Travel Destinations: Le République de Maurice – Mauritius
Mauritius, otherwise known as Le République de Maurice, is the most accessible island in the Indian Ocean – a tropical paradise like Maui but more budget-traveler friendly. Sheltered by barriers of coral reefs forming natural, safe, crystal clear lagoons, Mauritius has long been a dream destination.
Almost 11 times the size of Washington, DC, originally a volcano; Mauritius is part of the Mascarene Islands. It stands on what was once a land bridge between Asia and Africa called the Mascarene Archipelago.
After a series of volcanic eruptions undersea , this archipelago was formed . The African plate drifted over Réunion about eight million years ago.. A spectacular way to explore ocean beds is by getting on board a submarine.
You can enjoy superb encounters with marine life and a chance to view wrecks dating back as early as the seventeenth century. Blue Bay beach is Mauritius’s only marine park and one of the most popular bathing spots which is also an ideal spot for windsurfing and sailing.
Mauritius is a place where most do not venture but its beauty and friendliness means if you do arrive here, you are in for a little taste of paradise. Whether you are into history and culture, or lounging back on the beach relaxing or swimming in the crystal clear waters, this beautiful island will captivate you. The memories of this magical island will remain with you for the rest of your life.
Snorkel or take a glass bottom boat out to see the fish and coral. Gaze at one of the world’s rarest stamps at the Blue Penny Museum In 1847, Mauritius was the fifth country in the world to issue postage stamps. They issued a Red Penny and Blue Two Pence stamp. These have become possibly the most famous and valuable stamps in the world, being very rare.
The Natural History Museum has dodo skeletons. When they were discovered, the Mauritius island was home to previously unknown bird species , which was named “ dodo “ by the Portuguese . By the year 1681, domesticated settler animals killed all the dodos. The dodo is featured prominently as a national coat-of-arms supporter.
The central market is bustling with souvenirs and t-shirts and bargaining amongst locals continue. You may need to brush up on your haggling skills, but as long as you are friendly and smile a lot with the vendors, you should be able to purchase all the souvenirs you want for your loved ones back at home.
When the night descends, check out Rivière Noire, a Creole fishermen’s district where sega dancing is especially lively on Saturday nights. Sega has African roots, and the traditional instruments are goat-skin percussion instruments called ravane and metallic clicks using metal triangles. The songs usually describe the miseries of slavery; now they’ve been adapted to social satires to voice out inequalities felt by the creoles.
Mozambique has palm line beaches that are un- spoilt, fishing and diving . Take a adventure touring Mozambique and experience coastlines that are coral reef fringed , offering splendor and superb underwater spectacles … you won’t be disappointed with it, nor your trip to Mauritius.
