Facts about Mauritius
Capital: Port Louis
Size: 1865 square
kilometres
Currency: Mauritian Rupee (£1 = 50 Rs)
Population: 1.1 million
Language: The
official language is English but everyone speaks French.
Temperature: The hottest months are from January to April,
although this is also the cyclone season and the weather can be humid with
temperatures ranging from 25 to 35 degrees Centigrade. There is no distinct
rainy season. The Mauritian winter months are June, July, August when
temperatures average about 24 degrees Centigrade with the evenings being about
16 degrees Centigrade. However, the weather does vary from the east to the west
coast. The east is breezier, and feels cooler during their winter months. The
north-west near Port Louis is often the driest and the warmest part of the
island. During their winter months you should have a jacket or jumper for the
evenings. Dining is outside throughout the year.
Local highlights of a
holiday to Mauritius
Sega dancing. Maha Shivaratri festival. Paul et
Virginie by Bernardin de St Pierre a love story based on the incidents during
the wreck of the St Geran. Chicken and prawn curry and Creole dishes using the
local spices. Heart of palm is a local delicacy. Local beer is Phoenix Pilsner
and local rum is Green Island. Serious deep-sea fishing with some of the world’s
top fishing off Le Morne where blue marlin is caught. Walking along the defunct
railway lines of Mauritius or hiking in the Domaine du Chasseur. Clothes,
stamps, model ships and basket work are all things to buy.
Getting out
and about in Mauritius
The roads on Mauritius are very good. Driving is
on the left. Signposts are clear. We can organise hire-cars for you in advance
or the hotels can do it during your stay. If you prefer the idea of a private
excursion, we can also arrange this for you in advance of your arrival.
Travel arrangements
How you get there: British Airways, Virgin
Atlantic and Air Mauritius fly from from London to Mauritius. The flight time is
about 12 hours but the flights are not all daily. Emirates flies from London,
Manchester, Birmingham and Glasgow to Mauritius daily with a change of aircraft
in Dubai. The connecting times are very good and the prices we offer you allow
for a stopover in Dubai, making Mauritius and Dubai an excellent two centre
holiday option. Once on Mauritius, most hotels are about 1 hour and 10 minutes
from the airport by car. If you want a helicopter transfer this can be arranged
on request and then the flying time is only between 10 and 15 minutes.