Mauritius Island: A Volcanic Gem in the Indian Ocean

Mauritius Island, a tropical paradise in the Indian Ocean, is famed for its turquoise lagoons, pristine beaches lined with palms, and vibrant coral reefs. This small island nation offers a unique blend of cultures and breathtaking landscapes, making it an enchanting destination for travellers worldwide.

Geography of Mauritius

Though compact, Mauritius boasts diverse beauty:

• Width: 46 km
• Length: 61 km
• Area: 2,040 km²

To visualise, Mauritius island is:

• ~3 times the size of Singapore
• ~80% the size of Luxembourg
• ~27 times the size of Santorini

The island is divided into 9 districts:

1. Black River
2. Flacq
3. Grand Port
4. Moka
5. Pamplemousses
6. Plaines Wilhems
7. Port Louis (Capital)
8. Rivière du Rempart
9. Savanne

Additionally, Mauritius includes Rodrigues Island, Agalega Island, Saint Brandon, and several smaller islets that can be explored by boat.

Languages

Mauritius Island is a multicultural and multilingual society:

• Widely Spoken: English and French
• Native Language: Creole (Kreol Morisyen)
• Other Languages: Bhojpuri, Tamil, Telugu, Hindi-Urdu, Arabic, and Chinese, reflecting the island’s rich cultural heritage.

A Brief History of Mauritius

• 10th century: Arab sailors first discovered the island.
• 1598-1712: Colonised by the Dutch, named after Prince Maurits van Nassau.
• 1715-1810: Under French rule, renamed Isle de France, becoming a key naval base and sugar hub.
• 1810-1968: Controlled by the British, serving as a vital naval and air station.
• 1968: Mauritius gained independence on March 12.

Top Things to Do in Mauritius

• Museums & Parks: Dive into the island’s rich culture and natural biodiversity.
• Adventure & Water Sports: Enjoy scuba diving, snorkelling, kite surfing, and more.
• Food & Shopping: Relish local dishes and explore duty-free shopping.
• Nature & Hiking: Discover hidden treasures like waterfalls, forests, and mountains.

Practical Tips for Visitors

What to Pack

• Sun Protection: Hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
• Swimwear: multiple swimsuits and modest cover-ups.
• Light clothing: cotton or linen for the tropical heat.
• Long sleeves: For cool evenings or religious sites.
• Comfortable Shoes: Essential for walking and hiking.
• Rain Jacket: Handy during summer months (November–April).

Shopping

• Mauritius island offers a mix of modern malls and vibrant local markets with duty-free options.

Currency

• Local Currency: Mauritian Rupee (Rs)
  • Coins: 5, 20, 50 cents; 1, 5, 10, 20 rupees
  • Banknotes: 25, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1,000, 2,000 rupees

Tipping

• Not mandatory but appreciated in restaurants, taxis, and for excellent service.

Driving

• Drive on the left-hand side. If renting a car, familiarise yourself with local traffic rules.

Country Calling Code

• +230. Consider a local SIM card for internet and navigation.

Emergency Numbers

• Police: 999 / 112
• Ambulance: 999 / 114
• Fire: 995 / 115
• Information: 150

Time Zone

Mauritius operates 4 hours ahead of GMT and 3 hours ahead of mid-European time. Embrace the island’s slower pace of life and enjoy its relaxed atmosphere.

Plan your trip to Mauritius and create memories that last a lifetime!