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PLANNING YOUR MAURITIUS HOLIDAY
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Visa & Entry Requirements |
| You must hold a valid passport and a return onward ticket and may not be employed in Mauritius. EU citizens do not require visas. If necessary a visitor's vias is normally granted for 3 months. On arrival a form must be completed by each passport holder stating your address while staying in Mauritius. Visa requirements can be checked on-line at www.gov.mu |
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Health |
| Mauritius is fortunate in being relatively free of tropical diseases and poisonous animals. However do not underestimate the harm and discomfort that can result from sunburn which can ruin your holiday. Suntan lotions are highly recommended especially in the first few days of your stay. Citronella or Boots Jungle Juice are good repellants.
The National Travel Health Network and Centre ( www.nathnac.org ) and the
Foreign and Commonwealth Office (www.fco.gov.uk) also have up to
date guidance and information, specific to destinations. |
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Foreign & Commonwealth Office |
| For relevant travel guidance on our Indian Ocean destinations please go to the Foreign & Commonwealth Office website refer to www.fco.gov.uk/knowbeforeyougo |
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Cyclones |
| A cyclone is basically a concentration of strong winds which can reach in excess of 150mph. They can however be charted and the course of a cyclone monitored closely. This allows warnings to be posted on the radio or TV. |
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Climate |
| The seasons can be divided broadly into a hot, wet season lasting December to April, and a pleasantly cool , dry season from May to November making Mauritius a year round tourist destination.
Maximum summer coastal temperatures average 33 degc and winters average 24 degc. The coolest months are July, August and September but even at this time the sea water is warm and most enjoyable, with a temperature of not less than 20 degc.
The rainy months are between January and May but rainfall is usually higher in the centre of the island. The west coast, extending from the Riviere Noire area up to Port Louis has a hotter, drier environment than the more isolated east coast which is blessed by the southeasterly trade winds blowing onshore and providing a welcome breeze as a respite from the summer heat. In winter, however they are much stronger.
Cyclones are active in this corner of the Indian Ocean from January through to April. Some years, cyclones miss the island altogether or are very mild, while at other times they can be devastating, destroying buildings and vegetation. In February 1999 Mauritius witnessed one of the driest cyclones of all times. Although the island is vulnerable, cyclones are not an annual event. Even so, most hotels are well fortified against the ravages of cyclones, and have their own generators in case of power failure. |
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Local Currency |
The currency is the Mauritian Rupee (Rs) which is divided into 100 cents.
Notes : Rs25, Rs50, Rs100, Rs200, Rs500, Rs1000, Rs2000.
Coins : 5 cents, 20 cents, 50 cents, Rs1, Rs5 and Rs10.
Credit cards are widely accepted, especially Visa, Mastercard and American Express.
Please note that 10% VAT is applicable on puchases made on the island. |
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Transfers |
| There are a number of options, from helicopters, through to private transfers in chauffeur-driven air-conditioned limousines, minibuses or taxis. A very dense network of public buses can also get you to every corner of the island for a very low fare. At numerous locations you can easily rent a bicycle or car. It is also possible to rent a taxi for half or a whole day. Negotiate the price with the driver before leaving. |
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Language |
| The population numbers just over a million consisting Hindus, Muslims, Chinese, Creoles and Europeans. English is the official language. French and Creole are widely spoken plus other oriental languages. |
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Water Supply |
| Water is treated chemically in Mauritius, and is safe to drink. During or after cyclones however when supplies can be disrupted it is advisable to drink bottled or boiled water. Bottled water is widely available. |
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Electricity |
| The power supply is 220 volts. Three-pin British type plugs and two-pin French plugs are used. |
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Watersports |
| Mauritius is the ideal place for water sports : water-skiing, wind surfing, snorkelling, deep-sea or lagoon diving and sailing. Most hotels offer these in packages.
For deep-sea fishing Mauritius is a world championwith a wide variety to catch : blue marlin, black marlin, wahoo, barracude, bonito and yellow tuna. If you prefer traditional fishing, for a few rupees local fishermen are willing to help you experience of catching fish with a hand line. |
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Diving |
| Whatever your past experience, diving on the island's coral gardens is memorable for the beauty of the surroundings and the diversity of the marine life. Parrot fish, group of all sizes, wrasse, sweetlips, angel and squirrel fish for your attention while multi-hued sponges, coral anemones and fan worms form a dignified backdrop to the kaleidoscopie melee of creatures.
The underwater coral gardens of Mauritius are invaluable ecologic oasis of marine life. Protection is therefore vital and Mauritian laws are tough on illegal spearfishing and shell or coral collecting. |
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Shopping |
| Mauritius is a shopper's paradise. There are several different shopping areas, as well as bargains which can be found at the various local markets and independent vendors.
In Port Louis there is a large and colourful market specialising in clothing, hand-embroidered linen, stunning Indian fabrics, souvenirs and spices. Nearby is the brand-new Caudan shopping precinct offering intricate model boats, clothing, jewellry, books, Persian rugs and beachwear. Curepipe is the main residential town. Cosmopolitan Grand Bay on the north coast of the island also offers some great shopping opportunities as well as interesting restaurants. |
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Tipping Policy |
| Tipping is left to personal discretion |
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Deep Vein Thrombosis |
| Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is a serious condition where blood clots develop in the deep veins of the legs. In the event that a blood clot breaks off from the DVT, it can travel to the lungs causing significant illness and on rare occasions, death. Prolonged sitting is generally thought to be the common underlying risk factor and thus any travel involving lengthy periods of sitting can result in DVT. People over 40 years of age who have already had blood clots, or with a family history of blood clots are most at risk. However, DVT is still not fully understood and you are advised to contact to take medical advise if you believe you are in the high risk category. For more information on DVT, click here. The important thing to remember is that the vast majority of air passengers do not need to take medication on long haul flights to prevent DVT. |
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Arrival/Departure |
| Your resort accommodation is usually reserved for you from 12.00 noon and access to your room will not be available until this time. (From 2.00p.m. in some resorts). Rooms are typically vacated at the internationally recognised time of 10.00a.m. on the day of your departure, giving resort staff sufficent time for cleaning. On occasions there may be several hours to wait for the departure for your flight home, in such cases a room may be made available for storing your luggage. Sometimes hotels will let you keep your room but they are entitled to make a charge for this service. |
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Gastronomy |
| Mauritian cookery reflects the culture of the island. It is cosmopolitan and heterogeneous, so a visit to Mauritius implies a gastronomical world-tour. Nevertheless Mauritius has its own typical cuisine, a unique synthesis of several culinary traditions.
The tropical climate made the first European settlers adapt their cooking habits to suit local ingredients. This was further developed after the arrival of Africans and especially of Indians, who were specialised in the use of spices. Chinese immigrants added a new dimension to local cookery.
All dishes are generally accompanied by rice and achards - spiced vegetables or pickles preserved in vinegar - and sometimes by marinaded lime. The traditional fare which is both exquisite and refreshing is a salad of palm centres, tastefully accompanied by delicacies such as smoked marlin.
The markets and hotel tables display mountains of fruit : pawpaws, watermelons, pineapples, bananas, guavas, passion fruit, mangoes and lychees. |
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