Mauritius is an island country in the east of the African continent – about 870 kilometers east of Madagascar. The national territory also includes Rodrigues, the Cargados-Carajos Islands and the Agalega Islands. Mauritius offers fantastically beautiful nature, varied landscapes, wonderful beaches and is therefore an inspiring travel destination. See andyeducation.com for education in Mauritius.
| Capital City | Port-Louis |
| Size | 2,040 km² |
| Resident | 1,296,303 |
| Official Language | English |
| Currency | Mauritius rupee |
| Time Zone | UTC+4 |
| Telephone Area Code | +230 |
Fast facts to know
- Only African country where the majority of residents are Hindus.
- Almost all locals speak English, French and Mauritian Creole.
- Mauritius is considered one of the most peaceful countries on earth.
- Most residents live from sugar cane cultivation.
- The 4 colors of the national flag represent, among other things, the present, the past and the future.
- There is a well-developed bus network on the island.
- No vaccinations required, protection against tetanus, polio, diphtheria and hepatitis A is recommended.
- The voltage is 220 volts. Sockets are either European or British standard.
- Coming from Germany, no visa is necessary, but the passport must be valid for at least 6 months.
- Sweaters and umbrellas also belong in your luggage.
Exciting cities and places in Mauritius
- Port-Louis
- curepipe
- Mahébourg
- Fishing village of Albion
- Cape Malheureux
History of Mauritius
- The island was known to Arabs and Malays as early as the 10th century.
- Discovered by Europeans (Portuguese) in 1505.
- 1598-1710 in Dutch possession.
- Subsequently occupied by pirates.
- Conquered by France in 1715.
- Conquered and taken possession of by the British in 1810.
- 1835 Prohibition of slavery.
- From the 19th century mass immigration from India.
- 1968 Declaration of Independence.
- 1992 declared a republic by new constitution.
Climate & travel weather on Mauritius
- Tropical climate.
- Moderate temperatures with 2 seasons:
- November to April: warm, humid summer time.
- May to October: cooler southern winter with occasional rain showers.
- Recommended travel time:
- May & June, September-November.
- Rather avoid January to March (tropical cyclones and cyclones).
Ideas for excursions in Mauritius
- Enjoy fantastically beautiful beaches.
- Snorkeling & Surfing.
- Blue Penny Museum.
- Hiking along the natural beach of Flic en Flac.
- Crater Lake Grand Bassin.
- Hike to the Trou aux Cerfs volcano.
- Maheswarnath Mandir Temple.
- Botanical Garden at Pamplemousses.
- Fort Adelaide.
- Bois Cheri Tea Plantation.
- Island hopping:
- Ile aux Cerfs.
- Ile aux Benitiers and the Crystal Rock.
- Ile des Deux Cocos.
Eating & Drinking in Mauritius
- Mixture of Indian, African and Chinese influences.
- Dishes well seasoned and mostly hot.
- Popular spices: masala, nutmeg, cinnamon, curry, cardamom, anise, clove, ginger, green pepper.
- Hygienic conditions mostly good.
- Street stalls and snack bars recommended.
- Dishes often quite greasy (frying kills bacteria).
- Many restaurants are open for lunch from 12pm to 2pm and in the evening from 6pm.
- Everyday Creole dishes are called cari, daube and rougaille.
- Fresh fruits widely available and very tasty.
- Cocktails, rum mixed drinks and freshly squeezed fruit juices are popular.
- Local beers: Phoenix, Black Eagle, Blue Marlin.
- Local wine less recommended.
- The national dessert is called Gâteau Patate (juicy, firm cake made from sweet potatoes).
- Spicy curries are particularly popular.
- Typical dishes:
- Boulettes Chinoises (freshly fried balls of dough).
- Briyani (spicy stir-fried rice with strips of meat, egg and vegetables).
- Cabri Massala (goat meat in a spicy massala sauce).
- Cari de Cerf (deer goulash in a hearty tomato and onion sauce).
- Cari or Curry de Poulet (chicken, tomatoes, onions and masala powder cooked together and served with rice and legumes).
- Mine Frite (Creole variant of a Chinese noodle dish, optionally vegetarian, with chicken, beef or fish).
- Ourite Sauce Piquante (fresh or dried squid specialty in sauce with turmeric, chili and ginger).
- Poisson Sauce Créole (grilled fish or fish fillet in a spicy tomato sauce).
- Rougaille de Bœuf (beef goulash in a sauce refined with coriander).
- Samoussas (dumplings fried crispy in oil with various savory fillings).
Particularly scenic
- Black River Georges National Park.
- The 90 meter high Chamarel falls.
- Seven Colored Earths in Chamarel.
- Mountain Le Morne Brabant.
- Belle Mare Beach.
- Ferney Valley Nature Reserve.
