Looking for a flight to Mauritius? Well, you’ve found the right place. Whether a charter flight, first class seating or good old economy class, Mauritius Flights has a timely flight for you. A flight to Mauritius is the most convenient means of transportation to the Islands.

Cheap Flights to Mauritius

Flights from the UK (all cities) to Mauritius

Flights from France (Paris) to Mauritius

Flights from Egypt (Cairo) to Mauritius

Flights from Zimbabwe (Harare) to Mauritius

Flights from Kenya (Nairobi, Mombasa) to Mauritius

Flights from South Africa (Cape Town, Johannesburg) to Mauritius

Flights from Tanzania (Dar es Salaam) to Mauritius

Airports in Mauritius

There are five airports in Mauritius. Two of the airports are paved while the other three are unpaved. Care is considered to see that the airports in Mauritius fit international standards. The flights from the Mauritius airport play a very crucial role in joining Mauritius to the important cities of the world. Though there are several means by which you will be able to travel to Mauritius, however flying is the cheapest as well as the quickest mode of transportation. Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport situated in Plaine Magnien, is the most operative airport in Mauritius. Actually it’s Mauritius’s lone international airport. The airport telephone number is 230-603-2000.

UK & Ireland departure airports for flights to Mauritius

London (all airports)

Heathrow (LHR)

Manchester (MAN)

Glasgow (all airports)

Newcastle (NCL)

Bristol (BRS)

Cardiff (CWL)

Aberdeen (ABZ)

Belfast (all airports)

Inverness (INV)

Leeds/Bradford (LBA)

Norwich (NWI)

Shannon (SNN)

Southampton (SOU)

Airline to Mauritius

You can fly to Mauritius cheaply on the following discounted fares Airlines by advance booking for your ticket.

• Air Mauritius – Operates over 30 flights weekly to and from Europe’s major cities including 15 combined flights with Air France to and from Paris. There are also flights from London.
• British Airways – Fly from London Heathrow Terminal 4 with British Airways 3 days a week on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.
• Eurofly – Has flights to so many most cities in Europe
• Air France – several flights with Air France to and from Paris.
• Emirates – Fly 3 days a week via Dubai to Mauritius from all UK Major Airports.
• Corsairfly – operates weekly schedule flights to Mauritius
• Virgin Atlantic – Virgin Atlantic flying to Mauritius from London Heathrow Terminal 3 on Friday and Sunday
• Air Zimbabwe – Fly 2 times a week to Mauritius
• LTU International – operates cheap schedule flights to Mauritius

History has it that some residents on the Islands are descendants from continental Africa (Mauritian Creole people usually known as ‘Creoles’), China (Sino-Mauritian), India (Indo-Mauritian) and France (Franco-Mauritian) among other places.

It is such diverse multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, multi-religious and multi-lingual backgrounds that define the characteristic behavior of the Mauritians.

Popular is a Sega dance that is performed by social dancers who move their hips to the well tuned and enjoyable melodies. This original style of Sega dances draws in an array of a slow to a fast running beat.

Mauritians are moral beings. A lot of places of worship are scattered all over the country including churches, temples as well as mosques; and they give a lot of respect to these tradition as well as religious / sacred places. Emphasis is put on proper dressing especially when visiting religious premises.

The Islands’ chief festivals are Christmas, Diwali, Idul Fitr and Cavadee. There are no incidents of religious struggles because religious beliefs and their subscribers live collectively in tranquility and harmony.

Language

The Mauritian Constitution makes no mention of an official language and its one million citizens speak Mauritian Creole, a French-based Creole, English or French. It is only in the Parliament that the official language is English but any member of the National Assembly can still address the chair in French. French Creole is the most widely spoken, but due to the amazing assortment of people that call this island home you will also hear Arabic, Portuguese, Hindi, Urdu, Hakka (a Chinese dialect), Tamil, Telegu, Marathi, Mandarin, Cantonese and Bhojpuri – an amalgamation of several Indian dialects spoken by the early Indian settlers.

Mauritius are amazing volcanic islands situated approximately 2,000km to the south eastern coast of Africa and lying about 900km east of Madagascar on 20°5, 57.5E. The Islands which cover a land surface area of 1,865km (330km of coastline) boast a diverse landscape includes miles of untampered coastline, tropical forests and impressive mountains.

Island is 45km wide and 65km long with the capital and largest city, Port Louis lying in the northwest. Rose-Hill, Beau-Bassin, Curepipe, Vacoas, Phoenix, Quatre Bornes are the other important towns.

Together with Cargados Carajos and Agalega, Mauritius is also part of the Mascarene Islands, with the French island of Réunion 200 km to the southwest and the island of Rodrigues 570 km to the northeast.

Tectonic processes formed the Mauritius Island around a central plateau, with its highest peak in the southwest, Piton de la Petite Rivière Noire (828m). Around the plateau, the original crater can still be distinguished from several mountains. In other words, Mauritius is located in typically tropical coastal regions with forests in the mountainous areas.

Introducing Mauritius

Mauritius is situated some 2,000km south eastern coast of African continent lying east of Madagascar on 20°5, 57.5E. It covers a surface area of 1,863km (330km of coastline). The Island is 45km wide and 65km long with the capital and largest city, Port Louis lying in the northwest. Rose-Hill, Beau-Bassin, Curepipe, Vacoas, Phoenix, Quatre Bornes are the other important towns.

History

Mauritius was never occupied until in the 1600s when European explorers settled there permanently. Firstly accessed by Austronesian and Arab early sailors around the 10th century,  though “discovered” officially by Pedro Mascarenhas, a Portuguese navigator in 1505, Mauritius island was occupied successively by the Dutch (1598-1712) then later the French (1715-1810), and lastly the British in 1814 through the Treaty of Paris. Mauritius gained Independence on 12 March 1968 and Republic Day proclaimed on 12 March 1992.

Administration

Mauritius is administered democratically based on the Westminster model and boasts of political stability. The Government is democratically elected on a five-year term with the last general elections taking place on July 3, 2005. There are 20 mainland constituencies.

Public holidays

Mauritius has15 public holidays of rest. Seven of them are permanent holidays: January 1st & 2nd, 1st February, 12th March, 1st May, 2nd November and 25th December. Other public holidays are religious festivals whose dates vary in different years.

Time

Mauritius is ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) by four hours and three hours ahead (2 hours in summer) of mid-European Time.

People

The population estimate for Mauritius stood at 1,227,078 in December 2007. Its people are of different ethnic backgrounds. History has it that some are descendants from continental Africa (Mauritian Creole people usually known as ‘Creoles’), China (Sino-Mauritian), India (Indo-Mauritian) and France (Franco-Mauritian) among other areas. The Population literacy rate is 82.9%.

Economy

Mauritius has developed from a low-income, agriculturally based economy to a middle income diversified economy with growing industrial, financial, and tourist sectors. The economy moves on four sectors namely Tourism, Sugar, Textile and Services. France is the country’s closest ally/partner in trade, and provides technical aid in several sectors of the economy. Economic performance during the period from 2000 through 2004 combined strong economic growth with unemployment at 7.6% in December 2004. The monetary unit is the Mauritian Rupee (Rs.) which is divided into 100 cents (cs). At the latest exchange rate, one Euro is worth around Rs. 30.

Banking hours; Monday to Thursday: 9.15 am -3.15 pm, Friday: 9.15 am -3.30 pm,

Saturday: 9.15 am -11.15 am (Some banks only).

Working Hours

Government Departments: Monday to Friday: 9 am – 4 pm

Private Business: Monday to Friday: 8.30 am – 4.15 pm Saturday: 9am -noon (Some organizations)

Transportation

Transport in Mauritius has been free since July 2005 for students, the disabled and seniors. The only available means of inland public transport, so far, are via taxi cabs and buses. Transport tends to be problematic in Port-Louis, the capital particularly in the peak hours due to severe traffic jams. The National Airline, Air Mauritius operates about 30 flights weekly to and from major world cities. Other Airlines with Mauritius flights include Air France (Paris),

British Airways (all UK airports), Emirates Airlines, Air Zimbabwe, Tunisair etc

Driving

People in Mauritius drive on the left-hand side of the road and give way to the right. Foreigners who choose to drive by themselves during their stay in Mauritius are only accepted to drive within the cities; and only if they’ve an international driving license issued by a Competent Authority in their home countries.

Climate

Mauritius experiences a tropical climate modified by southeast trade winds; a warm, dry winter from May to November and a hot, wet, and humid summer from November to May. The temperature on the coastal areas varies between 22°C in winter and 34°C in summer. The sea temperature varies between 22°C and 27°C. In the central part of the island, the maximum daytime temperature varies from about 19°C in August to about 26°C in February. The western and northern regions are warmer and relatively drier than the East and the South. Cyclones also sway the Islands particularly during November to April.

When to Visit

The standard answer for when to visit Mauritius is from November to May as this is when the weather is hot and dry and most comfortable for traveling. This weather condition is the major factor in wooing hordes of holidaymakers from across the world to Mauritius. This condition is also conducive for travelers eager to enjoy adventure tour activities such as walking safaris, treks, vacation sports like wind surfing, snorkeling and scuba diving.

Game viewing at perennial water holes is also good at this time.

Shopping

The capital, Port Louis, is the main shopping area with the Caudan Waterfront providing clothing and gift supermarkets. Grand Baie in the north is a prominent shopping district and souvenir stalls are common on nearly every corner.

Recreational

Recreational activities in Mauritius are quite varied to support the local tourism industry. Water sports are facilitated as the island is surrounded with coral reef, providing plenty of relatively shallow and calm water. Activities such as deep sea fishing, windsurfing, water-skiing, cruising in yachts and even submarines are some of the many water based recreations available.

Nightlife

Most hotels, such as Le Coco Beach and Le Touessrok Hotel put on their own entertainment for guests and non-guests. Grand Baie has a lively strip of restaurants, bars and the Lifestyle Nightclub. Star Dance Nightclub is also nearby.

What to wear

Take your best beach and casual wear. In the winter months (June -September), carry some light woolen clothing for the cool evenings. Respect is essential when visiting sacred venues. Put on appropriate attire when visiting religious premises.

Culture & Language

Mauritius is a blend of diverse cultures and religions. The Mauritian Constitution makes no mention of an official language and its one million citizens speak Mauritian Creole, a French-based Creole, English or French. It is only in the Parliament that the official language is English but any member of the National Assembly can still address the chair in French. French Creole is the most widely spoken, but due to the amazing assortment of people that call this island home you will also hear Arabic, Portuguese, Hindi, Urdu, Hakka (a Chinese dialect), Tamil, Telegu, Marathi, Mandarin, Cantonese and Bhojpuri – an amalgamation of several Indian dialects spoken by the early Indian settlers.

Visa Information

A visitor must be in possession of a valid passport and a return or onward ticket. A visitor’s visa is normally granted for a period of two weeks to one month upon arrival, to almost all holders of a valid passport, with one or two exceptions. Visitors are strongly recommended to contact the Passport and Immigration Office in Mauritius or the nearest diplomatic mission. The visa can be extended upon application at the Passport and Immigration Office,

Sterling House, 11-19 Lislet Geoffroy Street, Port-Louis,

Tel: (230) 210-9312 to 210-9317

Fax (230)210-9322.

The summer months start off from Nov and climax in May with temperatures ranging between 25 and 33°C in the coastal zones; & between 20 °C and 28 °C in the plateau zones. Winter commences in late May & ends in mid October. These same winter period are normally warm and humid with temperatures averaging between 24 °C along coastal areas and 19 °C in the plateaus zones.

The central parts of Mauritius have maximum bright daytime temperature varying from around 19°C in August to around 26°C in February. Generally, the western and northern regions are warmer and relatively drier than the East and the South.

July is the coolest month while February is the hottest month. Abundant rainfall takes place from the month of Jan to March. Sunrise occurs at 5.00 am and 6.00 am during summertime and wintertime. Sunset occurs at 7 pm & 5.30 during summer and wintertime.

Important to note is the cozy weather conditions of Mauritius augment the great thing about the areas indirectly & are partly responsible for the popularity of Mauritius.

Mauritius however is at a risk of Tropical cyclones. Cyclones sway the country between November and April; while Anti-cyclones are popular between May and September.

When to Visit

The standard answer for when to visit Mauritius is from November to May as this is when the weather is hot and dry and most comfortable for traveling. This weather condition is the major factor in wooing hordes of holidaymakers from across the world to Mauritius. This condition is also conducive for travelers eager to enjoy adventure tour activities such as walking safaris, treks, vacation sports like wind surfing, snorkeling and scuba diving.

Game viewing at perennial water holes is also good at this time.

Mauritius Car Rental providers offer personalized services just as good as other International car hire services; with a great range of vehicles in each destination ranging from cheap economy cars to luxury convertibles. Some of the Rental Cars types used include Suzuki Alto, Toyota, BMW 318i, and BMW 520i – 525i, Nissan, and Minibus Perudua Rusa.

These cars are fitted with air conditioning facilities and fully executive; plus unlimited mileage to provide you with a sound ride on your Mauritius holiday as you take pleasure in the beauty of the Islands.

Most rates on the cars are all-inclusive rates with the exception of some optional things like child seats and roof racks. Although generally, they include free mileage, third Party insurance, Collision Damage Waiver and Theft Waiver.

However, if as you a traveler chooses to drive yourself, you are only accepted to drive within the cities if you’ve an international driving permit.

In Mauritius, different types of cars ranging from mokes to limousines are accessible on rent.

Some of the Car rental Agencies include

• Alamo
• CarTrawler
• Europcar
• Sixt

These and many other agencies offer rental cars in all major cities of Mauritius and you can save up to 40% dealing with them. Their drivers can communicate in French or English, Latin and several other international languages. So language is not an issue of worry while moving around in Mauritius. You can book instantly online.

Before hiring a car in Mauritius, take note of these conditions;

• Most cars are fitted with air conditioned facilities
• Prices are on daily basis
• Full risk insurance (excluding passenger)
• All major cards acceptable (Master Card- Visa)
• Breakdown services are in place 24 hours
• Airport Delivery or Pick up is offered
• Minimum 3 days rental offered

Choose your preferred car rental agency and car hire rate to book now!

Planning a holiday to the Seychelles? You’ve made the right choice. Seychelles still one of the few unscathed islands in the world ensures you get rid of stress and fatigue, relaxed as well as rejuvenated.

The beautiful Seychelles Islands have become the most ideal and sought holiday destinations of late boasting with scenic immaculate beaches, clear blue seas and exquisite sunsets, amazing tropical vegetation with towering mountains and above all the present honeymoon-like weather.

The Seychelles Islands renowned for their exciting holiday atmosphere will ensure you explore and experience the magical effect of all its 115 islands, the most prominent being Mahe, Praslin and La Digue.

The many sunny beaches and water sports should flavor your precious time here. You may go island swimming, hopping, scuba diving or water skiing in one of the finest ways of enjoying your holiday. You can also indulge yourself at a spa by pampering in a massage or just rest on the beach to sun bathe. Come and enjoy the fresh sea air as you walk along the beach.

For adventure lovers especially those on family’s holiday, there are numerous exhilarating activities to enjoy such as sailing, swimming, snorkeling, windsurfing and paragliding. You can also wander through the forests and survey the wide variety of exotic Seychelles flora & fauna.

You may choose to holiday in Victoria, the capital to familiarize the multi-ethnic culture and friendliness of the Seychellois. This can be a remarkable underscore.

Do not miss the spectacular Seychelles nightlife ranging from beach bands, theaters plays, casinos, nightclubs, pubs, street cafés and discotheques.

For accommodation, there are a number hotels and resorts available. Holiday camps at the resorts will provide you luxury, and also give you the wholly obligatory privacy.

Guideforafrica.com has pleasurable choice of Seychelles holidays for you right from five star resorts, deluxe guest apartments, boutique hotels to customized Island travel itineraries; all appropriate venues for honeymooners and couples celebrating special occasions such as a wedding anniversaries, birthdays, family holidays, nature lovers, walking safaris, sailing and eco-tours.

If you are worried about the appropriate time for holiday in this beautiful place then do not bother. Seychelles is a year-round holiday destination with a mild-subtropical climate of temperature varying from 24°C to 33 °C.

So, what are you waiting for? Just pick up your bags for this tropical paradise Holiday destination!

These destinations are well-known and draw thousands of tourists on unforgettable African tours. Tanzania also takes pride in some of its wildest wilderness areas in Africa’s southern region such as Selous Game Reserve –one of the largest and most remote game reserves in the world – plus Ruaha National Park. These southern riches of Tanzania paint the true Africa’s wilderness. To the west of the country, in the Lake Tanganyika region, you can go trekking in search of chimpanzees in Gombe Stream National Park and Mahale.

Tanzania wildlife thrives in some of the world’s largest protected areas of wilderness; add the jaw-dropping scenes of huge animal migrations and it comes as no surprise to learn that the National Parks and Reserves in Tanzania are the main draw card for many visitors. The parks and reserves of the ‘northern safari circuit’ – which include the Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro, Lake Manyara and Tarangire National Park – are the most popular with visitors and are easily reachable from Arusha.

Also enjoy a must trip a climb to Mount Kilimanjaro – Africa’s highest peak and trek through its several interesting routes. Do not miss to visit the tropical island of Zanzibar.

Much of the Seychelles beauty lies in its natural wildlife. This makes the islands a sanctuary for many rare and unique plants and birds.

There are 81 unique species of plant life, which can only be found just within Seychelles and a further 25 or so species in the Aldabra group. Particularly well-known is the Coco de mer, a species of palm that grows only on the islands of Praslin and neighboring Curieuse.

Back in history, like many fragile island ecosystems, Seychelles experienced massive loss of biodiversity during early stages human survival, which included destruction of most of the giant tortoises from these granitic islands, felling of coastal and mid-level forests as well as extinction of rare species such as the Seychelles Parakeet, the chestnut flanked white eye, the saltwater crocodile and the Black Terrapin.

However several measures of nature reserves and far sighted conservation policies have been instituted to protect the environment to an enviable degree plus the varied ecosystems it supports.

Seychelles has almost 50% of its limited landmass established with national parks and reserves such as very common Praslin’s Vallée de Mai, once assumed to be the original site of the Garden of Eden.

The Islands host some of the largest seabird colonies. There are several unique varieties of Orchids on the Islands. The rare Seychelles Black Parrot the national treasure bird of the country being most protected.

The Aldabra population is the largest in the world. These unique reptiles can be found even in captive herds. It has been reported that the granitic islands of Seychelles supported distinct species of Seychelles giant tortoises.

The marine life around the islands, especially the more remote coral islands, can be spectacular. More than 1,000 species of fish have been recorded. Since the use of spear guns and dynamite for fishing was banned through efforts of local conservationists in the 1960s, the wildlife is unafraid of snorkelers and divers.

Nowhere else on earth will you find unique endemic specimens like the amazing Coco-de-mer; the largest seed in the world, the jellyfish tree- with only eight surviving examples, the Seychelles’ paradise flycatcher and Seychelles warbler which are still prevalent on the Island.

From the smallest frog to the heaviest land tortoise and the only flightless bird of the Indian Ocean, Seychelles nurtures an amazing array of endemic species within surrounds of exceptional natural beauty.

In general, Seychelles being in the tropics and surrounded by the gigantic Indian Ocean, it has a warm and humid weather averaging 29°C throughout the year. The tropical sun is very strong and even on overcast days that one should take great attention to cover-up and use high factor suntan protection. A hat and sunglasses are recommended.

Being tropical islands near to the equator, Seychelles also experiences heavy rainfall which peaks around November to end of January. The flourishing green vegetation along the outer coralline island areas is evidence to this. The outer coralline islands however have a lower annual rainfall.

Since the islands are blessed with a year-long warm, tropical climate, it appropriate for a Seychelles Travel, although different times of year may be better suited to your specific interests. Hereby, we advise the following safari travel activities for you under particular weather conditions:

• Bird Watching: All year round for your indigenous species, June to October is best for the sea bird colonies.
• Sailing and Windsurfing: Late May to October, generally force 3 to 6, steady winds, both night and day. The Seychelles Sailing Cup, an international sailing event, is held in January.
• Walking Safaris: Ideally choose the time of lowest humidity and cooling breezes – June to October present the most appropriate, although any period of the year is credible.
• Local fishing: This goes on throughout the year
• Conditions for swimming, snorkeling and especially diving are superb during April to May and late September to early December when the water temperature sometimes reaches 29ºC and visibility is often 30m plus.

The Islands are also washed by Trade Winds. The South East Trade Winds are prevalent from May to September when it will be drier, breezier, and slightly cooler than during the rest of the year. In this case, beaches located in the north west of any island tend to have calm waters and vice versa for the North West trade winds.

The North West Trade Winds prevail from October to April. This is a calmer breeze which results in augmented humidity and much more calm seas. Higher rainfall occurs during this time of year.