Mauritius

Mauritius is a beautiful island country situated around 2,000 kilometres off the southeast coast of the African continent in the Indian Ocean. It includes the beautiful isles of Mauritius, Rodrigues, Agaléga and St. Brandon.

Mark Twain wrote ‘Mauritius was made first and then heaven, heaven being copied after Mauritius’. And maybe he spoke the truth as this a palm-fringed paradise with tropical waterfalls and green mountains is indeed a garden of Eden.

Not many that venture to Mauritius leave before learning a few steps of Sega, a traditional folk song and dance which is seen at all the resorts but to see a genuinely traditional one search the local bars that have dancing nights. They are fun, and mingling with the locals, is far more authentic.

Mauritius is famed for its cerulean waters, pure-white beaches and luxury resorts; however, there is more. Go hiking inland through forested mountains while offshore, world-class diving and snorkelling await. A quick boat trip can take you to a deserted island or fishing for your dinner tonight.

Nature lovers: the Mauritius National Botanical Garden is home to a fantastic variety of tropical plants, many of them indigenous. With more than 650 types of plants, including 85 different varieties of palm trees, famous Baobabs, the Palmier Bouteille, Giant Water Lilies along with dozens of medicinal plants, and smell the amazing aroma from the spice garden.

Food is a way of life, and the Mauritians love an excellent hearty curry. Ingredients and strength of hotness vary from region to region. One thing is assured, the food is fresh, healthy and sincere, always cooked with traditional Mauritius love and tender care.

Take time for a hit of golf, go birdwatching or pull up and admire the buildings dating way back before exploring more great restaurants and bars into the night.

Best time to visit Mauritius

From May to December, the weather is cooler, dry and sunny so it’s considered the best times for visiting Mauritius. The islands have a tropical climate with warm weather year-round. Even in winter, from May to October, the temperatures only drop from hot to balmy. During summer, from November to April, the days are hot and humid so not the best for hiking or mountain bike riding.

The wet season, from January to March can see cyclones form, and there is a much higher chance of rain. From July and August, the winds are strongest along the coast.