Making landfall in Mauritius

Of volcanic origin and generally sheltered by barriers of coral reefs forming natural, safe, crystal clear lagoons, Mauritius has long been a dream destination. Known to the Arabs as early as the 10th century, but officially discovered in 1505 by the Portuguese navigator Pedro Mascarenhas, the island was occupied successively by the Dutch (1598-1712) and the French (1715-1810), and was ceded to Great Britain in 1814 through the Treaty of Paris. On 12 March 1968, Mauritius became Independent.

Most people in Mauritius are bilingual and are equally fluent in English and French. Creole and French are the main languages in the everyday environment and several oriental languages are also spoken.

Mauritius is the most developed of the Mascarene Islands and has a large variety to see and do. From the capital Port Louis (the wealthiest city from Africa) through the garment markets in the Central Plateau towns of Quatre Bornes and Curepipe and the dramatic virgin forests from Black River Gorges National Park. Wolrd ARC crews will have the opportunity to discover the large variety of tropical fruit trees, colourful and perfumed exotic flowers. Trips on mountain bikes or hiking, fishing, snorkelling and diving are some of the possibilities the World ARC participants will have during our 2 weeks stay in the island.

There is truly something for everyone Mauritius and we are about to discover why is it called a 'Heaven on Earth'.