Officially known as the Republic of Mauritius, this small tropical island is part of the Mascarene Archipelago, situated off the south eastern coast of Africa, in the Indian Ocean.

Attracting travelers from around the world, Mauritius offers a vibrant mix of cultures, stunning scenery and rich history. Mark Twain was once famously quoted as saying “Mauritius was made first, and then heaven, and that heaven was copied after Mauritius”, and it’s true that the island’s pristine coastline, lush forests and majestic mountains give visitors a glimpse of paradise.

For those wanting more than beautiful beaches, downtown Port Louis features a vibrant waterfront, bustling city centre and elegant architecture. Shoppers can indulge at the Central Bazaar, the capital’s largest market, that offers a delightful array of traditional textiles and other locally made goods. Grand Bay features a dazzling number of bars and nightclubs and in contrast, if it’s stillness you are seeking take a trip to the island’s highlands.

Mauritius’s cosmopolitan influences can best be experienced through its cuisine. Restaurants across the country offer visitors a delicious melting pot of African, Indian, Creole and Chinese flavours. Some dishes not to be missed are the spicy Creole curries made with fish, chicken or beef and served on steaming rice or Dohll Puri, a wheat pancake stuffed with hot beans and tomato sauce. Meals can all be washed down with fresh coconut juice, local rums or a cool glass of Alouda, a sweet almond milk drink.

The island offers a range of accommodation options from bed and breakfasts and homely guesthouses to luxurious 5 star hotels and resorts. If you can blow the budget and it’s a honeymooner’s haven you are after, then The Oberoi is the place to stay. Set in twenty acres of tropical gardens, the hotel’s thatched villas feature all that pleasure seeking romantics could desire, including four poster beds, sunken baths and private pools. If it’s simplicity you prefer then another unique hideaway lies off the beaten track at Moka’s historical Eureka House. Guests can stay in one of three charming self catering cottages, all nestled in the estate’s magnificent grounds.

Mauritius enjoys a tropical climate with all year round warm weather. September to December is traditionally the most popular time to visit, when the weather is warm, but humidity has not reached its peak. Summers generally last from November until April, when costal temperatures hover around the mid-twenties. Winter usually falls between May and October, when temperatures only fall a little to the low-twenties. Rain can be expected throughout the year, but tends to fall in short showers that pass quickly. January and February are the hottest and most humid months, with high rainfall and the risk of strong winds or cyclones.

Mauritius has all the modern conveniences needed for easy trip, including numerous ATM machines dotted around the major city centres, car rental companies and tourist information offices. Foreign currency can be exchanged at the airport on arrival or in bank branches. The currency used is the Mauritian Rupee.

• Air
• Buses
• Car
• Foot & Bicycle
• Taxi