suit for particularly formal occasions.
Health
Health
1
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required of travellers over one year of age arriving from infected areas. The Mauritius government considers those countries and areas classified as yellow fever endemic to be infected.
2
Immunisation against typhoid and poliomyelitis is sometimes advised.
3
Malaria risk, exclusively in the benign vivax form, exists throughout the year in northern rural areas, except on Rodrigues Island.
Food & drink
Water used for drinking should have first been boiled or otherwise sterilised. Bottled water is readily available. Milk is unpasteurised and should be boiled. Powdered or tinned milk is available and is advised, but make sure that it is reconstituted with pure water. Avoid dairy products which are likely to have been made from unboiled milk. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled.
Other risks
Diarrhoeal diseases, giardiasis, dysentery and typhoid fever are common. African trypanosomiasis (African sleeping sickness), Rift Valley fever, bilharzia (schistosomiasis), leishmaniasis, dengue fever, filariasis and onchocerciasis are present. Rickettsial infections can be contracted. Meningococcal meningitis is a risk from December to June. Avoid swimming and paddling in fresh water; swimming pools which are well chlorinated and maintained are safe. Hepatitis A, B and E occur.
Health care
Public medical facilities are numerous and of a high standard and there are several private clinics. All treatment at state-run hospitals is free for Mauritians, but foreign visitors have to pay. There is no reciprocal health agreement with the UK; health insurance is advised.
Note
For travellers applying for a working visa or permanent residence, an HIV test will be required.
History and Government
History
The island group was uninhabited until the 16th century, when it was occupied by a small Dutch force that named it after Prince Maurice of Nassau. It was abandoned in 1710 and then re-occupied five years later by the French who imported African slaves to work on the sugar plantations. Mauritius and its neighbouring islands were captured by the British in 1810 and formally ceded by the 1814 Treaty of Paris. After the abolition of slavery in the 1830s, Indian labourers were imported and their descendants now comprise more than two-thirds of the population. Incorporated into the British Empire, Mauritius remained a colony until 1957, when it was granted internal self-government with an electoral system based on the Westminster model. Dr (later Sir) Seewoosagur Ramgoolam’s Labour Party came to power. Full independence was granted in 1968, but the British kept a number of smaller islands, which were hived off as the British Indian Ocean Territory. These included Diego Garcia, part of the Chagos archipelago, which has been leased to the USA and now hosts a large naval and air force facility which played a key role in both the 1991 Gulf War and the 2001 Afghanistan conflict. The maltreatment of the former inhabitants of Chagos, known as Ilois, who were expelled to make way for the new base, has been the subject of legal actions in the English courts. Irrespective of the fact that the Ilois won a formal victory against the British government in November 2000, it seems unlikely that the Ilois will be able to return to their former homeland. A final settlement is still under negotiation. Post-independence Mauritian politics have been dominated by Ramgoolam, and then by the two principal figures of the Mauritian Left, Paul Bérenger and (later Sir) Anerood Jugnauth. The charismatic Bérenger made a dramatic contrast to the cautious, pragmatic Jugnauth, and the focus of the Mauritian political scene has often been the personal and political clash between the two. Both rose to prominence in the Mouvement Militant Mauricien (MMM), which emerged as the principal opposition to Ramgoolam’s coalition Governments of the late 1960s and 1970s. These administrations were dominated by Ramgoolam’s own Mauritian Labour Party (MLP) and the Parti Mauricien Social Démocratique (PMSD) led by Gaetan Duval. The MMM eventually came to power in 1982 following a landslide general election victory. However, the administration was fraught with policy disagreements and personality clashes. Jugnauth then left the MMM to form the Mouvement Socialiste Mauricien (MSM) and fought the 1987 election campaign in alliance with the Labour Party and the Social Democrats. This three-party alliance won the poll. The Governments of the 1990s were a series of coalitions between the MMM and either Jugnauth’s Socialist Movement or – for a two-year period – the Labour party. The latter was now led by Navin Ramgoolam, son of Sir Seewoosagur, while Jugnauth and Bérenger continued to dominate their respective parties. In 1992, Jugnauth had achieved a key political objective by converting Mauritius into a republic within the Commonwealth with a President, elected by the national assembly, as Head of State in what is a largely ceremonial post. In the 2000 election, the MSM and the MMM, under Jugnauth’s leadership, won all but eight of the National Assembly’s 62 seats. Shortly afterwards, Mauritius achieved a welcome boost to its international profile by narrowly defeating Sudan to secure for the first time a seat on the United Nations Security Council. Jugnauth withdrew from politics in 2003. He handed the Premiership over to Bérenger (who thus became the first non-Hindu to hold the post), and the leadership of the Socialists to his son, Pravind. In the most recent election in 2005, Navin Ramgoolam won his second, non-consecutive term.
Government
Under constitutional amendments that came into effect in March 1992, Mauritius is now a republic. Legislative power rests with the unicameral 62-seat National Assembly, which is elected by universal suffrage for a five-year term. Four additional members are appointed by the Supreme Court. The National Assembly elects the President of the Republic who is Head of State. The President appoints the Prime Minister from the Assembly and other ministers on the recommendation of the Prime Minister.
Money
Currency
Mauritian Rupee (MUR) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of MUR2000, 1000, 500, 200, 100, 50 and 25. Coins are in denominations of MUR10, 5 and 1, and 50, 20, 10, and 5 cents.
Currency exchange
Available in banks and at bureaux de change. A better rate of exchange can be obtained on traveller's cheques than on cash.
Credit & debit cards
American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are accepted by most banks, hotels, restaurants and tourist shops. Check with your credit or debit card company for details of merchant acceptability and other services which may be available. ATMs are available.
Traveller's cheques
May be exchanged at banks, hotels and authorised dealers.
Currency restrictions
There are no limits on the import or export of local or foreign currency.
Exchange rate indicators
DateAt time of publishing£1.00=MUR54.62$1.00=MUR30.94
Banking hours
Mon-Thurs 0915-1515, Fri 0915-1530, Sat 0915-1115 (except for Bank of Mauritius). Some banks may open Mon-Fri 0900-1700. Banks are also open to coincide with the arrival and departure of international flights at the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Airport.
OverviewII
This island group was uninhabited until the 16th century, when it was occupied by a small Dutch force that named it after Prince Maurice of Nassau. It was abandoned in 1710 and then re-occupied five years later by the French who imported African slaves to work on the sugar plantations. Mauritius and its neighbouring islands were captured by the British in 1810 and formally ceded by the 1814 Treaty of Paris. After the abolition of slavery in the 1830s, Indian labourers were imported and their descendants now comprise more than two-thirds of the population. Incorporated into the British Empire, Mauritius remained a colony until 1957, when it was granted internal self-government with an electoral system based on the Westminster model. Full independence was granted in 1968, but the British kept a number of smaller islands, which were hived off as the British Indian Ocean Territory. These connections to the Dutch, the British, the Indian and the African have all contributed towards Mauritius' refreshing brand of multiculturalism, which lingers within a social climate as peaceful and warm as its meteorological one. The friendliness of the Mauritian people is renowned, and you may even find yourself invited to dance the Sega, their indigenous dance, with them beneath star-filled skies. Dwarfed by other countries in factors such as total area and oil reserves, Mauritius remains colossal in terms of economic growth and political stability – and social stability. The Mauritian climate also complements Mauritius' deep limpid blue waters, coral reefs and silky blonde piles of sand. For a while, Mauritius was a relatively unknown tourist destination, as were many islands of the Indian Ocean, but now – like most of them – it is regarded as a tropical paradise at an often-bargain price. Concern that touristic development might impede the country's ecological progress led to an eco-touristic expansion, an earnest preservation of Mauritius' nature parks and hiking trails. There are strict policies that ensure that divers and snorkellers do not disturb Mauritius' delicate coral reefs. Officials have guaranteed that fishing and construction work will not be executed in excess. Mauritius' ecological decisions are usually under scrutiny, since this is an island made famous for its extinct bird, the Dodo, wiped out when human arrivals on the island brought livestock, which hunted the Dodo, and cleared forest space, destroying the Dodo's home. Now, Mauritius is full of birdwatching spots, where rare and interesting birds can be glimpsed, and this is a side of the island that has been eagerly promoted. Mauritius more than anywhere deserves such gentle care of its landscape, since its stunning landscape ripples with volcanic skylines and pulsates with streams and waterfalls.
Passport/Visa
Passport/Visa
Passports
Passport valid for at least six months from date of entry required by all. Passports issued by the Government of Taiwan and the Turkish Republic of Cyprus are not recognised. The holders of such documents can apply for an entry permit to the Passport and Immigration Officer (see address below).
Note
All visitors must hold valid tickets and documents for their onward or return journey and adequate funds for their intended length of stay.
Visas
Required by all except the following: (a) nationals of countries referred to in the chart above for stays of up to three months; (b) nationals of Commonwealth countries, except nationals of India (see below) and nationals of Bangladesh, Cameroon, Fiji, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Swaziland, who do require a visa for stays of up to three months; (c) nationals of Bahrain, Hong Kong (SAR), Israel, Kuwait, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway, Oman, Qatar, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Switzerland, Tunisia, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Vatican City and Zimbabwe for stays of up to three months; (d) nationals of China (PR), India, Jordan and Lebanon for touristic stays of up to 15 days; (e) transit passengers continuing their journey to a third country within 24 hours provided holding valid onward or return documentation and not leaving the airport.
Types of visa and cost
Tourist, Business and Social, each available as single- or multiple-entry. Visas are issued free of charge.
Validity
Tourist/Business visas: Up to three months. Applications for extensions should be made to the relevant authority (see below).
Application to
Consulate (or Consular section at Embassy or High Commission); see Passport/Visa Information.
Note
(a) Nationals of Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Paraguay can obtain a visa on arrival for stays of up to three months. (b) Nationals of Korea (Rep) can obtain a visa on arrival for stays of up to 16 days. (c) Nationals of Albania, Bulgaria, CIS, Comoro Islands, Fiji, Madagascar and Romania can obtain a visa on arrival for stays of up to two weeks. Extensions are possible. These visas can be issued from Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport or the Passport and Immigration Office in Port Louis (see Passport/Visa Information). (d) Nationals of Afghanistan, Algeria, Congo (Dem Rep), Iraq, Iran, Liberia, Libya, Nigeria, Sudan and Yemen should obtain a visa before travelling to Mauritius, even if they are in transit.
Application requirements
(a) Valid passport. (b) Completed application form. (c) Two passport-size photos. (d) Photocopy of passport page with date of birth. (e) Proof of sufficient funds (at least US$50 per day or equivalent, or at least US$100 per day for some other nationals). (f) Proof of accommodation such as hotel booking or letter of invitation. (g) Self-addressed stamped envelope. (h) Appropriate documents for the next destination, including return or onward tickets.
Working days required
Varies according to nationality of applicant. Most can be issued within seven days but can take up to one month.
Temporary residence
Residence permits are issued by the Passport and Immigration Officer, Sterling House, Lislet Geoffrey Street, Port Louis, Mauritius (tel: 210 9312). Work permits are necessary for those taking up employment.
Passport/Visa Information
Mauritius High Commission in the UK32-33 Elvaston Place, London SW7 5NW, UK Tel: (020) 7581 0294. E-mail: londonmhc@btinternet.com Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0930-1200 (consular section); 0930-1700 (general enquiries). Also deals with tourism enquiries.Embassy of Mauritius in the USA4301 Connecticut Avenue, Suite 441, NW, Washington, DC 20008, USA Tel: (202) 244 1491/2. Website: http://ncb.intnet.mu
Public Holidays
Public Holidays
Below are listed Public Holidays for the January 2006-June 2007 period.Jan 1-2 2006 New Year. Jan 29 Chinese New Year. Feb 1 Abolition of Slavery Day. Feb 11 Thaipoosam Cavadee. Feb 26 Maha Shivaratri. Mar 12 National Day. Mar 30 Ougadi. May 1 Labour Day. Aug 15 Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Aug 29 Ganesh Chaturthi. Nov 2 Arrival of Indentured Labourers. Oct 21 Diwali. Oct 22-24 Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan). Dec 25 Christmas Day. Jan 1-2 2007 New Year. Jan or Feb Thaipoosam Cavadee. Feb 1 Abolition of Slavery Day. Feb 16 Maha Shivaratri. Feb 18 Chinese New Year. Mar 12 National Day. Mar or Apr Ougadi. May 1 Labour Day.
Note
(a) Hindu festivals are timed according to local sightings of various phases of the moon. The dates given above are approximations. (b) There is a diversity of cultures in Mauritius, each with its own set of holidays. (c) Muslim festivals are timed according to local sightings of various phases of the moon and the dates given above are approximations. During the lunar month of Ramadan that precedes Eid al-Fitr, Muslims fast during the day and feast at night and normal business patterns may be interrupted. Some disruption may continue into Eid al-Fitr itself. Eid al-Fitr may last from two to 10 days, depending on the town or region. For more information, see the World of Islam appendix. (d) Chinese festivals are declared according to local astronomical observations and it is often only possible to forecast the approximate time of their occurrence.
Resorts & Excursions
Port Louis
Capital and main port of Mauritius, the city was founded by the French Governor, Mahé de Labourdonnais, in 1735. The harbour is sheltered by a semicircle of mountains. The city has plenty of character and, in some quarters, signs of its past elegance are still evident. Off the main square, the palm-lined Place d’Armes, there are some particularly fine French colonial buildings, especially Government House (built in 1738) and the Municipal Theatre, built around the same time. There are two cathedrals, one Protestant and one Catholic, a fine Supreme Court Building, some 18th-century barracks and the Natural History Museum (exhibiting Mauritius’s most famous bird, the extinct Dodo). On the outskirts of the city, at the foot of the mountains, is the Champ de Mars, originally laid out by the French for military parades, and now a racecourse. The splendid Edward VII Avenue and Fort Adelaide, a citadel fortified in the time of William IV, offer the best views of the racecourse, city and harbour. South of Port Louis is Le Réduit, the French colonial residence of the President of Mauritius, set in magnificent gardens. Other places of interest include the Jummah Mosque in Royal Street and the Chinese Pagoda.
Excursions
The Domaine Les Pailles nature park nestling at the foot of the Moka mountain range covers an area of 3000 acres. Among the attractions are a natural spring, a spice garden, a replica of a sugar mill and an old rum distillery. Trips through the park in 4-wheel-drive vehicles, horse-drawn carriages or trains are also possible.
Northern and Western Mauritius
To the north of Port Louis are the Pamplemousses Gardens. These, created at the end of the 18th century, are known to naturalists throughout the world for their large collection of indigenous and exotic plants, including the giant Victoria regia water lilies and many species of palm trees. Of particular interest is the talipot palm, which is said to flower once, after 60 years, and then die. There are also tortoises here, some of them over 100 years old. Facing the calm water of the lagoon between Pointe aux Piments and Trou aux Biches is the Aquarium populated by 200 species of fish, invertebrates, live coral and sponges, all originating from the waters around the island. An open-circuit seawater cycle of one million litres runs through the 36 tanks every day. The Aquarium offers a unique opportunity to admire the colourful treasures of the Indian Ocean. The island’s main residential town in the west of the country, Curepipe, provides good shops and restaurants. Between Curepipe and Floreal lies Trou aux Cerfs, a dramatic, extinct crater 85m (280ft) deep and more than 180m (600ft) wide, which offers extensive views of the island from its rim. Open daily, Casela Bird Park is set in the district of the Rivière Noire, stretches over 20 acres of land and contains more than 140 varieties, amounting to 2500 birds. Specimens from the five continents may be seen there, but the main attraction is the Mauritian Pink Pigeon, which is one of the rarest birds in the world. Other attractions are the fish ponds, tortoises, monkeys and orchids (seasonal). Trees, streams and small cascades all add to the remarkably peaceful atmosphere.
Rodrigues Island
Situated 550km (340 miles) northeast of Mauritius, this tiny, rugged, volcanic island is a beautiful and relaxing refuge for travellers. The island is covered in coconut palms, casuarina trees and pink-flowered bushes known as vieilles filles (spinsters). The capital, Port Mathurin is the main port of entry and the ‘Mauritius Pride’ sails regularly to and from Mauritius.
Southern Mauritius
Domaine des Grands Bois covers over 2000 acres of magnificent parkland, rich in lush and exotic fauna. Ebony, eucalyptus, palm trees and wild orchids provide the backdrop for stags, deer, monkeys and other wildlife. Near Souillac, in the wild south, La Vanille Crocodile Park breeds Nile crocodiles imported from Madagascar. The site offers a vast park with a nature walk through luxuriant forest studded with freshwater springs. A small zoo of animals found in the wild in Mauritius is also located here. Situated nearby, the Rochester Falls can be reached by a road which crosses a sugar plantation that is open to visitors. Water cascades over spectacular rock formations. Spectacular joints have been formed by the contraction of lava due to sudden cooling. Within a short distance of Bois Cheri, Grand Bassin rests in the crater of an extinct volcano, this is one of the island’s two natural lakes. It is a place of pilgrimage for a large number of Mauritians of the Hindu faith. To the southwest lies Plaine Champagne, the highest part of the central plateau (740m/2430ft), from where there is a superb view of the Rivière Noire Mountains and the sea lining the horizon. The forest-clad slopes contain some fine specimens of indigenous timber and interesting plants peculiar to the island. For the keen birdwatcher, the mountains are the habitat of most of the remaining indigenous species. A twisting, tarred road leads from Case Noyale village to Chamarel. This is an area of undulating land of seven contrasting layers of coloured dunes: blue, green, red and yellow earth, believed to be the result of weathering. The nearby Chamarel Waterfall emerges from the moors and the primeval vegetation and is very beautiful.
Beaches
Tamarin
Lying in the shadow of the Rivière Noire Mountains, Tamarin has a fine lagoon which is split in two by the Rivière Noire estuary. The bathing at this point is a big attraction, and amenities for surfing in the big ocean swells are available.
Grand Baie
The northern coastline beyond Baie du Tombeau has many delightful beaches: Pointe aux Piments, famous for its underwater scenery; Trou aux Biches, with its fringe of filaos (casuarina) and coconut palms and its splendid Hindu temple; further up the coast, Choisy, one of the most popular beaches on the island, offering facilities for safe bathing, sailing, windsurfing and water-skiing; finally, the coastline curves into Grand Baie itself, the main centre for yachting, water-skiing, windsurfing and many other sports.
Péreybère
This delightful little cove is midway on the coast road between Grand Baie and Cap Malheureux. The deep, clear water makes it one of the very best bathing places on the whole island.
Cap Malheureux
This is a fishing village in the extreme north, with a magnificent view of Flat Island, Round Island and Gunner’s Quoin, which are islands of volcanic origin, rising from the light-green sea.
Grand Gaube
Further along the coast is another charming fishing village where fishermen have earned a well-deserved reputation for their skill in the making of sailing craft and of deep-sea fishing.
Roches Noires/Poste Lafayette
These are both favoured seaside resorts, especially in the hotter months, because of the fresh prevailing winds that blow almost all the year round from the sea.
Belle Mare
A beautiful white sandy beach with fine bathing is found here. The coast, with its white sweep of sands at Palmar and Trou d’Eau Douce, stretches out lazily to Grand Port, a quaint little village by the sea. There, the beach narrows and the road follows the coastline closely to Mahébourg. Pointe d’Esny, the adjoining white sandy beach with its string of bungalows, leads to Blue Bay.
Blue Bay
In a semicircle of filao trees lies one of the finest bathing spots on the island. Situated on the southeast coast, not far from Mahébourg, Blue Bay offers a fine stretch of white sandy beach, and a deep, clear, light-blue bathing pool. There is also scope for yachting and windsurfing.
Sport & Activities
Watersports
Beaches, lagoons and inlets around the coast offer plenty of opportunity for safe swimming, supplemented by hotel swimming pools. Grand Baie, north of Pamplemousses Gardens, is a popular beach for diving. Further good dive sites can be found around Flic-en-Flac on the west coast of Mauritius, and on Rodrigues Island. The Mauritian Scuba Diving Association can provide further information (tel: 454 0011; website: www.msda-cmas.org). There is good coastal and inland deep sea fishing around the island. Tamarin Bay is an ideal place to see black and long-beaked dolphins. At Belle Mare there is a Waterpark.
Golf
This is becoming increasingly popular on Mauritius, with an annual Golf Open held in December. Golf courses offering 18 holes are at Belle Mare Plage in the northeast and the Le Paradis at the Le Morne in the southwest, and the Ile Aux Cerf golf course. Smaller rounds can be played at St Géran Hotel, Trou aux-Biches, La Pirogue, Sugar Beach and Maritim which offer nine holes.
Other
There are many opportunities for trekking in the interior of the island. Many of the best walks are in the Réserve Forrestière Macchabée and Rivière Noire National Park. Rodrigues Island also has some lovely hiking country, with coastal and mountain walks, notably to the island’s highest points, Mount Limon and Mount Malartic. The Hippodrome at the Champ de Mars has meetings at the weekends between May and October where spectators can watch horse racing (website: www.mauritiusturfclub.com).
Top Things To See & Do
Top things to see & do
• Glimpse Mauritius' colonial history in the resplendent Port Louis, capital and main port of the country. This city was founded by the French Governor, Mahé de Labourdonnais, in 1735. Its harbour is sheltered by a semicircle of mountains. The city in general has plenty of character and, in some quarters, signs of its past elegance are still evident. Off the main square, the palm-lined Place d’Armes, there are some particularly fine French colonial buildings, especially Government House (built in 1738) and the Municipal Theatre, built around the same time. South of Port Louis is Le Réduit, the French colonial residence of the President of Mauritius, set in magnificent gardens. • Gawk at Mauritius' most famous bird, the Dodo
– although, since the Dodo is famous for being extinct, you are best advised to head for Port Louis' Natural History Museum and its wonderful exhibit. Or, for birds besides the notorious Dodo, make your way to Casela Bird Park, set in the district of the Rivière Noire, which stretches over 20 acres of land and contains more than 140 varieties, amounting to 2500 birds. Specimens from the five continents may be seen there, but the main attraction is the Mauritian Pink Pigeon, which is one of the rarest birds in the world. Other attractions are the fish ponds, tortoises, monkeys and orchids (seasonal). Trees, streams and small cascades all add to the remarkably peaceful atmosphere. • The Domaine Les Pailles nature park nestling at the foot of the Moka mountain range covers an area of 3000 acres. Among the attractions are a natural spring, a spice garden, a replica of a sugar mill and an old rum distillery. Trips through the park in 4-wheel-drive vehicles or trains are available – or, particularly recommended, glide along through the landscape on a horse-drawn carriage. Alternatively, you may want to trek through this nature park. Indeed, there are many opportunities for trekking in the interior of the island. Many of the best walks are in the Réserve Forrestière Macchabée and Rivière Noire National Park. • Southern Mauritius' Domaine des Grands Bois covers over 2000 acres of magnificent parkland, rich in lush and exotic fauna. Ebony, eucalyptus, palm trees and wild orchids provide the backdrop for stags, deer, monkeys and other wildlife. Near Souillac, in the wild south, La Vanille Crocodile Park breeds Nile crocodiles imported from Madagascar. The site offers a vast park with a nature walk through luxuriant forest studded with freshwater springs. A small zoo of animals found in the wild in Mauritius is also located here. • To the north of Port Louis are the Pamplemousses Gardens. These, created at the end of the 18th century, are known to naturalists throughout the world for their large collection of indigenous and exotic plants, including the giant Victoria regia water lilies and many species of palm trees. Of particular interest is the talipot palm, which is said to flower once, after 60 years, and then die. There are also tortoises here, some of them over 100 years old. • Visit the Aquarium, facing the calm water of the lagoon between Pointe aux Piments and Trou aux Biches and populated by 200 species of fish, invertebrates, live coral and sponges, all originating from the waters around the island. An open-circuit seawater cycle of one million litres runs through the 36 tanks every day. The Aquarium offers a unique opportunity to admire the colourful treasures of the Indian Ocean. • Admire a spectacular view of the island – from the rim of a dramatic crater, the product of a now-extinct volcano, measuring 85m (280ft) deep and more than 180m (600ft) wide. The volcano in question is Trou aux Cerfs, between Curepipe and Floreal. • The tiny, rugged, volcanic Rodrigues Island is situated 550km (340 miles) northeast of Mauritius, and is a beautiful and relaxing refuge for travellers. The island is covered in coconut palms, casuarina trees and pink-flowered bushes known as vieilles filles (spinsters). The capital, Port Mathurin is the main port of entry and the ‘Mauritius Pride’ sails regularly to and from Mauritius. Here, you can truly believe you have stumbled across your own desert island. The island also has some lovely hiking country, with coastal and mountain walks, notably to the island’s highest points, Mount Limon and Mount Malartic. • Within a short distance of Bois Cheri, Grand Bassin rests in the crater of an extinct volcano, and this is one of the island’s two natural lakes. Its beauty truly is humbling, which may explain why this is a place of pilgrimage for a large number of Mauritians of the Hindu faith. •
Beaches, lagoons and inlets around the coast offer plenty of opportunity for safe swimming, supplemented by hotel swimming pools. Grand Baie, north of Pamplemousses Gardens, is a popular beach for diving. Around this northern-coastline area are the beaches of Baie du Tombeau, Pointe aux Piments, famous for its underwater scenery, Trou aux Biches, with its fringe of filaos (casuarina) and coconut palms and its splendid Hindu temple, and Choisy, one of the most popular beaches on the island, offering facilities for safe bathing, sailing, windsurfing and water-skiing. Further good dive sites can be found around Flic-en-Flac on the west coast of Mauritius, and on Rodrigues Island. The Mauritian Scuba Diving Association can provide further information (tel: 454 0011; website: www.msda-cmas.org). Lying in the shadow of the Rivière Noire Mountains, Tamarin has a fine lagoon which is split in two by the Rivière Noire estuary. The bathing at this point is a big attraction, and amenities for surfing in the big ocean swells are available. Péreybère is a delightful little cove midway on the coast road between Grand Baie and Cap Malheureux. The deep, clear water makes it one of the very best bathing places on the whole island. Cap Malheureux is a fishing village in the extreme north, with a magnificent view of Flat Island, Round Island and Gunner’s Quoin, which are islands of volcanic origin, rising from the light-green sea. Further along the coast is Grand Gaube, a charming fishing village where fishermen have earned a well-deserved reputation for their skill in the making of sailing craft and of deep-sea fishing. Roches Noires/Poste Lafayette are both favoured seaside resorts, especially in the hotter months, because of the fresh prevailing winds that blow almost all the year round from the sea. Belle Mare is a beautiful white sandy beach with fine bathing. The coast, with its white sweep of sands at Palmar and Trou d’Eau Douce, stretches out lazily to Grand Port, a quaint little village by the sea. There, the beach narrows and the road follows the coastline closely to Mahébourg. Pointe d’Esny, the adjoining white sandy beach with its string of bungalows, leads to Blue Bay. In a semicircle of filao trees lies one of the finest bathing spots on the island. Situated on the southeast coast, not far from Mahébourg, Blue Bay offers a fine stretch of white sandy beach, and a deep, clear, light-blue bathing pool.
Tourist Information
Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority in the UK32 Elvaston Place, London SW7 5NW, UK Tel: (020) 7584 3666. Website: www.mauritiustourism.co.uk
Travel - Internal
Air
Air Mauritius operates daily flights connecting Plaisance Airport and Rodrigues Island (flight time – one hour 15 minutes). Three helicopters are available for transfers and for sightseeing tours. For more information contact Air Mauritius Helicopter (tel: 603 3754; email: helicopter@airmauritius.intnet.mu).
Sea
Coraline sails once a week to Rodrigues Island from Port Louis. Contact Mauritius Shipping, Suite 417-418, St James Court, St Denis St, Port Louis, Mauritius (tel: 210 5944 or 6120).
Road
There is a good network of paved roads covering the island. Traffic drives on the left. Bus: There are excellent and numerous bus services to all parts of the island. Taxi: These have white registration plates with black figures. Taxis are metered. Car hire: There are numerous car hire firms. Most require drivers to be over 23 years old. Documentation: International Driving Permit recommended, although a foreign licence is accepted. A temporary driving licence is available from local authorities on presentation of a valid British or Northern Ireland driving licence.
Urban
Bus and taxi services are available in urban areas. Bicycles and boats are also available to hire.
Travel times
The following chart gives approximate travel times (in hours and minutes) from Port Louis to other major cities/towns in Mauritius.RoadCurepipe0.20Grand Bay0.30St Geran1.00Souillac1.00
Travel - International
Air
The national airline is Air Mauritius (MK) (website: www.airmauritius.com).
Approximate flight times
From Mauritius to London is 12 hours 15 minutes (non-stop).
Main airports
Mauritius (MRU) (Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam) is 48km (30 miles) southeast of Port Louis. To/from the airport: Taxis are available to the city (travel time – 45 minutes). Facilities: Duty free shops, banks/bureaux de change, snack bar, post office, shops and car hire.
Departure tax
None.
Sea
Port Louis is the main port. It is primarily commercial but there is a limited passenger service to Madagascar, Réunion and Rodrigues Island.
Travel Advice
Most visits to Mauritius are trouble-free but you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate international terrorist attacks, which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreigners. Drug trafficking carries severe penalties. This advice is based on information provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the UK. It is correct at time of publishing. As the situation can change rapidly, visitors are advised to contact the following organisations for the latest travel advice: British Foreign and Commonwealth Office Tel: (0845) 850 2829. Website: www.fco.gov.uk US Department of State Website: http://travel.state.gov/travel
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MAURITIUS
