17 Things You Must Know Before Visiting Mauritius Travel Tips

Issues You Should Know Earlier than Visiting Mauritius

1. English is the Official Language

The three major languages are English, French, and Creole. English is the official language, however the majority language used is French-Mauritius Creole, which was correct on our journey. Many lodge staff additionally communicate German, Italian, and Spanish. In the event you plan on venturing outdoors the resorts and fashionable vacationer points of interest, studying some primary French will assist you to.

Most Mauritians are bilingual, and lots of are expert in three or 4 languages, which makes them a preferred recruit for cruise ships. Additionally it is value noting that 70% of the inhabitants can communicate “Morisyen.” In addition they communicate Indian languages akin to Bhojpouri (31.4%), Tamil (3.5%), Hindi (2.8%), and Urdu (2.7%).

3. Who’s Visiting Mauritius

Due to Mauritius’ location, we observed most vacationers have been Europeans. France, the UK, Germany, and Spain carry probably the most vacationers, adopted by China.

After we visited, we bought a number of feedback asking if we have been from China. The borders have been closed due to the pandemic, so the Mauritians have been excited that we is perhaps among the many Chinese language vacationers beginning to go to once more.

4. Deliver your Benjamins

Mauritius isn’t thought of a funds vacation spot. Most individuals go to Mauritius for luxurious, and so they pay for it. Though you possibly can journey right here on a funds, there are higher locations for those who’re on the lookout for an reasonably priced seaside trip.

5. Their Forex is the Mauritian Rupee

They use the Mauritian Rupee, and roughly USD 1 = MUR 43.95.

We solely wanted money for ideas and avenue distributors. Different spots took bank cards. You may change currencies on the airport and most motels or withdraw from an ATM. In the event you withdraw from an ATM, we heard you need to restrict every transaction to MUR15,000. In any other case, the machines may get jammed.

6. Tipping Is Not Obligatory however APPRECIATED

Tipping is just not obligatory in Mauritius. Here’s a fast guideline in case you are seeking to tip for distinctive service: Spas (5-10%), Tour guides (10%), Taxis (100-200 Rps), Inns (100 MUR), and Eating places (10-15%).

7. Visiting Mauritius throughout Excessive and Low Seasons

Temperatures are heat all yr, making it a year-round vacation spot. The water temps keep between 71-80°F (22-27°C).

The excessive season is throughout their summers (October-April) and winters (Might-September). Throughout peak season, you need to e book motels three months prematurely and actions/eating places round one week earlier than. Shoulder season runs March-April and September-October.

• Summers (Oct-Apr) – The imply temperature in the summertime is 76°F (24.7°C). Dec to Mar are the wettest months. Thunderstorms are widespread however cross. Throughout our December go to, the waterfalls have been dry (normally late winter/early Summer time) however had been dryer than common. As soon as the rain begins in Dec/Jan, the rivers and falls fill again up.
• Winters (Might-Sep) – The imply temperature within the winter is 70°F (21°C). Winter is windier and the very best time to go to for those who like gentle temperatures and sports activities that require wind, like kitesurfing.

Native Tip: They normally get a cyclone every season, and each ten or so years, it is going to hit the island instantly. The final large one was in 1992, so locals have been anticipating one any time now.

8. Locations Shut Early

Many locations closed sooner than anticipated, and lots of companies closed for holidays and Sundays. Additionally, sure eating places have random days they aren’t open.

9. Renting a Automotive vs. Getting a Taxi

Renting an (computerized) automobile is an possibility on the island, and also you don’t want a world driver’s license. Simply bear in mind they drive on the left aspect of the street, which may be disorienting.

Roads outdoors town are straightforward to navigate and never too crowded, however driving in a metropolis may be tense. Navigating through google maps labored properly going to fashionable points of interest, and the roads have been in good situation in comparison with different nations we’ve explored. Velocity limits are normally round 40 kph (25 mph) in cities, 90 kph (50 mph) outdoors of them, and 110 kph (68 mph) on the freeway.

Taxi prices differ and are not regulated. For instance, from Port Louis to Flic n Flac, it will probably price between MUR 800 and MUR 1,000. Be cautious of taxi drivers, since some are affiliated with outlets they may attempt to take you to for “an excellent deal” to obtain a lower of earnings. However now that I give it some thought, it’s just like some bloggers and influencers too.

10. Site visitors can get loopy

It might take 1-2 hrs to get from one aspect of the island to the opposite. Hold that in thoughts once you plan actions or the place you’re visiting. We had a whole lot of early days since we had so as to add within the journey time.

Site visitors on the island begins round 8 am and 4 pm. Though we didn’t see site visitors, they saved telling us how dangerous site visitors was, so we at all times left earlier or means later to keep away from it.

Native Tip: In the event you booked a lodge with breakfast however have an early exercise, you’ll probably miss breakfast. Ask for a to-go bag.

11. Faucet Water is Technically Protected

Locals drink faucet water, however it isn’t really useful for guests. No matter secure consuming water, we pack this self-cleaning water bottle on all our journeys to replenish on the lodge or airport.

12. Mauritius has a whole lot of historical past, and Sugar is a Large a part of it

Many of the fields in Mauritius are sugarcane fields, and sugarcane farms nonetheless dominate 70% of the land. Among the best locations to study extra in regards to the historical past of sugarcane in Mauritius is Sugar World (L’Aventure de Sucre). Right here, you may also do a sugar tasting and a rum tasting.

Because of the sugar business, after slavery was abolished, the British examined out indentured labor and unfold it to the remainder of the world on account of their success. You may study extra about that at Aapravasi Ghat World Heritage Website, the stays of an Immigration Depot inbuilt 1849.

Do you know the now-extinct Dodo hen can also be from Mauritius? You’ll discover them on souvenirs and branding everywhere in the island.

13. Souvenirs

• Sugar from L’Aventure du Sucre – we purchased a number of for pals again residence that love baking or consuming espresso.
• Phoenix is the island’s hottest native beer. We by no means verify our luggage, however you possibly can carry again some native beer or liquor for those who do.
• Native Rum or Fruit Wines – Most cocktails are made with rum since they supply from native rhumeries. There aren’t native grape wines, however yow will discover native fruit wines.

14. In the event you Love Golf, You’ll Love Mauritius

{Golfing} may be very fashionable in Mauritius. There are ten 18-hole programs and 4 9-hole programs, some designed by Gary Participant and Ernie Els. Mauritius was residence to the primary golf course within the southern hemisphere.

Pin

15. World Class Diving Over Snorkeling

We weren’t impressed with the snorkeling on the reefs, however Mauritius has world-class diving. There are round 50 dive websites throughout the island. If we might have a do-over, we might have taken a PADI refresher course and booked some diving excursions as a substitute.

Native Tip: Don’t neglect coral-safe sunscreen. We have been disenchanted by all of the bleached coral we noticed.

16. The underwater Waterfall can solely be Seen from a Helicopter

The underwater waterfall, an optical phantasm, is a well-known landmark you could see whereas visiting Mauritius. It might solely be seen through helicopter, which is at all times climate dependent. Plan your trip early in your go to in order that if it will get canceled, you’ll have loads of time to reschedule.

Pin