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 MAURITIUS
For an island in the middle of nowhere, Mauritius is a remarkably cosmopolitan
place. Since it was first settled some four hundred years ago, it has
accumulated a diverse collection of people from India, Malaysia, Europe, Africa
and China, and could serve as a poster for multicultural harmony. As a result,
Mauritius is a great getaway for travelers: Along with sun, sand and water comes
a fascinating blend of cultures. You can alternate visits to temples, mosques
and markets with swimming, fishing or diving and treks through nature preserves.
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HISTORY
Mauritius (pronounced more-RISH-us) was initially known only to sailors
who stopped to get provisions as they made their way across the Indian Ocean.
Eventually, the country had a series of rulers: The Dutch named the country
after their prince, Maurice, and then abandoned it to the French, who in turn
lost it to the British at the end of the Napoleonic Wars. The British ruled the
country for 150 years before granting independence in 1968.
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 GEOGRAPHY
Mauritius lies about 1,200 mi/1,900 km east of continental Africa and makes a
pleasant stopover on a trip to India or Australia (a visit to the island can
also be fit into visits to East Africa and Madagascar). Its closest neighbor,
Reunion (a possession of France), is about 200 mi/320 km away. The terrain
includes beautiful coastline and beaches, verdant gorges and volcanic mountains.
GEOSTATS
Official Name: Republic of Mauritius.
Passport/Visa Requirements: Citizens of Canada and the U.S. need
passports, proof of onward passage and sufficient funds. Reconfirm travel
document requirements with your carrier before departure.
Capital: Port Louis.
Population: 1,179,368.
Languages: English, Creole, French, Hindi, Bojpoori.
Predominant Religions: Hindu, Islamic, Christian (Roman Catholic).
Time Zone: 4 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (+4 GMT). Daylight
Saving Time is not observed.
Voltage Requirements: 220 volts.
Telephone Codes: 230, country code.
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SNAPSHOT
Excellent beaches, world-class deep-sea fishing, snorkeling and scuba diving,
intermingled cultures, volcanoes, bird sanctuaries, the Black River Gorges,
shopping, shell hunting and fire-walking demonstrations are the main attractions
of Mauritius.
The island will appeal to travelers who are already in that part of the world
and who love beaches, the ocean and a relaxed atmosphere. Don't expect
everything to be within an easy walk or drive from your hotel.
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RECREATION
Mauritius is known for its wide variety of reef-protected beaches. Some of the
best and most popular stretches of sand are Choisy, Le Morne, Belle Mare,
Peyrebere, Trou aux Biches and Grande Baie. Tamarin, on the southern coast, has
relatively big waves and good surfing. There seems to be a lot more activity on
the northern beaches than elsewhere, but all major resorts offer water-sports
facilities (the windsurfing can be excellent). An aquarium close to Trou aux
Biches holds many examples of native marine life. One example to look out for
while swimming or walking on the beach is the sea urchin-hotels can tell you
which beaches to avoid.
Deep-sea fishing is also a big attraction. Among the game fish in the
surrounding water are tuna, wahoo, barracuda and marlin. The season is
October-April. Be forewarned that the sport is not as good as it once was, as
overfishing has taken its toll. Nevertheless, Mauritius holds a number of
fishing records, including a mako shark of 1,115 lbs/506 kilos and a blue marlin
of 1,430 lbs/649 kilos. If you want to try for smaller fish, small fishing boats
with motors can be rented for about US$10 a day at most coastal villages. But
don't plan on spearfishing-it's illegal.
Do plan to go diving. You can swim around the wrecked frigates Sirius
and Magicienne (both sunk in 1810), which lie 50-90 ft/15-27 m below the
surface. A wet suit may be needed during the austral winter (the Northern
Hemisphere's summer). Reef diving is best in winter; offshore diving in summer.
Visibility can reach 200 ft/60 m.
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SHOPPING
Shop for local handicrafts such as hand-embroidered tablecloths, teak
knickknacks, sailing-ship models, tentes (woven baskets with lids), wood
carvings (especially of the dodo bird), rare postage stamps, Indian jewelry,
Chinese artifacts and a variety of duty-free items. Don't buy coral products,
however: It will contribute to the destruction of the reefs. Be sure to get a
permit from the Controller of Supplies should you purchase more than 1,000
rupees worth of merchandise.
Shopping Hours: Monday-Friday 9 am-5 pm, Saturday 9 am-noon.
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DINING
The local or Creole food (called rougaille or guguy) is usually a
curry over rice, and it can be quite good. Also look for oysters, venison
(June-September), lobster, crabs, crayfish, prawns, hearts of palm, wild boar
and bredes (vegetable soup). Unfortunately, overfishing has caused a
decline in the availability of some seafood, but a wide range of fresh produce
can be found. There's a variety of international cuisine, usually found in the
major hotels. Bananas, papayas and pineapple are always in season; mangoes,
litchis, cantaloupes and watermelon are seasonal. Citrus fruit is imported and
can be quite expensive. Do try Napoleon shortcakes covered with frosting. The
local beers, particularly Blue Marlin and Phoenix brands, are good, as is the
local white rum.
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 WEATHER
The best times to visit are April-June and September-November. Day temperatures
will be warm (75 F/24 C) along the coast and about 5 degrees F/3 C cooler in the
interior. During June-September, temperatures can drop to as low as 50 F/10 C.
The hot season, rainy season and cyclone season all overlap-December-April-so
avoid those months if possible. Be prepared for high humidity year-round, and
take a sweater (for evenings) and rain gear no matter when you go.
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