For a luxury island holiday, Mauritius rewards with sun, sea and sand in a package that stimulates the senses and washes away the cares of the world. Conveniently located between Australia and Africa, Mauritius is the perfect spot for a relaxing holiday in its own right, or as a stopover on the way to Africa, Europe or the British Isles. Surrounded by sparkling aquamarine waters and coral reefs, the sub tropical climate and pristine beaches makes Mauritius a heavenly and relaxing holiday destination. And it’s only about a 12 hour flight from the east coast.
With an extensive colonial history; English, French and Creole are spoken in Mauritius, giving this idyllic Indian Ocean jewel a warm cosmopolitan feel. This translates further into a delicious exotic Creole cuisine blending the best of Indian, Chinese, French and African influences with luscious tropical fruits, vegetables and seafood. Combine the cuisine with some outstanding South African wines and the foodie is in gourmet heaven.
In this tiny island of endless summer the feel is relaxed and informal and the locals as welcoming and warm as the breeze. The large number of stylish luxury hotels and resorts makes Mauritius Infinity Pool Central and value is high for the discerning holidaymaker to take advantage of year-round. Bargain hunters are well served in other ways too, with duty free shops and textile factory outlets giving great bargains for the determined retail junkie.
If you ever get tired of the beach life, Mauritius offers other distractions to complement the luxury hotel lifestyle. You’ll get fascinating insights into this vibrant multi-cultural society from visiting nearby townships and mingling with the locals. The dynamic capital, Port Louis is one place you really must explore, and while you’re out head to the elegant beach town of Grand Baie to rummage through exclusive boutiques and bustling markets.
Green thumbs will get a kick out of the 300 year old Pamplemousses Botanical Gardens and a trip to Chamarel falls will reward with vistas of volcanic earth in all its brilliantly colourful glory. A popular honeymoon destination, Mauritius is a delightful destination at any time, for any reason.
Mauritius fun facts
The highest point in Mauritius is the 828m Mount Piton
Mauritius was the only native home of the dodo bird
Sugar cane is the primary crop of Mauritius
African Adventure
Sunday 7th October 2007
Travel Counsellor: Kerrie Croft
Returning, after 13 years, to the Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda, Eastern Africa, gave me a sense of dejevu. Then though, the park on the border of Zaire was bare, and little wildlife existed after being almost wiped out by the desperate forces of Idi Amin’s regime. Still, it was a place I remembered well - several interesting incidents ensuring it was indelibly stamped on my travel memory. Now more adventures were to be etched.
At the northern end of the Park, where Lake Edward flowed into Lake George via the Kazuga channel, stood the main Safari Lodge, empty in 1983, now brimming with tourists. It looked the same yet different, as the surrounding hectares were dotted with staff and researchers cottages and other accommodation. At the end of the peninsular on a steep rise above the Channel famous for its thousands of hippos, lay the sprawling campsite. Near a rondavel providing shelter from which you could admire the surroundings, I pitched my tent between two bushes since... view full story
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