Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Air Mauritius also offers helicopter tours and charters from SSR international airport to a
number of major hotels. A hotel transfer anywhere on the island costs Rs 22,000, while a
full one-hour island tour costs Rs 34,000 for up to two passengers; a quick 15-minute
jaunt will set you back Rs 13,000. For information and reservations, contact Air Mauritius
Helicopter Services (
603 3754; www.airmauritius.com/helicopter ) or ask your hotel to organise a
transfer or trip.
HITCHING
Hitching is never entirely safe in any country in the world, and we don't recommend it.
Travellers who decide to hitch should understand that they are taking a small but poten-
tially serious risk. People who choose to hitch will be safer if they travel in pairs and let
someone know where they are planning to go.
Getting a lift in Mauritius is subject to pretty much the same quirks of luck and fate that
you experience hitching anywhere. The only place where it really does come in handy is
Rodrigues. Since few people there own cars, hitching is a popular way to get around, es-
pecially on Sundays, when buses are few and far between. Those driving in Rodrigues
will make friends by offering lifts to locals who'll try and flag you down almost any-
where. Obviously, proceed with caution and don't offer lifts to groups if you're alone.
TAXI
It's sometimes possible to imagine that every adult male in Mauritius is a taxi driver. Taxi
drivers will often shout out at travellers they see wandering around Port Louis or Grand
Baie, while ranks outside hotels usually overflow with drivers. Negotiation is key -
meters are rarely used and you'll usually be ripped off if you get in a taxi without agreeing
on a price first. During the journey most drivers will also tout for future business; if you
aren't careful, you may find that you've agreed to an all-day island tour. If you aren't in-
terested, make this very clear, as many drivers won't take no for an answer.
Many guesthouse managers/owners have attempted to mitigate their guests' constant
frustration with rip-offs by arranging prices with local taxi drivers. The quotes given un-
der such arrangements, particularly those from small guesthouses, are often acceptable;
they can usually arrange competitively priced airport pick-ups as well. Once you've got a
feel for the rates, you can venture into independent bargaining. You'll find that these
prices are fairly standard throughout - you may be able to knock off Rs 100 or Rs 200
here and there, though don't be crestfallen if you can't whittle the driver down to the exact
price you're expecting (after all, they have had more practise at the taxi game than you!).
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