Mauritius

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Mauritius is an island nation off the southeast coast of the African continent in the southwest Indian Ocean, east of Madagascar.  In addition to the island of Mauritius, the Republic includes the islands of Cargados Carajos, Rodrigues and the Agalega Islands.  Mauritius Island is part of the Mascarene Islands, with the French island of Reunion  to the southwest and the island of Rodrigues  to the northeast.
 
The British took control during the Napoleonic Wars and Mauritius became independent from the UK in 1968. .
 
The main languages spoken in Mauritius are Mauritian Creole, French language and English language. English is the only official language but the lingua franca is Mauritian Creole and the newspapers and television programmes are usually in French. Rodriguan Creole is a minority language and is spoken in certain parts of the country only. The country is composed of several ethnicities, including Asian, African, Chinese and French. The first European explorers found no indigenous people living on the island.
 
The island of Mauritius is renowned for having been the only known home of the dodo. This bird was an easy prey to settlers due to its weight and inability to fly, and became extinct less than eighty years after the initial European colonization.
 

Why visit?

  • Mauritius is home to a variety of wildlife, including rare species of birds, reptiles, and mammals. Take a safari tour to get up close and personal with the animals, or explore the island's many nature reserves.
  • Mauritius is home to some of the most stunning beaches in the world. From the white sand beaches of the east coast to the black sand beaches of the south, there is something for everyone.
  • Mauritius is known for its delicious cuisine, which is a mix of African, Indian, and French flavors. From the traditional curries to the seafood dishes, there is something for everyone to enjoy.