Mauritius
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Mauritius is as much of a tropical paradise as Maui or Martinique, and offering it at bargain prices. It is strongly influenced by its British and French ties, and a predominantly Indian workforce.
Mauritius Facts & FiguresMauritius is an island located in the Indian Ocean, about 550 miles east of Madagascar, and 1,250 miles off the nearest point of the African coast.
The island of Rodrigues, an integral part of Mauritius, is located about 350 miles off its northeastern coast.
Mauritius is mostly of volcanic formation and is almost entirely surrounded by coral reefs. A coastal plain, widest in the north, rises sharply to a 1,500 ft high plateau bordered by three mountain ranges — the Black River Range, the Grand Port Range, and the Moka Range. The longest river is the Grand River South East, about twenty-five miles in length.
about Mauritius
Attractions
The people of Mauritius are very friendly and welcoming. Their pride in their island is reflected in their prosperity and good standards of living. Mauritius’ greatest assets as a holiday destination are its beautiful, white, sandy beaches, naturally protected by a coral reef, which almost encircles the entire island.
 Mauritius |
Mauritius Island The clear, calm waters off the coast make conditions ideal for all kinds of watersports, which include scuba diving, snorkeling, windsurfing and waterskiing. Outside the reef are some of the most prolific deep sea fishing areas, particularly off Le Morne where the marlin breeding grounds yield record trophies annually. Mauritius offers a wide variety of beautiful beaches and lagoons. The most equable climate is to be found on the west coast of Mauritius. The western part of the island is warm, sunny and sheltered during all seasons, ensuring year-round holiday enjoyment. Paradis Hotel and Golf Resort has undoubtedly the most scenic west coast site in the Mauritius. Seven kilomotres of beach ring the peninsula, and beautiful views stretch across the sea in all directions. The calm, clear, reef-protected waters are ideal for every kind of water sport and close off-shore is one of the most prolific marlin breeding grounds in the world. |
 Chamarel |
Although Mauritius is a small island, the scenery is contrasting ranging from the drier regions of the north west coast, to the lush green of the east coast. A spine of dramatic volcanic mountains cuts through the central area dictating the change in prevailing weather conditions. There is so much to see with something to appeal to everyone whether you’re young, old, sporty or relaxed, adventurous, inquisitive or acquisitive. Take time during your holiday to appreciate the natural beauty, the history and geography and meet the people of Mauritius. |
Accommodations
From classic tented camps, to mobile safaris, to luxurious lodges, Mauritius offers a wide range of accommodations.
 Le Victoria Hotel |
Le Victoria Hotel This magnificent resort is situated on the North-western coast of Mauritius, renowned for its long stretch of white, sandy beach. Sheltered from the trade winds, it is located half way between the capital Port Louis and Grand Bay, the most fashionable seaside resort on the island. |
 Le Mauricia Hotel |
Le Mauricia Hotel Le Mauricia is ideally situated along the best beach of the fashionable and lively seaside resort of Grand Bay. Cosy and convivial with great family style hospitality, Le Mauricia is a popular Mauritian hotel. A great favourite with young couples, families, diving fanatics, singles and lovers of the nightlife. |
 Paradis Hotel |
Paradis Hotel Le Morne Peninsula, the location of this premier hotel, is undoubtedly the most beautiful site in Mauritius. Seven kilometres of beach ring the peninsula and beautiful views stretch across the sea in all directions. This private peninsula is home to Paradis. |
Mauritius at a Glance
 Economy |
Economy The economy of Mauritius has traditionally been dominated by a single cash crop, sugarcane. More than half the cultivated land is planted with sugarcane; sugar and molasses are major exports. Other crops include tea, peanuts, tobacco, and vegetables. Manufactures include refined sugar and sugar by-products, fertilizers, beverages, electronic components, and leather goods. The clothing and textile industry boomed during the 1980s, and tourism is increasingly important. |
 Geography |
Geography The island of Mauritius is of volcanic origin. From a low-lying plain in the north, the terrain rises to a plateau that covers the central part of the island. The south is mostly mountainous, rising to a maximum elevation in Piton de la Petite Rivière Noire (2,717 ft). Several lakes are located in the plateau region, and numerous streams rise in the highlands and radiate to the coast. The island is almost entirely surrounded by coral reefs, but Port Louis, the capital, has a fine harbor, accessible to oceangoing ships. The climate is tropical and generally humid. The average annual temperature is 73°F on the coast but is lower in the central plateau. Average annual precipitation ranges from about 40 inches on the coast to about 200 inches in the plateau region. Strong cyclonic storms occur often during the hot season (December to April). The main natural resource is the relatively fertile soil of the island. |
 Government |
Government From 1968 through 1991 Mauritius was a constitutional monarchy; executive power was nominally vested in the British monarch, as represented by a governor-general. In March 1992 the country became a republic. Under the 1992 constitution, the head of state is a president, elected to a five-year term by the legislature. The president appoints a prime minister (traditionally the leader of the majority party in the legislature), who is the chief executive. |
 History |
History Although it has been settled for less than 400 years, Mauritius was probably visited by the Arabs before the 10th century, the Malays in the 1400s, and the Portuguese in the early 1500s. It was occupied in 1598 by the Dutch, who named it for Maurice of Nassau, then stadtholder of The Netherlands. The Dutch left in 1710, and in 1715 the French took possession, renaming it Île de France. It was captured by the British in 1810 during the Napoleonic Wars and was formally ceded to Britain in 1814. To offset the labor problem arising from abolition of slavery in the British Empire, the planters were allowed to import indentured laborers from India, and since 1861 the population has been mainly Indian. |
Questions About Mauritius
- How do I get to Mauritius?
- What should I wear?
- How safe is Mauritius?
- What kind of medical precautions do I need to take?
- Which is the best time to visit Mauritius?
- When is the rainy season?
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