MAURITIUS

Off the East Coast of Africa, just four hours by air daily from Johannesburg, South Africa, lies the small volcanic island of Mauritius – an Indian Ocean gem waiting to be explored.

Located 560 miles east of Madagascar, the island is a cosmopolitan blend of French, British, Indian, Chinese and Creole cultures - all of which contribute to the island's unique character. English and French and Creole are widely spoken and visitors are welcomed with warm smiles.

Of volcanic origin and generally sheltered by barriers of coral reefs forming natural, safe, crystal clear lagoons, Mauritius has long been a dream destination. Known to the Arabs as early as the 10th century, but officially discovered in 1505 by a Portuguese navigator, the island was occupied by the Dutch and then the French, and was eventually ceded to Great Britain in 1814 through the Treaty of Paris. Mauritius became independent in 1968. Republic Day was proclaimed on 12 March 1992.

Powdery soft beaches, crystal clear azure waters, rolling fields of sugar cane and endless coral reefs typify the island. The white beaches are protected by the coral reef except around the southern coast that offers wilder strands or dramatic cliffs. From the northern plains, the island rises to a central plateau dotted by lakes and extinct volcanic craters. A few uninhabited islets are scattered around the main island.

The flora of Mauritius is composed of 700 species of indigenous plants - vividly coloured flowers decorate the island. With over 60 different orchid species alone, Mauritius is close to the Netherlands in the supply of plants and cut flowers worldwide. Many of these plants are threatened with extinction – so in collaboration with the National Parks, the Conservation and Forestry Services, the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation is working to protect these species and the forest for future generations.

The island's famous Pamplemousses Botanical Gardens are known for their collection of indigenous and exotic plants.

Aside from excellent diving, sailing and snorkeling conditions, Mauritius is a paradise for deep sea fishing. Species include the blue or black marlin, all types of sharks, yellow tuna, the Bonitos, the ‘emperor’, the ‘pélerin’, the ‘bécune’ or the barracuda. Blue Marlin roam the seas here from November to April.

As a volcanic island, there is little wildlife in mammal form, and Mauritius was the only known home of the now extinct dodo.

The island is renowned in Europe, Asia and Southern Africa as a honeymoon and island holiday destination and the variety of hotels and resorts is impressive – almost all on beautiful beaches and offering water sports, contemporary and indigenous cuisine of a high standard and even good shopping for those prepared to leave the beach and explore inland. Mauritius has an enviable reputation for textile production.

World class golf courses abound and the island has some interesting inland sights to see – one being the seven coloured dunes atSa Chamarel.

Whatever you are looking for in an island destination – you are likely to find on Mauritus!