Mauritius

Alexandra Richards (www.alexandrarichards.net) grew up in the beautiful English county of Dorset, where she developed a love of rural life, the natural world and outdoor pursuits. She graduated from Durham University in 2000, where she read modern European languages. During her studies she spent a year teaching English in Re´union and took the opportunity to travel in the Mascarenes. Since that time she has been returning to the Mascarenes as often as possible and has written the past six editions of this guidebook. Alex is a freelance travel writer with a passion for photography, natural history and adventure. You can follow Alex on Instagram @alexandrarichardstravelwriter and her travels with her young son at @travelswithbabyarchie

• Introduction PART ONE MAURITIUS: GENERAL INFORMATION Chapter 1 Background Information Geography, Climate, Natural history, Nature reserves and conservation, History, Governmentand politics, Economy, People, Language, Religion, Education, Culture Chapter 2 Practical Information When to visit, Highlights, Suggested itineraries, Tourist information, Tour operators, Red tape, Embassies, high commissions and consulates, Getting there and away, Health, Medical tourism, Safety, What to take, Money and budgeting, Getting around, Accommodation, Eating anddrinking, Public holidays and festivals, Shopping, Arts and entertainment, Photography, Media andcommunications, Business, Cultural etiquette, Travelling positively Chapter 3 ActivitiesSpa treatments, Golf, Horse racing, Horseriding, Football, Deep-sea fishing, Watersports, Hiking and adventure sports, Skydiving, Scenic flightsPART TWO MAURITIUS AND ITS DEPENDENCIES Chapter 4 Port Louis History, Getting there and away, Orientation, Tourist information, Where to stay, Where to eat and drink, Entertainment and nightlife, Shopping, Other practicalities, What to see and do Chapter 5 Northern MauritiusBaie du Tombeau to Pointe aux Piments, Trou aux Biches to Pointe aux Canonniers, Grand Baie,Pereybère, Cap Malheureux to Grand Gaube, Poudre d'Or to Rivière du Rempart, Northern offshore islands Chapter 6 Eastern Mauritius Roches Noires to Belle Mare, Trou d'Eau Douce, South of Trou d'Eau Douce to Bois des Amourettes Chapter 7 Southern Mauritius Vieux Grand Port, Mahébourg and around, South of Blue Bay to Souillac, Riambel to Baie du Cap Chapter 8 Western Mauritius Le Morne Brabant to Tamarin, Chamarel and surrounds, Wolmar and Flic en Flac to Port Louis Chapter 9 Central Mauritius Plaines Wilhems, Moka Chapter 10 Island Dependencies Agaléga, St Brandon, Tromelin, The Chagos Archipelago PART THREE RODRIGUES Chapter 11 Background Information Overview, Geography, Natural history and conservation, History and politics, Economy, People, Language and education, Religion, Culture Chapter 12 Practical Information 235Highlights, Tourist information and tour operators, Red tape, Getting there and away, Health and safety, What to take, Money and banking, Getting around, Accommodation, Eating and drinking,Photography, Communications Chapter 13 Exploring Rodrigues Port Mathurin, Around Rodrigues PART FOUR RÉUNION Chapter 14 Background Information Geography, Climate, Natural history and conservation, History, Government and politics, Economy, People, Language, Religion, Education, Culture Chapter 15 Practical Information When to visit, Highlights, Suggested itineraries, Tourist information, Tour operators, Red tape, Useful contacts, Getting there and away, Health, Safety, Travelling with a disability, LGBTQ+ travellers, Travelling with kids, What to take, Money and budgeting, Getting around, Accommodation, Eating and drinking, Working hours, Public holidays and festivals, Shopping,Arts and entertainment, Photography, Media and communications, Business, Buying property,Cultural etiquette Chapter 16 Activities Multi-activity companies, Hiking, Canyoning,Cycling, Horseriding, Golf, 4x4 excursions, Microlighting and paramotoring, Paragliding, Helicopter rides, Watersports, Deep-sea fishing Chapter 17 Northern Réunion St-Denis, Around St-Denis Chapter 18 Eastern Réunion Ste-Suzanne to Bras-Panon, St-Benoît to Ste-Anne, Ste-Rose and surrounds, South to La Pointe de la Table, Piton-de-la-Fournaise Chapter 19 Southern Réunion St-Philippe and surrounds, St-Joseph and surrounds, St-Pierre and surrounds, St-Louis toL'Étang-Salé Chapter 20 Western Réunion St-Leu, St-Gilles-les-Bains and surrounds, St-Paul to La Possession Chapter 21 The Interior La Plaine-des-Palmistes, La Plaine-des-Cafres, The cirques Appendix 1 Language Appendix 2 Further Information Index