Mauritius is a wonderful island amidst the Indian Ocean Mauritius situated near the South of Africa and Madagascar. Mauritius is located approximately 2000 kilometres to the south eastern coast of Africa and lies east of Madagascar. The country covers an area of 2,040 square km with 330 kilometres of coastline. Mauritius is 45km in width and 65km in length.

 

Lagoons of a typically tropical sweetness and endless white beaches : Most travelers come to Mauritius for the paradise beaches and to enjoy the sea and soak up the sun. The island’s finest public beaches are:

Grand Bay
One of the best areas for sailing, windsurfing and water skiing. La Cuvette beach has been recently upgraded.

 

Pereybere
This remarkable small cove half-way between Grand Bay and Cap Malheureux is one of the finest bathing spots on the island.

 

Belle Mare
Miles and miles of white and spotless beaches from Belle Mare to Trou-d’Eau Douce.

 

Blue Bay
Blue Bay beach is one of the most popular bathing spots in the South-East of the island. An ideal spot for windsurfing and sailing.

 

Le Morne & Tamarin
Offer kilometres of beaches for bathing and are very popular for surfing.

 

Flic en Flac
White beaches fringed with filaos or Casuarina trees.

 

Population
1.2 million

 

When to go
The temperature on the coastal areas varies between 34°C in summer and 23°C in winter. The sea temperature varies between 22°C and 27°C. In the central part of the island, the maximum daytime temperature varies from about 19°C in August to about 26°C in February. The western and northern regions are warmer and relatively drier than the East and the South.

 

Currency
The monetary unit is the Mauritian Rupee (Rs.) which is divided into 100 cents (cs). One Euro is worth around Rs. 30.

 

Driving
People in Mauritius drive on the left-hand side of the road and give way to the right. Foreigners with a driving licence issued by a Competent Authority in their respective countries are allowed to drive during their stay in Mauritius.

 

Language
Most people in Mauritius are bilingual and are equally fluent in English and French. Creole and French are the main languages in the everyday environment and several oriental languages are also spoken.

 

Visa & entry requirements
A visitor must be in possession of a valid passport and a return or onward ticket. A visitor’s visa is normally granted for a period of two weeks to one month upon arrival, to almost all holders of a valid passport, with one or two exceptions. Visitors are strongly recommended to contact the Passport and Immigration Office in Mauritius or the nearest Mauritian Embassy or Consulate. The visa can be extended upon request at the Passport and Immigration Office, Sterling House, 11-19 Lislet Geoffroy Street, Port-Louis, Tel : (230) 210-9312 to 210-9317 Fax (230)210-9322.