Mauritius Travel Guide
Mauritius Travel & Tourism Information
Mauritius is an island country in the Indian Ocean off the southeastern coast of Africa. Originally the island was inhabited by the Portuguese and the Dutch before the French annexed it in 1810. The island's culture is a mix of Creole, French, African, and Indian. Mauritius became a popular destination for travelers from both the Indian and African continents. The island attracts tourists for its beautiful scenery, beaches, and coral reefs. Mauritius is a great place to go snorkeling, kayaking, and hiking.
Beaches
Most of the beaches in Mauritius are found on the east coast. The west coast is more mountainous and therefore not as easily accessible. Though beaches are mostly found in tropical areas, other beaches have palm trees and some rainforest areas. The best time to go to the beach is between November and April, when the temperatures are cooler and the winds are not too strong.
The crystal clear blue waters are what make Mauritius beaches stand out. There are plenty of beach activities to choose from, like surfing, snorkeling, diving, fishing, water sports, and much more, yet it is far from a commercialized tourist destination.
Mauritius beaches are some of the most beautiful in the world. They are wide and expansive with an endless view of deep blue waters. Mauritius is an island nation with an east coast with miles of beautiful and unspoiled beaches, volcanic and crystal clear water.
Beach Weather
Mauritius is a little tropical island found in the Indian Ocean off the southeast coast of Africa. Depending on location in Mauritius, the weather will vary. In the center of the island, the hottest temperature will be around 30°C, and it is not unusual for the temperature to rise to over 40°C. In general, the temperature around the coast and in the country's east will be around 28°C and is mild year-round. In the west of the country, there is a more humid and hotter climate. The temperature will be around 33°C with a rainy season during November to April.
The best time to visit Mauritius is during December to March, when the temperature is cooler at 24°C and 25°C, and there is less rainfall. The highest chance of rain is in October to December, with the lowest chance of rain in June to September.
Culture
Because of its location along the Indian Ocean, Mauritius has been a welcoming place for travelers from Africa, the Middle East, and India. The island is home to many people who are part of either the Creole, French, African, or Indian cultures. There is also a small Chinese minority, making up only 0.3 percent of its population. The Creole culture is a mix of French and African influence. The result is a long-lasting tradition of music, dance, and storytelling. The main religions in Mauritius include Hinduism, Sikhism, Islam, and Christianity. The Hindu population in Mauritius is actually quite large, making up 68.5 percent of the country's population. In 2003, Mauritius experienced a large influx of immigration from India.
Its reputation as a tropical paradise attracts travelers to Mauritius. Many travelers visit Mauritius to go surfing, swimming, and diving. The majority of the island is protected as a national park, so things like hiking, kayaking, and bird watching are popular pastimes here. One of the most beautiful tourist destinations in Mauritius is the desert island of Agalega. This sparsely populated island is home to gorgeous coral reefs and unique species of wildlife.
Holidays and Festivals
Mauritius celebrates many of the holidays that most countries celebrate. These include Christmas Day and New Year's Day. Some holidays are specific to this island country. The Hindu festival of Akshaya Tritiya is celebrated in April. This holiday celebrates the birthday of the Hindu god of wealth. Another important holiday for Mauritians is Ganesh Chaturthi. This holiday celebrates the birthday of the Hindu Lord Ganesh, the god of wisdom and learning. This holiday is typically celebrated in August. The most important religious holiday in Mauritius is Diwali. This holiday celebrates the Hindu festival of light. Diwali typically occurs in October.
Food
There are many foods you can find in Mauritius. Some of the most well-known are Mauritian dishes like the country's national dish, "La Poule" (a delicious chicken curry dish). Still, Mauritian cuisine also includes various seafood dishes, including fish, prawns, crab, lobster, and conch.
You can also find many flavors from around the world if you're adventurous, with Mauritian food being influenced by French, Creole, Indian, Chinese, and Malagasy flavors.
Mauritius is also well known for its fruit markets, and you can find local fruits like mango, pineapple, and guava, as well as imported fruits like oranges and grapes.
Happy tasting!