Family Holidays in Mauritius

Mauritius is situated approximately 2000km off the south eastern coast of Africa and is east of Madagascar in the Indian Ocean. Mauritius covers an area of 1865 square kilometres and has 330 kilometres of coastline.

Inland features include a vast central plateau, subtropical lush green forests, rivers, streams and picturesque waterfalls. There are several mountain ranges consisting of varied shapes of basalt which testify to the volcanic past of the island. The highest peak of Piton de la Petite Riviera Noire rises to 828 metres.

There are many activities that will compliment you on this holiday to make it memorable. The warm crystal clear waters and the white sandy beaches are ideal for any waters sports. The exciting nightlife caters to very popular different types of interests including cinema, nightclubs, and casinos.
    

Whilst on your Mauritius holiday, you will be sure to find a huge variety of local Mauritian dishes, Creole food which is spicey, Chinese, Indian (normally hot!), European food and you would also be able to expect a variety of fish and seafood dishes. Something you should take into consideration is that some menus include VAT (15%) and other's do not. Western & Oriental Travel advise drinking bottled water whilst on holiday in Mauritius. Beer is on sale throughtout the island, as are the local beers, Phoenix and Blue Marlin. Wine has a tendancy to be quiet expensive as it has to be imported. The main local drink in Mauritius is rum and can be drunk on its own or with a mixer. All other spirits are imported, so again prices are generally quite high.

Port Louis

Port Louis is the capital and main port of Mauritius and was founded by the French governor, Mahe de Labourdonnais, in 1935. The harbour lies sheltered in a semi-circle of mountains. Port Louis has plenty of character and houses some fine French colonial buildings, namely the Government House and the Municipal Theatre, both built during the 18th Century. There are also two Cathedrals, a Mosque, a Supreme Court, some 18th Century Barracks and a Natural History Museum. Champ de Mars, originally laid out by the French for military parades is now a racecourse. The best views of the racecourse, town and harbour are from Fort Adelaide, a citadel fortified in the name of William IV.

Black River Gorges National Park

This stunning highland area south west of Curepipe is like no other part of the island. Surrounded by casuarinas and coniferous trees, it looks more like North America than an island in the Indian Ocean. About 6km south-east of Mare aux Vacoas is the sacred lake, Grand Bassin, and, a few kilometres farther east, Plaine Champagne, the rainiest spot and largest natural area on Mauritius. Towards the eastern end of the plain, the Rivière Noire offers spectacular views of waterfalls and Piton de la Petite Rivière Noire, the highest point on Mauritius. The best time to visit is between September and January. Road access into the Black River Gorges from the coast road has been upgraded and now there is an on-site visitor centre.

Casela Bird Park 

Set in the district of Black River, this park stretches over 20 acres and carries more than 140 varieties of birds from five continents. The main attraction is the Mauritian Pink pigeon, one of the rarest birds in the world. 
La Vanille Crocodile Park 

La Vanille Crocodile Park houses Nile crocodiles imported from Madagascar and is located near Riviere des Anguilles in the south of the island. The site offers a nature walk through magnificent forests and a small zoo of local wild animals. There is also an on-site restaurant and shop. 

Domaine Du Chasseur

Hidden in the hills at Anse Jonchee near Mahebourg on the South-Eastern side of the island is "Domaine Du Chasseur" a magnificent park covering 2,000 acres. It is possible to see live stags and deer, monkeys and wild boars in a luxurious vegetation of eucalyptus, revenala, palm trees and wild orchids. Rare species of birds such as the kestrel can be seen in the woods. On-site is an open air restaurant overlooking the sea, serving a wide choice of venison and seafood dishes.

Martello Towers

The Martello Towers witness a major turning point in Mauritian history, namely the end of slavery and the beginning of Indian immigration. The five Martello Towers are among the last but the finest of the 220 Martellos Towers built around the world and based on the single prototype located in Northern Corsica.

Belle Mare Plage

Belle Mare Plage is a beautiful casuarina fringed beach along the eastern coast, Belle Mare is best seen from a lookout tower just inland from the beach. On the far side of the road that parallels the beach stand the ruins of a sugar mill. Apart from swimming, which is probably the best the island has to offer, about the only thing to do here is lie back and relax.

Golf

There are many excellent golf courses in Mauritius, including two Par 18 course at Paradis Hotel and Belle Mare Plage Hotel. The are four 9 hole course at Trou aux Biches, Shandrani, Le Saintt Geran and Maritim. All these luxury hotel resorts offer club hire, balls and trolleys.

Casino's

Casino's are a major attraction in Mauritius and are catered for on a lavish scale by some luxury resort hotels which offer a variety of different casino tables (roulette, blackjack) as well as one armed bandits or fruit machines. Casinos are operating at Berjaya, Trou aux Biches, La Pirogue, Le Saint Geran Hotels.

Horse Racing

The Mauritian Turf Club was founded in 1812. It is the oldest turf club in the southern hemisphere and the second oldest in the world. Races are held from May through to November at the Champ de Mars, a former military training ground in Port Louis. The biggest horse race is held in August, and thousands of Mauritians come to watch and place bets on their favourite horses.

Football

Football is the most popular sport played in Mauritius. Mauritius does not sponsor a professional team, but there are many amateur teams. Games at the George V stadium in Curepipe attract thousands of fans every game.  

Beaches, Coastline and Watersports

There is 150 km of soft sandy beaches in Mauritius, making it an ideal holiday destination for couples on their honeymoon through to those on a luxury family holiday in Mauritius.  Protected by a coral reef, the emerald lagoons are as safe and transparent as a swimming pool.

Flic En Flac: Situated on the west coast, this beach is fringed with casurina trees providing a fine lagoon for swimming and water sports.

Grand Baie: The northern coastline beyond Tombeau Bay has many beautiful beaches and spots for safe bathing, sailing and windsurfing. The coastline later curves into Grand Baie itself, the main centre for yachting, windsurfing, waterskiing and other water sports.

Pereybere is midway on the coast road between Grand Baie and Cap Malheureux, a delightful little cove with deep clear blue waters, providing one of the best bathing places of the whole island.

Blue Bay is one of the finest bathing spots of the island. Situated on the South-East coast, not far from Mahebourg, Blue Bay offers a fine stretch of white sandy beach and a deep, clear, light-blue natural bathing pool. Yachting and windsurfing may be enjoyed there.

Belle Mare Plage on the south coast offers a 2km beautiful white sandy beach with fine bathing.

Citizens of the UK who are spending no more than 30 days in Mauritius do not require a Visa. A return airline ticket is needed, as well as a full passport valid for at least six months after the return date to the UK.
If you require more assistance please visit www.visaservice.co.uk or www.fco.gov.uk/knowbeforeyougo
 

The electric system in Mauritius is 220 volts - AC. The most common electrical plug is the UK 3 pin plug.
 

The western northern regions are generally warmer and drier than the east and south regions. Mauritius's winter is between July - September, with less rain and humidity. Even though the temperatures are slightly cooler at around 25 degrees Celsius, it is one of the best times to go on holiday to Mauritius. Between November and April, the temperatures rise to above 30 degrees Celsius, with long and hot humid days and there are threats of tropical storms and occasionally cyclones. The average coastal temperature throughout the year is 27 degrees Celsius in the day and 20 degrees Celsius in the evening.

AVERAGE CLIMATE IN MAURITIUS

The above table is a guideline and Western & Oriental Travel cannot assume responsibility for the statistical information.

No vaccinations are required for travellers to Mauritius from the UK but it is always best to consult with your GP for up to date information or phone NHS Direct on 0845 4647.

Dress is generally very casual, t-shirts and cotton clothing is most suitable. Some hotels do enforce a dress code at their more formal restaurants and bars in the evening. Please check at the time of your booking. No nude bathing is allowed and topless bathing is not welcome on public beaches in Mauritius.

Several airlines fly to Mauritius with the journey taking approximately 11 hours 40 minutes from London.

The following information is subject to change.

Air Mauritius
The national carrier flies non stop to Mauritius up to 5 times per week from London Heathrow (LHR)
The airline operates an Airbus 340 aircraft in a 3 cabin configuration- first class, premium economy and economy.

Domestic departures are available from Glasgow, Edinburgh, Newcastle and Manchester with British Airways and Belfast, Dublin, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds Bradford, Manchester, Teeside, Aberdeen and Inverness with British Midland on request.  

A very comfortable Business class is available for upgrade for a reasonable supplement with lie-flat bed.

British Airways
Fly 3 times weekly to Mauritius, non stop from London Gatwick (LGW). 

Domestic departures are available connecting through Heathrow from Aberdeen, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Newcastle and Manchester at additional cost. 

UPGRADE TO WORLD TRAVELLER PLUS FROM £299 RETURN
OR CLUB WORLD FROM £1500 RETURN

Please note these upgrades require a 90 day advance purchase   

Emirates

Emirates operate a daily flights to Mauritius with connectinos via Dubai from London Heathrow, Gatwick, Birmingham, Manchester, Glasgow and Newcastle with the option of a stopover in each direction for two-centre holidays. 

If you wish to stop in off in Dubai in either direction, Western & Oriental Travel can arrange this for you as we have a fantastic selection of hand picked luxury hotel resorts in Dubai. The combination of wonderful beaches in Mauritius and amazing shopping and attractions in Dubai make it a perfect trip for a couples or family holiday.

MAURITIUS AIRPORT LOUNGES

Arrivals Lounge

To beat the immigration queues why not pay for fast track immigration. You will be met at the door of your aircraft on arrival and assisted through immigration to the arrivals lounge. Your customs formalities will take place in the lounge where there is also an open bar with drinks and snacks.

Departure Lounge

Mauritius International Airport has an exclusive 'YU Lounge' for departing passengers. Due to many flights departing Mauritius late afternoon or evening you can pre-book the use of this lounge with your holiday package. The services provided are as follows:

• Direct check in facilities 1 1/2 hours prior to departure instead of the normal 3 hours
• Executive lounge facilities such as self service bar and buffet including a fine selection of spirits, wines, beers, tea and coffee as well as salads, cheeses, cold cuts of meat/chicken, smoked marlin, vegetarian food, cakes and hot soups.
• Business centre equipped with fax/photocopier facilities,writing desks, internet access
• Flat screen television with satellite channels, magazines, newspapers
• Large bathrooms with shower cubicles, towels and toiletries as well as baby changing area.
• Free portering service and car parking

For more details and prices please contact our reservations team.

Most people in Mauritius are bilingual being equally fluent in English and French. Creole, a dialect of French, are predominate in everyday life with the locals.

We suggest that all our customers review foreign office advice before travelling to Mauritius. Please use the following link: www.fco.gov.uk/knowbeforeyougo for the latest information.

The currency in Mauritius is the rupee which is divided into 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of 25, 50,100,200,500, 1000 and 2000. Coins are 1, 5 and 10 rupee and 20 and 50 cent pieces.

The rate of exchange as of April 2011 was approximately 45 rupee to £1.

Money can be exchanged at the airport, hotels and around the island. Major credit cards are accepted in hotels and most restaurants. Traveler’s cheques in any currency can be exchanged throughout Mauritius. Euros are also widely accepted and many hotels will price their menus using the Euro, although to make extras more affordable for guests many hotels are now pricing menus in rupees. 

Mauritius uses Atlantic standard time which is +4 hours ahead of GMT.

Mauritours Office (00 230) 4679719 or (00230) 4679717

24 hour customer service number (00 230) 499 1012

Private transfers by saloon car (for up to two adults and a child) or larger Family car/MPV for families, or minibus (for up to seven) are provided according to the size of your party both from and to the airport by our local representatives, Mauritours who meet you on arrival with a welcome pack and smile!

For that special occasion, you can also book a transfer via helicopter, considerably reducing the travel time to your hotel and enabling you to enjoy a spectacular view of the island too! Many hotels have a heli pad or one nearby (with a landing fee) and if you like the sound of this, please ask us for more details.

Car hire
Mauritians drive on the left hand side of the road so driving a rental car is easy and a great way to see the island.

We can supply rates for all sizes of vehicle from a mini to a Suzuki Jeep with prices starting at £32 per day with Budget Rent A Car. Rates include:

• unlimited mileage
• delivery or recovery at the hotel
• insurances - CDW and PAI

Not included are- petrol, in case of accident the first £166 damage ( except for categories F and G which is £333) optional theft damage waiver is available locally at £2.00 per day

Drivers must be a minimum of 23 years old and must have held a valid drivers licence for at least a year.

Additional driver fee of £7.00 to be paid with rental.

Car with driver

If you prefer someone else to do the driving whilst you see the sights, we can arrange a car with driver
in a modern fleet of cars. The standard size car will take up to 3 people and a deluxe vehicle will seat 6. The prices include unlimited mileage, fuel and insurance and all are equipped with radio telephones for communications.

Prices start at £55 for half a day.

Prices listed are as of April 2011 and may vary.