The  Indian  Ocean  Islands are a group of approximately 115  islands located  off  the  East African coast in the Indian Ocean,  northeast of Madagascar. The most common are the Seychelles, Mauritius, Comores, Zanzibar and Reunion.

The  islands have evolved undisturbed into sanctuaries from the stress and  pollution  of  city  life.   This is a world of the everlasting summer where  people  and  nature  live  in  an  effortless harmony.  The  local  people  lead  a  simple  and  sophisticated  life,   and  have  a friendly attitude towards visitors.

If  you  were  a  sailor  and  became  shipwrecked  on  these  shores, you  would  be  eternally  grateful.    Even  though  there  are  hidden  treasures  of  the  pirates  somewhere  on  the islands, the real treasure lies in simply being there and experiencing the beauty and exotic allure of the Indian Ocean Islands.

The Islands offer a romantic breakaway far from civilisation and the hustle and bustle of the world. Enjoy endless beaches, world class hotels, fantastic food and any amount of watersports including water-skiing, parasailing, scuba-diving, snorkeling, deep-sea fishing, sailing and much more.


More on MAURITIUS More on THE SEYCHELLES





 

                               Highlights                               
Fantastic Beaches · Incredible Weather · Amazing Watersports · Great Fishing · Exotic Food · Romantic Honeymoon Destination


                               MAURITIUS                               

The name itself is an invitation to sea, sand and sun, offering an exclusive retreat to all those seeking peace and tranquillity.

POPULATION
Today, the diversity of its population brings a new dimension to the spectacular scenery of the island. The traveller will not only experience the legends of India, but also the subtle shades of China. He can discover a small piece of Africa, whilst still benefiting from European-style living. The official language is English but almost everyone speaks French and the Mauritian Creole, a very colourful dialect. The different cultures and religions co-exist in harmony. This results in numerous religious festivals, varied cooking, and bright displays of different dress. Mauritius has become a world-renowned holiday and incentive destination due mainly to the high quality of its hotel industry and the legendary hospitality of its people.

CLIMATE
Mauritius is a year-round destination. The island enjoys a mild tropical climate with average temperatures varying between 20°C and 32°C.

CURRENCY
The local currency is the Mauritian rupee. You can exchange your foreign currency at all Mauritian banks, at hotels, as well as at the airport.

SHOPPING HOURS
Port Louis:
Monday to Friday 09h00 to 17h00
Saturday 09h00 to 13h00
Sunday 09h00 to 12h00
Curepipe & Rose Hill:
Monday to Friday (excl. Thurs) 09h00 to 18h00
Thursday / Sunday 09h00 to 12h00
Saturday 09h00 to 17h00

TIPPING
A government tax is included in your bill. The tip is thus left to the discretion of the guest depending upon appreciation of the service offered, and is by no means compulsory.

GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION
Lying in the heart of the Indian Ocean, 800km to the east of Madagascar, Mauritius is surrounded by shimmering lagoons fringed by golden beaches. It is a haven where lush vegetation blends into the cobalt blue of the ocean.

WEST IS BEST
The most equable climate is to be found on the west coast of Mauritius. The western part of the island is warm, sunny and sheltered during all seasons, ensuring year-round holiday enjoyment.

TIME
Mauritius is two hours ahead of GMT

LANGUAGE
English is the official language in Mauritius and is widely understood and spoken. French and Creole are used in everyday life.

SEGA DANCING
Apart from typical dancing and music in discothèques, there is the unique music, song and dance of the Sega. Derived mostly from African music dating from the days of slavery, the Sega is now performed with sophisticated Latin American influences and instruments, as well as the traditional 'plans-plans' (drums) and percussion. The shuffling, hip-swaying dance and Creole patois lyrics are an integral part of the music.


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                               THE SEYCHELLES                               

THE ISLANDS
Seychelles consists of 115 granitic and coralline islands spread across more than a million square metres of the Indian Ocean. The remoteness of the archipelago has ensured the preservation of many species of flora and fauna not found anywhere else on earth. Only 21 of the islands are inhabited.

GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION
The latitude of the islands varies between 4 degrees and 10 degrees south of the Equator. Some islands are closer to the coast of African than they are to the main island of Mahe. Mahe is 1 600 kilometres east of Mombasa in Kenya. The islands are divided into two categories, the ‘inner islands’ which are near to Mahe, and the ‘outer islands’ which are the most distant.

POPULATION
The population of Seychelles totals a mere 89 000 people, many of whom are descended from slaves brought by settlers from Africa to work the land. After slavery was abolished, many of these Creole Seychellois were liberated in Seychelles, and today make up the bulk of the population. Education up to the age of 16 is free and technical skills are taught locally. The dominant religion is Roman Catholic.

LANGUAGE
There are three national languages - Creole, English and French - although many Seychellois speak other European languages such as Italian and German.

CLIMATE
Seychelles enjoys a pleasant tropical climate year round. The islands lie outside the cyclone belt and there are no extremes of weather. The temperature seldom drops below 24 degrees or rises above 33 degrees. During the north-east trade winds which blow from October to May, the sea conditions are calm and the weather is humid. When the south-east trade winds blow from June to September, the weather is cooler and the sea is rougher, particularly on the south-eastern coasts.

CURRENCY
The local currency is the Seychelles rupee and the rate of exchange to the South African rand is subject to currency fluctuation. It is important for visitors to note that all costs in hotels must be settled in foreign currency, either in cash or by credit card. This applies to meals or drinks at any hotel and not only in the hotel of residence. Travellers’ cheques in foreign currencies cannot be exchanged for foreign cash, and visitors receive their cash in Seychelles rupees. Local currency may be used for purchases in shops or markets, or for meals purchased from small independent beach restaurants and cafes. Change for purchases in foreign currency is given in Seychelles rupees. It is recommended that visitors take cash in US dollars for incidental expenses.

TIME
Seychelles is two hours ahead of GMT.

SHOPPING
Victoria and other villages Monday to Friday 08h00 to 17h00
Saturday 09h00 to 12h00 Sunday Closed

TIPS
A service charge is included in hotel and restaurant bills. Tipping is not compulsory and is therefore left to the discretion of the guest to show appreciation for good service.

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P.O. Box 37546
Valyland 7978
Cape Town
South Africa
Phone: (+2721) 782-6979
Fax: (+2721) 782-3499
E-mail: afritours@afritours.co.za

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