Mauritius Travel Information

Travel information to Mauritius, featuring up-to-date information on government, history, cultures, economy, travel advice and much more. 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.
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.
Public holidays
New Year’s Day (1 Jan), Thaipoosam Cavadee (1 Feb), Maha Srivatri (18 Feb), Labour Day (1 May), Assumption (15 Aug), Ganesh Chaturthi (18 Sep), All Saint’s Day (1 Nov), Arrival of Indentured Labourers (2 Nov), Deepavali (12 Nov), Christmas Day (25 Dec)
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
During your Mauritius travel, you will discover that the island  has blossomed 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).
Mauritius currency is the Mauritian Rupee but credit cards such as visa and master cards are widely accepted. There are many places like local markets in town or shopping centres where you can buy unique and attractive souvenirs, traditional arts and crafts.
GETTING AROUND
By bus
If you have a lot of luggage, you will find it very inconvenient to take the bus. Buses in Mauritius have several high steps to get in so you will not be able to wheel in your suitcase.
By taxi
If you will be staying for two weeks or less on the island and you will be residing in a plush hotel which will provide you with a lot of activities, then you might not need your own transport. Taxis are not that expensive, you can reach any corner quickly. All Mauritians are bilingual and speak French and English fluently, albeit with a local accent. So your taxi driver will be able to converse with you in English or French and most Mauritian taxi drivers are chatty, unwilling to let go of an opportunity to showcase their language skills to foreigners and tell them a little about the island.
Car Hire in Mauritius
There are several locations where car hire operators are based especially in tourist hot spots such as Grand Bay and Flic en Flac. Before driving off by yourself, you should know that driving is on the left in Mauritius.
By Air
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
Weather in Mauritius
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. The warmest season is between December and April where temperatures average around 30 degrees Celsius. The winter season is still very moderate and temperatures rarely reach below 25 degrees Celsius. Game viewing at perennial water holes is also good at this time.
Shopping in Mauritius
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.
Mauritius Accommodation
There are various types of accommodation options available in Mauritius ranging from self-catering units to fully inclusive five star hotels that cater to your every need, providing entertainment and offering great service. Alternatively you can opt for a more rustic type of holiday and rent a self-catering villa. It is worth considering a fully inclusive hotel option as this can often work out cheaper as food and drinks are quite expensive.
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.
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.