By Noora Dabbagh and Fariha Eshrat
Immerse in the splendor of Mauritius!
From its breathtaking beaches to its diverse landscapes and beautiful islands, this country is a top travel destination. Experience all that this African Isle has to offer and enjoy infusing yourself in the delicate culture of the star and key of the Indian Ocean.
The Republic of Mauritius is a magnificent island nation in Africa. With diverse economic and political freedom, the political system of Mauritius is closely modeled after the Westminster parliamentary system and the United Na tions Human Development Index ranks Mauritius as one of the highest in Africa. The Mauritian economy is primar ily driven by manufacturing, financial services, tourism, information and communication technology and the sea food industry. The people of Mauritius (Mauritians) are a multiethnic, multicultural and multilingual people, while the geographical landscape is known for its varied flora and fauna and sandy beaches. There are many islands to visit in Mauritius such as the Rodrigues Island, Agalega Island and some smaller islands off the coast.
The Republic of Mauritius
Mauritius is the Indian Oceans sunniest capital and it offers a beach lover’s paradise that combines excellent urban experiences and natural activity options. Sapphire blue ocean, porcelain white sand beaches, maritime heritage and one of the most spectacularly unspoilt coastlines in the world. Experience more than just amazing sunsets over the ocean at Mauritius, explore the fascinating, world-in-one-island slice of paradise whose very name conjures up images of tropical luxury and stupendous extravagance. Regularly ranked in the top 10 world best destinations, the most recent award was World’s Most Romantic Destination by WorldTravel Awards 2018.
Mauritius is where you can watch an ocean sunset and sunrise from one of the 40 white sand beaches and relax in one of the world’s best hotels and never get bored with it. Mauritius offers year-round holiday weather, with almost daily sunshine and limited rainfall. During the winter season, Mauritius is the perfect paradise for sailing and wind sport enthusiast with wind speeds averaging 27 kilometers/hour, especially in the east and south coast. Many kite boarders and wind surfers return annually to Le Morne for the flat shallow waters in the protected lagoon with plenty of wind. With calm shallow water extending over several hundred metres, Mauritius is perfect for the novice trying to learn to windsurf or kite surf. September through November are warmer months but everyone are kept cool by the welcome breezes. December through March tend to be the hottest months which makes swimming and ocean activities so refreshing.
Bilateral ties with KSA
The 51st anniversary of the independence of Mauritius was celebrated on March 12. Mauritius and Saudi Arabia established diplomatic relations in 1978. Historically, the Mauritius ambassador in Cairo was accredited to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Mauritius and Saudi Arabia have maintained a long standing relationship which was recently consolidated with the opening of the Mauritius Embassy in Riyadh in March 2017. This has facilitated the ease at which both countries conduct business between them and the various ministries. In 2018, Mauritius imports from Saudi Arabia totaled 1,654 million Mauritian rupees, whereas the exports to Saudi Arabia totaled 21.9 million rupees. Relations between the two countries have been further boosted by the operation of three weekly direct flights between Riyadh and Mauritius. Since then, the arrival of Saudi tourists in Mauritius has increased by over 300 percent. In 2018, 16,507 tourists from Saudi Arabia visited Mauritius. Moreover in the last year, four key Ministers from Saudi Arabia visited Mauritius: the Ministers of Hajj, Interior, and Foreign Affairs, and the Minister of State for African Affairs. Last year also marked the successful first participation of Mauritius in the Riyadh Travel Fair, represented by the Mauritian Minister of Tourism and a delegation of tour operators and travel agents.
The Mauritius Travel Fair as well as Tourism roadshows which will be held in Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam in March will highlight and encourage tourism in Mauritius.
Where To Go
- Fort Adelaide in the capital Port Louis is located on a hill overlooking the city and harbor. This is the fort that was built to guard the city against riots during the abolition of slavery. Today local and international concerts and artistic shows are performed there and it is definitely worth a visit for the stunning views from this vantage point.
- Water sports paradise Ile aux Cerfs has the most attractive beaches of the island and offers lively boat-houses, restaurants, long beaches, tortoise farms and a delightful 18-hole golf course.
- Case Noyale is a small fishing village, great for kitesurfers, experiencing the city like locals and the exquisite views from Chamarel and boat rides along the coast.
- Pamplemousses holds a fascinating old cemetery, the 18th century church of St Francis of Assisi, and L’Aventure du Sucre, an exciting museum that relates the history of the island.
- Rochester Falls out of Souillac is worth a visit. The road passes through the sugar refinery of Terracine. Over time, curious carvings have appeared in the lava shaped by the waters and
- green crystals were formed in the soil.
What To Do
- The West is the best place to swim and play with dolphins.
- This attraction is famous among tourists in Mauritius. If you’re visiting Mauritius in September, you may even get to spot the whales as they migrate at that time of the year.
- Shop top designer brands at bargain prices at the The Caudan Waterfront. This bustling, lively seafront has numerous restaurants serving a wide range of cuisines and artisanal shops to explore Mauritian art and literature.
- Unique in Mauritius, Van Ann chocolates invite locals and tourists to visit their premises at Calebasse and enjoy their Belgian-style pralines.
- Discover the remains of the volcanic activity that formed the island of Mauritius at Roches Noires Caves. Birds such as the Mauritian fruit bats and swallows live in these cool, dark caves. The numerous lava tubes connected to the sea, create cool freshwater springs for swimming and snorkelling among fishes.
- Mountain climbing in the northern parts of the island is an exciting opportunity to take in the exquisite beauty of the island in one incredible experience.
