OVERVIEW
Mauritius holidays are renowned for its paradise-like beauty, as well as for its luxury resorts and its magnificent swathes of powder-soft sand. But as anyone who has ever visited this heavenly isle will tell you, there is so much more to Mauritius than just sea, sand and swimming pools. With its vibrant ethnic diversity, its stunning landscapes – which include unspoilt forests and dramatic gorges – and its colourful market places, Mauritius holidays provide many diverse wonders to explore and experience.
The best place to begin any trip to Mauritius is in its dynamic capital of Port Louis, a mesmerising cultural melting pot which is guaranteed to charm with its stately colonial buildings, its bustling streets and Le Caudan Waterfront. While you’re here be sure to thrust yourself into the enjoyable mayhem of Central Market where you can purchase souvenirs for friends and family back home, and some more unusual items such as aphrodisiacs and Chinese healing herbs. Depending on the timing of your visit you may also want to visit the Champ de Mars Racecourse, which hosts races from (approximately) April to late November and is a historic site where Mauritian independence was declared back in in 1968.
Another great place to experience a taste of the country’s past is Eureka. This spectacular Creole mansion, which was built in the 1830’s, features exquisitely preserved rooms with period furnishings as well as beautifully manicured grounds with a trail leading to Ravin waterfall.
If the island’s stunning natural beauty is what attracts you the most, there are a number of places to go to experience its unadulterated majesty. The Black River Gorges National Park is composed of picturesque hills and lush forest inhabited by a variety of bird and animal species including pink pigeons, the Mauritius kestrel, macaque monkeys and wild boar. Alternatively you can arrange a tour of the island reserve, Île aux Aigrettes, and, during the process, experience the incredible beach to be found at Pointe d’Esny and Blue Bay.
What is the currency in Mauritius?
The official currency of Mauritius is the Mauritian rupee.
How long does it take to fly to Mauritius?
A British Airways flight from London to Mauritius lasts just under 12 hours. Flights depart three times a week.
What is the time difference in Mauritius?
Mauritius is GMT +4.
When is the best time to visit Mauritius?
The ideal time to visit the island of Mauritius is between the months of May and October, when the weather is sunny but dry and cooler. Between November and April the weather is much hotter and more humid, and the cyclone season runs from January to March so that period is best avoided.
What language is spoken in Mauritius?
English and French are compulsory in the majority of Mauritian schools so these languages are prominent on the island but Mauritians also speak a number of other languages including Hindi and Tamil. The major spoken language is the French dialect known as Creole.
