The climate in Mauritius is confortable over the whole year in which the months April till July and September till October are the most pleasant. During these months it rains less and the temperatures aren't too high. Who however wouldn't like to miss the marvellous flowering time of the flame trees (flamboyant) and fresh exotic fruits like Lytchees and Mangos should absolutely prefer the mauritian summer; the water temperature in the lagoons is extremely agreeable during this season!

Flora. In Mauritius there is not much original vegetation left: the hardwood trees have been cut and replaced by agricultural plants, mostly by sugar cane and trees like goyava and mango. Trees which can be frequently found are filao, banyan tree and the coconut tree. During the mauritian summer the flamboyant trees cover the main roads (Choisy) with its flaming red flowers. Pineapple, banana, jackfruit, mango, papaya have to be mentioned as part of the wide variety of delicious fruits.

Fauna: The last Dodo, which you can find as a souvenir nowadays, was eaten by the colonists at the beginning of the 17th century. Because of the isolation of the Mascarene Islands the animal kingdom on land isn't rich in species. Nearly all mammals were imported by the colonists: for example monkeys, red deers and hedgehogs. There are not many insect species too, but a bird life with some interesting and extremely rare species like the Mauritius Kestrel. Contrary the marine fauna is very rich in variety and consists of more than 1000 different kinds of fishes,shells and molluscs. Take a chance to watch this wonderful undersea world.

Practical informations: Electricity 220 V the most common plug is the UK 3-pins/ Telephone preselection for calls to Mauritius +230, Time zone: MEZ +3 Currency: 1 mauritian Rupee (MUR or Rs) = 100 Cents. The common travellers cheques are accepted by banks and hotels at a better rate than cash. Credit cards of American Express, Visa, Mastercard and Diners Club are accepted.
Photos: bring enough films with you to Mauritius, because here it is rather expensive. Because of the special sunlight in the tropics Your camera should be equipped with UV filter and lens hood. Films should be kept in a refrigerator before use.
Effect a health insurance in your country before travelling.