March School Holidays - 4* Solana Beach, Mauritius

Located off the eastern coast of Africa in the Indian Ocean, the idyllic island of Mauritius is a remarkably romantic holiday destination. While it's renowned for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, gorgeous powder-white sand beaches, and a wonderful tropical climate, the island offers much more. Those who venture inland will dis­cov­er lush, jungle-clad mountains, glistening blue lagoons, impressive rivers and water­falls, extinct volcanic craters, charming little ramshackle towns and villages, and wonderfully friendly locals. Must-see attractions include the bustling capital of Port Louis with its lively local markets; the remarkable 85 metre-high Chamarel Waterfall; and Eureka, a historic plantation mansion turned museum offering visitors a glimpse into the island's colonial past.

South African passport holders do not require a visa for a stay up to 2 months (Can be extended if required).

Requirements

• Passport has to be valid for duration of stay in Mauritius and have 2 blank pages
• Onward/return air ticket (itinerary)
• Proof of Funds in form for a bank statement or a letter from the bank stating that the applicant has sufficient funds (100 US Dollars per day)
• Confirmed hotel booking from the hotel in Mauritius
• In case of business/study visa, applicant should submit a letter from local sponsor/company in Mauritius.

Currency:  
Local currency: Mauritian Rupee (MUR) 
Symbol: Rp 
ISO code: MUS 
Central bank: Bank of Mauritius  
Subunit: Cent 
Banknotes: Rp2000, 1000, 500, 200, 100, 50, 25 
Coins:Rp10, 5, 1 

Banking: 
Card Transactions: 
ATMs: Yes 
Mastercard: Often 
Visa: Often  
American Express: Sometimes  
Diner’s club: Sometimes  
 
Banking Hours: 
Weekdays: Mondays – Thursdays 08h00 – 15h00; Fridays 09h00 - 17h00 
Weekends: *hours 
Public Holidays: No 
Foreign exchange services: Yes 

Air: 
Main airlines: Air Mauritius 
International Airports: Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Internation Airport   
Domestic Airport: No 

Road: 
Tar roads: Yes 
Gravel roads: Yes 
Valid International Driver's License needed: No 
Car hire available: Yes 
Taxis: Yes 
Uber available: No 
 
Bus: 

Inter-city bus services: No 

Local city bus networks: No 
 
Rail: 
Railway system: No 
Subway System: No 
 
Water: 
Ferries: No 
Water taxis: No 
Leisure cruises: Yes 

IMPORTANT - CORONAVIRUS TRAVEL BAN AND INSURANCE

(Updated 31 August 2021)

Travel restrictions and bans as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic are constantly evolving. Keeping abreast of such developments and updates remain the responsibility of the passenger/s.

* Please refer to the websites of the World Health Organization  https://www.who.int/ and the Government of Mauritius for such updates.  https://govmu.org/EN/Pages/ViewAllNews.aspx

* As from 01 October last year a partial border opening was put in place whereby tourists from certain regions were allowed entry to Mauritius and only if they were quarantined at designated hotels for 14 days. As from 01 October 2021 the Mauritian Government categorised arrivals into two groups; vaccinated and non-vaccinated. Non-vaccinated arrivals from all areas of the world are permitted entry to Mauritius provided they quarantine for a period of 14 days at an approved hotel (in-room) and at their expense whereafter - subject to a negative PCR test prior to departure from their quarantine hotel - they may leave to explore the island and stay elsewhere. This is in place until 31 December 2021. Important to note is that our office can't assist with bookings for unvaccinated travellers.

For vaccinated arrivals, the following applies; Mauritius's borders re-open to all countries on 01 October 2021. The entry requirements are that tourists (aged 18 years or older) have been fully vaccinated. Passengers who have been vaccinated with Pfizer / Astra Zeneca (Covishield) / Astra Zeneca (Vaxzevria) / Covaxin / Moderna / Sinopharm / Sputnik / Sinovac (CoronaVac) require both doses at least 14 days prior to arrival, and Johnson & Johnson (J&J) 28 days prior to arrival in Mauritius. All passengers (including children and infants) must also produce a negative PCR test that was administered 72 hours or less prior to the passenger/s' arrival in Mauritius.

Further protocols have not yet been finalised and we will update each booking as these come through. Please see the most up to date information on the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority (MTPA) website regarding Mauritius's re-opening click here. https://www.mymauritius.travel/

Food and water safety: 
Can you drink the tap water: No 
Fresh fruit and veg: No 
Ice: No 
Meat: Yes, if well-cooked  
Street food: No 
 
Local cuisine: Mauritian cuisine is defined by its diverse cultural history, with African, Chinese, French, Creole and English influences. Must-try dishes include Bol Renversé (“Upside Down Bowl” or “Magic Bowl”), similar to chop suey topped with an omelette or fried egg; and Mauritian curry with wonderful unique sides such as Achard (a pickled vegetable and mustard savoury condiment). 

Drinks: Ti' Punch or rum, vanilla tea 
 
Tipping: 10% 
 

Annual rainfall: 880 mm to 1550 mm 
Average temperature: 27°C 

Summer:

Average Highs: About 30°C 
Average Lows: Around 23°C 

Winter: 

Average Highs: Around 24°C 

Average Lows: Approximately 17°C 

Best time to visit: Mauritius is an excellent year-round destination in terms of weather, but visiting in autumn or spring will allow you to avoid the crowds of summer and the cooler weather of winter.  

Spring and Summer 
Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes 
Lightweight warm clothes: Yes 
 
Winter and Autumn 
Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Yes 
Heavyweight clothing and boots: No 
 
General 
Umbrella and raincoat: Yes 
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: No 
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes 
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes 
Walking shoes: Yes 
Casual: Yes 
Smart-casual attire: Yes 
 

Internet cafes: Yes, in main towns  
Accommodation options: Yes 
Restaurants: Usually  
Cafes: Usually 
Shopping malls: Sometimes  
Public parks: Sometimes  
Libraries: Sometimes  

Plug Type: C/G 
Voltage (V): 230 
Frequency Hertz (Hz): 50 
 

*A Travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending on your appliances. 

Lock valuables away while travelling and always be vigilant of your belongings. Never leave them unattended. 
English is the official language. French and Creole are commonly spoken.
Time is 2 hours ahead of South Africa.
Smoking is allowed in designated outdoor areas; however, it is prohibited in indoor public areas.

Travel Insurance - Selected policies MUST be issued within a certain period in order to effectively cover (see below)

* Travel insurance is always an essential facet of international travel and more so now due to COVID-19.

* See TIC's FAQ's relating to COVID-19 and TIC travel insurance policies - FAQs relating to COVID and your TIC policy click here.
 https://www.tic.co.za/coronavirus?utm_source=Systematic&utm_medium=NewsBanner&utm_campaign=Coronavirus

* See Bryte's COVID-19 cover: click on the Important News block for further COVID-19 information click here.
https://travelinsurance.brytesa.com/direct?organisationcode=bryte_travel&nisorganisationcode=ZSAUW

* Travel insurance companies and their underwriters may at any time introduce exclusions from the cover, or they may insist that a travel insurance policy is issued within a certain period of time.

* Both Bryte Travel Insurance and Travel Insurance Consultants (TIC) offer added benefits to selected policies when issued within 24 - 48 hours of payment leaving the client/s bank account when the first payment is effected for the package. Please enquire with the relevant companies about these benefits.

* Passengers are strongly advised to either ensure their travel insurance cover is adequate, or enquire immediately regarding what options are available.

* COVID-19 clients with travel policies issued prior to COVID-19 who were prevented from travelling due to border closures:

As each insurance company offers different procedures to COVID-19 clients, clients must enquire with their insurance company as to what the policy or procedure is regarding re-booking their travel insurance policy for new travel dates. In the event that a new travel insurance policy has to be issued (instead of an upgrade or endorsed policy being acceptable for the new travel dates), the travel policy must be issued within a very specific time frame in order for it to be valid - please enquiry directly with the travel insurance company in question.

* Beachcomber is not permitted to consult on travel insurance - we recommend that clients speak with either Travel Insurance Consultants (TIC) or Bryte Travel Insurance. See www.tic.co.za or www.Brytesa.com for more information.