Mauritius, a melting pot where past and present are smoothly blended together, offers an exceptional experience that will compel guests to return to its shores time and time again.

Mauritius, is a sparkling crystal in the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, that will fascinate you. The contrast of colours, cultures and tastes makes the island so charming that the scene is set for an unforgettable holiday. Here at Mauritius, you have the opportunity to experience unparalleled luxury, a level of refinement that is head and shoulders above that on offer in any other tropical holiday destination. Here, you will discover the true meaning of ‘beauty’.

Situated to the east of the African continent and 600 km west of Perth is the island of Mauritius. This small sub-tropical island occupies an area of 1864 km2 and was shaped by two series of volcanic eruptions millions of years ago. The island is protected by a coral reef and extends over 62 km from Cap Malheureux in the north to Souillac in the south, and is 46 km wide from Flic en Flac on the west coast to Quatre Cocos on the east coast.

From the coastal plains, the island climbs up to the Central Plateau, which culminates at 670m. Due to the diverse terrain, the island experiences a variety of climates depending on the location. Situated slightly north of the Tropic of Capricorn, between latitudes 19°50′ and 20°18’south and longitudes 57°18′ and 57°48′ to the east of Greenwich, Mauritius enjoys a tropical climate in summer and sub-tropical climate in winter. The most constant and holiday friendly climate is found on the West Coast of Mauritius.

The Weather in Mauritius

One of the most frequently asked questions about Mauritius is “What is the weather going to be like during my holiday? While we cannot answer that question with total accuracy, we can help you plan your stay to coincide with the type of weather you enjoy, based on past weather patterns. We all know that one of the most important aspects of your holiday that is, unfortunately, beyond our control is the weather. Luckily, Mauritius is a year round holiday destination and, by staying on the holiday friendly west coast, you will maximize your chances of the best weather on the island.

Mauritius sits just above the tropic of Capricorn, which means it does not suffer from extreme temperatures. Like all subtropical islands around the world, there is a chance of a cyclone in the hotter and popular months between December and March. As Mauritius is a small island the effects are short-lived. The east coast and south-east coast tend to suffer most from the annual south-east trade winds, especially from April to October. The east coast can be quite cool during these months due to the strong winds. Lagoons along the east may also be less inviting for water activities. With the central plateau and mountain ranges offering protection from the winds, the north and west coasts tend to provide more year round, holiday friendly weather, calmer, warmer lagoons and dramatic sunsets.

Climate

The temperature on the coastal areas varies between 22°C in winter and 34°C in summer. The sea temperature varies between 22°C and 27°C. In the central part of the island, the maximum daytime temperature varies from about 19°C in August to about 26°C in February. The western and northern regions are warmer and relatively drier than the East and the South.

Credit Cards

Credit cards are normally accepted by banks and most hotels, restaurants and tourist shops.

Driving

People in Mauritius drive on the left-hand side of the road and give way to the right. Foreigners with a driving license issued by a Competent Authority in their respective countries are allowed to drive during their stay in Mauritius.

Economy

The Mauritian economy is based on four sectors: Textile, Tourism, Sugar and Services.

Geography

Mauritius is located approximately 2000 kilometers to the south eastern coast of Africa and lies east of Madagascar on 20°5, 57.5E. The country covers an area of 1865km_ with 330 kilometers of coastline. Mauritius is 45km in width and 65km in length.

Government

Mauritius is a democratic state based on the Westminster model and enjoys political stability.

Health

No vaccinations are required. However a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travelers over 1 year of age who arrive from areas where yellow fever cases are reported.

History

Of volcanic origin and generally sheltered by barriers of coral reefs forming natural, safe, crystal clear lagoons, Mauritius has long been a dream destination. Known to the Arabs as early as the 10th century, but officially «discovered» in 1505 by the Portuguese navigator Pedro Mascarenhas, the island was occupied successively by the Dutch (1598-1712) and the French (1715-1810), and was ceded to Great Britain in 1814 through the Treaty of Paris. On 12 March 1968, Mauritius became Independent. Republic Day was proclaimed on 12 March 1992.

Language

Most people in Mauritius are bilingual and are equally fluent in English and French. Creole and French are the main languages in the everyday environment and several oriental languages are also spoken.

Medical services

Free public medical facilities are widely available. Private clinics provide medical services for a fee.