MAURITIUS: The Gem of Indian Ocean & Home of Dodo
Mauritius has successfully managed to position itself as an exotic beach destination. With beach destinations so plentiful, this has been sustained not by mere hype, but by the substance there is to this claim. Visitors are drawn to Mauritius by the reputation of its 140km of white sandy beaches and the superb opportunities for water sports. Swimming, beach combing, sailing, surfing, kayaking, diving and deep-sea fishing - there is a sport for almost everyone!Arab traders discovered the then uninhabited island in the 10th century but they were not charmed sufficiently to consider permanent settlement. The Portuguese early in the 16th century landed, but they too passed over the chance to lay claim for their king. However in 1598 the Dutch finally seized the opportunity. The island was grabbed for and named after Maurice, Prince of Orange and Count of Nassau - then ruler of the Netherlands.
In the century that followed, the Dutch established settlements and devised means to live off the island. They introduced sugar and tobacco, which they farmed using African slave labour. Sugar is today still an important part of the economy. The Dutch were insensitive to the extremely fragile ecosystem that makes up an isolated island such as Mauritius. On their watch, most of the islands' indigenous forests were felled, and lost. The bird known as Dodo was also shot to extinction. Thus did the trigger-happy Dutch give life to the expression "as dead as Dodo".
The Dutch courage that had made them pioneers was however not to last. They were subjected to many trials by the forces of nature - cyclones, droughts and floods. And, also by the forces of man, for pirates were a constant headache. In 1710, they fled to the more hospitable cape of Good Hope, Africa's southern tip. A short 5 years after the Dutch left, the French claimed the island and renamed it Isle de France.
The French were much more successful than the Dutch in harnessing the potential of the island. They maintained law and order as well as laid the foundations for administration of society. Under the celebrated French Governor, Mahe de Labourdonnais, real nation building began. The French brought in more African slaves and expanded further sugar farming. They also laid out some social and economic infrastructure to support the settlers. Port Louis, named after King Louis XV, and today the capital of Mauritius, dates back to this period.
Though the French had introduced systems of law and order, Port Louis turned out to be a favourite of corsairs. Corsairs were mercenary marine who specialised in the plunder of ships on behalf of a client country. The British, a great sea power at the time, had a vested interest in terminating the power of these mercenaries. And that is how Mauritius, so far away from Europe, got involved in the Napoleonic wars. In 1810, the British backed by superior force of arms, persuaded the French to leave the island.
In the 1814, Treaty of Paris, the British - magnanimous victors indeed allowed the French settlers to remain in Mauritius. They too were allowed to retain their property, language, religion and legal systems. The British reverted to the name the Dutch had given the island, but Port Louis retained its name. But in the century and a half that the British ruled, they were never really as grounded as the French had been.
Franco-Mauritians prospered on an agrarian economy based on slave labour. Nevertheless in 1835, they felt the capricious hand of a great power when slavery was abolished. This is perhaps the single most important measure carried out under British rule, and the consequences had a far-reaching effect on the evolving demographics of the nation. India, a British colony greatly abundant in human resources was the answer to the labour problem that arose. In the years that followed, the descendants of the Indian labourers who came to work the sugar fields greatly multiplied. The Chinese also came- as labourers and traders.
Today, Indo-Mauritians constitute close to 70% of the population. As in the other colonies in that historic period, and up to the 1930's in Mauritius, non-whites had very limited say in the running of the country. And that is why Gandhi- that great liberator of men's minds, came to Mauritius in 1901, in particular to give heart to Indo-Mauritians. After years of protracted concessions to democratic rule, the British finally bowed out in 1968 when finally granted independence.
The events above are however very recent. About 8 million years ago, the island emerged from the depths of the sea as result of volcanic activity. Occupying 1680sq km, it is situated just above the Tropic of Capricorn, 890km to the east of Madagascar. Rising from the sea, the central plateau formations is about 400m above sea level. There are mountains scattered in the island and a few peaks, the highest of which reaches 820m.
As a country, Mauritius includes the islands of Rodrigues and Agalega, the Cargados Carajos Shoals and a few smaller mostly uninhabited islands. Mauritius is almost wholly ringed by a coral reef that is reputed to be the worlds' third largest. Both the Dutch and the French were extremely reckless in allowing uncontrolled invasion of indigenous forests. Today, less than 2% of these forests remain. Many of the nearly 700 species of indigenous plants are threatened with extinction. Starting from the late 1970's, a belated but systematic effort has been underway to conserve the unique flora of the island.
The wildlife faces similar dangers. In the first place, animal migration to this isolated island was by air or sea only, greatly limiting the diversity of species. The animal the Dutch found included out-of-size reptiles and flightless birds. Except for bats, there were no mammals or amphibians at all. The animals brought aboard ships by man include monkeys and rats - thanks to the Portuguese, while the Dutch take credit for the deer and wild boar. Some of these animals threaten to choke the life out of indigenous species - they eat their eggs and even their young ones!
Mauritius is not all bad news for nature lovers' - there are plenty of birds and marine life is abundant. However some of the endemic bird species, such as Mauritius kestrel, echo parakeet and pink pigeon number not more than a few hundred. Such are now under some form of captive breeding programme with the hope of raising their numbers.
The island's maritime zone boasts more than 1,000 species of marine life - fishes, shells and mollusks, in numbers beyond count. The spectacular way to explore the extravagant underwater world is on board a submarine. The sub also allows you to see some ship wrecks dating back to the Dutch period.
Business Hours
Banks: Monday to Friday - 09.00AM to 16.00PM
Saturdays - 09.00AM to 12.00PM
Bureau de Change are open on Sundays.
Some banks only: Open to coincide with the arrival and departure of international flights at the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Airport.
Government Offices: Monday to Friday - 09.00AM to 16.00PM
Saturdays - 09.00AM to 12.00PM
Department Stores: Daily, 07.30AM to 19.00PM
Shops: Monday to Saturday - 09.00AM to 19.30PM [in Port Louis]
Monday to Saturday - 09.00AM to 18.00PM [in Curepipe and other residential towns except on Thursdays (Curepipe, Rose Hill & Quatre-Bornes) where they are close at 12.00PM]
Sundays and Public Holidays - 09.00AM to 12.00PM
Business Offices: Monday to Friday - 08.30AM to 16.30PM
Saturdays - 09.00AM to 12.00PM [some offices]
Health
ODDS & SODS
In the century that followed, the Dutch established settlements and devised means to live off the island. They introduced sugar and tobacco, which they farmed using African slave labour. Sugar is today still an important part of the economy. The Dutch were insensitive to the extremely fragile ecosystem that makes up an isolated island such as Mauritius. On their watch, most of the islands' indigenous forests were felled, and lost. The bird known as Dodo was also shot to extinction. Thus did the trigger-happy Dutch give life to the expression "as dead as Dodo".
The Dutch courage that had made them pioneers was however not to last. They were subjected to many trials by the forces of nature - cyclones, droughts and floods. And, also by the forces of man, for pirates were a constant headache. In 1710, they fled to the more hospitable cape of Good Hope, Africa's southern tip. A short 5 years after the Dutch left, the French claimed the island and renamed it Isle de France.
The French were much more successful than the Dutch in harnessing the potential of the island. They maintained law and order as well as laid the foundations for administration of society. Under the celebrated French Governor, Mahe de Labourdonnais, real nation building began. The French brought in more African slaves and expanded further sugar farming. They also laid out some social and economic infrastructure to support the settlers. Port Louis, named after King Louis XV, and today the capital of Mauritius, dates back to this period.
Though the French had introduced systems of law and order, Port Louis turned out to be a favourite of corsairs. Corsairs were mercenary marine who specialised in the plunder of ships on behalf of a client country. The British, a great sea power at the time, had a vested interest in terminating the power of these mercenaries. And that is how Mauritius, so far away from Europe, got involved in the Napoleonic wars. In 1810, the British backed by superior force of arms, persuaded the French to leave the island.
In the 1814, Treaty of Paris, the British - magnanimous victors indeed allowed the French settlers to remain in Mauritius. They too were allowed to retain their property, language, religion and legal systems. The British reverted to the name the Dutch had given the island, but Port Louis retained its name. But in the century and a half that the British ruled, they were never really as grounded as the French had been.
Franco-Mauritians prospered on an agrarian economy based on slave labour. Nevertheless in 1835, they felt the capricious hand of a great power when slavery was abolished. This is perhaps the single most important measure carried out under British rule, and the consequences had a far-reaching effect on the evolving demographics of the nation. India, a British colony greatly abundant in human resources was the answer to the labour problem that arose. In the years that followed, the descendants of the Indian labourers who came to work the sugar fields greatly multiplied. The Chinese also came- as labourers and traders.
Today, Indo-Mauritians constitute close to 70% of the population. As in the other colonies in that historic period, and up to the 1930's in Mauritius, non-whites had very limited say in the running of the country. And that is why Gandhi- that great liberator of men's minds, came to Mauritius in 1901, in particular to give heart to Indo-Mauritians. After years of protracted concessions to democratic rule, the British finally bowed out in 1968 when finally granted independence.
The events above are however very recent. About 8 million years ago, the island emerged from the depths of the sea as result of volcanic activity. Occupying 1680sq km, it is situated just above the Tropic of Capricorn, 890km to the east of Madagascar. Rising from the sea, the central plateau formations is about 400m above sea level. There are mountains scattered in the island and a few peaks, the highest of which reaches 820m.
As a country, Mauritius includes the islands of Rodrigues and Agalega, the Cargados Carajos Shoals and a few smaller mostly uninhabited islands. Mauritius is almost wholly ringed by a coral reef that is reputed to be the worlds' third largest. Both the Dutch and the French were extremely reckless in allowing uncontrolled invasion of indigenous forests. Today, less than 2% of these forests remain. Many of the nearly 700 species of indigenous plants are threatened with extinction. Starting from the late 1970's, a belated but systematic effort has been underway to conserve the unique flora of the island.
The wildlife faces similar dangers. In the first place, animal migration to this isolated island was by air or sea only, greatly limiting the diversity of species. The animal the Dutch found included out-of-size reptiles and flightless birds. Except for bats, there were no mammals or amphibians at all. The animals brought aboard ships by man include monkeys and rats - thanks to the Portuguese, while the Dutch take credit for the deer and wild boar. Some of these animals threaten to choke the life out of indigenous species - they eat their eggs and even their young ones!
Mauritius is not all bad news for nature lovers' - there are plenty of birds and marine life is abundant. However some of the endemic bird species, such as Mauritius kestrel, echo parakeet and pink pigeon number not more than a few hundred. Such are now under some form of captive breeding programme with the hope of raising their numbers.
The island's maritime zone boasts more than 1,000 species of marine life - fishes, shells and mollusks, in numbers beyond count. The spectacular way to explore the extravagant underwater world is on board a submarine. The sub also allows you to see some ship wrecks dating back to the Dutch period.
MISCELLANEOUS: What you need to know
What to do and see in Mauritius?
You can swim at various places at beaches, lagoons and inlets. Swimming beached are best to the north, though there are other good sites to the southwest and to the west near Flic en Flac. The west coast offers good sites for surfing at Tamarin, and diving at Flic en Flac. At Grand Bay beach you will get good shopping, nightclubs, bars and restaurants along with the chance to interact with locals. In addition, you can also make a boat excursion of the islands to the north.
In the islands' interior, there are good opportunities for hiking and trekking. The Reserve Forrestiere Macchabee and Riviere Noire National Park (Black River Gorges National Park) has excellent walks and at the same time you can see some endemic plants and birds. Captive breeding to raise the numbers of Mauritius endangered endemic birds is underway here. For trekkers, you will do well at the plateau at Curepipe and at the island of Rodrigues.
The Royal Botanical Gardens of Pamplemousses are very popular with visitors. The gardens date back to 1735, during the French period. Here you will see a large collection of exotic and native plants in excellent surroundings. Among the most peculiar specimens are the giant Victoria Regia water lilies, which origins are in the Amazon, and the talipot-palm - known to bloom once every 60 years before dying. At the Casela Bird Park, you can find some of its 140 bird species, including the rare Mauritian pink pigeon. Some of the excursions are included in the Mauritius tour packages offers by various vendors.
Mauritius offers some first-rate golf courses and visitors are increasingly aware of it. There are at least 3 hotels with 18-hole courses and another 5 with 9 hole courses. The Ile aux Cerfs course, which sits on its own tiny island is the most impressive. For honeymooners, the island is very welcoming. Almost all hotels offer a special honeymoon package. As a non-resident, you can easily tie the knot here. But a few formalities must be completed with officialdom; make sure you comply before arrival.
Cultures and Cuisines
Mauritius is at the cultural cross roads of Europe, Africa and Asia. The Dutch, French, Africans, Indians, Chinese and British came under one guise or another and have today influenced the character and cultural life of the island. Though the island is closest to Africa geographically, culturally it is much closer to Asia.
The biggest racial groups are Indo-Mauritians who constitute about two thirds of the nations 1.3 million people, followed by Creoles - Afro- Mauritians who are just over a quarter of the population. Franco-Mauritians and people of Chinese origin combined make up about 5% of the population.
While English is the official language, French, Creole, Bhojpuri and Urdu are widely spoken. Religion is the other factor defining the people of the island, with Hinduism (51%), Christianity (30%) and Islam (17%) leading.
The cuisine of the island reflects the diversity of its people. French, Creole, Chinese and Indian foods - with local variations are all found here. Wherever you stay, you will most likely be able to watch or even dance the Sega. This energetic and erotic Creole dance has origins in the sugar fields, in the days when African labour was captive. Also, you may be fortunate to encounter any of the various festivals celebrated in this multicultural country. Only the most widely traveled however, will be prepared for the Cavadi. On this Tamil festival, penitents pierce their bodies, tongues and cheeks while some march on shoes of nails.
Economy & Climate
Tourism is one of the main pillars of the economy of Mauritius. The bulk of visitors come from South Africa, Germany, France, Australia and United Kingdom. Hotels in Mauritius are plenty, and they range from 5-star luxury to those with just basic amenities. Budget stay comes in the form of bungalows, guesthouses and self-catering apartments. The period June to September and around Christmas is the busy season and if you plan to travel then, you are advised to book your accommodation in advance. Mauritius is still relatively affordable, though there has been talk of turning it into an up market beach destination.
Mauritius is a year-round destination and has a tropical climate with more rain in summer than in winter. Therefore the best times to visit are April-June and September- November. These are the months when it rains least and the temperatures are moderate; generally hot (27 to 37°C in summer) and very humid (above 80 %) with a high rainfall, Mauritius has microclimates; the high grounds are cooler (av. 22°C) and much wetter (5,000 mm / year) than the coastal regions (1,000 mm / year). January to April is the hottest, and daytime temperatures can reach 35°C but temperatures tend to be lower inland, away from the coast. The main rains come between December and April, though there are light rains year round. November to February is when cyclones are most likely to occur. Since approximately 2005, the cyclone routes seem to have changed enough to avoid Mauritius but do not be deterred; chances of meeting cyclones are not very high, and it is estimated that they hit the island about once every 15 years.
If you are keen on water sports, beware that diving is best December to March, and surfing between June and August. For big game fishing, come between October and April. You should be comfortable with light clothing suitable for the tropical climate. But you need warmer clothing for evenings and the southern winter months between July and September. Whatever time of year you travel, do carry some rainwear. In the summer months between November and April, you are advised to bring along sunglasses, sun hats and sunscreen.
Business Hours
Banks: Monday to Friday - 09.00AM to 16.00PM
Saturdays - 09.00AM to 12.00PM
Bureau de Change are open on Sundays.
Some banks only: Open to coincide with the arrival and departure of international flights at the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Airport.
Government Offices: Monday to Friday - 09.00AM to 16.00PM
Saturdays - 09.00AM to 12.00PM
Department Stores: Daily, 07.30AM to 19.00PM
Shops: Monday to Saturday - 09.00AM to 19.30PM [in Port Louis]
Monday to Saturday - 09.00AM to 18.00PM [in Curepipe and other residential towns except on Thursdays (Curepipe, Rose Hill & Quatre-Bornes) where they are close at 12.00PM]
Sundays and Public Holidays - 09.00AM to 12.00PM
Business Offices: Monday to Friday - 08.30AM to 16.30PM
Saturdays - 09.00AM to 12.00PM [some offices]
Health
There are no severe transmissible viruses such as TB or Malaria in Mauritius except for certain rare cases picked up on some frequent travellers. No vaccination is required.
Mauritians consume tap water and skinless fresh fruits every day, as they are safe. This does not mean that they do not cause diseases, mainly the runs or the "turista" to those who are not yet immune.
For a more comfortable stay, drink only mineral water and accept ice only while in hotels and restaurants treating tap water. Streets are often the best deals and the tastiest, however they are not always hygienic as you thought they may be.
The health services are very efficient even though conditions in public hospitals can be appalling when compared to European standards but the emergency services are fine. Same goes to private clinics.
Dr. RAG Jeetoo Hospital, Volcy Pougnet Street, Port Louis: +230 212 3201 [GPS: -20.168889S, 57.501667E]
Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam National Hospital, Pamplemousses: +230 243 4661
[GPS: -20.096667S, 57.559167E]
[GPS: -20.096667S, 57.559167E]
Victoria Hospital Candos, Quatre Bornes: +230 425 3031
Emergency Services
Police/Ambulance: 999
Fire: 995
Samu: 114
ODDS & SODS
Getting There
There are several daily and weekly flight from Europe, America, Africa, Asia and from the neighbouring countries. Most flights are operated by national companies, namely Air Mauritius, with special agreements with other airlines. With the actual determination to further develop the tourism industry, private airlines are landing in Mauritius as from 2006, some more regularly than others.
Asia is regularly served but only via Chennai, Mumbai, New Delhi, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Hong Kong. From Malaysia, you can also get ticket from Malaysia Airlines which usually serve 2-3 flights every week with reasonable fares.
Visa and Entry Requirements
A visitor must be in possession of a valid passport and a return or onward flight ticket. A visitor's visa is normally granted for a period of 2 weeks to 1 month upon arrival, to almost all holders of valid passport, with one or two exceptions. Visitors are strongly recommended to contact Passport and Immigration Office in Mauritius or the nearest Mauritian Embassy/Consulate.
In addition, visas are NOT REQUIRED for those transiting in Mauritius as long as the transit time does not exceed 72 hours.
Those holding passports from countries that are not listed in their government portal should take counsel with a travel agency or contact the Mauritian embassy/consulate in their country. In some cases, visas need to be obtained prior to departure. In other cases, visas can be delivered on arrival. In any case, all passports must have a minimum validity of 6 months after schedule date of departure.
The visa can be extended upon request at:
Passport and Immigration Office,
Sterling House,
11-19 Lislet Geoffrey Street,
Port Louis, Mauritius.
Tel: +230 210 9312/9313/9314/9315/9316/9317
Fax: +230 210 9322
For those entering from Canada, United Kingdom, Malaysia, USA, France and Singapore: NO visa required
For those entering from India & Uganda: Visa for 60 DAYS on arrival
For more information, you can visit Portal of The Republic of Mauritius.
Customs and Immigration
Customs and immigration is very strict in Mauritius. For an unknown reason, while everything is done abroad to attract tourists, it takes several minutes for an immigration officer to check a passport leaving the impression that visitors are not welcome. It is probably worth mentioning that the case is worse for Mauritian citizens coming back home.
Plants and parts of plants have to be declared at customs and some of them might be forbidden. Sugar cane is one of them. Parts of animals are often prohibited and live animals are subject to a quarantine. It is therefore not worth taking your dog to Mauritius as you will be back home already when it will come out of quarantine.
Drugs are totally prohibited and drug traffickers are liable to maximum imprisonment. Getting caught with cannabis {even for personal consumption} or any other illegal substances may be a serious matter and will carry heavy penalties. Firearms and ammunition need import permits and must be declared on arrival.
A value added tax (VAT) of 15% is payable on goods and services including hotel and restaurant bills.
Monetary
Most international currencies are accepted at Mauritian counters but the Mauritian Rupee cannot be traded in any country except occasionally in South Africa and India.
Visa and Mastercard credit cards are accepted almost everywhere, while Diners Club and American Express are accepted in hotels and only in some other places. Automatic tellers are available almost every where and every village.
Electricity
220 volts and uses pins Type C and Type G.
Time and Telecommunications
Mauritius is 4 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time and 3 hours ahead (2 hours in summer) of mid-European Time. Mauritius has international direct dialling facilities to most parts of the world as well as high speed fax and internet services.
Driving and Security
Mauritians drive on the left-hand side of the road and give way to the right. Foreigners with a driving license issued by a competent authority in their respective countries are allowed to drive during their stay in Mauritius.
Mauritius remains a safe place with low criminality rate. However, some places are to be avoided especially at night. Although it is generally safe, walking on the streets after hours is not recommended unless in group; while driving cars, scooters or cabs are perfectly safe anywhere at any time.
A tourist police service has been set up to ensure security in tourist zones and an anti-terrorist law has also been proclaimed. A specific law relating to all tourist activities and corrupt practices has also been voted.
The following essential pieces of advice:
- Keep an eye on all personal belongings at all times.
- Be careful when withdrawing money from a cash point.
- Avoid wearing expensive jewellery.
- Do not leave anything inside your car.
- (For trips or purchases) Use only recognised operators or suppliers.
- Keep your passports, plane tickets, jewellery of value and large sums of money in safe custody.
- For sea excursions, do not rent boats with inadequate security standards.
- During individual sea trips, always notify the person responsible for the boat house.
- Do not go swimming in areas where it is forbidden.
Do's & Don'ts
The peculiarities described bring to the visitor some advantages and disadvantages. Mauritians are typically pacific, polite and to some extent, respectful unless their deepest values are at risk. It is therefore better not to be in the wrong place, at the wrong time and especially with the wrong attitude. There are things that can be done and others that should be avoided. Here are some tips for a better stay in Mauritius.
Dresscodes
Although it is a hot tropical place with beaches all around, Mauritius is first of all a country as a whole with towns, offices, highways and laws. It is therefore advisable not to walk or drive in bathing suits in towns, villages or in buses. This is especially true for women as Mauritian women are very conservative and men are not used to see flesh in daylight. This is even truer for remote places where only a few tourists pass by.
In most hotels, walking around in surfer shorts or bathing suits after sunset is simply prohibited. On the beach, Mauritian women at the beach wear bikinis at best if not full dresses. It is therefore unusual to the Mauritian mean to see nudity or even topless women lying some meters away.
Nudism and topless sunbathing/tanning are frowned upon on public beaches. For your own comfort and security it is not advisable to practice integral tanning anywhere in Mauritius, while topless tanning should be avoided on public beaches.
What to Wear
Take your best beach and casual wear. In the winter months (June - September) carry some light woolen clothing for the cool evenings. Please show due respect when visiting religious places. Wear appropriate clothing and remove leather shoes and belts when entering the premises.
Dresscodes
Although it is a hot tropical place with beaches all around, Mauritius is first of all a country as a whole with towns, offices, highways and laws. It is therefore advisable not to walk or drive in bathing suits in towns, villages or in buses. This is especially true for women as Mauritian women are very conservative and men are not used to see flesh in daylight. This is even truer for remote places where only a few tourists pass by.
In most hotels, walking around in surfer shorts or bathing suits after sunset is simply prohibited. On the beach, Mauritian women at the beach wear bikinis at best if not full dresses. It is therefore unusual to the Mauritian mean to see nudity or even topless women lying some meters away.
Nudism and topless sunbathing/tanning are frowned upon on public beaches. For your own comfort and security it is not advisable to practice integral tanning anywhere in Mauritius, while topless tanning should be avoided on public beaches.
What to Wear
Take your best beach and casual wear. In the winter months (June - September) carry some light woolen clothing for the cool evenings. Please show due respect when visiting religious places. Wear appropriate clothing and remove leather shoes and belts when entering the premises.
Accommodation
I don't personally know where to direct you but I found a reliable source of all the places in Mauritus. Most of them have to be contacted personally for quotations. Do visit the link here.
