Mauritius General Information

Mauritius is part of the Mascarene Islands. This archipelago was formed in a series of undersea volcanic eruptions, as the African plate drifted over the Reunion hotspot about 10 million years ago.

The Republic of Mauritius consists of the most populous main island of Mauritius, sparsely populated Rodrigues to the north-east, the Cargados Carajos Archipelago to the north and the small islands of Agalega 1000km to the north.

The Island of Mauritius is fifty-eight kilometres in length and forty-six kilometres at its widest point. It has a dramatic landscape of wild jagged peaks, a lush central plateau sloping gently down to the white, sandy beaches that are mostly protected by coral reefs just off-shore.

The north is the flattest part of the island, rising gently as you move inland. The north-west coast, incorporating the capital of Port Louis and the popular tourist city of Grand Baie is also the location of some of the best beaches on the island and therefore some of the most idyllic accommodation.

The north-east, however, is quieter as there are fewer swimming beaches. However, it is still worth a look, if only for the splendid views of the small offshore islands and the tiny fishing villages.

The eastern coast once again provides a long stretch of good swimming beaches around the Belle Mare region, gradually becoming more mountainous as you head further south towards the laid-back, former capital, Mahebourg.

This area has a number of small off-shore islands that can be easily reached, including the extremely popular Ile aux Cerfs with its lovely beaches and golf course.

The south coast and south-west interior are more rugged than the rest of the island, and there are often breaks in the coral reefs, allowing powerful waves to break on the shore. There are fewer swimming beaches in this area but it reminds many people of the way the island used to be before tourism took off.

As you round the distinctive peninsular of le Morne Brabant, which is the centre of organised activity in the area, you reach the west coast of Mauritius.

The west coast, although not very populous, has a number of resorts with great water sport facilities and is especially renowned for its big game fishing.

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