Welcome to Mauritius, officially recognized as the Republic of Mauritius. It is a volcanic paradise with pristine lagoons, palm tree-lined beaches, and coral reefs that surround most of the coastline.
Located approximately 2,400 kilometers off the south east coast of the African continent, the island covers an area of 1,865 square kilometers (720 square miles) and has a coastline of 330 kilometers. At 45km wide and 65km long, the island is a diverse little paradise to explore.
With a diverse population of nearly 1.2 million people, Mauritius is known for its stability and ethnic harmony. Hindus, Muslims, Creoles, Chinese and Europeans coexist in a multicultural culture while preserving ancient traditions. The island’s inhabitants, the Mauritians, are a symbol of cultural preservation, tolerance and kindness, making the island unique in the world.
Language is the thread that binds this island paradise together. Most Mauritians are bilingual and speak French and English fluently. The official language is English, but French and Creole are also widely spoken. This linguistic mosaic also includes Eastern languages, increasing cultural diversity.
Mauritius proudly maintains its reputation as one of the African countries that has achieved outstanding social and economic success. The island, which exports sugar and clothing, is also a center for luxury tourism.
Mauritius was discovered by Arab sailors in the 10th century and officially explored by the Portuguese in the 16th century. The Dutch settled the island from 1598 to 1712 and named it after Prince Maurits van Nassau. Later, the French (1715-1810) made the island a major naval base controlling Indian Ocean trade, renamed it “French Island” and turned it into a sugar cane plantation.
During the Napoleonic Wars, the British conquered the island by signing the Treaty of Paris in 1810. Mauritius remained an important British naval and air base during World War II, and gained independence on March 12, 1968.
Mauritius has a reputation as a top holiday destination, but few visitors to the island know that it is also one of the world’s best travel destinations. This means it offers a wide range of activities for its size.
When you visit Mauritius, prepare to be amazed by the incredible variety of activities, tours and excursions, as well as the hidden treasures waiting to be explored.
You’ll find everything from more traditional museums, parks and reserves to adventure activities, boat cruises, island hopping and more!
So why not discover the real Mauritius to your heart’s content by taking part in the many fun and exciting activities it has to offer!
Sun Protection: Pack a broad-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. The sun is powerful all year, so protect yourself from head to toe.
Bring several swimsuits and cover-ups. Nudity is not permitted on beaches, so make sure your swimsuit provides adequate coverage. Quick-drying materials are good.
Pack breathable, loose-fitting garments like t- shirts, shorts, and sundresses made of light, natural fibres such as cotton or linen. They’ll help you stay cool and comfy in the heat.
Long-sleeved Options: Pack at least one long-sleeved shirt and lightweight trousers for cool evenings, higher heights and excursions to religious places.
Pack comfortable shoes, such as sandals or trainers, for touring towns, hiking trails and beaches. Flip-flops are ideal for the beach, but not for touring.
Pack a lightweight rain jacket for unexpected showers, especially in the summer months (November to April).
Things are moving slowly in Mauritius. Relax and enjoy the relaxed
Mauritius is 4 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time and 3 hours ahead of Central European Time. There is a difference of 2 hours in winter and 4 hours in summer.
Private sector: Monday – Friday: 8:30 am – 4:15 pm, Saturday: 9:00 am – noon (select offices).
Public sector: Monday – Friday: 9:00 – 16:00, Saturday: 9:00 – 13:00.
The currency unit of Mauritius is the rupee (rupee).
There are coins in denominations of 5, 20 and 50 cents and in denominations of 1, 5, 10 and 20 rupees.
Banknotes are issued in denominations of 25, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000 and 2000 rupees.
Shopping hours in major cities are from 9:30 am to 7:30 pm (Mon-Sat).
Some shops stay open until noon on Sundays and holidays.
Many duty-free stores and sophisticated shopping malls provide a diverse selection of merchandise.
Driving in Mauritius is on the left and right, so it’s important to familiarize yourself with local traffic laws before you set off. This is especially true if you plan to rent a car during your stay.
Tipping is optional but appreciated at restaurants, taxis, and for excellent service.
Bonus Tips: Buy a local SIM card for internet access and Google Maps navigation backup.
Mauritius is waiting! These helpful tips are just the beginning of your island vacation. Use this as a springboard to visit vibrant markets, dive into the blue sea and soak up the warm Mauritian atmosphere.
Remember, every smile, discussion, and hidden gem you discover adds another dimension to your wonderful experience. So, gather your curiosity, embrace the rhythm of the island, and get ready to create the experience of a lifetime. Enjoy your trip!