The people of Mauritius have a mix of different descent from explorers and pioneers, creating a modern multi-cultural society. Originating from African, Chinese, Indian, Muslim and European descendants, they work and play together in a harmonious society which extends a warm welcome to visitors.
In the towns, a mix of modern life combines with old buildings and statues. In Port Louis the Place D'Armes Avenue leads visitors into the city and has various statues and 18th century French buildings at Government House. The oldest theatre in the region built in the 19th century is also in Port Louis. The oldest racetrack in the Southern Hemisphere is at the Champ de Mars.
Between 1834 and the 1920s most Mauritians can trace the arrival of their forebearers from the immigration site at Aapravasi Ghat which is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. During that time over half a million immigrants came into the country.
At Le Morne, there is a dramatic mountain and surrounding landscape which holds great importance and hisotry to the people of Mauritius, being a point of rememberance to the slave trade on Mauritius, which was abolished from here. Early morning treks up the mountain can be booked.
Mauritius has a variety of good museums, including those comemorating various trades such as tea, post, textiles and wood. At Port Louis there is the Natural History Museum, a list of historical monuments and a Dodo skeleton amongst other images of extinct and endangered species. Near Mahebourg in the South East is an 18th century building housing the National History Museum with maps and remants of shipwrecks telling the human history of the island. On Rodrigues there is an excellent small museum at the Francois Leguat Reserve.
At the Sugar World in the north of the island is a huge and comprehensive museum not just about the sugar industry but the slave trade which is fascinating - allow a good half a day here though to get round it all!
