Mauritius

Where local hospitality joins authenticity to create memorable holidays.

Best time to visit Mauritius

JAN

Summer, High season, rainy month, high humidity.

FEB

Summer, High season, rainy month, high humidity.

MAR

Summer, High season, rainy month, high humidity.

APR

End of summer, pleasant temperature, low humidity, low rainfall.

MAY

Transition month, very pleasant, low rainfall, more sunshine.

JUN

Winter month, very pleasant, good sunshine and temperature, night time can be cooler

JUL

Winter month, avoid the east coast, pleasant during the day, cool at night

AUG

Winter month, avoid the east coast, pleasant during the day, cool at night

SEP

Winter month, avoid the east coast, pleasant during the day, cool at night

OCT

Transition month, very pleasant, low rainfall, more sunshine.

NOV

Summer, beautiful weather, good temperature, low rainfall.

DEC

Summer, good temperature, low rainfall, good rates. Festive season starts 20 Dec and rates rise.

Best Good Mixed

About Mauritius


Language

Religion & Culture

History

Local Cuisine

People & Population

Language

The colonial history of Mauritius, has made the island a multi-ethnic and multilingual society. The mother tongue of the local population is Mauritian Creole. It is a French dialect mixed with English, Hindi and African languages, used by the slaves and labourers to communicate with the French settlers during the colonial times. A melodious, easy and straightforward language, the Mauritian creole is a beautiful reflexion of the local population. It is also common for Mauritians to speak and understand additional oriental languages such as Urdu, Hindi, Tamil, Mandarin, telegu among others because of the different origins of the people.

But besides this, English and French are the two languages which are spoken, written and understood by the whole population, for being taught at school from pre-primary section. English is often referred to as the official language of the island, even though this is not written in our constitution. Again because of history, English is the preferred language for all administrative purposes, while French is the most common spoken language and will be heard on TV or written in newspapers.

Religion & Culture

Religion
Mauritius is a religiously diverse nation, with freedom of religion given as a constitutional right. The population is known to be very pious and each religion is respected by each and everyone on the island. As such, each religion on the island is granted a religious public holiday, which is celebrated by all. Hinduism is the major religion at 48.54%, followed by Christianity at 32.71%, Islam at 17.30% and Buddhism 0.18%. There are many outstanding religious places to visit when in Mauritius, such as red-roofed church in Cap Malheureux and the holy lake, Ganga Talao.


Cultures
The culture of the island is very diverse and unique based on the origins of the people. Such a mix of different cultures makes the culture of the Mauritians unique. Even though each person has his own beliefs and traditions, there has been an amazing natural blend of India, Africa, Asia and European, which can be felt, seen, tasted in the food, music, dance, crafts, literature, traditions of the island. For instance, The cuisine of Mauritius is a fusion of Creole, Chinese, European and Indian influences and tt is common for a combination of cuisines to form part of the same meal.

History

Mauritius was first discovered by the Arabs, who named the island Dina Arobi, but they did not settle.

1507 – 1513: First visit by the Portuguese who named the island Mauritius and neighbouring islands as the Mascarene Islands after Pedro Mascarenhas.
1638 – 1710: Dutch colonization era. Numerous governors were appointed, but continuous hardships such as cyclones, droughts, pest infestations, lack of food became too much and the island was abandoned in 1710.
1715 – 1810: In September 1715, the French landed and named the island "Isle de France". It was only from 1735, with the arrival of the French governor, Mahé de La Bourdonnais, that "Isle de France" started developing effectively.
1810: The British landed in large numbers in the north of the island and rapidly overpowered the French, who capitulated. "Isle de France" was renamed Mauritius and ceded to Great Britain. In the act of capitulation, the British guaranteed that they would respect the languages, the customs, the laws and the traditions of the inhabitants.
1968 : 12 March – Mauritius becomes an independent country.
1976: First liberal elections and Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam becomes the first Prime Minister.
1992: Mauritius becomes a Republic.

Local Cuisine

The local cuisine in Mauritius is an amazing blend of Indian, Arabic, African, Asian and European flavours. Its history has brought people from several origins onto the island, who brought with them their spices, flavours and ways of cooking, which makes eating in Mauritius today a real delight.

The locals eat mostly Indian based dishes such as curry, chutney, rougaille (tomato cooked creole style) but which have been adapted accompanied with rice or chapatis. The next biggest influence is the Chinese cuisine, which is also the favourite cuisine of many locals.

When visiting the island, there are a few local delicacies to try if one is tempted to discover the local food. Street food such as ‘gateau piment, samoussa, baja, dipain frire’ are some of the snacks you can try. As main meals, the locals love the ‘dholl puri, mine frite (fried noodles), riz frite (fried rice), bol renverse (upside down bowl) or the boulette (meat balls or seafood balls) or briani.

To wash all this food down, the ‘alouda’, a refreshing milk based and flavoured drink, is worth a taste. And of course, the local rhum and Phoenix beer are not to be missed.

People & Population

The current population of Mauritius is 1,271,323 as of June 2019, based on the latest United Nations estimates. The population density is 626 per Km2 (1,622 people per mi2), showing how densely populated the country is. 39.2 % of the population live in Plaine Wilhems, where most of the towns are situated. The median age in Mauritius is 35.9 years, with a life expectancy of 74.5 years old, which is above the average age life expectancy of the global population. The fertility rate as at 2017 is estimated at 1.75 children per woman, meaning that the population is decreasing in size and growing older, as seen in the general life expectancy of the population.

Mauritius has no indigenous people as all the population arrived from Indian, Africa, China to work with the French and English settlers as artisans, labourers or administrators. This has resulted in a melting pot of cultures. Many of the Mauritian people have Indian roots, which make up around 48.5% of the population. Indians came to Mauritius as indentured labourers under British rule in the 19th century, once slavery had been abolished. Around 27% of the population is made up of Mauritian Creoles, the Afro-Mauritians, whose ancestors were from Africa and Madagascar and made to work on sugar plantations as slaves during French colonisation. Approximately 3% of the Mauritian population is of Chinese origin, the Sino-Mauritians, who came to the island initially as merchants, and only 2% of the population is made up of Franco Mauritians.

Maps

Places to Visit in Mauritius

Pamplemousses Botanical Garden

Oldest botanical garden in the southern hemisphere, Pamplemousses Botanical Garden boasts a variety of indigenous plants and fauna including 85 varieties of Palm trees, giant water lilies, giant tortoises, deer and the magnificent Chateau Mon Plaisir. Located 15 minutes from Port Louis, it can be visited on its own or as part of the Dodo’s trail tour. Opening hours: 08.30-17.30 everyday including public holidays.

Chamarel Waterfalls

80m high waterfalls, Chamarel Waterfalls is a wonderful sight and even more impressive after a good summer rainfall. The best viewpoint is found on the way to the chamarel seven coloured earth, which is also the only access to the viewpoint. Ideally discover this amazing site via the Wild South West tour or a more authentic way is with ebike chamarel discovery or more adventurous is the hiking to the bottom of the waterfalls.

Trou Aux Cerfs

Trou aux Cerfs is a dormant volcano, which contrinuted to the creation of Mauritius some 20 million years ago. It is 605m above sea level, making it one of the best view points over the island. It has also an excellent jogging track that goes around the crater and is very popular with the locals living in the vicinity of Curepipe and Floreal. A stop at Trou aux Cerfs is included in the Wild South West tour and other day packages.

Grand Bassin or Ganga Talao

Grand Bassin is a crater lake, situated on the southwest coast of the island. To the local hindus, it is a known as Ganga Taloa, a holy lake representing the River Ganges of India. Ganga Talao is also guarded by two impressive statues of Shiva and Durga, each culminating to 33m high. Discover the ganga talao though our Wild South West sightseeing tour. The holy lake can be visited any time and is free.

Black River Gorges National Park

Black River Gorges, situated in the south west corner of Mauritius, is the biggest national park of the island covering almost 2% of the island. The national park is home to the island’s most endangered bird species, the kestrel, eco parakeet and pink pigeon. For nature and adventure lovers, the park offers 60km of exciting trails of different levels of difficulty and offering amazing vistas and encounters.

Ile aux Cerfs

Ile aux Cerfs is the picture-perfect spot, with its white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters. Nestled on the east coast, in the largest lagoon of Mauritius, the island is well equipped with restaurants, bars, water sports activities including parasailing, an 18 hole golf course, a golf club and filaos trees offering lots of shade to have a relaxing day. Ile aux Cerfs can be accessed by ferry boat, by cruise, speedboat or pirates boat.

LIKE A LOCAL

Our Favourite Drink

No. 1: A chilled Phoenix beer is best enjoyed on the beach under the filaos trees. No.2: Local rum, excellent as cocktails. No. 3: For non alcoholic refreshments, a chilled alouda (milk base) or a refreshing panokon water (lemon and ginger base) are the most welcome in our hot weather.

Our Favourite food

Our local food is an amazing fusion of flavours and spices from our different local cultures. Our best of are: a spicy rougaille saucisse and lentils (creole food), fried noodles or boulettes (Chinese food), a good briani (muslim origin) or a chicken curry and farata (indian origin).

Our fun thing to do

Sunday picnic at the beach. If you want to feel like a local, spend a Sunday at the public beach and be part of the local Sunday gathering with sega music blasting out on one side and on the other a group gathered playing live music while the children sing, dance or play football.

Interesting facts about Mauritius

  • Mauritius island is a year round destination.
  • ‘Sega’ is the national folk dance of Mauritius.
  • English, French and creole are the main languages of the island.
  • Oldest race track in the southern hemisphere is in Mauritius, Champs de Mars.
  • 2 UNESCO listed Heritage sites: Le Morne Brabant and Apravasi Ghat.

Traveller Essentials

All you need to know before you go.

Explore!

Capital City

Port Louis

Time Zone

GMT +4

Dialing code

+230

Currency

Mauritian Rupees
(MUR)

Airport

Sir Seewoosagur International Airport

Language

English, French and Creole

Things to do in Mauritius

Frequently asked questions

What is the recommendation on tips?
Tips are a recognition of appreciation in Mauritius and by no means compulsory. Normally we would say 10% of the bill is a good amount in a restaurant. Or if you want to tip your guide, as from Rs 200 per day (as from Euro 5) is a reasonable.
What is the best coast of Mauritius island?
In summer from October to May, the weather is great around the island. It is only in winter, that is from June to September, that it is not recommended to be on the east coast, as it can get really windy with the South East Trade winds blowing stronger during that time.
What time is sunrise and sunset in Mauritius?
Typically in summer months from November to April, the days are longer. The sun rises as early as 05.00am and sets as from 06.30pm. In winter, days are much shorter, with sunrise being as from 06.30am and sunset as from 05.40pm.
Is there nightlife in Mauritius?
Nightlife in Mauritius is vibrant and happening on weekends, that is Friday and Saturday. Grand Baie in the North and Flic en Flac and Tamarin on the west coast are where the clubs and bars are situated. During summer, which is also high season for Mauritius, you will find open bars every day of the week, with Wednesdays being busier days. There are also clubbing events with International DJs organized monthly on the beach or smaller islands, which can be interesting.
What are the best beaches in Mauritius?
Mauritius has several amazing beach around the island. The east coast of the island hosts the largest lagoon of the island, with some amazing white sandy beaches. Belle Mare beach on that coast is one of the best, with an amazing lagoon. In the north and west coast, golden sandy beaches at Pereybere, Coin de Mire, Mont Choisy and Flic en Flac are worth a stop. In the south and south west, Le Morne beach, La Prairie, Saint Felix are beautiful. And in the south east, Blue Bay with its marine park is a must