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Mauritius Island

Welcome to Mauritius, officially recognized as the Republic of Mauritius, a volcanic paradise of pristine lagoons, palm-fringed beaches, and coral reefs surrounding most of its coastline

Situated approximately 2400 km off the South East Coast of the African continent, the island spans 1,865 square kilometers (720 square miles), with a generous 330 kilometers of coastline. The island, measuring 45 km in width and 65 km in length, offers a diverse and compact paradise for exploration.

Home to a diverse population of around 1.2 million, Mauritius stands out for its stability and racial harmony. Hindus, Muslims, Creoles, Chinese, and Europeans coexist peacefully, preserving their ancestral traditions in this plural society. The island’s inhabitants, Mauritians, stand as a symbol of cultural preservation, tolerance and kindness, making it truly unique on the global stage.

Language is a unifying thread on this island oasis. Most Mauritians are bilingual, fluently conversing in both French and English. While English serves as the official language, French and Creole are widely spoken. This linguistic mosaic also includes Oriental languages, contributing to the cultural diversity.

Mauritius proudly upholds its reputation as one of Africa’s exceptional social and economic success stories. Thriving as a sugar and clothing exporter, the island also stands as a hub for upmarket tourism.


The island of Mauritius itself is divided into nine districts:

Mauritius Discticts Map
  1. Black River
  2. Flacq
  3. Grand Port
  4. Moka
  5. Pamplemousses
  6. Plaines Wilhems
  7. Port Louis (Capital of Mauritius)
  8. Rivière du Rempart
  9. Savanne

Mauritius History

Discovered by Arabs sailors in the 10th century, Mauritius was officially explored by the Portuguese in the 16th century. The Dutch settled the island from 1598 to1712, naming it after Prince Maurits van Nassau.

Later, the French (1715-1810) established the island as a key naval base overseeing Indian Ocean trade, renaming it “Isle de France”, and a sugar cane plantation economy.

In 1810, the British captured the island during the Napoleonic Wars through the Treaty of Paris. Mauritius remained a crucial British naval and air station during World War II, gaining independence on March 12, 1968.


Things to Do in Mauritius

Mauritius has earned the reputation of a top holiday destination, but only few of the island visitors know that Mauritius is one of the leading destinations in the world while referring to the large variety of the activities it offers in comparison to its size.

When visiting Mauritius, prepare to be dazzled by the incredible variety of activities, attractions, and hidden gems waiting to be explored.

From more traditional museums, parks and reserves, to extreme activities, sea cruises, island trips and many more, you will find it all!

So make sure to discover the real Mauritius to the fullest via the various fun and exciting activities it offers!

Your Island Survival Guide - Practical tips for your visit to Mauritius:

What to wear

  • Sun Protection: Pack a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. The sun is strong year-round, so protect yourself from head to toe.
  • Swimwear: Pack multiple swimsuits and cover-ups. Nudity is not allowed on beaches, so ensure your swimwear offers reasonable coverage. Quick-drying fabrics are ideal.
  • Lightweight Clothing: Pack breathable, loose-fitting clothes like t-shirts, shorts, and sundresses in light, natural fabrics like cotton or linen. They'll keep you cool and comfortable in the heat.
  • Long-sleeved Options: Include at least one long-sleeved shirt and lightweight pants for cooler evenings, higher elevations, and visits to religious sites.
  • Comfortable Shoes: Pack versatile shoes like sandals or sneakers for exploring towns, hiking trails, and beaches. Flip-flops are great for the beach, but avoid them for sightseeing.
  • Rain Jacket: Pack a lightweight rain jacket for sudden showers, especially during the summer months (November to April).

Embrace the island time

Things move at a slower pace in Mauritius. Relax and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere.

Time

Mauritius is four hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time and three hours ahead of mid-European Time (2 hours difference during the winter time, and 4 hours difference during the summer time).

Working Hours

Private Sector : Monday to Friday: 8.30 am - 4.15 pm, Saturday : 9am -noon (Some offices)
Public Sector : Monday to Friday: 9 am - 4 pm, Saturday : 9 am – 1pm

Currency

  • The Mauritian Unit Currency is in terms of Rupees ( Rs).
  • There are coins of 5, 20 and 50 cents and coins of 1,5,10 and 20 rupees.
  • The bank note denominations are in 25, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000 and 2000 rupees.

Shopping

  • Shopping hours in the main cities range from 9:30 am to 7:30 pm (Monday-Saturday).
  • Some shops are open till noon on Sundays and public holidays.
  • Many duty-free shops and modern shopping centers offer a wide choice of products.

Tipping

Tipping is not mandatory, but appreciated at restaurants, taxis, and for good service.

Driving

Driving in Mauritius is on the left, with priority to the right, making it important to familiarise yourself with local traffic rules before setting out on the roads, especially if you're planning to rent a car during your stay.

International Country Calling code - Mauritius

  • +230

Emergency numbers

  • Police : 999 / 112
  • Ambulance : 999 / 114
  • Fire : 995 / 115
  • Information : 150

Bonus Tip: Invest in a local SIM card for internet access and Google Maps navigation as a backup.


Mauritius awaits! These friendly tips are just a stepping stone to your island adventure. Use them as a springboard to explore the vibrant markets, dive into turquoise waters, and immerse yourself in the warm Mauritian spirit.

Remember, every smile, every conversation, and every hidden gem you discover adds another layer to your unforgettable experience. So, pack your curiosity, embrace the island rhythm, and get ready to create memories that will last a lifetime. Bon voyage!

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