Mauritius Fast Facts

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.

Mauritius Fast Facts