Mauritius

In the heart of the Indian Ocean, 800km to the east of Madagascar, lies the crown jewel of the Indian Ocean – the majestic island of Mauritius. This small, multi-cultural island covers an area of 1865km with 330 kilometres of coastline, and is 45km in width and 65km in length. Mauritius is in fact part of an island nation that also includes the island Rodrigues, 600 km (373 mi) further east, the islands of Agalega, 1065 km (660 mi) to the north, and the archipelago Cargados Carajos Shoals (Saint Brandon), 400 km away Mauritius is one of Africa’s tourism jewels offering an abundance of scenic beauty, hidden treasures and adventure. This beautiful Indian Ocean Island is truly yours to explore and experience. Port Louis Culture, history, cuisine and shopping. At the heart of the North West mountain range, Port Louis, the capital city Mauritius, welcomes thousands of people everyday, turning into a bustling administrative and commercial hub. The city hosts a number of historical sites and fascinating cultural walks. The Central Market is an extraordinary place, pulsing with life and colour. Here, you will also find the Champ de Mars, the most ancient horse track in the Indian Ocean, and the Citadelle, a fort built on a hill, offers inspiring views over the city. You will also find a fascinating cultural experience in Chinatown and a modern shopping and dining experience at the Waterfront. Calm sweeps over the city in the afternoon when the offices close. The Central Plateau Botanical gardens, natural beauty and shopping The Central Plateau finds four cities of highly contrasting geographies in very close proximity to each other. In Curepipe, which enjoys a cool climate, take a visit to The Botanical Garden, admire the colonial architecture of the town hall, or drive up to Trou aux Cerfs, an extinct volcano where the panoramic view embraces the town and the centre of the island. Vacoas Phoenix is known for its fresh produce market, fairytale-like old dwellings hidden at the end of green alleyways, extensive vegetable patches and the Gymkhana Club, the oldest golf course in the Southern Hemisphere. Quatre Bornes is the retail hub where you are most likely to spot a bargain. Neighbouring towns Rose Hill and Beau Bassin are also great places to shop. Locals love admiring the waterfall at the Balfour Garden or gathering in the yard of the Plaza, which comes alive in the evening as families stroll through the gardens or have an ice cream. The North Beaches, natural beauty, cuisine, clubs and local culture. The North is Mauritius’ holiday and tourism centre, where the verdant green of vast sugar cane plantations contrasts with the cobalt blue coastline. From Trou aux Biches to Grand Baie ¬– a natural mooring point for boats and yachts – you’ll find a buzzing atmosphere a wide range of restaurants and clubs. A coastline drive will present opportunities to capture the island’s unique scenery, such as the red-roofed Cap Malheureux church, Gunner’s Point, Flat Island and Round Island. Further on, the village of Grand Gaube is known for the craftsmanship of its marine carpenters and for regattas, a famous local pastime. The South Natural beauty, exquisite beaches, local culture and adventure. This region of Mauritius immediately evokes the waves crashing on the cliffs of Souillac, the place where poet Robert Edward Hart lived and where history comes to life. The spectacular landscape blends rich, abundant landscape with colourful, welcoming villages. Take a car or ride a bike through Mahebourg, Quatre Soeurs and Deux Frères, a region where you will learn about the famous naval battle between French occupants and British conquerors, and is also a favourite spot for local regattas. Lovers of natural beauty will have much to choose from, with outings to the Rochester Falls or the valley of Ferney – home to a large variety of endemic plants. Adventurers will enjoy the sites for canyoning and mountain climbing. The South is also home to come of the islands most beautiful hotels that integrate a luxury experience with the beautiful natural landscape. The East Beautiful beaches, natural beauty, local culture, shopping and natural exploring. This stretch of abundant species-rich landscape extends between the mountain and the sea. The inland portion comprises extensive cane fields dotted with old factory chimneys and small villages. The bustling hub of the area is found in the popular town of Flacq, with its local market and numerous shops. The successive beaches along the coast are stunning, especially Belle Mare, which is one of the largest beaches on the island. Trou d’Eau Douce village gives an authentic taste of local culture and Grand River South East is ideal for going upriver to the waterfall for a picnic and swim. Drive further north and stop for a walk in the natural forest of Bras D’Eau and discover the lava caves around the village of Roches Noires. The West Exquisite coastline, history, hotels, water sports, natural beauty, dining and rum distilleries. This coastline is sheltered from the wind, making the sea calm all year round. Take a drive around the Tamarin Bay or to Flic en Flac, where you will be able to find dolphin-watching trips. This region is also a hub of extensive water sporting activities and fine hotels. In Black River, the scene is dominated by Le Morne, an immense mountain towering over the transparent lagoon around Ile Aux Benitiers. This mountain commemorates the time of harsh slavery in Mauritius. Inland, you will find the UNESCO World Heritage site, the Piton de la Rivière Noire, which is part of the mountain range circling around the National Park. In the highlands, Chamarel village is known for its coloured earth, charming restaurants and rum factory.


World map for mauritius rp4cay

About Mauritius


Quick Facts:
Currency:
MUR
Population:
1.29 Million
Languages:
French, English

In the heart of the Indian Ocean, 800km to the east of Madagascar, lies the crown jewel of the Indian Ocean – the majestic island of Mauritius. This small, multi-cultural island offers something for everyone - be it an exclusive retreat, or couples, groups or families seeking adventure and relaxation.



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Agalega Islands
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Country: Mauritius
located: Agalega Islands
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Information About Mauritius

Etiquette i4bxxl

Etiquette

Please show due respect when visiting religious places. Wear appropriate clothing (and remove leather shoes and belts) when entering the premises.
Nudism and topless sunbathing are frowned upon on our public beaches. No hotel permits nude sunbathing on beaches. Topless sunbathing is sometimes tolerated.
Hospitality is central to Mauritian culture. Food and drink are always offered to unexpected guests - its polite to accept!

Visas mgeidj

Visas

UPDATE May 2016
As a consequence of the Ebola virus epidemic in west Africa, the government of Mauritius has declared that NO passengers will be granted entry to Mauritius if they have visited Guinea-Conakry within the last 21 days.

Nationals of this country will be refused entry to Mauritius until further notice.

For further information with regard to the Ebola virus please contact the Passport and Immigration Office: piomain@govmu.org

South African passport holders do not require a visa for travel to Mauritius.

Public holidays epeejz

Public holidays

There are 15 public holidays every year. Seven of them are fixed holidays: January 1st & 2nd, 1st February, 12th March, 1st May, 2nd November and 25th December. The remaining public holidays are religious festivals whose dates vary from year to year.

About traveling to Mauritius

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