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Getting
around in Mauritius
Roads
Mauritius has an excellent road network. There is a main four-lane
"motorway" stretching from the Plaisance airport in
the south-east to the tourist Mecca of
Grand Bay in the north-west and a number of good secondary
roads. But, not all of them are in perfect condition and
Mauritian drivers are not the most disciplined in the world !
Rent a
car and other vehicles
Cars, motorbikes and bicycles are available to rent. We at
Assonvilla Petrusmok can arrange for rental cars from a small
firm here in Grand Gaube, if so desired. Driving is on the
left in Mauritius, which takes a little getting used to…
 Taxi
around the island
It is also possible to hire a taxi for the day, or to be
driven to a beach, for instance, and then picked up at an
agreed time. For those
who do not travel around every day, a taxi can turn out
cheaper or the same price as a rented car. And of course, taxi
drivers generally (especially those working out of a village
like Grand Gaube, as yet unspoilt by large numbers of
tourists) are very helpful and knowledgeable about
places to visit and sights to see; in fact you get, as it
were, a guide for free! However, it is advisable to agree on a
price before setting out, and some bargaining is recommended.
Cycling
Cyclists are considered the lowest form of humanity on the
roads and the bicycles for hire are not always in good
condition, so this form of travel is not really to be highly
recommended…
Public
transport
Them of course, there is public transport. Mauritius has a
fairly good bus network and the whole island is covered. Most
buses stop running when it gets dark in the evening, and it is
not always easy to get from one specific village to another
without going a very long way around and having to change
somewhere. Some buses in the fleet are old and not always in
perfect condition, but on the other hand there are also some
brand new, air conditioned buses running on some routes.
 By bus
Taking at least one longish trip by bus, for instance from
Grand Gaube to Port Louis is a MUST, as it gives you the
flavour of Mauritius. The fares are cheap, by European
standards, and people are extremely helpful and kind and
actually enjoy the fact that tourists bother to travel by bus!
However,
sometimes buses may take a round-about route (in order to pass
through as many villages as possible on the way to/from Port
Louis) and a trip that takes 35 minutes by car might take as
much as an hour and a quarter by bus.
Must
see and do?
There are many things to do in Mauritius, including
underwater walks, trips on old schooners, hiking in the
mountains, visiting the sugar museum, taking the tea route
etc...
Ile aux Cerfs
Ile aux Cerfs is the perfect island retreat and paradise on
earth. The day is spent relaxing on the white sandy beaches,
swimming in crystal clear water or practising your favourite
water sports. There are restaurants for a quick snack or if
you prefer fine a la carte dining for the gourmet. Excursion
includes boat transfer and excludes lunch and drinks.
Blue Safari
Blue Safari is a submarine which will enable you to
enjoy an amazing underwater experience by exploring
shipwrecks and coral reefs at a depth of 30 meters off
the North Coast. This submarine is unique to the Indian
Ocean.
Shopping Hours
These vary from town to town but are usually around 09:30 -
17:30.
 Many shops close on Thursday or Saturday afternoons.
Most shops are closed on Sundays and public holidays.
Office Hours
Weekdays approximately 08:30 - 16:00 and Saturdays 09:15 -
11:15
Post Office hours
Mondays to Fridays 08:00 -16:00 and Saturdays 08:00 - 11:45
Note: Stamps are only sold at Post Offices.
Tourist Information
MTPA (Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority), Tel: 208.63.97
Fax: 212.51.42
Telephone Dialling Code
IDD access code + 230 followed by subscriber's number. Public
phones, the majority of them card operated are numerous.
(Cards can be brought nearby), Mauritius Telecom (24-hour
service) - 208.02.21
Emergencies
Fire, Police, and Ambulance: Dial 999 and ask for service
needed.
Flight information
Visa
British visitors do not require a visa to
travel to Mauritius. However, they must hold a passport that is valid for
at least six months
Airlines flying to
Mauritius:
Air
Mauritius - the national airline
Air France
- flying from Paris,
Charles de Gaulle
Roissy Airport.
Works together with
Air
Mauritius, your flight can be
Air France but operated by
Air
Mauritius or vice versa
Verify your ticket
It would be useful to make your confirmation booking at least 72 hours
before leaving Mauritius, although nowadays the airline will tell you it
is not necessary. This is to ensure that you are on the passenger list.
From the Airport
A taxi from the airport to Port Louis will take about 1 hour (sightseeing)
and will cost you about 500 - 1000 rupees. All taxis in Mauritius have
white number plates. Find out the price BEFORE leaving the airport.
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