Angsana Balaclava

Known for its beautiful beaches, lagoons and reefs, Mauritius has become a popular holiday destination for travelers from all over the world. Situated in the Indian Ocean with a warm tropical climate all year round, tourists visiting Mauritius will be overwhelmed with its stunning weather, must visit beaches, and delicious street food and cuisines that will definitely top of your sunny getaway.

Flight time from the UK: Approximately 12 hours via direct flight.

Local languages: Mauritius' native language is Creole, however it is also an English and French speaking nation. This being so, travelers will have no problem making conversations in English.

Best time to visit: The best time to travel to Mauritius is between the months of May and December. It’s during these months you’ll enjoy cool, dry and sunny days; however being a classical tropical country, a climate of warm weather is expected all year round. Wind and rain conditions vary depending on which side of the island you're on.

Visa requirements (for British passport holders) : British passport holders don’t need a visa when travelling to Mauritius. Your passport will be stamped upon arrival allowing entry to the country for 60 days; however you’ll need to be able to provide evidence of onward or return travel.

Please note: All nationalities including British passport holders will not be allowed to enter Mauritius if you’ve visited Guinea or Sierra Leone within 21 days of the date of your arrival.

Which airport will you fly in to: Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport is the main international airport in Mauritius and serves as the gateway for international direct flights from Africa, Asia and Europe.

Key Events and Festivals:

Chinese New Year – The annual Mauritius celebration takes place in late January or early February at the beginning of the Chinese lunar calendar. Tourists visiting during this period will witness joyful events include feasting, fireworks and parades with lion and dragon dances. The main events take place in China Town, Port Louis.

Independence Day - Held on March 12 each year, this festival is for Mauritians to celebrate independence and the foundation of the state in 1968. The day is a national holiday full of parades, special events and patriotism. Most of the action takes place on the waterfront of Port Louis.

Holi Festival – A colorful celebration that celebrates good harvest. Holi festival takes place in February in Mauritius with parades, music, dancing, and by throwing colored powder and water on each other for luck.

Ougadi – A Hindu festival in mid-March celebrating the new year of the Telegu Indian ethnic group with cultural shows, prayer and giving sweets.

Diwali – Known as the annual festival of lights, this bright and lively festival is celebrated by the large Hindu population of Mauritius to mark the triumph of good over evil. It takes place in late October or early November and is characterized by cake eating and the lighting of candles, electric bulbs and earthen lamps.

International Kreol Festival - The International Kreol Festival is a four day event taking place in early December to celebrate Creole culture in Mauritius. Tourist will have the chance to witness and take part in activities such as traditional dancing, music and games, culminating with an all night grand concert on the final day.

Must try food:

Dholl Puri - Dholl Puri is undoubtedly the most popular street food in Mauritius. This dish consists of Mauritian flatbreads with a filling of cooked yellow split peas. They’re served warm wrapped around curries, achards (pickled vegetables) and chutneys.

Fish Vindaye – Fish Vindaye is a refreshing fish curry originating from the Indian cuisine in Mauritius.

Mine Frite - This dish is as popular as the Mauritian Fried Rice and is a must try for any Mauritian Food Lovers. This dish is similar to the Mauritian Fried Rice except to the fact that instead of using rice, egg noodles are used.

Gateau Patate Douce – A sweet fried potato cake dish. The delicious tea time snack has the wonderful tropical island flavours of coconut and cardamom.

Must do experiences:

Try the street food – Mauritius overflows with delicious must try street foods that will make your holiday complete. For those that enjoy wandering around the cities and exploring the streets, don’t forget to try out as much of Mauritius’s street food as you can.

Visit Grand Bassin - Grand Bassin is a beautiful lake high up in the mountains about 1800 feet above sea level. It is also known as the most sacred Hindu place on the island of Mauritius. The people of the island believe it is filled with holy waters from the River Ganges in India.

Explore Chamarel Waterfall - Chamarel is the highest waterfall in Mauritius at 100 metres. This natural beauty spot is the perfect photo opportunity and certainly an impressive sight. Stairs will take you to the stunning viewing platform at the top where you can embrace the breathtaking waterfall as it hits the pool 100 metres below.

Discover Black River Gorges National Park - The national park stretches over 6574 hectares of land and you can hike its trails to view the native forests and wildlife. Perfect for nature lovers and explorers, the thick forest is home to over 300 species of flowering plants and the famous pink pigeon. Visitors can also take advantage of the opportunity to see panoramic views of the island’s landscape, including vistas, gorges, peaks and waterfalls.

Breathtaking views at Maison Eureka - Maison Eureka is a preserved colonial wooden mansion which lies high up in the center of the island close to Moka. It’s here you’ll can enjoy outstanding views over the Moka mountain range.