To help you enjoy the best that this idyllic tropical island has to offer learn more about the what to expect & how to prepare.
What to Expect
history & society
Mauritius is an island of 1865 km squared with 330km of coastline and beaches. Uninhabited until 1505, when a Portuguese sailor discovered this little tropical paradise which, Rodrigues and La Reunion, took the name of Mascarene Archipelago. With time the Dutch occupation, the French and English colonization followed, causing the immigration of several ethnic groups form Africa, India and China. Currently the population is about 1.200.000. Since 1968 Mauritius is an independent, parliamentary republic. The economy, based on sugar cane, textiles and tourism.
language
The official language is English. Creole, a variant of French, is however the most currently spoken language. French is spoken everywhere.
climate & weather
Mauritius is blessed with a tropical climate.
On the coast, the dry and windy tropical weather makes a pleasant climate throughout the year. Mild in winter (June, July August) with an average temperature of 20/25°, it is warmer in summer (November, December, January) with an average of 30/35°. The temperature goes down markedly, however, in the hilly hinterland.
Only in winter, one needs to bring along something warm for a few cool evenings.
What can you expect … Looking for a bit of guaranteed weather? See when that all-important holiday ingredient suits you the best. When thinking of Mauritian’s weather your thoughts probably drift to hot sunny days with clear blue skies. The climate changes from north to south. Coastal areas have very different weather from the central inland regions.
Mauritian Summer | Sea temperature 27°C
The summer months are from December to March and sun is guaranteed. Temperatures are hot and humid – from around 22°C to 31°C. However due to high humidity the temperature “feels much higher”.
Mauritian Winter | Sea temperature 24°C
From June to September is very pleasant indeed. Those are the cooler month of the year and perfect for touring and sightseeing. The temperature varies from 16°C to 26°C and it is dry, cool and windy.
The cyclone season for Mauritius is normally from December to February but Mauritius was not affected from a real tropical cyclone since a few years.
The website of www.world-weather-travellers-guide.com offers detailed information about the weather in Mauritius.
time zone differences
4hrs ahead of GMT, 3hrs during summer time.
Preparing for your Trip
visa
It is not required for most EU Countries. To make sure please see the government site of Mauritius.
flights
From all major Cities in Europe, South Africa, Australia ….
Air Mauritius ⎪ Condor ⎪ South African Airlines ⎪ Emirates⎪ Corsairfly ⎪ Meridiana ⎪ Air Austral ⎪ British Airways
what to bring
First you will be able to find almost everything here to buy.
— Swimming costumes & reef shoes
— Hat & sunglasses
— 30+ Sunscreen
— Phone charger, Camera/Battery charger, International plugs
— Kids essentials | inflatable armbands, Rash Guard Shirts
— Walking Shoes for touring
— Bestseller Book
food & health
Food | Beyond the established Creole food, hotels and restaurants offer International, Indian, Italian and Chinese food. Make the most of your stay with our list of Restaurants and Bars here.
Private Clinic | Fortis Clinique Darné
transport
Car-Hire | Hire a car to explore the Island efficiently and at your own ease and leisure. An international driving license is preferred. Driving is on the left side of the road.
S.F. Car Rental — Lee Lazare | +230 54908141 or lazarefamily@gmail.com
Stan Car Hire — +230 5253 7282 or bernoto@intnet.mu
Taxis | A comfortable way to get around the island is via a Taxi for reasonable prices.
NB — arrange the price before departure, most of the taxis have a fixed price.