Tours in Mauritius should be on your bucket list. This volcanic island is located off the southeast coast of the African continent in the Indian Ocean. The island of lagoons, powdered white beaches and palm-fringed beaches with coral reefs surrounding most of the coastline. Mauritius is defiantly an excellent holiday destination, with a vast number of activities waiting to be discovered. The kind of place which gives you pleasure even with the smallest attempt of activity.
Visa
Maltese citizens holding a biometric passport do not require a visa to enter Mauritius, however, it is very important to note that your passport needs to be valid at least 6 months after your arrival back to Malta. You must have a return ticket and the maximum stay in the country is of 90 days.
Time Zone
Mauritius Time Zone – is abbreviated as MUT (Mauritius Time). Mauritius is 4hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time and 3hours ahead of mid-European Time.
Best time to go on Tours in Mauritius
The island of Mauritius offers a tropical climate all year round. The summer months are from December to April, when it can be extremely humid, and the cooler winter, such as it is, runs from May to November. January and February are considered to be the typhoon months, with a possibility to be extended until April. Temperatures range between 25°C and 33°C in summer and between 18°C and 25°C in winter.
Vaccines
There are no specific vaccinations required to enter Mauritius, however, one has to be responsible. Stay healthy and safe. For more information, one should get further details.
Currency
The Mauritian unit of currency is the rupee (Rs), The banknote denominations are in 25, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000 and 2000 rupees. You can easily use the facility of the ATMs, as these are situated everywhere along the island. The most commonly used credit cards are Visa and MasterCard.
Food
Mauritius has a unique identity. The mixture of different cultures which overruled Mauritius throughout the years has left its mark on the country’s cuisine. You can see Dhal Puri at the food stalls, which is a mix of seasoned split peas, pickled vegetables and bean curry wrapped in warm thin flatbread. It is important to remember that Mauritians take spice seriously, so one should proceed with caution when the vendors ask if you like your food to be hot. Coconut and pineapple are used as part of the flavours for their local drinks. The Rum, which is locally produced in the alcoholic drink mainly used across the island.
Country Top things to do by interest
Nature
This tropical island is home to plant species and rare birds, such as the pink pigeon and the kestrel. It also offers a vast amount of marine species, which will make snorkelling of scuba diving a unique experience. Driving around the island offers beautiful scenery of their crops and pointy mountain tops. You can find amazing natural waterfalls on this beautiful tropical island including Rochester falls and GRSE waterfall which can also be visited by boat from the coast.
Beaches, Swimming & Relaxing
What are tours in Mauritius without some beaches and relaxing time. The beautiful beaches in Mauritius’s are a photo finish experience with coral reef lagoons and sandy beaches. The north area has the greatest variety, with white sandy beaches shaded by casuarina trees, like Trou-aux-Biches and Grand Baie.
The west coast offers the best sunsets with a reflection of its golden sand, crystal clear shallow waters like for example Flic en Flac beach.
On the east coast, do not forget to visit Belle Mare, Iles auc Cerfs, Blue Bay Marine park amazing for snorkelling.
On the south side you can find the typical Robinson Crusoe style island. Tours in Mauritius are the heaven on earth type.
Nature & trekking
Mauritius’ magnificent natural features are a major attraction too. Tours in Mauritius should definitely include these natural wonders. In the south-west of Mauritius, one can visit the Seven Coloured Earths of Chamarel, which normally attracts nature lovers for their colourful dunes. Or maybe take a trip to the Black River Gorges National Park to explore its hiking and mountain biking trails. Hiking through the UNESCO World Heritage site of Le Morne Brabant Mountain will give you a breathtaking experience. Here you can trek to the very top and see the coastline beneath you with the reflection of all the colourful corals.
Wildlife & Safaris
Even though not in the wild, the Casela Nature Park is a must-see attraction. Experience walks with Lions, meet the rhinos, experience the safari Quad and encounter the various animal species. Immerse yourself in the extraordinary scenic beauty in the company of the wild Kudus, or Impalas.
The Black River Gorges National Park, is a dense forest, allowing you to see the nine species of birds which are only found on this beautiful island.
Sightseeing
Should one decides to have a break from just sitting in the sun, Mauritius has plenty to see and do. French colonial houses, museums, shopping centres, botanic gardens and eco-friendly playgrounds can be found all around the island which will give a different type of pleasure.
One can visit the capital of Port Louis and the Grand Baie. Both are great sightseeing spots.
Shopping
From the bustling marketplace, such as the Port Louis Central Market or the Flacq Market to the high-end store, such as the Phoenix Mall. Mauritius can offer something good for everyone. Moreover, visitors can also shop tax-free in any shop marked with a tax refund logo.
Adrenaline
Extreme activities such as a 60 second tandem free fall skydiving, zip-lining at Vallée des Couleurs, getting dirty with mud karting, mountain biking on the best off-road trails or jumping off rocks and swim through currents will surely give the adrenalin enthusiast that burning sensation. One can also find underwater adrenaline adventures like scuba diving.
Culture
Mauritius, also known as the “rainbow paradise island” is rich in the cultural mixture and harmonized religions. The Séga, is the official national music of Mauritius, with lovely ethnic tunes.
Cuisine
Mauritians carry an electric and colourful mix that is evident in their dishes. Luxuriant tropical fruits and vegetables, imported game, abundant sea life and exotic African and Indian spices all blend in a unique way to make your taste buds tingle.
Children Theme Parks
Le Water park is a great place for family and friends with inner tubes water rides, water cannons, the crazy river ride, the giant wave pool, the shallow splashes areas and many more. A visit to the Kids Adventure park might also be a thrilling experience for the little ones, with mini-jet sky rides to mini quad bike rides, or a treetop cross adventure is the place to be especially if you are travelling with kids.