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Mauritius, a sparkling crystal in the
turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, will fascinate you. The
contrast of colours, cultures and tastes makes the island so
charming that the scene is set for an unforgettable holiday.
Here, you have the opportunity to experience unparalleled
luxury: a level of refinement that is head and shoulders above
that on offer in other tropical holiday destinations. Here, you
will discover the true meaning of ‘beauty’- a realisation that
will compel you to return to Mauritius’ shores time and again.
Mauritius was named after Dutch Prince Maurice Van Nassau...
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Mauritius at a Glance
Mauritius was named after the Dutch Prince Maurice Van
Nassau.
Capital - Port Louis.
Location - Latitude 20º south of the equator, Longitude
57.5º east.
Area - 2,040 square kilometres.
Population - 1.2 million, including Rodrigues and the
outer islands.
Time - +4 hours Greenwich Mean Time; +3 hours
mid-European time.
Geography - Mauritius’ white beaches
are protected by a coral reef barrier that encircles almost all
of the coastline, with the exception of the southern end, where
it falls away and where wilder waters and dramatic cliffs can be
observed. From the northern plains, the land rises to a central
plateau dotted by lakes and extinct volcanic craters. A few
uninhabited islets area are scattered around the main island.
Season -
Summer - November to April. Temparature- 23ºc to 33ºc
Winter - May to October- 17ºc to 23ºc
History -
9th Century- Arabs discovered Mauritius.
16th Century- The Portuguese visited Mauritius.
1598- The Dutch who were the first to colonise Mauritius, named
it after their ruler, Prince Maurice Van Nassau.
Ebony forests were destroyed by overexploitation and the dodo
was exterminated. It later became the symbol of
endangered animal species and conservation worldwide.
1710 - The Dutch left Mauritius.
1715 - The French took possession of
the island and re-named it ‘Île de France’.
1721 - Governor Bertrand-François
Mahé de La Bourdonnais founded Port Louis, which later became
the capital. He turned the island into a prosperous French
colony and a port of call on the sea journey from Europe to the
Far-East round the Cape of Good Hope. He established Port Louis
as a naval base and built roads and bridges. Among his other
achievements are the building of the Government House, the Line
Barracks, and Château de Mon Plaisir at Pamplemousses Botanical
Gardens. Nowadays, Labourdonnais’ statue stands guard, facing
Port Louis harbour.
1810 - A major naval battle took
place in Grand Port on the south-east coast of the island in
this year. It was the only naval battle won by Napoleon, and is
thus duly engraved on the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. However,
three months later, the British launched a surprise attack from
the north of the island and the French governor General Charles
Decaen surrendered.
1814 - The 1814 Treaty of Paris
ratified the cession of Mauritius and its dependencies,
Rodrigues and Seychelles, to the British. Réunion Island, which
was also captured by the British, was returned to France. The
island took its former name of Mauritius, and English became the
official language. However, according to the Treaty of Paris,
the population was to keep its language, its religion and its
laws. This is the reason why French is still widely spoken,
despite the fact that the British ruled the island for 158
years.
1835 - The British Abolished
Slavery.As the newly freed slaves refused to work in the
plantations, indentured labourers were brought in from India.
Chinese and Muslim traders were also attracted to these shores-
hence the melting pot which now constitutes the population of
Mauritius.
1968 - Mauritius gained its
independence. Sir Seewosagur Ramgoolam became the first Prime
Minister. Mauritius still forms part of the British Commonwealth
and follows the Westminster pattern of Government.
1992 - Mauritius became a Republic.
Language
English is the official language. French and Creole are
commonly used. Hindi & Bhojpuri are also spoken.
Many hotel employees are fluent in German, Italian and Spanish.
The Mauritian literacy rate hovers around 90%.
Government
The democratic state is based on the Westminster model.
There are 62 Members of Parliament, and elections are held every
five years. The President is the head of the state but
constitutional power is vested in the Prime Minister and the
Cabinet.
Economy
The Mauritian Economy rests on four main pillars: tourism;
sugar; textiles and the services sector.
Telecommunication
International direct dialling facilities are available
throughout the island.
International phone cards are available In the multi-ethnic
culture of Mauritius, Hinduism, Christianity, Islam and Buddhism
co-exist peacefully for purchase at many shops .
Post offices operate in most towns and villages.
Internet services are readily available at cybercafés.
Most hotels provide postal and Internet services.
Currency
The Mauritian Rupee (MRU)
Coins: 5c, 20c, 50 c , 1 MRU , 5 MRU and 10 MRU
Notes: 25 MRU, 50 MRU, 100 MRU, 200 MRU, 500 MRU, 1000 MRU and
2000 MRU.
Change counters are available at the airport.
Foreign currency notes, drafts and travellers’ cheques may be
carried to Mauritius without restriction.
Working Hours
Private sector: Monday to Friday – 8.30am-4.15pm;
Saturday – 9.00am-12.00pm (some offices).
Saturday – 9.00am-12.00pm (reduced staff).
Public sector: Monday to Friday – 9.00am-4.00pm;
Saturday – 9.00am-12.00pm (reduced staff).
Banking Hours
Monday to Thursday: 09.15am-3.15pm
Friday: 09 15am-5.00pm.
Banks operate in accordance with the arrival and departure of
international flights at the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam
International Airport.
Traveller's Essential
Customs Formalities
Passengers over 18 years of age may import the following
duty-free items: 250 grams of tobacco (including cigars and
cigarettes); one litre of spirits; two litres of wine, ale or
beer; one quarter litre of Eau de Toilette; and perfume not
exceeding 100 millilitres.
A plant import permit must be obtained from
the Ministry of Agriculture prior to the introduction of plants
and plant materials in to Mauritius, including cuttings,
flowers, bulbs, fresh fruits, vegetables and seeds.
It is prohibited to introduce sugarcane and
parts thereof, soil microorganisms and invertebrate animals. All
imported animals and all other agricultural products require an
import permit from the Ministry of Agriculture and a health
certificate from the country of origin.
Drug trafficking carries very heavy
penalties. Firearms and ammunitions require import permits and
must be declared upon arrival.
Money and Banking
Banks are open to coincide with the arrival and departure of
international flights at the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam
International Airport.
Medical Services
Free public medical facilities are widely available at
hospitals and regional health centres. Private clinics provide
payable medical services.
Shopping Hours
Shopping hours in Mauritius’ main cities run from 9.30am to
7.30pm (Monday to Saturday). Some shops open until noon on
Sundays and public holidays. Many duty free shops and modern
shopping centres offer a wide choice of products. Please note
that shops only open for half-days on Thursdays in Rose-hill,
Vacoas, Curepipe and Quatre-Bornes.
International Driving Licence
In Mauritius, driving is undertaken on the left-hand side of the
road and drivers have to give way to traffic from the right.
Visitors with a driving licence issued by a competent authority
in their respective countries are allowed to drive during their
stay in Mauritius.
Tipping
Tipping is common but not compulsory.
Nudism
Nudism is not allowed.
Personal Safety
A good way of preventing untoward occurrences is to ensure
that :
Valuables and money are kept in the hotel safe.
Cars are properly locked when parked.
Parking is undertaken in a well-lit area.
No valuable items are left on display inside the car.
Those planning a shopping trip always remember to keep their
purse or wallet safe at all times.
Visitors avoid displaying large sums of cash in public places.
People only carry their passport when they need it.
Those embarking on a sightseeing tour never leave their vehicle
unattended.
Emergency numbers are close at hand.
Precautions
There are no poisonous reptiles or dangerous animals on the
island. But nature being what it is, some small creatures can
inflict painful stings. Some individuals can be allergic to wasp
stings, for example.
Contact a chemist or a doctor in case of several stings –
particularly on the head and on the face.
There are a few fish and invertebrates in Mauritian waters that
are known to be harmful – namely sea urchins, stonefish and
lionfish. It is advisable to enquire of their existence in the
waters around a given resort. Be careful not to step on them,
and consider wearing light shoes while swimming.
Never drink alcohol during or just before swimming, boating or
water-skiing.
Whenever young children are swimming, playing or bathing, make
sure an adult is constantly watching them.
To prevent choking, never eat food or chew gum while swimming,
diving or playing in water.
If you are caught in a rip current, swim parallel to the shore.
Once you are out of the current, swim towards the shore.
Use approved personal flotation devices such as life jackets
when boating – regardless of distance to be travelled, size of
the boat, or swimming ability of the boaters.
Road Safety
Remember that Mauritians drive on the left.
Have your driving licence endorsed at the traffic branch at Line
Barracks, Port Louis.
Always keep on the left-hand side of the road whenever you are
on a push bike, motorcycle or any other type of vehicle in
Mauritius.
At roundabouts, always give way to traffic on your right.
Make sure the ignition key is always removed when you leave your
car.
Fasten your safety belt.
Kids under the age of ten years are not allowed to occupy the
front passenger’s seat.
Parking coupons should be displayed in payable parking bays.
Avoid using mobile phones whilst driving.
Drink or drive, but never do both. |
