Are you thinking about living in Mauritius permanently or commuting between the island and South Africa? Living in Mauritius as a South African is easy. The tropical climate is similar to that in the eastern part of the country. Think Durban and surrounds. In Mauritius, school and university education is good and available in English and French, the locals are welcoming, island produce is delicious, and the environment is naturally beautiful.

 Few visitors to Mauritius can resist its charm. The long stretches of white sand lined with palm and filao trees are a major drawcard for beach lovers. Head into the warm Indian Ocean and you can enjoy everything from swimming and snorkelling to SUPing and kitesurfing. Did you know that Mauritius is one of the best locations in the world for kitesurfing, especially in the winter months from June to September?

In fact, you can swim in the ocean all year round. The water temperature is 23°C to 28°C, but some reports note that it can get as high as 37°C. Or you can climb on a catamaran and cruise to nearby islets or link up with a local fisherman or guide who can take you deep-sea fishing.

Inland, the mountainous areas created by volcanic activity hundreds of thousands of years ago provide refuge for endemic birds, deer and wild boar. When you’re living in Mauritius, you have the opportunity to walk, run, hike or cycle through many of these areas. Spend enough time there and you might even develop an interest in bird watching!

The Mauritian summer is November to April. Temperatures vary between 25°C and 33°C. This is a tropical island so be prepared for some humidity! In the winter months, temperatures range between 17° C and 25° C. The wettest months are February and March with about 1,100mm annual rainfall measured in the north.

Living and working in Mauritius

 Indeed, there are plenty of Mauritius investment opportunities to incentivise those looking for work opportunities in Mauritius. If you are keen on the perks that come with having a permanent residence permit, then consider investing in Mauritius real estate in the west or the north. This is where the ex-pat communities are well established and infrastructure is more modern.

Grand Baie is often listed as the best place to live in Mauritius. This vibrant village has developed to suit residents and tourists from various backgrounds, religions and cultures. Alongside local outlets and markets, there are now several large shopping centres featuring international clothing brands in Mauritius. For added convenience, there is a choice of medical facilities in the area.

There is also a broad selection of bars and restaurants offering a range of cuisine. You are spoilt for choice in Grand Baie and Tamarin, the top tourism and residential areas, where there is a tremendous variety of quality restaurants. These range from characterful local eateries to five-star restaurants specialising in Mauritian, Indian, Italian, French and Peruvian cuisine, among others.

Discovering the local fruits and vegetables in season, and shopping at the markets, is part of the fun of living on the island. Bananas, papaya, lychees and pineapple are deliciously sweet and are just some of the mouth-watering fruits available.

Used to the BBQ and beer lifestyle? The habit is well suited to the island’s outdoor lifestyle. And you’ll want to know that the cost of a beer in Mauritius is reasonable, especially the local Phoenix and craft beers. Wine is not as affordable. When you go to Mauritius take the legal quota with you. Or be prepared to spend more than you’re used to on French, Australian, South American and South African wine when you restock on the island.

You’ll also pay more for South African or Australian beef because both are imported. Don’t worry though. There are wholesale outlets where you will get better prices. The good news is that local chicken is reasonably priced and seafood, of course, is tasty and plentiful!

How to get around in Mauritius

Getting around in Mauritius is easier than you think. Depending on where you live and work, you might prefer to have your own car. Morning traffic is usually from 7.30 am to 9.30 am, so plan your day or your route to avoid that crunch time if possible.

However, Mauritius has a modern road infrastructure in and around the main centres. Public transport in Mauritius includes buses and taxis. There is also a Metro Express connecting Curepipe to Port Louis with three bus interchanges enabling a multimodal transit solution.

If you’re driving, stick to the left-hand side of the road and allow those in a hurry to pass you if it is safe to do so. Remember that not everybody uses indicator lights to warn when they are turning left or right. Look out for hand signals instead.

Don’t drink and drive. The standard blood alcohol level – 0.05% or 50 mg per 100mL of blood – must be adhered to. If you exceed the limit, you could be arrested, fined, and even imprisoned.

Speeding is not a good idea either. The village and rural roads are narrow, often with lots of twists and turns, no pavements and they are not well lit. Street dogs often lie and sleep at the side of the road, and people move around on scooters, bicycles and on foot in the villages. The speed limit for driving in Mauritius is 40 km/h in the villages, 80 km/h on the rural roads and 100 km/h on the motorway.

Living in Mauritius as a South African

Residents at Ki Resort in the pretty coastal village of Pereybere Mauritius benefit from their proximity to Grand Baie Mauritius as well as the new Mont Choisy Smart City. Ki Resort is billed as a tropical hideaway – ideal for South Africans with all the bells and whistles you’d expect from a resort right there on your doorstep. Amenities include a massive pool, a gym, cafe and all-important rooftop terrace for sundowners. Prices start from USD 269,000.

What’s more, 2Futures homeowners or those renting a property through 2Futures Holidays have access to the 2Beach Club in Pereybere Mauritius. The club is designed in the chic contemporary style and decorated to suit the surroundings. It’s barefoot luxury all the way.