Ever since I was a lad I’ve had a fascination with tropical islands, Mauritius, Barbados and the Seychelles in particular. This trip, to celebrate our wedding anniversary was my first, the first of many island hopping travels to come. Mauritius is approximately 65 km long North to South, around 40 km across at it’s widest point and more or less pear shaped (in a good way). A mixed nation with all races and religions getting along together, it’s a model of how the world could be.[vc_single_image image=”3856″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center”]
The first time visiting Mauritius is certainly an experience to be remembered. Exiting the airport building, he humidity hits you like something solid, then there is the hectic traffic, the noise and the smell of the ocean. This was my first trip to a tropical island, every sight and every sound is new and exciting.
The Movenpick Resort, where we stayed for a week to celebrate our 15th anniversary was an awesome experience, the pool bar, sipping cocktails under the palm trees and waking up to the sound of the surf a few metres away is something that keeps me going back to islands like this for more.[vc_single_image image=”3857″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center”]
It’s easy to get around Mauritius, with an excellent road system, we chose to hire a taxi to take us around to see the main attractions, but on subsequent visits we have opted to go it alone. The bustling city of Port Louis is the most wealthy in Africa, Curepipe is where the locals hit the markets, but there are plenty of little villages dotted around the island as well. The island is well watered, although it can get a bit dry in some areas, it can be raining in one part with bright sunshine a few kilometres away. It’s not only about beaches though, there is some awesome big game fishing to be had, unfortunately, October isn’t the best time, my trip didn’t produce anything other than a few Bonito, not a large fish but feisty nonetheless.[vc_single_image image=”3858″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center”]
Mauritius is so easy to get to from South Africa, a direct 5 1/2 hour flight from Cape Town or 4 1/2 from Johannesburg and you will be in another world. We’ve been back since but this first visit will always be special to me.
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