Mauritius isn’t an incredibly large island – but there can be significant distances to cover if you want to experience a large variety of it’s heaving city life (as displayed within Port Louis), loll around in some of the best beaches and enjoy some of the vivid nature reserves the country has to offer. While other options do exist, the best ways to get around within Mauritius is by bus, taxi or car.

Bus

Express buses are a good and cheap way to get around inside Mauritius. Generally, the longer distances between different major points of interest on the island can be covered within an hour of bus travel (or slightly more).

The express bus service tends to operate between 6am to 6.30pm, although some late night services do exist between some popular locations – service can extend to 11pm where this is the case.

You can get your bus ticket directly from the conductor, and the fare while depending on distance will rarely exceed 20Rs. Note that if you’re carrying a large bag, you may well be required to buy a seat for it! You should also keep your ticket safe – it’s likely to be inspected at some stage during your journey.

While it may not be the most comfortable, bus journeys are efficient and cost effective and if budget is an issue you will certainly find it a great way to explore Mauritius.

Car

It’s possible to rent a car within Mauritius. It’s not the cheapest option – and possibly not the safest either… expect some questionable driving from your fellow drivers. In order to hire a car you must be at least 21 years of age, hold an international licence and have had one for at least one year.

There are some international companies like Hertz where you can hire a car for use within Mauritius – you can expect to pay Rs 1500 for a very modest vehicle (per day). You’re also going to need to give a deposit – this can be anywhere between Rs 10,000 and Rs 20,000. Other car rental companies that are quite reliable are Hertz and Avis.

If you’re driving within Mauritius, it’s advisable to understand that the driving practices may be very different from where you hail from. Mauritius drivers don’t exactly have the best reputation for being excellent drivers and it’s ill advised to drive late at night. Traffic can also be difficult to navigate, particularly in the congested regions of popular places such as Port Louis.

Parking within Mauritius can be both paid or free – depending on the place you are at. City centres such as Port Louis have dedicated parking lots where you can pay for parking via coupons. At other places you can generally park on the streets without paying anything.

Also, in some of the more busy areas of Mauritius it is possible to hire a motorbike for the day. It’s not quite as easy or common place as car hire but you can pick up a bike for the day for around Rs 500.

Taxi

Taxi can be a convenient, comfortable and reasonably economical way of getting in and around Mauritius. Tourists do need to be careful of not getting ripped off – the metre system is officially in place, but is not commonly used by most taxi drivers. If you do decide to take a taxi, make sure you haggle and agree on a price before hand.

You should also remember that there is a night rate that applies in Mauritius – expect to pay more for a taxi if you’re hopping around the island at night.

Taxi’s can also be hired for a full day to do excursions around the city. You can expect to pay 1,500 and above for such a trip – but this can be a great way of doing a tour of Mauritius (or at least a couple of day trips), especially if a group of you are able to share the costs for the taxi.

You may be able to find a good taxi by asking your guesthouse or resort – they may know of a taxi driver who can give you a reasonably priced day excursion – from someone who speaks English, and who may be able to give you something of a guided tour.

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Mauritius has two major airports – the newer is Plaine Corail and the original Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport. If you’re arriving from abroad, chances are that you’ll get to Mauritius via air. A number of airlines do offer flights to and from Mauritius but among the most popular choices are Emirates (often via Dubai) and Air Mauritius.

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Mauritius has a very distinct Indian feel to it – over half the population is Hindu, and you’ll notice a wide variety of Hindu temples throughout the island.

Interestingly, Mauritius has been at the hands of several owners throughout it’s history. The first European settlers were the Dutch who arrived in 1598 and claimed ownership of the island.

The Dutch ownership of Mauritius was never a content one – and in the early 17th century the French took over ownership of the island and remained there until the British gained control in 1810. Finally, Mauritius gained independence in 1968 under the influence of Dr Seewoosagur Ramgoolam.

Today Mauritius is a content and productive country. While there have been some economic issues over the past decade, the tourism trade now thrives – with close to a million tourists enjoying the delights of Mauritius every year.

While you’re in Mauritius look out for some of the interesting architecture on show – there are some splendid colonial buildings to look at.

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