Mauritius
The information below is provided by Lonely Planet readers and is not verified by Lonely Planet. For the official lowdown, contact your nearest embassy or check out our Travel Links.
Visas, Embassies & Border Crossings
On the entry card the officials wish to know for how long you intend visiting Mauritius. If your return flight is open, put more time than you intend staying. They do not automatically give you 3 months, but if you ask for 2 weeks they give you 2 weeks and put the departure date into your passport. Should you wish to stay 3 weeks, you would then have to extend your visa which is awkward. Rather, say 4 weeks and you are on the safe side if you stay 3 weeks instead of 2.
Mausi Digel, Germany (Jun 03)
Travel Tips
The first day we were out in a car driving around, we were paranoid that everyone was driving really close behind us and madly beeping their horns. They actually do that over there to let you now they are about to overtake you....it's nothing personal! The locals do drive pretty erratically so we found it more relaxing to hire a taxi driver, and enjoy the view from the back seat.
Lynda & Cameron Bremner, Ireland (April 05)
You probably won't believe it but there is no possibility to change your traveller cheques in (the capital!) Port Louis on Saturday for all banks are closed down. Whereas you can change them in other towns (Goodlands for example).
Peter Michl, Germany (Mar 02)
On our around-the-world-trip, we took a direct flight form Nairobi to Mauritius. We figured we'd be able to change our Kenyan currency into Mauritian rupees. Wrong! After visiting every possible bank and "money changer" we went to our embassy. Luckily there was someone going to Nairobi that weekend and was able to buy our Kenyan shillings from us. Lesson 1: You can't change Kenyan shillings in Mauritius. Lesson 2: When in doubt, visit your embassy. It's what they're there for. Lesson 3: Every hassle is worth the hassle as long as you make it to Mauritius (it's paradise cropping out of the Indian Ocean).
Ricardo Taboada, USA (Jul 01)
Moving About
This year there was no way of getting through the sugar cane fields in order to climb up the Lion Mountain near Vieux Grand Port. All three ways at the junction after the 4WD track, which the guidebook described, ended up in the fields, right in the middle of nowhere. You cannot reach the forested area unless you go right through the sugar cane - which is quite hard unless you bring a sword or something.
Concerning the travel from Mauritius to La Réunion (and the other way around) things have changed concerning the catamaran. It is now called Spirit of Port Louis (but it is the same boat as the MV Ahinora). The return ticket valid for one month will cost you approx. 2000 Rs and the new agency is Concorde (call 0262 411 295 to find out their phone number!). The boat leaves Pt. Louis now on Tuesdays and Thursdays in the morning and Le Port on Monday, Wednesday and Friday in the morning. The journey takes 5½ hours.
Concerning the very popular boat trip to Ile ux Cerfs, they stopped the public ferry because Le Touessrok Sun Hotel is now completely renovated. So you have to rely on the locals who will charge you at least 200 Rs for the return ticket.
Peter Michl, Germany (Mar 02)
Scams & Warnings
When walking around Mauritius beware of typical 3d world booby traps on foothpaths and in buildings: unexpected steps, drops, holes, ditches, you name it. I nearly came a cropper several times. Watch your step!!!
Roger Williams, USA (Oct 02)
Gems, Highlights & Attractions
Benares: This is a breathtaking coastal spot situated by the old sugar estate. From Rivierre des Anguilles it is either a short bus ride (or a long walk of five kilometres) to Chateau. Get off the bus here and signposts for the beach will lead you past the ruins of the sugar factory, past the abandanoned workers house and onto the track down to the beach. This is not a safe beach to swim from as there is no reef here, but it is a place to watch the ocean at it's most spectacular (reminiscent of the wilder shores of Cornwall)and it is virtually unknown outside the area. From the beach it is possible to walk along the cliffs to Souillac westward or Mon Desert eastwards, and if you tire at any point a short walk inland will bring you to the main coast road from which buses in either direction are easy to come by. There are also all manner of fruit and veg to be picked at Benares (Paw paws, vacoas, tomatoes and many more) because the old worker's vegetable gardens have grown wild since they were abandoned.
Monika & Alex Marion (Sep 02)
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