Travel Guides: All Countries / Africa / Mauritius
 |  | Destination Guide : Mauritius |
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| | | Island wonders |  | Why go on holiday to Mauritius?
The island is justly famous for its coral reefs and white beaches. But that's not all there is to this destination, with a population made up of the descendants of Indian indentured workers, African slaves, British colonists and French traders.
And the island's architecture, history, culture and cuisine are as interesting and diverse as its population.
Add to the mix nature reserves with wildlife galore and you have a varied holiday destination that combines beach, culture and nature into a heady and fulfilling experience.
How much does it cost?
There are some lower priced resorts but don't expect anything especially cheap. A return flight will set you back from around £600 and a seven-day package including flights from about £900. Mid-range hotel accommodation in a double room costs from £20-£40. Shop around as costs will vary.
When should I go?
The east coast is drier during January and February, when winds dump rain on central and western Mauritius. Hottest months are January-April (25-35C/78-95F) with high humidity and cyclones.
July to September is the Mauritian "winter" with average temperatures of 24C/78F during the day and 16C/62F at night; it is also less humid and drier.
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| | | A colourful country |  | What should I do when I'm there?
Watersports including kayaking, sailboarding, surfing and snorkelling, as well as deep-sea fishing, yachting, cycling and horseriding are all on offer on the island.
The north-west coast is where you'll find most resorts, Grande Baie and the smaller, quieter, cheaper Pereybere. The secluded Baie de L'Arsenal is next to the wonderful but rapidly developing Balaclava. Troux aux Biches is the chic "sunset strip".
On the east coast, the village of Poudre d'Or not only has the golden powder beaches of its name, but is also rich in history and character.
To the west, laid-back Tamarin is the surfers' hang-out, whilst the Grande Riviere Noire is the centre for deep-sea fishing. Flic en Flac and Belle Mare have the best swimming on the island.
And when I'm bored with the beach?
The capital, Port Louis, has great views from Fort Adelaide; you can also see the last dodo - stuffed, sadly - in the Natural History Museum. The town of Goodlands is worth visiting to see the Historic Marine boatbuilding factory.
In the centre of the island visit Moka town and its environs; waterfalls and tropical mountains galore, the lovely Tamarind falls, and the Troux aux Cerfs crater with its incredible views over the whole island.
Troux d'Eau Douce is a village that has lots of character and charm, with steps leading down to the sea and the spring-fed sea pool that gives the town its name. The southern town of Mahebourg has a fascinating Naval Museum.
Where can I see wildlife?
The Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolan Botanical Gardens in Pamplemousses is a wonderful place to see exotic flora.
Mongooses and Java deer can be glimpsed by the roadside, but you'll need to go into the huge Riviere Noire Gorge national park to catch sight of wild pigs and macaque monkeys.
Head west to see the feathery and furry creatures at Casela Bird Park, where one of the tortoises is rumoured to be 150 years old. In the south the Domaine du Chasseur gives you a taste of tropical forest, as does the nearby La Vanille Crocodile Park.
What about local festivals?
The colourful, sometimes alarming, festivals are well worth seeking out. For the Cavadee festivals (Hindu), men put skewers through their cheeks before the procession of a flower-decorated wooden arch (cavadee).
Devotees at the Teemeedee festival walk over red-hot embers. For three days in February/March, Maha Shivarati takes place, the biggest and best Hindu festival outside India.
Holi, held every February/March, involves lots of coloured powder and liquid being thrown - you have been warned!
For Muslims, Id-el-Fitr is a big celebration at the end of Ramadan; the Pere Laval Feast Day in September is a big Christian festival; and the Chinese community celebrates Chinese Spring Festival or New Year.
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| | | Cuisine of many cultures | | Where's good for nightlife?
In Port Louis, head for the swish Le Caudan Waterfront development, with a casino as well as bars and restaurants.
In Grande Baie and elsewhere, go for a sega (local style of dance rather like shuffling salsa) disco, either in a hotel or in town. Check Cote Nord for listings for all the main north-west resort towns.
You'll find live music and entertainment at most of the big hotels, including the local rhythmic music that accompanies sega dance, which blends many musical influences over African beats.
What's the food like?
Mauritian food is a mixed bag - the influence of several cultures combined. Creole fare is a kind of spiced-up French cuisine, often featuring seafood or meat in spicy tomato sauce.
Chinese restaurants are the most common, serving a mixture of Chinese and Indian/creole foods. Street food, such as samosas, curried rolls and rotis, is often good; just make sure it's boiling hot to avoid tummy trouble.
Green Island, Powers No1 and Anytime are popular brands of rum. South African wine is the best bet here; Phoenix pilsner is the locally brewed beer. Yoghurt drinks are popular and refreshing - try a lassi or an alouda.
What should I buy?
The main market in the narrow alleys of Port Louis gives a real taste of local life. Colourful spices, clothes, medicinal herbs and handicrafts are all on offer - just watch out for pickpockets.
Model ship-making is big business in Mauritius - you'll find intricate miniatures of The Bounty and other famous sailing vessels; the best place to buy is Voiliers de L'Ocean in Curepipe, or the Historic Marine factory in Goodlands.
The Handloom House in Port Louis has a good range of Indian garments and fabrics; for designer goods from factory outlets, try the Phoenix Factory Shop near the brewery in Phoenix town. Buy made-to-measure shoes in Curepipe shopping arcade.
What is there for children to do?
Kids love the beaches, the ancient tortoise in the nature reserve, and the model boat factories. They may also enjoy the Mauritius Postal Museum in Port Louis. In Tamarin head for the Shellorama Museum - a huge and colourful collection of shells.
Tourist office
Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority, 32 Elveston Place, London SW7 5NW. Tel. 020 7584 3666.
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| | Available rental properties in Mauritius |
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| |  | | Holiday Sunshine
Amazing 3-bedroom Beach House at only 1 minute's walk to the white, sandy beach and turquoise sea. It boasts a nice interior and is close to the beach.
|  | | Villa Sandy
At Sandycove Villas, we offer you stunning boutique style Villas. All equipped for self catering offering you luxury at its best.
|  | | Villa Cove
At Sandycove Villas, we are proud to present this new villa to our complex. Supplied full equipped for your self catering needs whilst offering you luxury at its best.
|  | | Bleue Villa
Private Detached Villa in quiet lopcation set within its own Tropical Garden less than a minutes walk from the beach. All mod cons and the perfect pla
|  | | Villacool (1)
Cheap prices, high level of comfort, suitable for family budget holiday.. on site pool, tennis court , gymnasium etc..walk to shops, restaurants and Flic en Flac beach.. .
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