MAURITIUS
As one of the most easily accessible and affordable island getaways in Africa, Mauritius is a very popular island getaway in the Indian Ocean. Being only four hours from both Southern Africa and East Africa, it is a fabulous place to head after a safari to wash all the dust off and enjoy some aquatic activities, most of which are included in your standard hotel stay. Mauritius is where our Senior Safari Specialist Matthew learnt to sail a catamaran. It is also where he capsized a catamaran and had to be towed back to shore by the water sports staff who were nothing but friendly and amused by the whole experience. Mauritius’s economy is mainly tourism-based and so excellent service is found no matter which of our hand-picked hotels you use.
Mauritius is only 65km long and 45km wide, which means it is smaller than many of the national parks and game reserves you might visit on safari. Yet, despite its diminutive size, there is a surprisingly diverse amount of fauna and flora to be found. Before the arrival of early settlers, there were no land mammals on the island, leading to the evolution of a number of flightless birds, the most famous of which is the Dodo. Sadly, dodos are now extinct, having been hunted to extinction by earlier traders for food. The settlers also brought the sugar cane, which is still covering large parts of the island, together with tropical fruit plantations and tobacco fields.
History & Culture
Being on the main seafaring route between Western Europe and India, Mauritius was a convenient stopover for early spice traders, which led to it being occupied by a number of different nationalities, including Arabs, Portuguese, French, Dutch and English. As a result, Mauritius is a melting pot of culture and diversity, which is most reflected in their food. The last country to colonise Mauritius was Britain, from which it gained independence in 1968. As a result, English is the lingua franca, but a large number of islanders also speak French and Creole. Mauritius is the only country in Africa which has the largest number of followers of the Hindu religion.
Activities
Virtually any water sport you can think of can be found in Mauritius, many of which can be done from your hotel including kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding, sailing, water skiing, snorkelling and even some scuba diving. If you are looking for a break from the sun, you can also rent a car or a bicycle and explore the island yourself. The roads are very good with little traffic. The mountainous interior includes rainforests, waterfalls, hiking trails, La Vallee Des Couleurs Nature Park and wildlife like the flying fox. You can also drive around the capital city of Port Louis, admiring the Hindu Temples and take a drive to Trou aux Cerfs, an extinct volcanic crater, for some panoramic views of the island and of course, just drive along the cost to check-out the different beach areas and smaller towns with buzzing markets.
When to go
Mauritius is in the Southern Hemisphere, which means summer is typically from October/November – March/April and winter is typically from May – September, with May - December considered to be the best travel month. But being so close to the tropic of Capricorn means that there is little difference in temperatures between summer and winter months. Summer, January and February mainly, is the rainy season and when milder cyclones can occur. Even in those months though, you will still be able to enjoy good days of sunshine between a few thunderstorms, which are usually short-lived. There is a windy season in July & August in the southeast of the island that we take into consideration when planning your dream trip.
How to get there
Mauritius has one international airport, which services many airlines. There are daily flights between South Africa and Kenya to Mauritius, as well as direct flights from many European countries and Australia. Once you land in Mauritius, we will have a transfer arranged for you to take you to the your hotel.
Mauritius is only 65km long and 45km wide, which means it is smaller than many of the national parks and game reserves you might visit on safari. Yet, despite its diminutive size, there is a surprisingly diverse amount of fauna and flora to be found. Before the arrival of early settlers, there were no land mammals on the island, leading to the evolution of a number of flightless birds, the most famous of which is the Dodo. Sadly, dodos are now extinct, having been hunted to extinction by earlier traders for food. The settlers also brought the sugar cane, which is still covering large parts of the island, together with tropical fruit plantations and tobacco fields.
History & Culture
Being on the main seafaring route between Western Europe and India, Mauritius was a convenient stopover for early spice traders, which led to it being occupied by a number of different nationalities, including Arabs, Portuguese, French, Dutch and English. As a result, Mauritius is a melting pot of culture and diversity, which is most reflected in their food. The last country to colonise Mauritius was Britain, from which it gained independence in 1968. As a result, English is the lingua franca, but a large number of islanders also speak French and Creole. Mauritius is the only country in Africa which has the largest number of followers of the Hindu religion.
Activities
Virtually any water sport you can think of can be found in Mauritius, many of which can be done from your hotel including kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding, sailing, water skiing, snorkelling and even some scuba diving. If you are looking for a break from the sun, you can also rent a car or a bicycle and explore the island yourself. The roads are very good with little traffic. The mountainous interior includes rainforests, waterfalls, hiking trails, La Vallee Des Couleurs Nature Park and wildlife like the flying fox. You can also drive around the capital city of Port Louis, admiring the Hindu Temples and take a drive to Trou aux Cerfs, an extinct volcanic crater, for some panoramic views of the island and of course, just drive along the cost to check-out the different beach areas and smaller towns with buzzing markets.
When to go
Mauritius is in the Southern Hemisphere, which means summer is typically from October/November – March/April and winter is typically from May – September, with May - December considered to be the best travel month. But being so close to the tropic of Capricorn means that there is little difference in temperatures between summer and winter months. Summer, January and February mainly, is the rainy season and when milder cyclones can occur. Even in those months though, you will still be able to enjoy good days of sunshine between a few thunderstorms, which are usually short-lived. There is a windy season in July & August in the southeast of the island that we take into consideration when planning your dream trip.
How to get there
Mauritius has one international airport, which services many airlines. There are daily flights between South Africa and Kenya to Mauritius, as well as direct flights from many European countries and Australia. Once you land in Mauritius, we will have a transfer arranged for you to take you to the your hotel.
MAURITIUS destinations
Please find out more about the individual destinations by clicking on the links below and if you would like to get some itinerary inspiration, please click on the Mauritius Itineraries button (you will be led there from the destination pages as well).
