Was an enchanting island that could uplift your soul, make you feel that you belong to the chosen few. Every visitor enjoys personal attention. Every encounter is an opportunity to discover a friendly face. Behind each smile lies the promise of a unique holiday. The contrast of a multitude of colours and tastes, the island, set in its turquoise sea, is an oasis of peace and tranquillity. A melting pot where past and present are smoothly blended together, offers an essential beauty that will compel to return to its shores time and time again.
LOCATION
The Mascareignes Archipel is made up of Mauritius, Reunion island and Rodrigues. It obtained its name after the navigator Pedro Mascarenhas who was one of the first Europeans to indicate its existence at the beginning of the 16th century.
GEOGRAPHIC REPRESENTATION
Mauritius is situated 890 km to the east of Madagascar, between 19°50’ and 20°32’ of South Latitude and 57°18’ and 57°46’ of East Longitude. Reunion, a French island, is 200 km south west and Rodrigues, an island forming part of the Mauritian territory, 600 km to the East North East.
CLIMATE
In the centre of the island, the temperature varies between 13ºC and 19ºC in July - August, and between 19ºC and 25ºC in January. Along the coast, the temperature is about 5ºC higher.
MAURITIAN CUISINE
Gastronomes will find a variety of flavours and aromas inherited from the different migrations through its history. Culinary traditions from France, India, China and Africa, the best-known and appreciated cuisines in the world, have been passed on through generations. Along the years, each community has adapted and mixed each other’s cuisine to their liking, which has resulted in a Mauritian cuisine. This can be seen in the Creole cuisine which is a blend of different ingredients and savours.
PEOPLE & POPULATION
The various population movements of the 18th, 19th and early 20th centuries have made Mauritius a unique blend of different races, cultures and religions. People of European, African, Indian and Chinese origins have created a multiracial society where the various cultures and traditions flourish in peace and harmony. The rate of natural increase which was about 3 per cent in the 60’s has considerably dropped with family planning campaigns and greater awareness due to better education. The population of the Republic of Mauritius was estimated at 1,291,456 as at July 2012, growing at a rate of 0.4% since end 2010.
LANGUAGE
English is the official language. French is extensively used and Creole is widely spoken. Asian languages also form part of the linguistic mosaic
DRIVING
People in Mauritius drive on the left-hand side of the road and give way to the right. Foreigners with a driving licence issued by a Competent Authority in their respective countries are allowed to drive during their stay in Mauritius.
ECONOMY:
The Mauritian economy is based on four sectors: Textile, Tourism, Sugar and Services.
ELECTRICITY
220 volts.
EMERGENCY
Police (ambulance):999, Police: 208-7018/20 Fire: 995, Samu: 114
GOVERNMENT
Mauritius is a democratic state based on the Westminster model and enjoys political stability.
HEALTH
No vaccinations are required. However a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers over 1 year of age who arrive from areas where yellow fever cases are reported.
FLIGHTS FROM EUROPE
Air Mauritius operates over 30 weekly flights to and from all the European major cities including 15 combined flights with Air France to and from Paris. British Airways operates four weekly flights, Emirates Airlines three and Condor one.
NEWSPAPERS
Besides a wide choice of local papers, the pick of the European and American press is available.
WHAT TO WEAR
Take your best beach and casual wear. In the winter months (June -September), carry some light woollen clothing for the cool evenings. Please show due respect when visiting religious places. Wear appropriate clothing (and remove leather shoes and belts) when entering the premises.