Mauritius
A volcanic island in the middle of the Indian Ocean. A reef rings the whole coast so the water stays calm, and Indian, African, French and Chinese strands share one society.
Landmarks
The colour of the water inside the reef, and the peaks that rise behind it.
- A rock mountain falling into the seaLe Morne Brabant, 556mSouthwest
A World Heritage site where escaped slaves hid. A trail climbs it, and the water below is known for kitesurfing.
- Earth in seven coloursChamarel Seven Coloured EarthsSouthwestern interior
Volcanic rock weathered unevenly and separated into bands of colour. A tall waterfall sits nearby.
- The island as it wasBlack River Gorges National ParkSouthwest
Native vegetation that escaped clearance survives here. Endemic species such as the Mauritius kestrel recovered in this park.
- A small island inside the lagoonÎle aux CerfsOff the east coast
Fifteen minutes by boat, with water shallow enough to be transparent. It gets crowded during the day.
- A botanical garden 250 years oldPamplemousses Botanical GardenNorth
Giant water lilies and palms brought from around the world. One of the oldest gardens in the southern hemisphere.
- What looks like an underwater waterfallThe underwater waterfall illusionOff the southwest coast
Sand pushed down by the current reads as a falling sheet from above. Visible only from a helicopter or light aircraft.
World Heritage
Both sites are about forced movement and forced labour.
- Le Morne Cultural LandscapeA refuge for escaped slavesSouthwest
In the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries runaways formed communities on the difficult mountain. It is inscribed as a symbol of resistance.
- Aapravasi GhatWhere indentured labourers first landedPort Louis
After abolition, hundreds of thousands of indentured workers from India arrived here. It is where that system began spreading worldwide.
Where to go
The coast divides into four, each with its own character.
- Port LouisThe capitalNorthwest
A central market, Chinatown and the harbour. A working city more than a sight.
- Grand BaieThe northern beachesNorth
The most restaurants and shops, with calm water. An easy first choice.
- Flic en FlacThe western beachesWest
Good sunsets and dive sites close in. Quieter than the north.
- The east coastQuiet resortsEast
Breezy and cooler, with resorts spaced far apart. Good for kitesurfing.
- The southCliffs and a coast without reefSouth
The reef breaks, so the swell reaches the shore. Rugged scenery and few people.
- RodriguesThe slower sister island560km east
Ninety minutes by plane and almost undeveloped. Octopus fishing and good walking paths.
When to go
Southern hemisphere, so the seasons are inverted.
- Dry seasonMay to NovemberEverywhere
The southern winter, cool and less humid. The best time to travel.
- Wet seasonDecember to AprilEverywhere
Hot, humid and prone to showers. The sea is at its warmest.
- CyclonesJanuary to MarchEverywhere
If one tracks over, flights cancel and hotels close. Learn the warning-class system.
- KitesurfingJune to SeptemberLe Morne and the east
The trade winds are strongest. Competitions run in this window.
- Dolphin watchingMornings, all yearOff Tamarin
Pods come in early in the day. Choose an operator that keeps its distance.
Before you go
There is no direct flight, and a car makes the island much easier.
- EntryVisa-free for short tourist staysEverywhere
Korean passports need no visa for short tourist stays. Proof of accommodation and a return ticket may be checked.
- Getting thereVia the Middle East or AfricaFlights
With no direct service from Korea, routes run through Dubai, Doha or Addis Ababa. Around twenty hours in total.
- MoneyRupee; cards widely acceptedEverywhere
Resorts and restaurants take cards. Markets and buses are cash.
- DrivingOn the left; a rental car helpsEverywhere
Buses are slow with confusing routes, so a car gives far more freedom. Slow down on the narrow lanes.
- Water safetyCoral and sea urchinsBeaches
Do not walk barefoot over shallow coral. Water shoes genuinely matter here.
- LanguageCreole, French and EnglishEverywhere
Creole is the everyday language, English is administrative, and much of the media is French. English works in tourist areas.
- Emergency numbersPolice 999, ambulance 114Everywhere
Medical care is adequate, but serious cases may mean repatriation. Check your insurance.
Opening hours, fares and schedules change year to year and by season. Check each operator or venue before you travel.