INDIAN OCEAN

Tropical island paradise

The island of Mauritius sits in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, where never ending clear blue skies stretch to the horizon.

Palm-fringed white beaches give way to a lush and fertile interior with dramatic mountain backdrops. Offshore coral reefs and secluded lagoons ensure that the waters are calm and perfect for swimming, diving and snorkelling. For the more active there are plentiful watersports, land sports and a selection of world class golf courses.

Families are well provided for with many hotels offering a fantastic array of supervised activities and entertainment for children.

When To Go

♦ Mauritius has a year round subtropical climate with two main seasons. Summer runs from November to April, with temperatures averaging 30°c. Winter temperatures still average a more than comfortable 24°c.

♦ Some heavy rains, wind and even the odd cyclone can occur between January and March.

♦ August to December is when humidity and the risk of rain are at their lowest.

♦ October to April is the best time to enjoy big game fishing.

The Seychelles is made up of a cluster of 115 idyllic islands that lie scattered across 950,000sqkm of the Indian Ocean. This cluster is surrounded by clear waters and generally warm weather, and epitomises the expression ‘tropical island paradise’.

The islands fall into two distinct groups: The granitic Inner Islands – Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue – lie within the relatively shallow Seychelles plateau, 4 degrees south of the Equator. The Outer Islands are further divided into five groups – The Amirantes Group lying 230km from Mahé, the Southern Coral Group, Alphonse Group, Farquhar Group and the Aldabra Group, which is 1150 km from Mahé.

When To Go

♦ Seychelles’ enviable climate is always warm and without extremes. The temperature seldom drops below 24°c or rises above 32°c. All but the remotest southern islands lie comfortably outside the cyclone belt.

♦ During the North West trade winds in October to March, the sea is generally calm and the weather warm and humid with cooling winds.

♦ In January and February the islands receive their rains.

♦ Between May and September the weather is a little cooler.