Welcome to DesBNet - Mauritius

No. of Visits 6 - Last Visited 2002

General

A tropical paradise full of surprises, Mauritius is home to a vast array of cultures & traditions that live peacefully alongside each other. Rest & Relaxation is easily achieved here in the most sumptuous of surroundings, though there is a lot more to this Island than just Hotels & beaches. Some of the best Game Fishing in the world can be experienced here, as well viewing the Coral reef by Scuba Diving & Undersea Walks.

Geography

Located to the east of Madagascar in the Indian Ocean, Mauritius is a (long since dormant) Volcanic Island, almost totally surrounded by a coral reef. While most visitors head straight for the white, sandy beaches, the mountainous interior provides a dramatic backdrop to plantations producing Sugar Cane, Tea & Tobacco, and a busy Clothing industry. It's Capital Port Louis lies on the West Coast, whilst the International airport can be found at Plaisance to the south. Numerous Islands are scattered around its shores, including Rodrigues (it's Independence Partner).

Climate

Mauritius boasts year round Sunshine, though the months from December to April claim the highest rainfall. Coastal temperatures average about 33° C (91° F) during this period. The remainder of the year averages about 24° C (75° F). During the rainy season, the area is vulnerable to Cyclones however; the majority pass by the well prepared Island, normally causing only minor inconvenience.

History

The strategic position of Mauritius on the old East India 'Silk & Spice' route has ensured that a lively interest has been taken in its ownership. The island has been host to the Portuguese, Dutch, French & British, though now it is proudly an independent republic (since 1992). All of the visitors have left their distinctive marks, introducing a wide variety of Wildlife, Livestock & Crops to the Island. Mauritius was once a favourite haunt of Pirates - this indeed was one of the aspects that brought about the Battle of Grand Port in the south east between the French & British in 1810. Although beaten by the French, the British Navy changed tack, and invaded Mauritius from the north, landing at Cap Malheureux. After the abolition of slavery in 1835, there was a mass immigration from the Indian sub-continent, adding to the flavours already ensconced on this beautiful Island. The flightless Dodo bird was hunted to extinction in 1692 (no doubt a tasty meal!), an example of which can be seen at the Natural History Museum in Port Louis.

Language & Culture

As the historical background indicates, a multitude of cultures have been adopted, and live sided by side with each other. This intriguing blend brings a unique 'laissez-faire' atmosphere. Hindu is the most widely practiced religion, though Muslims, Christians & Buddhists are also prominent. As a result of this, an abundance of festivals can be witnessed throughout the year. The official language of Mauritius is English, being part of the national curriculum, and the language of Government & Business, though in practice French or Creole are more widely used. Dating back to the time of slavery, the 'Sega' is the national dance - a combination of flirtatious body movements, a pulsating drum beat, and colourful costumes endear this to the many visitors to the Island.

Accommodation

Hotel accommodation in Mauritius is of a very high standard indeed. Some of the finest resort Hotels in the world can be found in Mauritius (Royal Palm, St Geran, Le Toussrok, etc.). A blend of beautiful beaches, opulent rooms, and attentive, friendly staff make these truly First Class. There are many others of a similarly high standard too! If something a little less formal is more your style, there are lots of 3 & 4* hotels around which cater for most tastes. Most Hotels will offer Half board rates, which I would personally recommend you take advantage of. If a more independent style suits you, a wide range of Self - Catering Studios & Villas can be rented. Overall, the Island caters for most types of holidaymaker, suiting all budgets.

Sight Seeing

Local legends are plentiful, and add colour to some very interesting sights. Extinct volcanoes, rugged mountains, & dense forests give way to the coastal plains where Sugar Cane is grown. Visitors to the island should not miss a trip to the spectacular Black River Gorge and the nearby 23 coloured earth & waterfalls at Chamournie (Far superior to the alternative at Chamarel !!). The Botanical Gardens at Pamplemousses provide a pleasant outing, as do the Casela Bird Park, La Vanille Crocodile Park and the Domaine les Pailles, where you can see the process of sugar production and a Rum Distillery! Horseracing is a regular attraction at the Champs de Mars racecourse in Port Louis. Deep Sea Game Fishing in these pasts ranks among the finest to be found, and can be easily arranged though most hotels. Scuba Diving, Glass-bottomed boats, and undersea walks offer the opportunity to explore the beautiful Coral Reefs, home to a vast array of colourful fish.

Beaches

Stunning white sandy beaches abound on Mauritius, some offering tranquil, unspoilt views of the surrounding islands, whilst others provide a selection of water sports and other activities. Unlike many destinations, almost all are of an equally high standard, being clean and providing safe bathing. There are no Private beaches as such, however, this means that some become very busy at weekends and during local festivals.

Local Transport

The local busses are extremely good value, and run frequently during the daytime, however, late night services are almost non-existent. Taxis are many, and generally, not too expensive, though it is best to agree a price with the driver before commencing your journey. There are plans afoot to re-introduce a rail system to the Island, eventually running from the Airport at Plaisance, to Port Louis.

Night Life

Apart from a few Casinos, and a handful of Bars & Nightclubs, most entertainment is centered upon the Hotels. Many provide a full and varied repertoire, and Sega Night is a firm favourite.

Restaurants

Seafood, Oriental and Indian restaurants are among the most popular eateries to be found here, many of which are of an extremely high quality, and offer the chance to sample the fresh local fish available. The Hotel cuisine, good as it may be, does not compare to the local restaurants when it comes to authentic Mauritian dishes.

Shopping

All visitors to Mauritius should experience the hustle & bustle of Port Louis, even if it is only for one day. This fascinating cauldron of people, smells and heat can prove to be very tiring, but also reveals many a bargain to be found! The Spice market is NOT to be missed.  The new shopping mall on the waterfront (Le Caudan) hosts many bars, restaurants and duty free shops as well as a good selection of clothing and souvenir shops. A plethora of "Original Ralph Lauren" Factory Shops blot the landscape, and whilst some DO provide a good source of quality seconds, others have been turned into Tourist Rip-Off Shops, so be warned. For TOP Quality Shirts & T-Shirts, I always visit HARPER'S & HARRIS WILSON, both of whom have shops in Grand Baie & Port Louis.

Car Hire

All of the major rental companies have outlets on the island, though there are a number of local hire companies that can prove to be a lot cheaper. It is best to check with your hotel. Driving around Mauritius is a great way to explore the Island, however, it can be hazardous at times, and although benefiting from recent improvements the major roads are extremely busy, especially around Port Louis. There are also further road enhancements planned. Having said that, don't let it put you off hiring a car for a day or two, as you then have the opportunity to go off the beaten track, and find places you may not have realised existed.

Getting There

Scheduled flights to Mauritius are provided by a number of International Airlines such as Air Mauritius, British Airways, Air France, & South African Airways. At present, NO charter flights are allowed to operate. Direct flying time is approx. 13 hours from Europe.