To ensure that you have the best possible holiday experience, we ask you to read the following information carefully. If you have any questions, please discuss them with us before you depart.
Mauritius Airport meeting point - after Customs please proceed to Counter 25, where you will be met by our representative.
Hand Luggage – pack essential items for a day or two in your hand luggage, in case your bags go astray and take a few days to catch up with you, especially if you have any tight connecting flights.
Documents – take a copy of your travel insurance policy with you, and leave a copy of your passport with a reliable contact at home, in case the originals are lost or stolen.
Electronic Devices – ensure these are all fully charge before travel, as you may be required to switch them on at airport security.
Mobile Phones – make sure they are set up for international calls and if you plan to use travel apps such as Google Translate or Google Maps, ensure you check your data package with your provider in advance. Alternatively turn off date roaming to avoid large phone bills. Be aware that some rural areas may not have mobile or WiFi coverage.
Clothing – casual light clothing is advised including T-shirts, shorts, jeans, sunhat, swimming costume, sunglasses, biodegradable sunscreen and flip-flops. Also rain gear for the wet season. Sanitising hand cleaner and eye drops can be handy, especially if you wear contact lenses.
Medicines - if you travel with prescription drugs, carry an adequate supply in their original bottles/packaging & keep them in your hand luggage, as if lost they may be difficult to replace.
Accessories – pack your phone (with charger and a spare battery pack), camera (with spare memory cards and batteries – a 200 mm zoom lens is good for wildlife photography), torch and binoculars (large 8x40 is best). We suggest one pair per person, as it can be frustrating to share.
Plugs – type G (flat 3-pin, same as UK) and C (European 2-prong). Pack a universal adapter as well as a hand basin plug/stopper, as these are not always provided.
Books – pack a good travel guide, with information on the wildlife and birds of the region. Also a good supply of reading material for quiet evenings and when waiting for flights.
Water – tap water is safe to brush your teeth, but drink only bottled water.
Food – delicious Creole seafood is served, as well as a wide variety of international cuisine. Vegetarians and food allergies are well catered for.
Taxis – these are available in the main towns, but negotiate your fare in advance to avoid being ripped off.
Self-Drive – driving is on the left. Any valid European or American driving license is accepted as long as it has a photograph and signature.
Safety – Mauritius is a relatively safe destination, but take all sensible precautions. Leave valuable jewellery/watches at home, wear a money belt and be alert when outside your hotel. In particular avoid taking out large wads of cash in public view and keep your spare cash, passport and a spare credit card in your hotel safe.
Pack for a Purpose - if you have a little space in your suitcase, local schools & communities always appreciate gifts of English reading books, pens & pencils, stationery, deflated footballs etc. Specific requests from communities can be seen on the 'Pack for a Purpose' website.
Tipping – this is not compulsory, but if you wish to tip because you have received good service, we suggest the following per adult:
- driver/guide: $10 per day.
- waiters: 10% (if not already added to your bill).
- porters: $1 per bag.
It is not necessary to tip drivers doing short transfers (eg to the airport).
Displays of Affection - please be aware that although Mauritius has laws that criminalise sodomy, there are also laws that protect the LGBT community from discrimination & give a right to privacy. Public displays of affection should therefore be avoided. We advise all our clients, gay and heterosexual, to be sensitive to cultural differences.
FCO Travel Advice - consult the UK Foreign Office website for the latest travel advice www.fco.gov.uk.