Mauritius, AFRICA
Airing Date: Jan 6th, 2003
Since 1598, Mauritius' long and complicated history has seen migrants from all over the world, leading to its current diversity and variety.
The blending of the different cultures that have settled in Mauritius over the years can be seen at the Quatre Bornes market in Central West, where the stalls are as colourful as the people.
The local produce and the prices at the markets are sure to impress. Here a pashmina that would cost between $150 and $350 in Australia costs just $12 Australian - and haggling is encouraged.
Indians make up the biggest ethnic group in the Mauritius mix, especially in the snack department. The markets sell a selection of Indian food, like Gateaux Piments - which are little balls of lentils wrapped up in chilli.
Just 20 minutes up the road from the markets is Eureka House, one of the island nation's best-preserved examples of Creole architecture. Featuring 109 doors, Eureka House was purpose-built to deal with the hot climate. Be sure to check out Eureka's extensive antique collection to see how the wealthy used to live.
Measuring only 60 kilometres in length, Mauritius packs a lot into a small space. Just a 90 minute drive south east will take you far enough away that even the air smells different.
Within just a sniff of the ocean is Domaine de Ylang, a unique institution where oils are distilled the old fashioned way. In amongst all the fragrance there's at least one smell that Aussies are bound to recognise - our very own white eucalyptus.
If you want a closer look at the gum trees, take a 4WD or walk into the bushland, but beware - it's uphill all the way. The treks are active and vigorous and while they are definitely not for the faint hearted, they are a great way to spend an afternoon.
If all the delicious scents put you in the mood for passion, head out after dark. Nightfall is the time when Mauritius really hots up.
Domaine du Chasseur is a nature reserve that does dinner and a show. Food is served on palm leaves instead of plates, and after the meal is over, everyone gets into the national dance of Mauritius, Sega.
Traditionally, African slaves danced Sega swaying to the music of their homelands, but now their Creole descendents and the rest of their country carry on the tradition to a more modern beat. The secret to the Sega is the hips - and because every big hotel in Mauritius runs Sega nights, you'll soon be an expert.
The facts
Air Mauritius flies to Mauritius once a week. Package prices start from $2419 ex Sydney, $2059 ex Melbourne, $2519 ex Brisbane, or $1759 ex Perth. This includes 5 nights at the Domaine Du Chasseur, cooked breakfast daily and airport transfers. Includes taxes but seasonal surcharges and conditions apply.
Air Mauritius Holidays
Tel: 1300 362 166
Budget Tours Mauritius runs full day 'Mountains to the Sea' trips from all hotels. For $167 your tour includes shopping at Quatre Bornes markets, lunch at Domaine du Chasseur and a visit to Eureka or Domaine de Ylang Ylang. Admission to Eureka House costs $10. Dinner and a show at Domaine du Chassuer costs $40. Sega nights are free.
Budget Tours Mauritius
Tel: 1300 362 166
