Ideal Travel Dates
Saturday February 23rd - Sunday February 24th 2020 are the ideal travel dates for this ceremony, as this would allow you to explore the wonderful island of Mauritius and get immersed in the culture or kick your feet back and relax in preparation for the exciting days to come.
Voyya is ALU's preferred partner when it comes to handling guest accommodation and excursions in Mauritius.
If you wish to customise your trip before or after the Graduation Ceremony, Voyya offers exclusive deals on exceptional resorts, hotels, villas, and tailor-made excursions.
Please contact Voyya on +230 264 3036 or email stelly@voyya.com for more information.
Visa Requirements
Mauritius does not require you to apply for a visa before travelling, however make sure you carry the following documents with you to guarantee entry through customs:
- Return ticket (within 3 months)
- Proof of accommodation - you should get it from the entity you are booking your accommodation with.
- Yellow fever card - this is needed from the residents of certain countries
- Letter of Invitation - (fill in the form here)
You will need a physical address with a telephone contact number from the accommodation you choose.
If you are unsure of your visa status, please visit the Passport and Immigration Office website for more detailed instructions.
Mauritian Passport Control Entry Requirements
In order to enter Mauritius the following documents are required:
- 2 entry forms (1 custom form and 1 disease control form) - supplied on the plane or at the queue
- Mauritian address (hotel or house invite)
- Mauritian contact details - Provide one of the taxi numbers shared on this site
- Return ticket
- A passport with at least 6 months of validity remaining
- Two blank pages in passport for entry stamps.
After passport control, you will pass through the Health Authority with the disease control form.
If you are coming from certain countries where malaria is present, you may be called after arrival. This is a follow up to check on your wellbeing, and it is important to reply honestly and respond to the call.
Health & Travel Insurance
Please ensure that you arrange adequate health and travel insurance to cover the entirety of your stay in Mauritius.
Royal Palm Luxury Beachcomber |
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Our host InterContinental is offering these reduced rates for all guests to graduation. Click here for more info.
Transportation
Airport Transfers |
Car Rentals |
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Listed below is a list of airport transfer service providers. Please note that these providers are not affiliated with ALU in any way, and are merely recommendations. |
You can opt to rent a car and use it throughout your stay in Mauritius. The rental price depends on how long you want to rent the car. Please find below the pricing breakdown. |
Provider 1: Nitish |
Per day: USD$20 - USD$30 4 - 7 days: USD$40 - USD$55 Per month: USD$325. - USD$530 |
Provider 2: Jean Mushi |
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Provider 2: Chitra Chummun |
Attire
The ALC Graduation festivities will happen in the month of February; during the summer season. We recommend that you pack light clothing for the heat. Additional attire considerations should be made for the following:
Thursday, 27 February: Business casual attire or semi-formal attire for Asante Sana celebrations.
Friday, 28 February: Formal attire for the Graduation ceremony.
Sim Cards
There are two trusted GSM operators in Mauritius: My.T (Orange) and Emtel. All GSM operators offer 2G, 3G and 4G/LTE, available for prepaid lines. You will be able to buy a sim card at either a My.T or Emtel store. For the purchase of a SIM card, you will need to show your passport for registration at the store.
Banks & ATMs
There are many banks in Mauritius. The State Bank of Mauritius (SBM) and the Mauritius Commercial Bank (MCB) are the most widely used banks, having branches and ATMs around the island. International banks such as HSBC and Barclays Bank are also available.
All major bank ATMs in Mauritius take all major credit cards such as Visa and MasterCard. Please note that many banks will deduct a fee when you withdraw cash at the ATM with another bank’s card.
Exchange Rates
The currency is Mauritian Rupees (Rs) and is currently at an exchange rate of Rs 35 to 1 USD. We advise that you bring US dollars unless you are sure that you will be able to change your local currency in Mauritius.
If you decide to bring cash into the country, we recommend that you change money at the airport, as they offer the best rates.
Costs to Expect
The biggest cost of your trip to Mauritius is most likely going to be your flight. Beyond that you can budget for the following for your stay on the island:
- Accommodation: $150 to $300 per night
- Airport pick up/drop off: $60 per ride
- On the ground transportation: $20 per ride from your accommodation to ALC campus if you stay in the North.
Please note that these figures are approximate numbers and might not be accurate in every situation.
Climate & Weather
Mauritius enjoys a mild tropical maritime climate throughout the year. The country has two seasons: a warm humid summer extending from November to April and a relatively cool dry winter from May to October. The average temperature in summer typically ranges from 20 C to 32 C and in winter from 15 C to 23 C.
Please note that February is considered rainy season with occasional cyclones. Please prepare accordingly.
Culture
Mauritius is home to a rich, diverse community that influences every aspect of the island’s daily life. The island’s unique culture comes from its history rooted in African, Asian and European origins.
With multiple religions present, Hindu, Buddhist, Christian and Muslim festivals are celebrated all year round by the different communities. Furthermore, the cuisine is a delicious mix of Indian, traditional western, and creole that combine flavours from the all over the world.
Mauritian folklore is another living tribute to the variety of the islanders' culture. This is illustrated by the many different sounds and rhythms; there are beautiful sophisticated Indian dances, spectacular Chinese lion and dragon dances to the frantic rhythm of the Sega, the Mauritian national dance.
Language
Mauritians speak English, French, Hindi and Mauritian Creole. You can easily get by with only English.
Practicalities
Mauritius uses both British square 3 pin plugs and European 2 round pin plugs. You will find both of these sockets available in most houses in Mauritius. It is recommended that you bring travel plug adapter to support British socket types. The South African round 3 pin sockets are not available.
Mosquitos
There are many mosquitos in Mauritius and repellant tends to be of limited variety. If you prefer the more eco-friendly / natural varieties, we recommend bringing them along with you. The mosquitos in Mauritius do not carry malaria.
Tipping
There is no tipping culture in Mauritius, and you are not expected to tip in restaurants or taxis, unless it is a very touristy place.
Shopping Malls
Across Mauritius, there are shopping malls which have numerous shops, supermarkets, restaurants and entertainment areas. The closest mall to ALC is the Riche Terre Mall.
In the North of Mauritius, you have the Grand Bay Couer de Ville and La Croisette mall. In the centre of the island, about a 30 minute drive from the ALC campus, there is Bagatelle mall, which is the largest mall in Mauritius, with more variety.
Things to do in Mauritius
While you’re in Mauritius, we hope you will have the time to enjoy the island. Here’s a list of things to do during your spare time:
Trou aux Biches Beach: Beautiful and Peaceful Northern Beach. Trou aux Biches is located on the North West coast and marks the beginning of the touristic Northern area. Compared with other cities like Grand Baie and Pereybère, it prefers local residences to luxury resorts. Its beach is less busy and is very popular among locals.
Grand Baie Beach: Meeting spot for Fishermen and Tourists. Although the Grand Baie's name may be misleading, the bay isn't remotely the prettiest in Mauritius. However, its central location in the Northern touristic city makes it a great place to walk by, enjoy the view and meet fishermen back from their sail. It is also populated by bars and restaurants.
Rum Tasting in the North of Mauritius: Rum Tasting in the North. Go on a rum tasting adventure in the north of Mauritius at the Liquor Tasting Lounge. You will have the opportunity of choosing between 3 tastings.
Mauritius Aquarium: The aquarium, located in a small relaxing village in the North West of Mauritius, is home to a large number of species including over 200 species of fish.
Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden: The Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden, commonly known as the Pamplemousses Botanical Garden, is a popular tourist attraction in Pamplemousses, near Port Louis, Mauritius, and the oldest botanical garden in the Southern Hemisphere.