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1.1 Mauritius
- A Picture Perfect Beach Destination
As a country, Mauritius includes the
islands of Rodrigues and Agalega, the Cargados Carajos
Shoals and a few smaller mostly uninhabited islands.
Mauritius is almost wholly ringed by a coral reef that
is reputed to be the worlds third largest. Both the
Dutch and the French were extremely reckless in allowing
the uncontrolled invasion of indigenous forests. Today,
less than 2% of these forests remain. Many of the nearly
700 species of indigenous plants are threatened with
extinction. Starting from the late 1970's, a belated
but systematic effort has been underway to conserve
the unique flora of the island.
The wildlife faces similar dangers.
In the first place, animal migration to this isolated
island was by air or sea only, greatly limiting the
diversity of species. The animals the Dutch found included
out-of-size reptiles and flightless birds. But except
for bats, there were no mammals and no amphibians at
all. The animals brought aboard ships by man include
monkeys and rats - thanks to the Portuguese, while the
Dutch take credit for deer and wild boar. Some of these
animals threaten to choke the life out of indigenous
species - they eat their eggs, and even their young.
Mauritius is not all bad news for nature
lovers' -there are plenty of birds and marine life is
abundant. However, some of the endemic bird species,
such as Mauritius kestrel, echo parakeet and pink pigeon
number not more than a few hundred. Such are now under
some form of captive breeding program, with the hope
of raising their numbers.
The island's maritime zone boasts more
than 1,000 species of marine life- fishes, shells and
mollusks, in numbers beyond count. The spectacular way
to explore the spectacular underwater world is onboard
a submarine. The sub also allows you to see some ship
wrecks dating back to the Dutch period.
You can swim at various places at beaches,
lagoons and inlets. Swimming beaches are best to the
north, though there are other good sites to the southwest
and to the west near Flic en Flac. The west coast offers
good sites for surfing at Tamarin, and diving at Flic
en Flac. At Grand Bay beach, you get good shopping,
nightclubs, bars, and restaurants and the chance to
interact with locals. In addition, the swimming, surfing,
sailing and angling is good. From here, you can also
make a boat excursion of the islands to the north.
In the islands' interior, there are
good opportunities for hiking and trekking. Black River
Gorges National Park has excellent walks, and at the
same time you can see some endemic plants and birds.
The Réserve Forrestière Macchabée
and Rivière Noire National Park are also good
for hiking. In addition, captive breeding to raise the
numbers of Mauritius endangered endemic birds is underway
here. For trekkers, you will do well at the plateau
at Curepipe and at the island of Rodrigues.
The Royal Botanical Gardens of Pamplemousses
are very popular with visitors. The gardens date back
to 1735, during the French period. Here you will see
a large collection of exotic and indigenous plants in
excellent surroundings. Among the most peculiar specimens
are the giant Victoria regia water lilies, whose origins
are in the Amazon, and the talipot palm- known to bloom
once every 60 years before dying. At the Casela Bird
Park, you can see some of its 140 bird species, including
the rare Mauritian pink pigeon. Some of these excursions
are included in the Mauritius
tour packages offered by the various vendors.
Mauritius offers some excellent golf
courses, and visitors are increasingly aware of it.
There are at least three hotels with 18-hole courses
and another five with 9-hole courses. The Ile aux Cerfs
course, which sits on its own tiny island is the most
spectacular. For honeymooners, the island is very welcoming.
Almost all hotels offer a special honeymoon package.
As a non-resident, you can easily tie the knot here.
But a few formalities must be completed with officialdom;
make sure you comply before arrival.
Mauritius is at the cultural cross roads
of Europe, Africa and Asia. The Dutch, French, Africans,
Indians, Chinese and British came under one guise or
another and have today influenced the character and
cultural life of the island. Though the island is closest
to Africa geographically, culturally it is much closer
to Asia.
The biggest racial groups are Indo-Mauritians
who constitute about two thirds of the nations 1.2 million
peoples, followed by Creoles - Afro- Mauritians who
are just over a quarter of the population. Franco- Mauritians
and peoples of Chinese origin combined make up about
5% of the population. While English is the official
language, French, Creole, Bhojpuri and Urdu are widely
spoken. Religion is the other factor defining the people
of the island, with Hinduism (51%), Christianity (30%)
and Islam (17%) leading.
The cuisine of the island reflects the
diversity of its people. French, Creole, Chinese and
Indian foods - with local variations are all found here.
Wherever you stay, you will most likely be able to watch
or even dance the Sega. This energetic and erotic Creole
dance has origins in the sugar fields, in the days when
African labour was captive. You may also be fortunate
to encounter any of the various festivals celebrated
in this multicultural country. Only the most widely
traveled however, will be prepared for the Cavadi. On
this Tamil festival, penitents pierce their bodies,
tongues, and cheeks while some march on shoes of nails.
Tourism is one of the main pillars of
the economy of Mauritius. The bulk of visitors come
from South Africa, Germany, France, Australia and UK.
Hotels
in Mauritius are plenty, and they range from
5-star luxury to those with just basic amenities. Budget
stay comes in the form of bungalows, guesthouses and
self-catering apartments. The period June to September
and around Christmas is the busy season and if you plan
to travel then, you are advised to book your accommodation
in advance. Mauritius is still relatively affordable,
though there has been talk of turning it into an up
market beach destination.
Mauritius is a year-round destination.
The best times to visit however, are the periods April-June
and September- November. These are the months when it
rains least and the temperatures are moderate. January
to April is hottest, and daytime temperatures can reach
35°C. Temperatures tend to be lower inland, away
from the coast. The main rains come between December
and April, though there are light rains year round.
November to February is when cyclones are most likely
to occur. But do not be deterred; chances of meeting
cyclones are not very high, and it is estimated that
they hit the island about once every 15 years.
If you are keen on water sports, beware
that diving is best December to March, and surfing between
June and August. For big game fishing, come between
October and April. You should be comfortable with light
clothing suitable for the tropical climate. But you
need warmer clothing for evenings and the southern winter
months between July and September. Whatever time of
year you travel, do carry some rainwear. In the summer
months between November and April, you are advised to
bring along sunglasses, sun hats and sunscreen.
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