History & Society
Mauritius is an island of 1865 square kilometers with 330km (2,040 km²) of coastline and beaches. Uninhabited until 1505, when a Portuguese sailor discovered this little tropical paradise which, Rodrigues and La Reunion, took the name of Mascarene Archipelago. With time the Dutch occupation, the French and English colonization followed, causing the immigration of several ethnic groups form Africa, India and China. Currently the population is about 1.27 million. Since 1968 Mauritius is an independent, parliamentary republic. The economy, based on sugar cane, textiles and tourism.
Prepare your Trip
FLIGHTS:
from all major Cities in Europe, South Africa, Australia ….
Austrian ⎪Air Mauritius ⎪
Condor ⎪ South African Airlines ⎪ Emirates⎪ Corsairfly⎪
Meridiana ⎪ Air Austral⎪ British Airways
VISA:
is not required for most EU Countries. To make sure please see the government site of Mauritius.
Climate / Weather
Mauritius is blessed with a tropical climate.
On the coast, the dry and windy tropical weather makes a pleasant climate throughout the year.
Mild in winter (June, July August) with an average temperature of 20/25°, it is warmer in summer (November, December, January) with an average of 30/35°. The temperature goes down markedly, however, in the hilly hinterland. Only in winter, one needs to bring along something warm for a few cool evenings.
What can you expect … Looking for a guaranteed weather ?
See when that all-important holiday ingredient suits you the best. When thinking of Mauritian’s weather your thoughts probably drift to hot sunny days with clear blue skies. The climate changes from north to south. Coastal areas have very different weather from the central inland regions.
Mauritian Summer
The summer months are from December to March and sun is guaranteed. Temperatures are hot and humid – from around 22°C to 31°C. However due to high humidity the temperature “feels much higher”.
Sea temperature 27°C
Mauritian Winter
From June to September is very pleasant indeed. Those are the cooler month of the year and perfect for touring and sightseeing. The temperature varies from 16°C to 26°C and it is dry, cool and windy.
Sea temperature 24°C
The cyclone season for Mauritius is normally from December to February but Mauritius was not affected from a real tropical cyclone since a few years.
The website of www.world-weather-travellers-guide.com offers detailed information about the weather in Mauritius.
Like to know what the weather will be when you are on vacation ?
Click on your holiday month which leads you to the website mentioned above (Source world-weather-travellers-guide.com)
3 Day Weather Forecast – Mauritius Meteorological Services
At Arrival
2 Entry Forms will be handed out on the airplane – Please see a sample Arrival Entry Forms …
Health Declaration
Please present the filled Health Declaration Form at the counter after Passport Control
Currency is the Mauritian Rupee (MUR). Most Credit Cards are accepted, same banking system as Europe
Transport
The most comfortable way to get around is a Taxi, you’ll get for reasonable prices.
IMPORTANT – arrange the price before departure, most of the taxis have a fixed price!
Car-hire:
are modern and at moderate prices. An international driving license is to be preferred. Driving is on the left side of the road.
Buses:
there are regular and well distributed services. Comfort is poor but tickets extremely cheap.
This is not the official bus time table of Mauritius but lovely done and worth a try Mauritius-Buses.com
Bus Timetable – The Official Guide for Public Bus Transport Services http://nta.gov.mu/English
At Arrival
First, you will be able to find almost everything here to buy.
What to bring, what to pack:
- Swimming costumes
- Sun glasses – most essential for a cool outfit on the beach
- 30+ Sunscreen
- Cap or hat – makes your beach look perfect
- Phone charger, Camera/Battery charger
- Small torch
- Kids essentials – inflatable armbands, Rash Guard Shirts
- Walking Shoes for touring, Beach Sandals
- Bestseller Book
- A big smile and a good sense of humour
4hrs Ahead Of GMT, 3 During Summer Time.
Food/ Health
Beyond the established Creole food, hotels and restaurants offer International, Indian, Italian and Chinese food.
See our Tips for Restaurants and Bars in Mauritius our Gastronomic Specialities
The most comfortable way to get around is a Taxi for reasonable prices.
IMPORTANT – arrange the price before departure, most of the taxis have a fixed price!
Car-hire:
are modern and at moderate prices. An international driving license is to be preferred. Driving is on the left side of the road.
Buses:
there are regular and well distributed services. Comfort is poor but tickets extremely cheap.
This is not the official bus time table of Mauritius but lovely done and worth a try Mauritius-Buses.com
Bus Timetable – The Official Guide for Public Bus Transport Services http://nta.gov.mu/English