Mauritius: The pearl of the Indian Ocean

Documents and visa:

Travellers to Mauritius need a valid passport. If your stay is less than three months, you will not need a visa.

Currency:

The Mauritian Rupee is used - 1 euro is equivalent to approximately 45 Mauritian Rupees. Money can be exchanged at the airport, at bureaux de change, in all banks and major hotels. Banks can be found in all major towns and tourist resorts, and credit cards are accepted in shops, restaurants and hotels.

How to visit the island:

The best way to visit the island is to hire a car. The road network consists of a good motorway linking the airport to the capital Port Louis and Grand Bay. The rest of the island is covered by national roads, which are in fairly good condition. Some secondary roads, however, are dangerous. On the island, you drive on the left, but priority is given to the right. The majority of hire companies accept European driving licences. Another option for getting around: the bus. Practical, affordable but slow, this alternative immerses you in Mauritian culture. The only drawback is that you need to be careful about timetables and routes.

Language:

Mauritius is a rare example of a country where trilingualism is imposed. The two official languages are English and French. English is used in politics, administration, business and education. French is used orally, but also in cultural venues and the press. Mauritians speak Creole on a daily basis, with a strong accent (similar to Haitian Creole). Mandarin is also spoken by the Sino-Mauritians, as well as Urdu and Bhojpuri for the Bihari, the descendants of migrants from India.

Festivals and events:

Mauritian life is punctuated by festivals throughout the year. Bringing together three continents (Asia, Africa and Europe), each community has its own special moment. However, the Hindu festivals are numerous and incredible, including the Thaipoosam Cavadee (January/February), which may shock sensitive souls. This is a rite to uplift the soul through suffering. Penitents go into a trance, pricking their bodies and faces with needles and flogging their backs while carrying a wooden arch covered in flowers. Teemeedee, a Tamil festival where people walk on fire, is also celebrated here. The Maha Shivaratree is the most popular four-day festival in Grand Bassin. Holi (festival of colours) and Divali (festival of lights) are also celebrated all over the island. Some Chinese festivals are held, notably in Chinatown in Port Louis with the Chinese New Year, the Dragon Festival (lantern lighting, dragon dance parades and concerts), the Moon Festival and the Ching Ming Festival.

Best time of year:

With its tropical climate, Mauritius is accessible all year round. The weather map generally shows big blue skies. The seasons are reversed, so from mid-December to mid-March, the climate is hot and heavy, averaging 30°C. This is also cyclone season, with heavy rain. From May to September, the climate is temperate, with cool afternoons. Average temperatures are 25°C. From July to August, trade winds are frequent in the south-east of the island.

Safety:

On the whole, the country is safe. Crime remains moderate, but it is advisable to remain vigilant, particularly in tourist and seaside areas. It is advisable not to carry valuables into town centres in the evening, to limit the risk of theft. The great danger comes from the ocean in Mauritius. Ocean currents sometimes cause people to disappear or drown. It is advisable to obey the no-swimming signs and follow the sailing conditions before going out to sea.