Mauritius is an island nation located in the Indian Ocean, approximately 2,000 kilometres off the southeast coast of Africa. The Republic of Mauritius lies east of Madagascar and includes the main island of Mauritius, Rodrigues Island, and several smaller islands.

Mauritius is situated at coordinates 20.1609° S, 57.5012° E in the Indian Ocean. On a world map, you'll find it in the southern hemisphere, east of Madagascar and southeast of the African continent. The island is part of the Mascarene Islands archipelago.

While Mauritius is geographically closest to Africa, it is technically located in the Indian Ocean off the African coast. Politically and culturally, Mauritius is considered part of the African continent and is a member of the African Union.

Yes, Mauritius is an independent country officially known as the Republic of Mauritius. It gained independence from British rule on March 12, 1968, and became a republic in 1992.

Mauritius covers an area of approximately 2,040 square kilometres (788 square miles), making it one of the smaller island nations in the world. The main island is about 65 km long and 45 km wide.

The top activities in Mauritius include: Visiting the underwater waterfall illusion at Le Morne; Exploring the Seven Coloured Earths at Chamarel; Snorkelling or diving in Blue Bay Marine Park; Hiking in Black River Gorges National Park; Visiting Port Louis markets and historical sites; Beach hopping along the pristine coastline; Water sports, including kitesurfing, paddleboarding, and kayaking; Visiting botanical gardens and nature reserves.

The Mauritius underwater waterfall is an optical illusion created by sand and silt deposits being swept along the ocean floor by strong currents near Le Morne Peninsula. When viewed from above (typically by helicopter or seaplane), it creates the stunning appearance of a cascading waterfall beneath the ocean surface. You can view the underwater waterfall by taking a seaplane from La Prairie Beach or hiring a helicopter.

The top beaches include: Trou aux Biches - calm waters, perfect for families; Belle Mare - long stretches of white sand on the east coast; Le Morne - stunning backdrop with the Le Morne Brabant mountain; Flic en Flac - popular west coast beach with excellent snorkelling; Blue Bay - crystal-clear waters and a marine park; Mont Choisy - one of the longest beaches on the island; Pereybere - lively beach near Grand Baie.

Port Louis, the capital city, offers: Central Market for local crafts, food, and souvenirs; Caudan Waterfront for shopping and dining; Aapravasi Ghat, UNESCO World Heritage Site; Fort Adelaide (La Citadelle) for panoramic city views; Blue Penny Museum; Chinatown district; Local street food experiences.

Essential Mauritius attractions include: Seven Coloured Earths of Chamarel; Chamarel Waterfall; Black River Gorges National Park; Le Morne Brabant (UNESCO World Heritage Site); Pamplemousses Botanical Garden; Ile aux Cerfs island; Grand Bassin (Ganga Talao), a sacred lake; Rochester Falls.

The best time to visit Mauritius is during the dry season from May to December, with peak conditions in September to November. The weather is cooler, less humid, and there's minimal rainfall. May to December offers: Pleasant temperatures (20-26°C); Lower humidity; Ideal conditions for beach activities and water sports; Better visibility for diving and snorkelling.

For optimal weather: May to December (winter and spring). For budget travellers: February to March (avoid the cyclone season peak in January and February). For beach lovers: October to December (warm and dry). For diving: October to December (best underwater visibility). For surfing: June to August (winter swells).

The rainy season runs from January to April, with February typically being the wettest month and usually the most humid. Summer (December to April) brings higher rainfall, humidity, and occasional cyclones. However, rain showers are typically short-lived, and the island enjoys sunshine throughout the year.

Mauritius enjoys a tropical climate with: Summer (November-April): 25-33°C, humid, occasional cyclones; Winter (May-October): 17-25°C, dry and pleasant; Average annual temperature: 23°C; Sea temperature: 22-28°C year-round. The east coast tends to be windier and receives more rainfall than the west coast.

Mauritius is accessible via Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport (MRU), located near Mahébourg in the southeast. Major airlines offering flights include: Air Mauritius; Emirates; British Airways; Air France; Turkish Airlines; South African Airways. Flight times: London (12 hours), Paris (11 hours), Dubai (6 hours), South Africa (4 hours), India (6-7 hours).

Most visitors do not need a visa for tourist stays of up to 60-90 days. Citizens from over 100 countries receive a tourist visa on arrival, including visitors from the US, UK, EU, Australia, and Canada. Requirements: Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity); Return/onward ticket; Proof of accommodation; Sufficient funds for stay.

Mauritius is a multilingual nation, with English being the official language. Although French is primarily used around the island, most people will switch to English if requested. The multi languages used in Mauritius are: Mauritian Creole - most widely spoken (everyday communication); French - commonly used in media and business; English - official government and education language; Bhojpuri, Hindi, Tamil, Urdu - spoken by some Indo-Mauritian communities; Mandarin - spoken in some Chinese communities.

The Mauritian Rupee (MUR or Rs) is the official currency. Currency exchange is available at airports, banks, and authorised money changers. Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are readily available throughout the island. We recommend having cash while travelling on the island. Some stores and petrol stations don't take cards and only deal in cash. Have around Rs 2,500 with you, which is approximately EUR 50 or USD 50.

Port Louis is the capital and largest city of Mauritius, located on the northwest coast. It serves as the country's economic, cultural, and political centre, with a population of approximately 150,000 in the city and 200,000 in the wider metropolitan area.

Mauritius is famous for: Pristine beaches and turquoise lagoons; The underwater waterfall illusion; Seven Coloured Earths geological formation; Being the only known habitat of the extinct Dodo bird; Multicultural heritage and religious harmony; Luxury resorts and honeymoon destinations; Water sports and diving; Rum production (particularly at Chamarel); Tea plantations; UNESCO World Heritage Sites (Le Morne and Aapravasi Ghat).

Mauritius is considered one of the safest destinations in Africa and the Indian Ocean region. The island has: Low crime rates (though petty theft can occur in tourist areas); Political stability; Good healthcare facilities; Well-maintained infrastructure; Tourist-friendly environment. Standard precautions include securing valuables, avoiding isolated areas at night, and being aware of your surroundings.

Mauritius operates on Mauritius Standard Time (MUT), which is UTC+4 year-round. The country does not observe daylight saving time.

Mauritius has a diverse, multicultural population of approximately 1.3 million people, comprising: Indo-Mauritians (68%) - descended from Indian labourers; Creoles (27%) - of African, Malagasy, and mixed descent; Sino-Mauritians (3%) - of Chinese origin; Franco-Mauritians (2%) - of French descent. The population is known for its hospitality, multilingualism, and religious tolerance, with Hindus, Christians, Muslims, and Buddhists living harmoniously.

Mauritian culture is a vibrant blend of Indian, African, French, Chinese, and British influences, resulting in: Diverse festivals: Diwali, Eid, Christmas, Chinese New Year, Cavadee; Unique cuisine: fusion of Indian, Creole, Chinese, and French flavours; Traditional music: Sega (UNESCO-recognised folk music and dance); Multilingual society: most Mauritians speak 3-4 languages; Religious harmony: temples, mosques, churches, and pagodas coexist peacefully.

Mauritian cuisine features: Dholl puri - flatbread with yellow split peas; Biryani - spiced rice dish (especially Mauritian-style biryani); Rougaille - Creole tomato-based sauce with fish or meat; Gateaux piment - chilli cakes (fritters); Mine frit - fried noodles; Vindaye - tangy fish or chicken dish; Fresh seafood - octopus curry, fish vindaye; Tropical fruits - lychees, mangoes, pineapples; Alouda - sweet milk-based drink with basil seeds.

Mauritius offers extensive water activities: Scuba diving and snorkelling; Kitesurfing (especially at Le Morne); Deep-sea fishing; Kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding; Sailing and catamaran cruises; Parasailing; Submarine tours; Undersea walking; Wakeboarding and water skiing; Surfing (south coast, June-August).

Top diving sites include: Blue Bay Marine Park - coral gardens and diverse marine life; Flic en Flac - wreck dives and coral reefs; Belle Mare - drift dives and underwater caves; Le Morne - dramatic drop-offs and walls; Trou aux Biches - beginner-friendly sites; Rodrigues Island - pristine, less-explored sites. Water temperatures (22-28°C) allow for year-round diving, with the best visibility from October to December.

Yes, Mauritius is a premier golf destination with world-class courses: Heritage Golf Club; Anahita Golf Club; Le Toussrok Golf Course (Île aux Cerfs); Tamarina Golf Club; Four Seasons Golf Club at Anahita; Paradis Golf Club. Many courses are designed by renowned architects (Bernhard Langer, Peter Matkovich) and offer stunning ocean views and luxury facilities.

Mauritius is an exceptional honeymoon destination, offering: Romantic luxury resorts with overwater bungalows and private villas; Pristine, secluded beaches; Sunset cruises and candlelit dinners; Couples' spa treatments; Adventure activities for active couples; Excellent fine dining experiences; Beautiful wedding venues for destination weddings; Year-round warm weather.

Le Morne Brabant is a 556-meter basaltic monolith on the southwestern tip of Mauritius. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site with historical significance as a refuge for escaped slaves in the 18th and 19th centuries. Today, it's popular for: Hiking (challenging 3-4 hour trek to the summit); Kitesurfing (world-renowned spot); Beach activities at Le Morne Beach; Viewing the underwater waterfall illusion from above; Historical and cultural significance.

Grand Baie (also known as Grand Bay) is a seaside village and tourist hub located in the north of Mauritius, approximately 25 km from Port Louis. Known for: Vibrant nightlife with bars, clubs, and restaurants; Shopping centres and boutiques; Water sports and boat excursions; Catamaran cruises to northern islands; Lively beach atmosphere; Proximity to Pereybere Beach and other attractions.

Flic en Flac is a popular beach village on the west coast, known for: Long stretch of white sandy beach; Excellent snorkelling and diving spots; A variety of hotels, guesthouses, and restaurants; Calm waters ideal for swimming; Proximity to Casela Nature Park and Tamarin; Less crowded than Grand Baie while still offering amenities.

The Seven-Coloured Earths (Terres des Sept Couleurs) is a unique geological formation in Chamarel, featuring dunes with seven distinct colours: red, brown, violet, green, blue, purple, and yellow. Formed by volcanic rock cooling at different temperatures, the colours never erode despite tropical rain. The site includes: Viewing platforms; Nearby Chamarel Waterfall (100 meters high); Rum distillery; Restaurant with panoramic views.