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MAURITIUS |
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Introduction:
Its name conjures up all that is romantic; an island of beautiful beaches fringed with
palm and casuarina trees, protected by a coral reef forming lagoons of crystal clear
water. A fertile island where waving fronds of sugar cane dominate the landscape; |
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where there are large forested areas, huge craters, gorges and spectacular
waterfalls all with a backdrop of mountains whose jagged profile indicates their volcanic
origin. Its climate is idyllic with sunshine all the year round, temperatures varying
little from summer to winter, the only disturbing factor is the rare cyclone which
descends to disturb the peace. Its name is Mauritius.
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This tiny island, only 36 miles long by 25 miles at its widest point, is
situated in the vast expanse of the Indian Ocean, 1,265 miles from the coast of Africa to
the west, and with nothing between it and Australia to the east.
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Although modern life has brought sophistication and prosperity, there is
much that remains unspoilt. The lagoons, surrounded by beaches of silvery sand, a holiday
maker's dream, have nowadays some of the best hotels in the world on their shores. The
forests are home to rare birds and provide opportunities for hunting the wild boar and
deer. Botanic gardens proudly display their huge variety of tropical trees and shrubs,
while nature reserves and bird sanctuaries allow the visitor a closer view of some of the
rarer inhabitants of the island including the pink pigeon.
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Good roads ensure accessibility to all parts and public transport is both
cheap and efficient. The wealth of produce of tropical fruit, vegetables and seafood
enable the restaurants to provide cuisine of the highest standard. Each year the number of
restaurants of different ethnic origins increases, but French influences remains dominant.
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Its people, mainly from India with minorities of Creole, Chinese and
European are warm and friendly and although English is the official language, French and
Creole are the most widely spoken. The climate is tropical, the constant south east winds
temper the heat of the summer, October to April, and provide the vital ingredient for
sailing and wind-surfing, two of the most popular water sports.
Port Louis, the capital is a thriving port, centre of commerce and extensive shopping
centre, much of it duty free. It is also a living history of Mauritius - its many statues
tell the story of its past, while the mosques, temples, pagoda and cathedrals are a
testament to its multi-ethnic heritage.
There is everything here to provide the visitor with the perfect holiday; the tranquil
atmosphere, an abundance of daytime activities from water-sports to golf, evenings of
pleasure and entertainment with night clubs and casinos. Mauritius has it all.
Arrival
by Air:
Air Mauritius is the national carrier, which flies the 6,085 miles non-stop from
London to Mauritius three times a week, twice from Heathrow and once from Gatwick. It also
flies non-stop from Charles de Gaulle Airport, Paris five times a week. Air France flies
five times a week with stops at Reunion and Seychelles on three days and non-stop on the
other two, while British Airways flies three times a week via Nairobi. In addition, South
African Airways fly to and from Mauritius five days each week- Wednesdays to Sundays.
Singapore Airlines has a weekly flight arriving and departing on Sundays. Mauritius'
modern terminal has a duty free shop within the immigration area for your last minute
purchases on arrival before going through customs. Tour operators are at hand at the hand
at the airport ready to complete the transfer to your hotel. If, however, arrangements
have not been made for your pick up, there are plenty of taxis available. The ultimate
experience is travelling to your hotel by an Air Mauritius helicopter. Most of the large
hotels have helicopter pads. Car rental can also be arranged at the airport. |
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