Situated in the Indian Ocean some 1,200 miles off the coast of East Africa, Mauritius is a cosmopolitan island with a distinctly Hindu flavour. An island of luxuriant green sugar plantations, verdant tropical forest,
waterfalls, clear rivers and dramatic mountain scenery. An island with many sandy coves and beaches, blue lagoons and unbroken coral reefs. An island with some of the world's finest beach hotels. A superb holiday destination for the discerning traveller.

Country Information

A TASTE OF MAURITIUS

WHAT TO EXPECT - Less tropical than the Seychelles it varies scenically from sugar cane fields and mountains to beautiful beaches. Hotels are well spread out and are usually the centre of entertainment. Water sports enthusiasts are well catered for. Driving can be difficult since signposting is almost non-existent.

FOOD & DRINK - The immigrants of Mauritius, mainly the settlers of French, Indian and Chinese origins have of course brought with them their own tastes and preferences for food which they have had to adapt to the various local products available.
* As well as being able to sample food from all the above countries there is also the Mauritian cuisine which is Creole based and combines a myriad of seafood dishes as well as spicy and exotic recipes made up with unusual tropical ingredients. Mauritian food also combines a healthy European influence, primarily French but with a hint of English cuisine as well.
* As you would expect the fruit on the island is abundant and varied and this has meant there are a variety of fruit based cocktails that are worth tasting.

RELIGION - Half the population in Mauritius are Hindu. The remainder are either Christian, Muslim or follow various Chinese religions.

LANGUAGE - English is the official language and is widely understood. French and Creole predominate in everyday life. You may also come across Hindi, Arabic, Urdu and Chinese being spoken.

CLIMATE - In central parts of the island, at about 600m above sea level the average day-time temperature varies from 68F in August to 79F in February. Temperatures are generally 3-5 degrees higher in coastal areas. The western and northern regions are warmer and relatively drier than the east and south.
* The heaviest rains occur between December and May. Cyclones may occasionally reach the island.
* From May to September the rainfall is relatively light. April to June and September to November are usually very pleasant months.


PUBLIC HOLIDAYS & FESTIVALS
1st January - New Years Day * 2nd January - New Years Holiday * January/February - Thaipoosam Cavadee * January/February - Chinese Spring Festival * February/March - Maha Shivaratree * 12th March - Independence/Republic Day * March - Ougadi * March/April - Good Friday * 1st May - Labour Day * September - Ganesh Chaturthi * October/November - Divali * 1st November - All Saints Day * November/December - Eid al-Fitr * 25th December - Christmas Day


WHILST IN MAURITIUS

SHOPPING - The best buys in terms of souvenirs are casual wear, saris, silk shirts, Indian fabrics, basket work, macramé work, pottery , wood carvings and jewellery. Otherwise there is a great variety of foreign imported goods and a good selection of gold, precious stones and pearls should you chose to be slightly more extravagant.
* The shops are open Monday to Friday 0900-1700 and on Saturdays 0900-1200.

CAR HIRE/TAXIS - To hire a car, a driver must be 23 years old and must have been in possession of a valid drivers licence for at least one year. Cars will only be hired on production of a valid British or International licence. Mauritians drive on the left hand side of the road and there is over 1600 kms of tarred roads on the island even if they are not all signposted.
* Taxis are numerous but are not metered and so you are advised to agree on the price for any journey before getting into the taxi.

CURRENCY - The currency in Mauritius is the Mauritian Rupee (MR) which is divided into 100 cents.
* There are no restrictions on the import of foreign currency provided it is declared on arrival and one may export the amount of foreign currency originally declared. However, visitors may only import up to 700 Rupees and may only export 350 Rupees.

CREDIT CARDS - Major credit cards such as AMEX, Diners, MasterCard and Visa are accepted in most large shops, restaurants and hotels.

BANKS - The banks are open Monday to Friday 0930-1430 and on Saturdays 0930-1115.The airport banks will open for the arrival and departure of all international flights.

TIPPING - Tipping is an accepted practice in Mauritius and 10% of the bill is usually expected. That said the giving of gratuities is always at the discretion of the individual.

ELECTRICITY - 220/240 volts. Sockets are usually three pin as in the UK.
* You may experience temporary power cuts on the island. Whilst we consider it unlikely, if we hear of any power cut that is likely to effect your holiday we will endeavour to inform you prior to your departure.

TIME - Mauritius is 4 hours ahead of GMT.

USEFUL ADDRESSES
Mauritius High Commission Tel : 020 7581 0294
32/33 Elvaston Place Fax : 020 7225 1135
London SW7 5NW

Mauritius Government Tourist Office Tel : 020 7584 3666
32/33 Elvaston Place
London SW7 5NW