I've driven in many Countries over the the years and Mauritius has been interesting to me to say the least.
Traffic
The first thing to be aware of when driving in Mauritius is that everybody believes they have the driving reactions and technique of a formula 1 driver (but without the driving skills!), along with the ability to see around blind bends and being clairvoyant to see Into the future so they can overtake on the brow of a hill in the full knowledge that the nothing is coming in the opposite direction.
Don’t forget the stretched-out arm from the driver's window!
This gesture has multiple meanings:
I’m cutting in like it or not
You must give way
I’ve overtaken when I shouldn’t have but it’s your fault
Beware I’m undertaking
Turning corners
If you are unfamiliar with Mauritius driving, you will need to be aware of what should be the simplest of maneuvers such as turning into another street or driveway and how it can catch you out.
Let's say you are following a car down the street (you drive on left Mauritius) and they are indicating turn right. instead of keeping to the right of the road and preparing to turn right, what you will witness is a turn to the left curb first, almost as if they are turning left and then a sharp turn to the right thereafter. This maneuver looks like the driver is making sure the curve of the turn is a comfortable ride for them and their passengers, whereas in reality as someone who's behind, you Don't know if they are turning left or right! Who knows....except the clairvoyants on the island!
Signalling
Just accept the fact that receiving some sort of indication as to where the drivers around you intend to go is going to be a bonus.
Slow traffic
Just accept that you will be stuck in slow-moving traffic on a frequent basis here in Mauritius. Some of the vehicles on the road are very old, very overloaded and some of the drivers just like driving slowly.
Contract minibus drivers
Most of, if not all contract minibus drivers believe they are expert drivers and can drive without risk at very high speeds. The ones I have encountered have zero road skills, are dangerous, reckless, and have no concern for their own lives never mind their passengers.
If you do have to use a Mauritian Contract Minibus tell the driver before you get in, if they drive too fast you won't pay them.
Undertaking
This is something that seems to become a more common practice here in Mauritius. Just wait until the extended arm comes out the undertakers' car window!!
Motorcycles
In Mauritius motorcycles are everywhere and when you are driving a car they appear from everywhere. Undertaking, overtaking, cutting in front at traffic lights, out of side streets without warming, and coming straight at you when overtaking traffic coming the opposite way.
Motorcycles are the preferred form of transport for local Mauritians who start to ride early in theIr lives. The problem is that until recently there was no driving test requirement for motorcycles and even though it has been brought in, people who have been riding motorcycles under a Learner ‘L’ plate have never had to pass a test so you could be riding for 40+ years on an 'L' plate. This is now changing and these riders will all have to have passed a test by the March 2026.
Public transport
Emissions testing in Mauritius doesn't exist and this becomes very evident when you get stuck behind a public transport bus or heavy goods vehicle such as the ones used frequently to transport the cut sugar cane during the harvesting season.
If you do find yourself in this position expect acrid black smoke to be bellowing out in your direction.
Sat Nav
Satellite Navigation systems have improved drastically over the last 10 years but when I first came to Mauritius I hired a car that had a Say Nav in Chinese so I used Google Maps instead.
This created interesting driving moments on a number of occasions. One, was when I was on my way to a meeting in the North, and Google Maps took me through a village I had not traveled through before. It directed through the village and I remember turning down a street that suddenly came to an end. As it turned out the street was part of a proposed building project that hadn't been started. I must admit, I was scratching my head, whilst sitting in the car at the end of a tarmac road that had been abruptly stopped and then turned into a sugar cane field. It was almost like a scene from ‘Field of Dreams”!
Proudly Promoting Mauritius:
We are delighted to work together in promoting the beauty and opportunities of Mauritius.
Our websites, Mauritius Life, Veri Global, and Property Finder, are committed to providing valuable information, resources, and services related to Mauritius, its culture, economy, real estate, and more.
Please explore our websites to discover the rich cultural heritage, breathtaking beaches, thriving economy, top-notch real estate listings, investment administration, and knowledge that Mauritius has to offer. Together, we aim to showcase the best of Mauritius and assist you in making informed decisions about living, investing, and experiencing all that this beautiful island has to offer.
Comments