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All you need to know about Mauritius
Visa info for Mauritius
A visitor must be in possession of a valid passport and a return or onward ticket. A visitor’s visa is normally granted for a period of two weeks to one month upon arrival, to almost all holders of a valid passport, with one or two exceptions.
South African passport holders do not require visas to visit Mauritius.
Mauritius basks in splendid isolation in the warmest ocean of all, the Indian Ocean, just inside the Tropic of Capricorn, bounded by Africa, India and Australia. Mauritius will enchant you, will uplift your soul, making you feel that you belong to the chosen few.
Every visitor enjoys personal attention. Every encounter is an opportunity to discover a friendly face. Behind each smile lies the promise of a unique holiday.
The contrast of a multitude of colours and tastes, the island, set in its turquoise sea, is an oasis of peace and tranquillity. Mauritius, a melting pot where past and present are smoothly blended together, offers an essential beauty that will compel to return to its shores time and time again. Mauritius is truly a garden resting on waters only four hours away from Johannesburg by air.
Banking hours
Monday to Thursday : 9.15 am -3.15 pm, Friday: 9.15 am -3.30 pm.
Saturday :9.15 am -11.15 am (Some banks only).
Banks are also open to coincide with the arrival and departure of international flights at the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Airport.
Climate
The temperature on the coastal areas varies between 22°C in winter and 34°C in summer. The sea temperature varies between 22°C and 27°C. In the central part of the island, the maximum daytime temperature varies from about 19°C in August to about 26°C in February. The western and northern regions are warmer and relatively drier than the East and the South.
Credit Cards
Credit cards are normally accepted by banks and most hotels, restaurants and tourist shops.
Culture
Mauritius is a blend of diverse cultures and religions. The population consists of Hindus, Creole, Chinese, Muslims and Europeans.
Music and Dance
The Sega originated from African music since the period of slavery. The sega is performed in a way to reflect the contemporary influence with the introduction of instruments for percussion. The rubbing of the feet, the swinging of the hips, the texts in creole are integral part of the music. Local representations are numerous specially on Saturday nights.
The Bobre, an musical arc of African origin that is used to accompany the creole melody.
The musical instruments used in Mauritius are the ravane, a kind of big tambourine that gives to the sega its tam-tam rhythm and the 'plomb', another musical arc played to accompany the creole songs.
Currency
The monetary unit is the Mauritian Rupee (Rs.) which is divided into 100 cents (cs). Rupee travellers cheques may be purchased in South Africa and are recommended for your visit to the island.
Driving / Taxis
People in Mauritius drive on the left-hand side of the road and give way to the right. An international driver’s license is required if you intend to hire a rental car in Mauritius and drivers must be 23 years old. Taxis are however readily available and reasonably inexpensive.
Electricity
Power supply throughout the island is 220 volts with square three-pin plugs.
Language
Most people in Mauritius are bilingual and are equally fluent in English and French. Creole and French are the main languages in the everyday environment and several oriental languages are also spoken.
Nudism
Nudism and topless sunbathing are frowned upon on public beaches. No hotel permits nude sunbathing on beaches. Topless sunbathing is sometimes tolerated.
Population
+/- 1.2 million
Public holidays
There are 15 public holidays every year. Seven of them are fixed holidays: January 1st & 2nd, 1st February, 12th March, 1st May, 2nd November and 25th December. The remaining public holidays are religious festivals whose dates vary from year to year.
Time & Telecommunications
Mauritius is four hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time and two hours ahead of South African standard time. Mauritius has international direct dialling facilities to most parts of the world as well as high speed fax and internet services.
Health
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers over 1 year of age who arrive from areas where yellow fever cases are reported.
There is no malaria risk in Mauritius.
Shopping
Shopping hours in main cities range from 9.30 am to 7.30 pm (Monday-Saturday). Some shops are open till noon on Sundays and public holidays.
Many duty free shops and modern shopping centres (Caudan, Curepipe, Floréal Square, Happy World House, Orchard Centre) offer a wide choice of products. Please note that there are no shops open in Rose-Hill, Curepipe and Quatre-Bornes on Thursday afternoon.
Tipping
Tipping is not compulsory. It remains a gesture of appreciation from the guest.
What to Wear
Take your best beach and casual wear. In the winter months (June -September), carry some light woollen clothing for the cool evenings. Visitors are requested to dress properly when visiting religious shrines (no shorts, mini-skirts etc.) and to remove their shoes when entering temples and mosques.
Go Golfing in Mauritius
What could be more pleasant than being on a dream island holiday while having the opportunity to practice your favourite sport…golf. Mauritius is becoming an increasingly popular golf destination and we have selected some of the best championship golf courses available at our preferred hotels for your enjoyment.
Golf du Chateau, Le Telfair Golf & Spa Resort
(South-West coast)
Carved out of the old sugar fields between the St Martin and Citronniers rivers, this 18-hole par 72 prestigious course was designed by Peter Matkovich of Matkovich & Hayes, South Africa.
Facilities: * A clubhouse with changing rooms, showers, lockers and golf bag store for guests’ equipment * A pro-shop * A bar and restaurant * Two full time pros to attend to the clients’ needs for collective or private lessons * Practise balls, clubs, golf carts and caddies on hire at the club-house * 9-hole par 27 short course * Driving range, chipping and putting practice greens.
Green fee policy: Free for Le Telfair Golf & Spa Resort hotel guests. Guests booked on ‘Premium’ basis at the Heritage Golf & Spa Resort can also use this course. The course is open to non-hotel residents at a fee.
Maritim Hotel Golf Course
(North-West coast)
9-hole par 29 golf course designed by Graham Marsh.
Facilities: * A clubhouse * A golf-pro to attend to clients’ needs and individual lessons (beginners and advanced courses) * Practise balls and clubs on hire at the clubhouse.
Green fee policy: Free and exclusive to Maritim Hotel residents.
Tamarina Golf Estate and Beach Club, Sofitel Imperial Hotel
(West coast)
Situated 5 – 10 minutes from the Sofitel Imperial Hotel, the Tamarina Golf Estate and Beach Club is the first exclusive Golf Estate in Mauritius. The 7,200 meter Wright Golf Design golf course is a Par 72 championship layout with 5 different tees on each hole, making Tamarina an enjoyment for all levels of golf.
Facilities: * Full clubhouse facilities with proshop, boutique, restaurant and bar * A Beach Club with swimming pool, restaurant, bar and access to Tamarin Bay * Driving range with advanced PGA teaching academy * Luggage room available on arrival * Golf cart rental.
Green fee policy: Preferential rates to Sofitel Imperial Hotel guests.
Belle Mare Plage The Resort
(East Coast)
Situated along one of the most beautiful beaches of the island, offering an extensive array of amenities and is an ideal location for golfers with its two 18-holes championship golf courses.
Facilities: * The Clubhouse of the ‘Legend’ 18-hole championship golf course (par 72 / 6014m) including a Golf Academy with Marc Farry-Hugh Baiocchi method. A second Clubhouse is located 5 minutes away (free shuttle) at the “Links” 18-hole championship golf course (par 71 / 5942m). 1km away, another 9-hole golf course.
Green fee policy: The ‘Legend’ Course – green fees free of charge for hotel guests. The ‘Links’ Course – green fees free of charge for hotel guests, club cars are compulsory.
All green fee policies are subject to change without prior notice. Please enquire at time of booking.
Groups and Conferences
Mauritius has become the jewel among the dream destinations for groups. Mauritius is well known for its legendary hospitality and the Mauritian people will welcome you with their kindness and smiles. Paradise Islands has experience in dealing with groups of all sizes and we offer the most competitive price structure. Meeting your expectations, remaining flexible yet creative in our range of activities, we can organize everything for you : flights, hotel bookings, transfers, day and nightly entertainment such as ‘discovery’ rallies, Olympiads, colonial evenings and much more. All trips are tailor made to meet your requirements and budget.
Island Excursions
Want to experience new sights, people and places in Mauritius? We have highlighted a small selection of available excursions; however an extensive range of tours throughout Mauritius is available. Contact us for more information on the various island excursion options available.
Ile Aux Cerfs
Departure: Thursday Duration: Full day
Originally a haven for deers, it now welcomes the sun tanners and the beach-lovers. Its endless white beaches and its turquoise calm lagoon await the lazy ones as well as those looking for more excitement.
The Spice Road
Departure: Wednesday Duration: Full day
Highlights: Pamplemousses Garden / Temples / Port Louis / the Caudan Waterfront
Pamplemousses Gardens, with its variety of exotic and endemic plants, is the most visited site on the island. Temples reflect the diversity of the Mauritian cultures and religions. Experience the lively atmosphere of Port Louis, the capital city founded during the French colonial period with its busy and colourful market and stop for shopping at the Caudan Waterfront.
Natir
Departure: Tuesday Duration: Full day
Highlights: Trou aux Cerfs / Grand Bassin / Black River Gorges / Chamarel / Casela Nature & Leisure Park.
From Trou aux Cerfs, a 700 000 year old dormant volcano, you will enjoy the panoramic view of the surrounding towns and peaks of the South West of the island. Drive along the Plaine Champagne road and stop at Grand Bassin, a sacred lake for Hindus. The Black River Gorges overlook the west coast. Proceed to the Seven Coloured Earths of Chamarel, a unique volcanic phenomenon. Continue to Casela where you will discover about 150 different species of birds, but also giant tortoises, monkeys, lemurs, deers and tigers.
Catamaran Cruise to “Ilot Gabriel”
Harris Wilson catamaran or standard catamaran
Departure: Saturday Duration: Full day
Depart from Grand Baie in the North and sail outside the lagoon, passing on the way the Coin de Mire island, a natural reserve for famous Pailles en Queue. Relax during the day at “Ilot Gabriel” and discover this Robinson Crusoe island with its sandy beaches, luxuriant plants and blue lagoon. BBQ lunch will be served on board with drinks.
Please note: “Ilot Gabriel” may not be accessible in the event of bad weather or bad sea conditions.
Tradition and Heritage
Departure: Friday Duration: Full day
Highlights: Bois Cheri / Gris Gris / St Aubin / La Vanille Reserve des Mascareignes
From the coconut-flavoured tea to the vanilla one, experience this unique tropical taste in a chalet surrounded by centenary tea plants. Enjoy a traditional lunch in this 1819 colonial house which was once part of a sugar mill. The green vanilla pods and the lively red of the ‘Anthurium’ flowers have now replaced the sugar plantation. Experience the serenity of ‘La Vanille Reserve des Mascareignes’ where giant tortoises, bats, crocodiles etc. live in harmony.
All tour departure days and duration of hours are subject to change without prior notice. Please enquire for full details at time of booking.
Self-Catering Villas
Whether you are looking for low cost family accommodation or an exclusive private beach bungalow – and you would like the freedom to explore the island at your own pace, then choose from a collection of self-catering villas, situated on the best beaches of the island!
Ranging from basic 2 to luxury 5 star villas, all rates include accommodation and house-maid services (minimum of 3 hours each day). The housemaid will clean the villa, make the beds, do the washing up and the laundry together with the ironing. She can also prepare local Creole meals, as well as baby sit upon request. Meals and groceries can be pre-requested and made available upon arrival.
The 2 star villas are a subtle combination of simplicity and quality. These small villas offer a warm atmosphere, most of them comprising of one of two air-conditioned bedrooms, ideal for a small family.
Each of the 3 star villas are unique. Most of them feature 3 to 4 bedrooms, with 1 or 2 of the rooms with air-conditioning, and are equipped with a TV, security safe and barbeque, ideal for 4 to 8 guests.
The 4 star villas are situated in outstanding locations with particular emphasis on décor. Most villas can accommodate 4 to 8 guests and are equipped with a TV, music system, security safe and barbecue. Some also have a swimming pool as well as the service of 2 housemaids.
Indulge yourself in the prestigious 5 star beach villas which can accommodate from 6 to 10 discerning guests. Most bedrooms are air-conditioned and have an en-suite bathroom. Each villa is equipped with a TV, hi-fi system, security safe and outdoor barbecue. Housemaids, a cook, a gardener or butler is at your service to help you enjoy your personal Mauritian experience.
Contact us for rates and more information.
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