|
|
Situated in the Indian Ocean, Mauritius is exotic in its history, remoteness, diverse ethnic people and its reef-fringed beauty. Without a doubt a firm favourite for lovers of sun, sea, sand and tasty cuisine, offers a wide choice of accommodation and activities to suit all tastes and budgets. With a population of 1 150 000 mainly Indian, African, European and Chinese this is a truly cosmopolitan island large enough to cope with tourism and still let you have the feeling of peace and tranquility. From five star luxury to self-catering hotels this is one destination that will lure you back. This island's greatest asset as a holiday destination is it's stunning white, sandy beaches, naturally protected by coral reefs, which encircles most of the island. Needless to say Mauritius is the perfect honeymoon destination as most hotels offer discounts.
For the shopaholics, Port Louis, Curepipe and Flic en Flac offer interesting shops. Mauritius is perfect for families as most the hotels have kiddies clubs plus teenage entertainment allowing parents to have time for themselves and soak up the warm sunshine or explore the island.
Inland: The main summits on the island are: Le Piton de la Riviere Noire (827 m), Le Pic coiff� De Pieter Both, Le Pouce, la Montagne Rempart and Les Trois Mamelles. Sugar plantations cover a major part of the island but you will be surprised by the enormous piles of stones in the middle of the fields. National forest reserve where the exotic vegetation and species of the Indian Ocean are protected.
Coast and beaches: 150 km of soft sandy beaches make Mauritian deal holiday spot. Protected by a coral reef, the emerald lagoons are as safe and transparent as a swimming pool. A paradise for all water sports: wind surfing, water-skiing, snorkeling , deep sea fishing etc.
Grand Baie: Important seaside resort and main yachting port of the island.
Port Louis, famous for its bustling market. By night, in contrast, all is quiet - except for the swish new Le Caudan Waterfront, where you?ll find a casino, cinemas, shops, bars and restaurants.
Pamplemousses Garden is home to the giant water lilies and countless species of plants and trees.
Riviere Noire: Pink Pigeon, Casela bird park, in the magnificent site of Riviere Noire. Plaine Champagne, Forest road. Footpath to Piton de La Riviere Noire. Superb view of the west coast.
Domaine du Chasseur, at Anse Jonch�e in the south east, high in the hills. 3000 acres of tropical forest inhabited by hundred of Javanese stags, wild boars, monkeys and thousand of birds. A must for hunters and nature lovers.
Getting there: Air Mauritius and SAA operate daily flights between South Africa and Mauritius.
Visas: South African and European Nationals do not need visas.
Currency: The Mauritian Rupee. Rands and any hard currency can be changed at the airport bank in Mauritius and re-exchanged when leaving Mauritius.
Health: There is no malaria and it is safe to drink the water.
Language: The official language is English - but the most widely spread is French and the local dialect, Creole.
Climate: Hot summers (November to April) with average coastal temperature of 30°C and warm winters (May to October), averaging 24°C. Interior temperatures at 5°C lower. The rainy season is January to May with the possibility of stray cyclone in January and February.
Clothing: Casual lightweight cotton clothes are standard. Walking shoes are useful for exploring the island. Some hotels and formal restaurants require men to wear long trousers in the evening.
Time: GMT+ 4
Power Supply: All appliances use 220V. The most common electrical plug is the UK 3-pin.
Customs Allowance: 500 cigarettes and 1 litre of alcohol.
Luggage Allowance: International flights: 20 kg and regional flights: 15 kg
Population: 1.150.000 of Indian, African, European and Chinese origin.
Reading material: Mauritius, Rodrigues and Reunion, The Mascarenes Islands by Bradt Publications
|
Our team of specialist
consultants will assist you with all your travel needs.
SPECIALITY TOURS
We have personnel dedicated to the
creation of Special Interest Tours.
Working in
conjunction with acknowledged
experts
|
POPULAR DESTINATIONS
|