Mauritius Tours - About Mauritius

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 tranquility. 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. May your stay with us remain engraved in your memory forever. 

Grand Bay was the first area of the island to fully experience the tourist boom. A shopping and leisure paradise, Grand Bay also happens to be the area where Mauritians head for when they want a fun-filled night out (restaurants, bars and discos). Recently renovated, La Cuvette beach is well worth a visit.

The wonderful Pereybere public beach is popular because of its shopping facilities, restaurants and pubs.

 A few metres away from Baie aux Tortues, which 17th century sailors named after the many tortoises in the

Area can be found the ruins of the old Balaclava estate.  Visitors will be able to see the sea walls, whose initial foundations were laid down by Mahé de Labourdonnais.

The longest village on the island, Triolet offers an opportunity to visit the biggest Hindu temple, the Maheswarnath, first built in 1819 in honour of the Gods Shiva, Krishna, Vishnu, Muruga, Brahma and Ganesha.

 Discover a large variety of tropical fruit trees, colourful and perfumed exotic flowers. Trips on mountain bikes or hiking are possible.

Flacq is one of the most important villages in Mauritius. This meeting point for inhabitants of the East boasts the country’s largest open-air market. The extremely colourful market attracts a large number of people.

Enjoy unforgettable moments sliding on the giant chutes, with family or friends. Relaxation and pleasure guaranteed.

Ile aux Cerfs is a paradise for water sports and has the most beautiful beach in Mauritius. You cannot afford to miss this tiny island, delicately poised on the ocean, a real pearl in the Mauritian landscape.

At Vieux Grand Port, the oldest settlements in Mauritius, you can see the ruins of the first Dutch fortifications. Excavation work is  underway in a bid to uncover an important part of Mauritian history.

Owing to the remarkable work accomplished by the Mauritius Wildlife Fund, the island has become an international standard for the protection of natural resources and endangered species. A few of the world’s rarest birds, including the kestrel, can be seen there. You can also discover the extremely rare Pink Pigeon, the Green Gecko Phelsuma and the Aldabra giant tortoise.

Tel : (230)631 2396 E-mail: mwfexec@bow.intnet.mu

Mahébourg is one of the main fishing villages on the island. Built on the magnificent Grand Port Bay it was founded in 1804 by the French Governor Charles Decaën.  

Nestling in the Anse Jonchée hills, the Domaine des Grand Bois has splendid hunting grounds covering an area of 900 hectares. Stags, monkeys and boars live amidst the luxuriant vegetation of the hillside.One can watch a few species of endangered birds, including the kestrel. The Domaine contains four thatched-roof bungalows and a restaurant with a panoramic sea view. Take an opportunity to enjoy a delicious meal of venison and seafood.  

A small seaside resort along the rugged coast of the Savanne district. A famous feature is the garden overlooking the sea and named after Dr. Charles Telfair. A popular viewpoint is found at the southern end of the village, right on the cliff top: Gris Gris.

The Martello Towers represent the scene of the ancient rivalry between old colonial powers and the ingenuity of mankind. They are a milestone in the island’s history; they symbolise the end of slavery and the beginning of Indian immigration.

A winding road leads from Case Noyale village to the coloured earths of Chamarel: an undulating landscape of different and contrasting shades of colours. The different shades of blue, green, red and yellow are apparently the result of the erosion of the volcanic ash. The neighbouring waterfalls of Chamarel rise from the moors and the native plant life. The site possesses a rare beauty.

Some «Table d’hôtes» have been recently created in the Chamarel Village where you can enjoy the taste of typical Mauritian cuisine.

Owing to the exceptional high level of sunshine the district receives, Tamarin is naturally the heart of salt production in Mauritius.

Situated in the Rivière Noire district, the bird park stretches over 25 hectares and contains more than 140 bird species from all five continents.  Other attractions include fish ponds, tigers, tortoises, monkeys, deer and orchids.

Yemen Reserve may not be the largest game reserve on the island, but there is still lots to see. You will be able to get close to the herds of deer, as well as admire some splendid species of Mauritian fauna. A few rustic kiosks available in the reserve provide an unobstructed view of the sea. There you can sip a local punch while watching the sun going down.

Visit an interactive and ultra modern exhibition situated at the heart of an ancient sugarmill and discover the fascinating history of Mauritius and its sugarcane adventure exposed over 5000 sq meters! Then, let yourself be tempted by our tropical boutik with its unique gifts, souvenirs and tasting of special unrefined sugars as well as local rum. Do not miss the opportunity to relish authentic Mauritian cuisine with refined flavours at our restaurant "Le Fangourin".
Open 7 days a week from 09h00 to 18h00 - Free access to the restaurant and the Village Boutik
Beau Plan-Pamplemousses Tel: 243 06 60

Beyond La Marie and Mare-aux-Vacoas is found one of the two natural lakes of Mauritius. It rests within the crater of an extinct volcano. Ganga Talao is an important pilgrimage site and many Mauritians of the Hindu faith walk there during the Maha Shivaratri festival or the night fasting dedicated to Shiva.

This national park of 6,574 hectares was created in 1994 for the protection of Mauritius’ remaining native forests. Visitors can enjoy magnificent landscapes, with endemic plants and rare bird species. A trail leads from the Pétrin information centre to an area of typical plant life and to a conservation area. Orchids.

An old Creole residence built in 1830; Eureka is an essential place to visit during your stay in Mauritius if you wish to immerse yourself in tropical sweetness. 

Mauritius is a paradise for deep sea fishing. Species include the blue or black marlin, all types of sharks, yellow tuna, the Bonitos, the ‘emperor’, the ‘pélerin’, the ‘bécune’ or the barracuda.

Huge fishes like the Blue Marlin roam our seas and hunt around the island from November to April, and very often until May.
The ocean is 70 metres deep one kilometre away from the coast. Mauritius holds several world-fishing records (IGFA), including that of the mako shark of 1115 pounds, the blue shark of 400 pounds, a bonito of 41.5 pounds, a white tuna of 224 pounds and a ‘bécune’ of 125 pounds.
African records (GFUA) mention a yellow tuna of 212 pounds and a white tuna of 224 pounds.
Other specimens recently caught include blue marlins of 1430 and 1355 pounds. Fishing boats can be hired from almost all hotels.
The most prestigious deep-sea fishing competition is the Marlin World Cup, which is hosted in December by La Pirogue Hotel. 

Lagoons of a typically tropical sweetness and endless white beaches: Mauritius is a real paradise for those who want to enjoy the sea or just to soak up the sun.  Here is a list of the island’s finest public beaches.

One of the best areas for sailing, windsurfing and water skiing. La Cuvette beach has been recently upgraded.

This remarkable small cove halfway between Grand Bay and Cap Malheureux is one of the finest bathing spots on the island.  

Miles and miles of white and spotless beaches from Belle Mare to Trou-d’Eau Douce.

Blue Bay beach is one of the most popular bathing spots in the South-East of the island. An ideal spot for windsurfing and sailing.

Offer kilometres of beaches for bathing and are very popular for surfing.

White beaches fringed with filaos or Casuarina trees.

The gardens are known to naturalists throughout the world for their large collection of indigenous and exotic plants, including the giant Victoria Amazonica water lilies and many species of palm trees.  

The gardens are known to naturalists throughout the world for their large collection of indigenous and exotic plants.

The 60-acre garden boasts 500 different species of plants, of which 80 are palms. Of particular interest are the giant water lilies, a spice garden and the Talipot Palms, said to flower every 60 years after which they die.

The deers and tortoises are sure to delight the youngsters, whilst an old French mansion, Château Mon Plaisir, and an old sugar mill conjure up pictures of Mauritius’ rich historical past.

Invigorate yourself. Go mountain climbing or explore nature through forests, plants or endemic flowers. Enjoy the spectacular beauty of waterfalls or live an exciting adventure by going down the waterfalls.  

 Take breathtaking views on foot, on bike or kayak; or go trekking through fields, rivers and forests on all terrain quad bikes and discover the magnificent views of the south-eastern coastal regions. Adventure also means sharing the pleasures of fair game culling in the south-east  where many stags, does and boars roam freely on grounds of 900 hectares, covered with tropical forests.  The main tour operators of the island have included in their packages a “nature” element which does not fail to bring to light a few spectacular sites. Be it “Yemaya Adventures” with former world cycling champion,  Patrick Haberland , “Fun & Culture” with Yan de Maroussem or “Aqualonde” and Espace Aventure, green Mauritius is now discovered at different rhythm.

 Central Market : The picturesque Port-Louis central market continues to be a meeting point for Mauritians looking for a «cari» (curry) or «dithé» (tea). Here you will find all the ingredients that help to create the charm of Mauritius: local crafts, vegetables, famous «dholl purris» as well as herbal tea sellers. Built in 1844 the market is  being renovated.

 China Town : Enjoy a picturesque and affordable visit to Port-Louis’ Chinatown. The sellers of boiled «chow mein» and fish balls form part of the picturesque scene in an area where you can find almost anything at an affordable price.  

Caudan Waterfront : During the past years the Caudan Waterfront has become an unavoidable route for those who wish to have a taste of the best of Mauritius. Offering more than just rows of shops and restaurants Caudan Waterfront also enables you to discover Mauritian expertise in all fields, as you stroll around the area. Fast food or gourmet cooking, jewellery and local crafts, everything to suit all tastes.  

Domaine les Pailles : Nestling in the Pailles Valley, Domaine les Pailles takes a trip back in time through the history of Mauritius and offers a unique culinary experience. This typical Mauritian estate inflames your imagination with its harmonious combination of history, culture and nature.

Located in the southwest Indian Ocean, Mauritius enjoys a tropical climate that is greatly affected by southeast trade winds. The warmest weather occurs during the month of February (average temperatures around 85 degrees Fahrenheit) while the coolest temps tend to hit during July (average temperatures around 70 degrees Fahrenheit). In general, the western and northern regions are warmer and drier than those in the east and south. Summertime, which lasts from November through April, sees overall averages of 80 degrees Fahrenheit along the coast down to the low 70s on the plateau. Wintertime, from May through October, sees overall averages of 70 degrees along the coast down to the low 60s on the plateau. The sea temperature ranges from about 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on the conditions and the season. Heavy rain is common from January through March, and tropical cyclones are a possibility from November through April.

A recommended time to Visit Mauritius is during its winter months, the temperature is much cooler and on most days you won't even have to use you’re Room Air Condition, also it rains less and even when it does rain it's mainly in the evening or just a passing shower during the day. You still have some strong sun during midday so a tan can still be achieved. As a bonus this time of year also sees less tourist so the hotel charges are less (Off-Peak Period) and you can haggle much more with taxi's or in shops as they will know there isn’t as many tourist around so they will be more flexible on their prices, Obviously the historic attractions will have fewer crowds so all in all you get a much more of a relaxing holiday. As a bonus you don’t have to worry about cyclones.

Salaries are generally quite low in Mauritius, so extra tips are very much appreciated and will often help them reach the end of the month. However, don't feel obliged. Maurtians seem to know that a tip has to be earned, and they will naturally do their utmost to make you happy, whether it's for service in a hotel, restaurant or taxi.

At your hotel, it's usually best to wait till the end of your stay and pass an extra something in cash to any staff members who have been particularly attentive (waiter, housekeeping or even kids club), or really helped make your holiday a great one. The amount really depends upon the type of hotel you're at and the type of guest you are (more demanding than most or just particular). The hotel will usually let you add something extra onto your credit card if you want to give a general 'tip' which will then be added to a pool for division among all the staff at the end of the month. The back of house staff will also benefit that way (chefs, laundry dept, maintenance team, etc).

Taxi fares are usually negotiated in advance for the trip or for a day's tour, and if the driver has been particularly informative or helpful taking you around, an extra Rs100-200 shows your appreciation. In a restaurant, even if a service charge is added onto your bill, you could leave a few loose coins or small note for good service. Do ensure you give the tip to the person whom you want to receive it though as the cash tip won't necessarily be shared.

The majority of Mauritians are incredibly polite. Proper greeting is the norm, so practice your "Bonjour"s and "Bonsoir"s. If you catch the eye of a stranger, even just passing in the street, they may well nod their head or give you a smile and say  "Bonjour". The same usually goes for when you enter a shop, restaurant or other public venue. Upon departing these locations, you might be wished a "Bonne journee" (Have a good day!) to which you can reply the same or "Aussi a vous" (Same to you).

Change the currency in MRU is: mauritian rupies -MUR or rs

don't change money in your home country!  The change in Mauritius is better!

you can change all international currencys: like Euro , US Dollar……..

Credit Cards  American Express is  widely not excepted in shops and restaurants,  Mastercard, Visa is excepted everywhere.

Mauritius is primarily suited to those wanting a resort based beach holiday.  However, those choosing to remain in their hotel for the full duration of their stay on this lovely island are missing out.  Mauritius is a beautiful island with contrasting scenery and stunning vistas. Car hire is relatively inexpensive - especially if shared, and driving is not too great a chore.  Take 3 or 4 days out of a two week holiday and you can get to explore most of the island, taking in its breath taking coastline (large stretches of uninhabited beach away from the hotels), stunning mountains, lush volcano, bizzare coloured earths, immaculate botanical gardens, temples, waterfalls, small 'real life' towns and Mauritius' bustling capital Port Louis, with its vibrant markets and modern harbourside shopping area.

Getting out and about in Mauritius not only opens you up to the beauty of the island but also gives you a slice of what life is really life in Mauritius - a far cry from the travellers existance in one of the many luxurious hotels.  Life looks fairly tough for many islanders but, despite this, Mauritians are warm, friendly people and car travel around the island feels safe - though, as in any country, it is wise to apply common sense to your journey - don't leave valuables on display, park in busy well lit areas, ensure you have enough fuel etc.

A good place to start collecting travel information for Mauritius is on the official tourist board website. The “What to See” section suggests itineraries, beaches, ecotourism and nature ideas, marine life attractions, and tour and car rental services. Other sections offer advice on accommodations, golf, deep sea fishing excursions, and information on the culture and cuisine.

Mauritius Island Online features both travel and business information. Helpful information is available regarding the area’s wildlife, places of interest, geography, and climate. You can also learn about Sega (pronounced Saygah), a native dance that originated from the ritual music of Madagascar and mainland Africa, and listen to song samples.

Use the Mauritius-Info website as your guide to sightseeing, for ideas on attractions, beaches, and festivals. There are also links to hotels, restaurants, and transportation options.

If you are interested in learning more about the area, check out the Mauritius Museum Council . Here you can find out about all the local museums, including the Natural History Museum, the Museum of Indian Immigration, the Mauritius Postal Museum, and others.

Mauritius enjoys a widely varied culture, due in part to its complex history. First settled by the Dutch, the island was later overtaken by the French, who brought over slaves from Africa, specifically Senegal, Guinea, Mozambique, and Madagascar. Then the British eventually took control, and brought over indentured laborers from India. Later yet, Chinese settlers arrived, primarily Hakka and Cantonese.

Today, the result is a blend of diverse cultures, religions, and languages. The population includes Hindus, Creole, Chinese, Muslims and Europeans. Most are bilingual and easily switch between English and French. Creole is also widely spoken, as are a few Asian languages. The diversity is also evident in the cuisine, which is a blend of Indian, Creole, Chinese, and European. In fact, a combination is often offered within the same meal.

A somewhat conservative location, it’s wise to refrain from nude and topless sunbathing on public beaches.

Salaries are generally quite low in Mauritius, so extra tips are very much appreciated and will often help them reach the end of the month. However, don't feel obliged. Maurtians seem to know that a tip has to be earned, and they will naturally do their utmost to make you happy, whether it's for service in a hotel, restaurant or taxi.

At your hotel, it's usually best to wait till the end of your stay and pass an extra something in cash to any staff members who have been particularly attentive (waiter, housekeeping or even kids club), or really helped make your holiday a great one. The amount really depends upon the type of hotel you're at and the type of guest you are (more demanding than most or just particular). The hotel will usually let you add something extra onto your credit card if you want to give a general 'tip' which will then be added to a pool for division among all the staff at the end of the month. The back of house staff will also benefit that way (chefs, laundry dept, maintenance team, etc).

Taxi fares are usually negotiated in advance for the trip or for a day's tour, and if the driver has been particularly informative or helpful taking you around, an extra Rs100-200 shows your appreciation. In a restaurant, even if a service charge is added onto your bill, you could leave a few loose coins or small note for good service. Do ensure you give the tip to the person whom you want to receive it though as the cash tip won't necessarily be shared.

The majority of Mauritians are incredibly polite. Proper greeting is the norm, so practice your "Bonjour"s and "Bonsoir"s. If you catch the eye of a stranger, even just passing in the street, they may well nod their head or give you a smile and say  "Bonjour". The same usually goes for when you enter a shop, restaurant or other public venue. Upon departing these locations, you might be wished a "Bonne journee" (Have a good day!) to which you can reply the same or "Aussi a vous" (Same to you).

In a social situation, Mauritian children are brought up to greet everyone they're introduced to with a kiss on each cheek, French style, so don't be surprised if this happens. Between adults and men, a handshake upon introduction is fine, but by the time you leave the social gathering you may receive double kisses from everyone in the room.

Hop Tours and Travels Pvt Ltd (Mumbai, India)
Egypt Destination Specialist
512-A, Corporate Avenue, Sonawala Cross Road,
Next to Udyog Bhavan, Goregaon (E), Mumbai - 400 063, India
Tel. : +91-22-40582000/02/04/06, Fax : +91-22-67255210