Mauritius Holiday Guide

This idyllic tropical island has been famously referred to as Heaven on Earth and its easy to see why. Mauritius, a gem in the Indian Ocean with its picturesque surroundings of crystal clear blue lagoons and stunning soft white sandy beaches all set against the dramatic backdrop of volcanic mountains. With abundant history, culture and lively social life, those wanting to visit Mauritius will soon find that there’s more to do than pass the days away lazying around on a sunbed.

Things Not to Miss in Mauritius

• Port Louis, the Island's capital is one of the plushest cities in Africa.
• The clothing stalls in Quatre Bornes, a small quaint town in the epicentre of the island is a lovely place to visit, whilst Mahebourg market is a great traditional bazaar.
• Mauritius is centre to numerous top tier golf courses including the Ernie Els designed "Anahita" course.
• Chamarel Waterfall is the highest waterfall in Mauritius plunges 85 meters down against a backdrop of forests and mountains.
• Eureka this estate mansion turned museum offers visitors a historic look at the island's colonial past.

 

Things to see in Mauritius

• Le Morne
• Black River Gorges National Park
• Chamarel
• La Vanille Crocodile Park
• Pamplemousses Botanical Garden.
• Chteau de Labourdonnais.
• Ile Aux Cerfs.
• La roche qui pleure /Le Souffleur.
• Grand Bassin.
• Champ de Mars in Port Louis.

Shopping in Mauritius

The Port Louis Market contains some lovely handicrafts coining from every traditional community, clothes and food outlets. A trip to Mauritius isnt complete without buying some souvenirs made from seashells and makes for great presents for those loved ones back home. You can buy Jewelry from duty-free shops where you can find selected precious stones and diamonds at really reasonable prices. Ship sculpting is a fine art in Mauritius and you can purchase miniture replicas at Curepipe. It makes for a captivating view watching the craftsmen assemble these very lifelike models down to the minutest detail. 

 

Eat your heart out in Mauritius

The culinary offerings in Mauritius is overwhelming. Indian, Chinese, European/ Mediterranean and Creole cuisine are all but a few of whats on offer all bought to the Island over the centuries by different inhabitants. A classic Mauritian buffet will contain Mediterranean-style vegetables, Indian-style biryani, simmered rice as a fundamental and a lush salad. If you love Seafood then you'll be in for a treat with restaurants serving some of the finest fish found anywhere on the planet and if you're brave then try octopus stew. Alcohol is sufficiently accessible, particularly the home-made diversity. Other local refreshments are a sweet/salty yoghurt beverage, and a syrupy brew.

 

Culture and festivals of Mauritius

The Mauritian calendar is overflowing with unbelievable fiestas and other holy festivals. The principal ones are Hindu festivals of Indian origin. These hold two fairs of South Indian derivation, aipoosam Cavadee and Teemeedee when supporters display their devotion by partaking in fire-walking rituals and skewering their tongues and cheeks. Pongal, Holi and Maha Shivratri are the other Indian festivals celebrated here. The Chinese New Year is distinct with fireworks and singular sweets. Eid is celebrated by Muslims. The Pere Laval Feast Day in September entices pilgrims from all over the world. For thrilling hip-swinging and local dances , attempt the Creole sega, a sensual dance executed on the beach to the music of Latin America, the Caribbean or African pop.

When to Go to Mauritius

Located just south of the equator, Mauritius oozes tropical sunlight all year round. The summer is wetter than the winter months. December through March is the peak time of year for scuba diving and deep-sea fishing.

 

Climate

Mauritius has a tropical climate, reformed by southeast trade winds. Winters are warm and runs from May to November while summers are hot, rainy and humid and range from November to May. The nation experiences natural threats like tropical cyclones between November and April while more severe cyclones usually follow from the end of December until March. Mauritius has merely two terms, winter and summer and there is little difference in temperature between them.

 

Transportation

Public transport is operated by various bus companies that function all over the Island. Express bus facilities ride from Port Louis to the north, south and to the main towns. You can effortlessly travel by taxi to the main tourist attractions. All taxicabs have a yellow square box representing their track on both sides of their car gates and a taxi symbol on top. Numerous companies and native tour workers rent cars, bicycles and scooters at a reasonable cost

Weather in Mauritius

Public transport is operated by various bus companies that function all over the Island. Express bus facilities ride from Port Louis to the north, south and to the main towns. You can effortlessly travel by taxi to the main tourist attractions. All taxicabs have a yellow square box representing their track on both sides of their car gates and a taxi symbol on top. Numerous companies and native tour workers rent cars, bicycles and scooters at a reasonable cost