Mauritius Island: Part 1

By Janet-Lynn Vorster – In our series, Island LIFE, our Southern Africa correspondent, Janet-Lynn Vorster, takes us 2,000 kilometres (1,243 mi) east of the South African coast to the tropical Indian Ocean island of Mauritius. In this 1st part of her article, she introduces us to life on the island and takes us around the Pamplemousses botanical gardens, the tea route, swimming with dolphins and she tells us about some of the many shipwrecks scattered around the island. In the 2nd part (December 2019) she will take us to all 9 districts around the island, its islets, markets, and more.

Think turquoise crystal sea, black volcanic rock, palm trees, sugar cane fields and craggy mountain peaks. Add waves crashing relentlessly against high cliffs, strong currents, lush green vegetation and waterfalls. Surround this with coral reefs and you know you are on the beautiful island of Mauritius, also known by its Mauritian Creole name, Île Maurice.

Officially known as the Republic of Mauritius, named after Dutch Prince Maurice of Nassau, Mauritius is an African island located in the Indian Ocean about 2,300 kilometres (1,430 mi) off the southeast coast of Africa.

Mauritius includes many tiny islets scattered around the coast, as well as Rodrigues and the outer islands of Agaléga and St. Brandon. Mauritius and Rodrigues form part of the Mascarene Islands, along with nearby Réunion, a fellow member of the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC).

The island of Mauritius consists of nine districts, one city, four towns and 134 villages. The capital, Port Louis, has around 140,600 inhabitants.

In this first part of a two-part feature on Mauritius, we focus on the climate, life in Mauritius, the botanical gardens, Mauritius Tea Route and the sugar industry, and we swim with the dolphins. We will add tips for travellers, a few interesting facts about Mauritius, and pique your curiosity a little on wreck diving. For those interested in mysteries related to lost continents, there is a section for you too.

In the next issue, we look at Mauritius by district, each with its main attractions and beaches. We visit the islets around Mauritius, give you some ideas on where to shop and which bazaars to visit. We wrap it up with useful information on how to negotiate with the local taxi drivers.

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THIS ARTICLE CONTINUES ONLINE IN
Globerovers Magazine July 2019

Janet-Lynn Vorster is a numerologist by profession, and journalist, editor and photographer by hobby. She is the proud mother of three grown children and granny to three grandchildren. Janet-Lynn is the Southern African editor as well as Chief Proofreader for Globerovers Magazine.

The Central Market in Port Louis is a must-visit. Apart from local goods, it has a super selection of fresh produce and spices.

The Grand Baie Yacht Club prides itself on its long tradition of welcoming foreign yachtsmen. It is surrounded by great restaurants and beautiful boutiques.

Looking out across the sugar cane fields to the north from Butte aux Papayes. A few of the islands are visible.

The beach at Île aux Cerfs is a perfect way to spend a day

Île aux Cerfs is an island near the east coast of the island of Mauritius, and probably the most-visited islet. This was part of the bar on the beach.

Baskets at  Marche de Flacq, in Centre de Flacq, one of the biggest markets on the island.

An old decommissioned sugar factory in Bel Ombre

THIS ARTICLE CONTINUES ONLINE IN
Globerovers Magazine July 2019

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