Mauritius Flag
Why visit Mauritius?
Ideal for travelers seeking relaxation beaches, beautiful coastline, bird sanctuaries, cultural diversity, festivals, fishing, golf, gorges, hiking trails, markets, mountains, museums, rainforests, reefs, scuba diving, hopping, snorkeling, temples, volcanos, waterfalls, wildlife, and windsurfing.
Chamarel Seven Colored Earth Geopark, Chamarel, Mauritius. Photo Credit: SeverS74/Pixabay
At a Glance
- Souvenirs to Buy: Embroidered tablecloths, handmade glass goods, Indian jewelry, knitwear, rare postage stamps, sail ship models, wood carvings, and woven baskets.
- Local Cuisine to Try: Boulettes (dumplings). Dhal Puri (flatbread). Gateaux Piment (chilli fritters). Napolitaine (dessert). Poudine Maïs (corn pudding).
- Local Drink to Try: Alouda (sweet). Bois Chérie (tea). Blue Marlin (beer). Blue Eagle (beer). Green Island (rum). Phoenix (beer).
Chamarel Waterfall, Chamarel, Mauritius. Photo Credit: wurliburli/Pixabay
Fun Facts
- In 975, it was discovered by Arab sailors calling it "Dina Arobi".
- In 1502, Alberto Cantino, Italian Cartographer mapped the island.
- In 1507, found by Portuguese sailors. No terrestrial mammals on the island prior to their arrival.
- In 1598, Dutch took possession.
- In 1715, France took possession naming it "Isle de France".
- In 1810, seized by Great Britain.
- Government provides citizens free education and universal healthcare.
- Provides free public transportation for the disabled, senior citizens, and students.
- Many species are endemic to the island.
- Home to the world's third-largest coral reef.
- There's a hotspot under Réunion Island.
- France considers the sovereignty of Tromelin Island was not transferred to Britain.
- Birthplace to the flightless dodo bird.
- Mauritian Flying Fox (bat) is the only remaining mammal endemic.
- Offers some of the rarest postage stamps in the world, highest purchase sold for $4 million.
Umbrella Square, Port Louis, Mauritius. Photo Credit: wurliburli/Pixabay
Mauritius Islands:
- Agaléga Islands - North of Mauritius.
- Chagos Archipelago: Nelsons Island, Peros Banhos, Salomon Islands
- Rodrigues Island - Habited east of Mauritius.
- St Brandon - Northeast of Mauritius Island. Has approximately 28 - 40 islands and islets.
- Tromelin Island - Northwest of Mauritius.
Crystal Rock, Le Morne, Mauritius. Photo Credit: DerBub/Pixabay
Special Holidays/Occasions
- Annual Events: (January) Spring Festival, Tamil Hindu Festival, (February) Holi Festival, Maha Shivaratree, (March) Ougadi, (April) Chinatown Food Festival, (May) Royal Raid, (July) Indian Ocean Islands Games, Mauritius Marathon, Open Air Festival, Ultra Trail Raidlight, (September) Eid-Ul-Fitr Festival, Ferney Trail, Jacques-Désiré Laval, (November) AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open, Kreol International Festival, Staysure Tour, and (December) International Kreol Festival.
- Holidays: New Year, Thaipoosam Cavadee, Abolition of Slavery, National Day, Holi, Ougadi, Labour Day, Raksha Bandhan, Assumption of Mary, Janmashtami, Ganesh Chaturthi, Dussehra, Divali, Arrival of Indentured Labourers, and Christmas Day.
Photo Credit: happyflycz/Pixabay
Good to Know
- A great trip stopover in visiting Australia, India, Madagascar, or Southern Africa.
- Tropical cyclones usually occur between January - March.
- There are no restaurants in Le Morne.
- Creole, English, and French are widely spoken.
- Pickpocketing, purse snatching, and petty thefts are known to occur in crowded outdoor shopping areas.
- Drive on the left side of the road.
- There are few sidewalks.
- Most buildings lack elevators.
- Child seats, helmets, and seat belts are required.
- Designer inexpensive clothing can be purchased at Quatre Bornes (Thursday and Sunday) as labels have not been attached.
- The Western Coast (Tamarin) offers the best surfing (May-August).
- Beaches are most particular along the northern area.
- Inflated “tourist prices” are common in market shopping areas.
- Deep Sea Fishing is between October-April. Great catch include: barracuda, marlin, swordfish, and tuna.
- Has a zero tolerance drinking and driving law
- Prevalent Diseases: Hepatitis A and Typhoid.
- MasterCard and Visa credit cards are accepted in tourist areas. U.S. dollars and euros are widely accepted.
- ATMs dispense the Mauritian Rupee (MUR).
- Cuisine stems from African, Chinese, European and Indian.
- Buses run between main towns from 5AM - 9PM and in remote areas until 6:00PM.
- Belle-Mare and Pointe d'Esny (east coast) offer the best windsurfing.
- Spearfishing is illegal.
- Uber is not available.
- Le Morne Brabant and Peter Botte Mountain are for experienced hikers.
- Importing cannabis and cannabis oil is illegal.
- Domestic animals are subject to a minimum one-month mandatory quarantine.
- There are no direct commercial air services to the USA.
Notre-Dame Auxiliatrice de Cap Malheureux, Cap Malheureux, Mauritius. Photo Credit: nike159/Pixabay
This international destination requires:
- A valid passport and one blank page for entry stamp.
- Tourist VISA granted upon arrival.
- Yellow Fever Vaccination from select countries.
- Best Time to Visit: April - June & September - November
- Coolest Months: June - September
- Hottest Months: January - February
- Peak Season: November - April
Photo Credit: kupo1970/Pixabay
Your Must-See & Do
- UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Aapravasi Ghat & Le Morne Cultural Landscape.
Photo Credit: hhach/Pixabay
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All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Subject to change without notice.
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