Mauritius is an island of Africa’s southeast coast located in the Indian Ocean, east of Madagascar. There is a saying that “Mauritius was made first and then heaven…”. Indeed Mauritius is a remote island famous for its sandy beaches, palm trees, azure lagoons and reefs that dot the beautiful and incomparable landscapes of this picturesque tiny piece of paradise. But with a beautiful mountainous interior and strong cultural heritage there’s more to it than first meets the idea. It is also a place with a diverse range of activities available.
Uniqueness of Mauritius
Its multicultural society and various cultural festivals are the ingredients giving uniqueness to the island. The colourful dresses swirling around to the rhythm of this enthralling music called the sega. The ladies dressed in fine-looking sarees, offerings in hand, heading towards the temple. The dragons dancing and spreading luck through the streets of the city. These varying colours spice up its culture and create a perfect fusion between them. Mauritius is inimitable in one way, through its music and its language. In 1998 a place with earths of 23 colours was discovered. That place is now called Vallée des Couleurs and is also a nature park located in Rivière des Anguilles.
The sega, being its traditional music, is usually played using conventional instruments like the maravanne (rattle), the triangle and the ravanne(goatskin drum). Most Mauritians are bi-lingual, thus speaking both English and French, although Créole and Bhojpuri are also spoken. Mauritius without those beautiful colours would have been an island like any other.
The Island’s Fauna and Flora in Nature Parks
The island of Mauritius, despite being a rather well-developed country; still has spots of preserved nature where people can relax and enjoy themselves. Apart from the obvious beaches, there are parks and nature reserves where Mauritians and visiting tourists alike can enjoy nature and even discover some new sports and experiences. Its rich and unique fauna and flora, though covering a rather small average area, fascinates more than one. The island is home to some of the rarest plants, animals and even its sea is the habitat of some unique types of coral reefs and fishes at Blue Bay Marine Park. Its protected offshore islands, which can be visited, are homes to the endangered endemic species of the island. We cannot omit the best nature park of the Mauritius – Black river gorges. It is the most spectacular corner with its wild spread of undulating hills and thick forest covering about 2% of the island. It is also hosts 3 of the most endangered species.
Activities on Mauritius Island
The array of activities covers different categories such as: sightseeing tours, extreme adventures, helicopter flights, luxury activities, spa & massages packages, sea & water activities, sport activities, romantic activities, hiking trips, and tailor made VIP customized activities.
Hotels & Villas in Mauritius
Mauritius prestigious hotels and villas are among the best in the Indian Ocean. With around 120 hotels around the island, you will come across a five star establishment at every turn, with butlers, private pools, limo transfers and tour, helicopter transfers, and even some interesting four stars welcoming tourists from all corners of the world. Golf players will surely appreciate the island for its 8 top flight golf courses all attached to hotels offering premium services like world-class spas and restaurants proposing the best cuisine. Mauritius is not only considered as one of the best honeymoon destination but is also is amongst the best destination to organize weddings. Mauritius is indeed one inimitable and mesmerizing island.
Climate and weather
The local climate is tropical, modified by southeast trade winds; there is a warm, dry winter from May to November and a hot, wet, and humid summer from November to May. Anti-cyclones affect the country during May to September. Cyclones affect Mauritius or Mauricio during November–April. Hollanda (1994) and Dina (2002) were the worst two last cyclones to have affected the island. The best time to visit Mauritius is from May to December when the weather is cool, dry and sunny. Expect some of Africa’s best beaches, fresh seafood and long, sun-drenched days on a Mauritius holiday. We don’t recommend visting Mauritius during the wet cyclone season, from January to March, and avoid the east coast in July and August, when the wind is at its strongest.
By Lilian Kiliswa
