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Travel Information on Mauritius
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Mauritius (MU)
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| Continent: |
Africa |
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| Area: |
1,860 km² |
| Population: |
1,220,481 |
| Capital city: |
Port Louis |
ISO code: |
MU |
| National language: |
English |
International dialling code: |
+230 |
| Currency: |
Mauritian Rupee |
Licence plate number: |
MS |
| Flight routes from Mauritius: |
98 |
Flight routes to Mauritius: |
212 |
| Popular airports: |
Mauritius (MRU),
Rodrigues Island (RRG)
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| Large cities: |
Port Louis,
Curepipe,
Quatre Bornes,
Triolet,
Goodlands,
Centre de Flacq,
Bel Air,
Mahébourg,
Saint Pierre,
Le Hochet,
Baie du Tombeau,
Bambous,
Rose Belle,
Chemin Grenier,
Rivière du Rempart
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| Airlines based in Mauritius: |
Air Mauritius,
Catovair
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Island republic in the western Indian Ocean consisting of the islands of Mauritius and Rodrigues and some islets.
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The Republic of Mauritius is an island state in the south west of the Indian Ocean and is about 850 km east of Madagascar. The island of Rodrigues, which is situated about 600 km to the east at the same latitude and the Cargados-Carajos Island and the Agalega island also belong to the territory of Mauritius. Together with the island of La Réunion, which is part of the French overseas department, these groups of island form the Maskarene islands. Due to its isolated location, the state has no direct borders with other states. The Mascarenes are of volcanic origin, and are on an undersea plateau where hefty volcanic eruptions took place about 7 million years ago. Due to the slow sag of the hot lava floor, coral reefs were able to form on the archipelago, helping to break up the dangerous surf and transform the beaches into bathtubs with temperatures of around 26° C. The island of Mauritius is almost entirely surrounded by such coral reefs with the exception of a few sections on the south-western coast and off Port Louis. The resulting paradise beaches are enclosed by soft and warm lagoons. Behind the wide coastal strips, the fertile plains rise towards the interior of the island to eventually meet the highlands that are determined by several rocky summits. This is also the site of a massive crater lake, which is a popular destination for local inhabitants.
Mountains and rivers: the highest mountain of the country is the Piton de la Petite Rivière Noire with an altitude of 830 m. The longest river is the Grande Rivière du Sud-Est with a total length of 25 km and the largest lake, the Mare aux Vacoas.
Climate and best time to visit: the climate on the archipelago is tropical throughout the year and due to the vicinity to the equator average daily temperatures are a constant 25° C on the coastal plains, and around 5°C lower in the mountain regions. The daily air humidity varies according to the altitude and time of year and ranges from 70 to 100%. The best time to visit Mauritius is between the months of May and October, as it is mostly dry and sunny during these months. The rainy season begins in November and ends in April, and between December and February visitors can count with dangerous cyclones along with the usual showers. These cyclones sweep over Mauritius every year, causing widespread devastation.
Language and communication: the official and national language is French and English. The local inhabitants also communicate in Creole.
Health and vaccinations: vaccination against hepatitis A, typhoid, diphtheria, polio and tetanus is recommended. Long clothing should be worn to provide protection against mosquitoes and other insects, and a locally purchased insect repellent should also be used. Rodrigues Island is free of malaria; on the remaining islands there is a low malaria risk. Please seek advice from your GP on effective anti malaria medication. Medical care is very good in all tourist resorts on Mauritius. Visitors are advised to take out comprehensive medical and travel insurance that covers repatriation costs. A first aid kit should be packed and fruit and vegetables peeled or boiled before being eaten
Entry requirements: British nationals can obtain a visa on arrival, which is usually valid for 3 months. Passports must be valid for six months and all visitors must be in possession of a return ticket out of Mauritius. Work permits should be arranged in advance. Further advice and information on immigration requirements including for those planning to travel with children can be obtained from Mauritian High Commission in the UK.
Arrival: Emirates (EK) flies from London Gatwick (LGW) to Mauritius - S.Seewoosagur Ram International (MRU), flights involve one stop over or a change in Dubai (DXB). Air France (AF) fly from London Heathrow (LHR).
Capital city: the capital of Port Lois is the financial and cultural centre of the island and is on the north west coast. The ridge in the hinterland provides protection from the Passat winds and guarantees a pleasant and warm climate. There are a few small hills towards the sea that provide a breathtaking and grand view of the picturesque and lively metropolis. Attractions in this original and harmonious multiethnic city that shines in the glory of the colonial style architecture, include the famous Blue Penny Museum, the Chinese Thien-Thane Pagode, the citadel, the Jummah mosque with its decorative oriental style architecture, the colourful south Indian temple and the state bank, which is located in the highest building in the city. The daily central market that reflects the cultural diversity of this small volcanic island should not be missed. More than 40,000 people visit the market every day.
Places of interest and beaches: a visit to the city of Curecipe, with its excellent shopping and the best restaurants on the island is well worthwhile. The extinct volcano crater Trou aux Cerfs offers breathtaking views of the island and is located behind the city of Curecipe . On very clear days the summit of the volcano on the neighbouring island of Réunion can even be seen in the distance.
Not to be missed on the way to the beaches is a visit to the town of Chamarel. Well known for its colourful earth which extends over 1 ha, the ground around Chamarel shines in 7 different colours according to the time of day or the amount of sunlight. On the way to the town, the visitor will automatically pass the 90 metre high waterfall “Cascade Chamarel” that offers welcome refreshment in its tropical basin.
A few kilometres further north is the Black-River Gorges National park, the only nature reserve on the whole of the island. With over 50 kilometres of well developed and well cared for paths, the Black-River Gorges is a real paradise for hikers and walkers. During the walks, visitors may easily watch the many endangered species of bird in the lush rainforest.
Almost all visitors are attracted to the palm fringed fine sand beaches, which, with crystal clear, turquoise seawater are without doubt amongst the most beautiful in the Indian Ocean. The most popular seaside towns are for example Flic en Flac and Mont Choisy on the west coast, as well as Belle Mare and Ile aux Cerfs on the east coast. Le Morne Brabant on the south west coast is ideal for families with small children. The beach is surrounded and protected by a reef where even the smallest may be left to bathe for a while unattended.
A visit to Rodrigues Island is a pleasant complement to any Mauritius holiday. The island may be easily reached with Air-Mauritius, which provides a daily link between the two islands. The flight time is only 80 minutes, but the island may also be reached by boat. Rodrigues is not as overrun and tourism is not as well developed as it is on Mauritius. The inhabitants live off fishing and agriculture, are very friendly and the prices are lower.
Religion: the Hindu population forms the majority with 54%; there is also a minority of 29% Christians and 17 % Muslims as well as a small minority of Buddhists.
Major Cities and accommodation: Port Louis, Beau Bassin-Rosehill, Vascoas-Phoenix, Curecipe and Quatre Bornes.
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Favourite Flights and Cheap Flights from and to Mauritius / MU
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