"The island of the lost Dodo" Mauritius by Vea

Mauritius Travel Guide: 1,310 reviews and 3,545 photos

Hidden Paradise

Mauritius is situated in the south-west of the Indian Ocean about 800 km east of Madagascar. Together with Réunion and Rodrigues it belongs to the Mascarene Islands. It has an area of 1.865 km ² and is densely populated with approx. 1.074 m. inhabitants. The island is of volcanic origin and mostly surrounded by coral-reefs. The national territory of Mauritius surrounds the islands Rodrigues, St. Brandon, Agalega-Islands and several smaller islands near the coast of Mauritius. Mauritius gained independence in 1968. The greatest economic importance has the sugar industry which can be clearly recognized while travelling over the country.The textile industry and the tourism are growing rapidly and are becoming more and more important for the economic development and the employment of the Mauritian.

Weather

The climate in Mauritius is confortable over the whole year in which the months April till July and September till October are the most pleasant. During these months it rains less and the temperatures aren't too high. Who however wouldn't like to miss the marvellous flowering time of the flame trees (flamboyant) and fresh exotic fruits like Lytchees and Mangos should absolutely prefer the mauritian summer; the water temperature in the lagoons is extremely agreeable during this season!

The extinct bird

Flora. In Mauritius there is not much original vegetation left: the hardwood trees have been cut and replaced by agricultural plants, mostly by sugar cane and trees like goyava and mango. Trees which can be frequently found are filao, banyan tree and the coconut tree. During the mauritian summer the flamboyant trees cover the main roads (Choisy) with its flaming red flowers. Pineapple, banana, jackfruit, mango, papaya have to be mentioned as part of the wide variety of delicious fruits.

Fauna: The last Dodo, which you can find as a souvenir nowadays, was eaten by the colonists at the beginning of the 17th century. Because of the isolation of the Mascarene Islands the animal kingdom on land isn't rich in species. Nearly all mammals were imported by the colonists: for example monkeys, red deers and hedgehogs. There are not many insect species too, but a bird life with some interesting and extremely rare species like the Mauritius Kestrel. Contrary the marine fauna is very rich in variety and consists of more than 1000 different kinds of fishes,shells and molluscs. Take a chance to watch this wonderful undersea world.

Pros and Cons

In a nutshell:The island of love

Last visit to Mauritius: Oct 2004
Intro Updated Oct 14, 2004
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Reviews (5)

Lazy turtles and sea-urchin Warnings and Dangers (1)

When you scuba dive or snorkel be ware of sea-urchin. They are everywhere, look where you step. And turtles well, they... more travel advice

Get drunk on all inclusive basis - Mauritius

Get drunk on all inclusive basis Nightlife (1)

The Quarter Deck This is the main bar perched on the sea with incredible views over the whole bay. It proudly portrays... more travel advice

Don't Miss The Fresh Seafood! - Mauritius

Don't Miss The Fresh Seafood! Restaurants (1)

The Belle Vue Restaurant At 546 sqm, the Belle Vue is Maritim's main restaurant seating 300. This terrace restaurant... more travel advice

Golf, Scuba Diving, Horse Riding - Mauritius

Golf, Scuba Diving, Horse Riding Things to Do (1)

The Maritim hosts a 9-hole Par 29 golf course designed by Graham Marsh and our Golf Pro. Each hole can be played from... more travel advice

Hotels (1)
Turtle bay's best hotel

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Travelogues (1)

Written Oct 14, 2004

7 photos

A Great Place for *rest*

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Comments (7)

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Gillybob Nov 26, 2007 at 4:28 AM

Looks lovely here - gorgeous blue sea! Good photos and tips. Gillybob greetings
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dmrtn Sep 30, 2005 at 4:18 AM

Really nice page, looks like you guys had a great time here :-) And Happy Birthday also, hope you have a fantastic day! Dave
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BluBluBlu Aug 8, 2005 at 4:45 AM

Nice tips and photo's...I loved Mauritius
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GrantBoone Nov 6, 2004 at 12:37 AM

What a paradise! A friend of mine has just got back from his wedding there.
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genispp Nov 1, 2004 at 1:26 AM

Beautiful page. I like your photos
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Siddha3th Oct 18, 2004 at 2:10 AM

Your Mauritius travelogues are the stuff that dreams are made of! Each photograph just took my breath away. Take care of yourself Vera, and here's to many more magical travels... Siddharth
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luca76 Oct 15, 2004 at 6:29 AM

very nice pics!!! great holiday !! and happy birthday even if in late!!! ciao Luca