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December Delights: Your Ultimate Expat Guide to Holidaying in Mauritius

December Delights: Your Ultimate Expat Guide to Holidaying in Mauritius

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December Delights: Your Ultimate Expat Guide to Holidaying in Mauritius

The Festive Season of December is already in the air, the allure of Mauritius for foreigners and Mauritians living abroad seeking a memorable holiday experience is undeniable. With its stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and array of activities, Mauritius is an idyllic destination for a December getaway. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the top attractions, travel tips, and experiences tailored for expats looking to make the most of their holiday in Mauritius.
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Why Mauritius in December?

In December, Mauritius comes alive with a vibrant and festive atmosphere, offering an array of cultural events and celebrations that appeal to both locals and visitors alike. Here are some of the highlights:

  • Christmas Festivities: The island gets adorned with colorful decorations, lights, and Christmas trees. Hotels, restaurants, and shopping centers host special events, dinners, and live entertainment for guests to enjoy the holiday spirit.
  • New Year’s Eve Celebrations: Mauritius is renowned for its extravagant New Year’s Eve parties. From beachside gatherings to luxurious hotel galas and fireworks displays, there are various options to welcome the new year in style.
  • Cultural Festivals: December often hosts various cultural festivals, showcasing the island’s diverse heritage. Look out for music festivals, dance performances, and art exhibitions celebrating Mauritian culture.
  • Shopping and Markets: The month of December brings bustling markets and shopping opportunities, with local crafts, souvenirs, and traditional items available. Visitors can explore these markets to find unique gifts and immerse themselves in the local culture.
  • Outdoor Activities: The pleasant weather in December makes it an ideal time for outdoor activities. Travelers can indulge in water sports, explore nature reserves, hike scenic trails, and enjoy the beautiful beaches and crystal-clear waters.

These festive events and cultural celebrations create a lively and joyful atmosphere, offering visitors a chance to experience the warmth and richness of Mauritian traditions during the holiday season.

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Top Experiences for holidaymakers in December

Mauritius boasts stunning beaches and a plethora of water activities that cater to various interests. Here are some of the best beaches and water activities in Mauritius:
Beaches
  • Flic-en-Flac: Known for its long stretch of white sand and crystal-clear waters, perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
  • Trou aux Biches: Offers a beautiful lagoon with calm waters, ideal for families and snorkeling enthusiasts.
  • Belle Mare: Known for its powdery white sand and turquoise waters, great for sunbathing and water sports.
  • Tamarin Beach: Renowned for its natural beauty, featuring golden sands and breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean. The backdrop of lush mountains adds to its charm. Super sunsets.
  • Le Morne: Famous for its iconic UNESCO-listed Le Morne Brabant mountain, offering stunning scenery and a fantastic kiteboarding and windsurfing spot.
  • Blue Bay: Features a marine park with vibrant coral reefs, making it perfect for snorkeling and diving.

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Water Activities

  • Snorkeling: Explore the vibrant underwater world, especially around Blue Bay Marine Park and Île aux Cerfs, with abundant marine life and colorful corals.
  • Diving: Discover impressive dive sites around Mauritius, such as the Cathedral and Whale Rock, showcasing unique marine ecosystems and wrecks.
  • Water Skiing and Wakeboarding: Enjoy thrilling water skiing and wakeboarding experiences in various locations with calm lagoons.
  • Kiteboarding and Windsurfing: Le Morne is renowned as a top spot for kiteboarding and windsurfing due to its consistent wind and ideal conditions.
  • Catamaran Cruises: Explore the coastline on a relaxing catamaran cruise, which often includes snorkeling, dolphin watching, and enjoying scenic views. The North and West coasts offer superb catamaran cruises.
  • Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP): Paddle along the calm lagoons and explore the coastline at your leisure.
  • Underwater Sea Walk: Experience a unique adventure by walking underwater while wearing a helmet with a transparent visor to observe marine life.
  • Dolphin watching: A popular and thrilling activity that allows visitors to observe dolphins in their natural habitat.

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Cultural Immersion: Exploring local traditions, cuisine, and attending festive events

Exploring local traditions, cuisine, and attending festive events in December provides a wonderful opportunity for cultural immersion in Mauritius. Here’s how you can delve into the island’s rich culture during this time:

Local Traditions:

  • Festive Markets: Explore local markets and bazaars offering traditional crafts, handmade goods, and festive items. Experience the vibrant atmosphere and interact with local artisans.
  • Cultural Villages: Visit cultural villages or centers that showcase Mauritian traditions, music, dance, and folklore. Experience authentic cultural performances and interact with locals.

Cuisine: Local Eateries: Sample traditional Mauritian dishes at local eateries, savoring flavors like seafood curry, rougaille (tomato-based stew), dholl puri (flatbread), and tropical fruits like mangoes and lychees. Street Food: Explore food stalls and vendors offering street delicacies. Don't miss trying local snacks like gateaux piment (chili cakes) or samosas.
Cuisine:

  • Local Eateries: Sample traditional Mauritian dishes at local eateries, savoring flavors like seafood curry, rougaille (tomato-based stew), dholl puri (flatbread), and tropical fruits like mangoes and lychees.
  • Street Food: Explore food stalls and vendors offering street delicacies. Don’t miss trying local snacks like gateaux piment (chili cakes) or samosas.

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Festive Events:

  • Cultural Festivals: Attend cultural festivals and events that showcase Mauritian traditions, music, and dance. Look out for events celebrating diverse cultural influences on the island.
  • Holiday Celebrations: Experience the festive spirit of December with Christmas-themed events, light displays, and local performances in various towns and communities.
  • Music and Dance: Enjoy live performances featuring traditional music genres like Sega or local bands playing contemporary tunes. Dance along to the rhythmic beats and immerse yourself in the local music scene.

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Nature and Adventure: Hiking trails, nature reserves, and outdoor activities

Hiking Trails:
  • Le Morne Brabant: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this mountain offers challenging yet rewarding hikes with breathtaking views of the surrounding lagoon and coastline.
  • Black River Gorges National Park: Home to diverse flora and fauna, the park has several trails like the Macchabée-Bel Ombre trail, offering beautiful scenery and waterfalls.
  • Tamarind Falls (7 Cascades): Explore a series of seven stunning waterfalls nestled amidst lush vegetation, offering trekking opportunities for varying skill levels.

Nature Reserves:

  • Île aux Aigrettes: This nature reserve is dedicated to preserving indigenous flora and fauna. Guided tours allow visitors to spot rare bird species, giant tortoises, and unique plant life.
  • Domaine de l’Etoile: An eco-adventure park featuring hiking trails, quad biking, ziplining, and panoramic views of the east coast.

Outdoor Activities:

  • Water Sports: Mauritius offers a range of water activities such as snorkeling, diving, kite surfing, and paddleboarding in its crystal-clear waters.
  • Casela World of Adventures: Ideal for families, this adventure park offers activities like zip lining, hiking, wildlife encounters, and quad biking.
  • Chamarel Nature Park: Explore the colored earths, waterfalls, and botanical gardens, and indulge in activities like hiking and canopy tours.

Tips:
Guided Tours: Consider guided tours for hiking trails and nature reserves to learn about the island’s biodiversity and cultural significance.
Safety: Stay hydrated, wear appropriate footwear and clothing, and adhere to safety guidelines, especially during outdoor adventures.

Mauritius’ diverse landscapes offer a playground for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers, providing an array of experiences to explore its natural wonders and indulge in thrilling outdoor activities.

Practical Tips

Transportation and getting around the island

Getting around Mauritius involves several transportation options that cater to travelers’ preferences and convenience:

1. Car Rentals: Self-Drive: Renting a car is popular, providing flexibility to explore the island at your own pace. International and local car rental companies offer a variety of vehicles.
Driving: Mauritius drives on the left-hand side, and roads are generally well-maintained. However, traffic congestion in urban areas might be common during peak hours.
2. Taxis:Taxis are readily available and offer a convenient way to get around. Negotiate fares beforehand or ensure the meter is used for transparency.

3. Public Buses: The bus network covers most parts of the island, offering an economical mode of transportation. Routes, however, might not be direct, and schedules can vary.
4. Tour Operators and Excursions: Various tour operators provide guided tours and excursions to major attractions and activities across the island, making it easy for travelers to explore.

Tips for Getting Around:

  • Navigation Apps: Use navigation apps or GPS systems for directions and to navigate unfamiliar areas.
  • Traffic Consideration: Consider traffic congestion during peak hours, especially in major towns and cities.
  • Local Advice: Consult locals or hotel staff for advice on the best transportation options and routes.
  • Renting with Driver: Some visitors prefer renting cars with a driver for ease of navigation and local insights.

Each transportation mode in Mauritius has its advantages, and the choice depends on factors such as convenience, budget, and the areas you plan to explore.

Safety Measures and healthcare facilities for travellers

Mauritius is generally considered a safe destination for travelers, but it’s important to be aware of safety measures and healthcare facilities available for visitors:

Safety Measures:
Personal Safety: Exercise normal safety precautions as you would in any other destination. Avoid displaying valuable items in public and be cautious in crowded areas.
Swimming Safety: Pay attention to beach safety flags and warnings, especially during rough sea conditions. Only swim in designated safe areas and follow instructions.
Health and Hygiene: Drink bottled or boiled water and practice good hygiene to prevent foodborne illnesses or water-borne diseases.
Road Safety: Take caution when driving, especially on winding roads. Use seat belts, adhere to speed limits, and avoid driving at night due to reduced visibility.

Healthcare Facilities:
Hospitals and Clinics: Mauritius has both public and private healthcare facilities. Hospitals like Victoria Hospital in Candos and Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam National Hospital in Pamplemousses are major public hospitals.
Private Clinics: Several private clinics and medical centers offer quality healthcare services, especially in tourist areas like Grand Baie and Black River. We would recommend CCare and Nova-Life.
Health Insurance: It’s advisable for travelers to have comprehensive travel insurance covering medical expenses and emergency repatriation.
Pharmacies: Pharmacies are easily accessible and stock a wide range of medications. However, it’s recommended to carry prescribed medications and a basic first aid kit.
Emergency Services: In case of emergencies, dial 114 for ambulance services and 999 for police assistance.

By following safety precautions, being aware of healthcare facilities, and taking necessary health measures, travelers can enjoy a safe and healthy experience in Mauritius.

Currency, language, and other essential information
Currency: The currency used in Mauritius is the Mauritian Rupee (MUR). Currency exchange services are available at banks, hotels, and authorized exchange bureaus.
Language: English and French are the official languages. Creole is widely spoken, especially in informal settings.
Time Zone: Mauritius Standard Time (MST), which is GMT+4.
Electricity: The standard voltage is 230V, and the frequency is 50Hz. The plugs used are of the Type C (European) and Type G (British) varieties.
Entry Requirements: Depending on your nationality, you may need a visa to enter Mauritius. Some nationalities are eligible for visa-free entry or visa on arrival. Check visa requirements based on your country of origin before traveling.
Communication: SIM cards and local prepaid plans are available for mobile phones. Most hotels, cafes, and public places offer Wi-Fi.
Local Customs: Respect local customs and traditions. Dress modestly when visiting religious sites and ask for permission before taking photos of people.
Tipping: Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated for good service, usually around 10% in restaurants if a service charge isn’t included.These essential details can help make your trip to Mauritius smoother and more enjoyable. It’s always wise to stay updated with current travel advisories and guidelines before planning your visit.

Mauritius in December offers an unforgettable holiday experience for expats seeking relaxation, adventure, and cultural immersion. With its tropical charm and diverse offerings, it’s the perfect destination for an incredible holiday getaway.

Remember, whether you’re here to soak up the sun on pristine beaches, explore the island’s rich cultural heritage, or indulge in the festive atmosphere, Mauritius has something for every expat looking to make December a month to remember.

Plan your unforgettable holiday in Mauritius this December and let the island captivate you with its charm and warmth.

And if you are looking at acquiring a property in Mauritius after experiencing the most wonderful and memorable holiday on our island, make sure to contact any of our Seeff branches and our experienced and knowledgeable property consultants will be more than happy to assist and guide you. Visit our website to discover our fantastic real estate opportunities: www.seeff.mu

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