Rodrigues is the smallest of the Mascarenes Islands (108 sq km) and low altitude mountains with central hills and steep slopes winding up and down across the island. This is the ideal sleepy location for those visitors wanting to escape the nightlife and noise of the larger Mauritius resorts. The feeling of the island as relaxed and like 'stepping back in time'. The people are friendly, the food fresh and simple and there are some lovely small coves and beaches with miles of hiking trails. The beaches here are pretty much deserted, even on holidays, so you can guarantee peace and quiet!
The island is about 650 km off the north east of Mauritius and takes about 1hr 20mins by air from the main island. Guides or self drive cars, scooters and bikes can be found on Rodrigues. The airport is at Plaine Corail in the limestone area in the south west of the island and the capital is Port Mathurin, a small busy town to the north where the cargo ships bring all supplies to the island. No where is far from anywhere so it doesn't take long to get around! There are around one week of excursions and hiking trails for visitors keen on walking and there are lots of excellent dive sites.
Generally, the climate of Rodrigues is more hot and dry than Mauritius with the interior being quite barren. Summer lasts from November to April with hot, humid days between about 28 - 35C. There can be cyclones particularly Jan - Feb. Their winter which is June to September has a cooler climate of 16 - 27C and the wind can be a bit sharp. The sea is always warm varying through the year between 22 - 28C and sheltered by the reef which circles the island.
The main economy of the island comes increasingly from tourism with local people developing their handicrafts such as basketwork, condiments and honey. The main activities on the island include fishing, stockbreeding and cultivation (many onions, maize, garlic and chilli). Most Rodrigian families still make a living from fishing, with Octopus being a major harvest. Many people keep pigs and the local hand made sausage is a speciality.
Culture and folklore here are important and the island has a strong individual character. The people of Rodrigues are clearly more African in origin than those on Mauritius (where Indians make up the majority of the ethnic population). This is the place of true 'Creole' history and the Rodriguan people are clearly proud of their heritage. Originally the settlers here were from Africa (mostly Mozambique) and Madagascar, unfortunataely taken by the slave trade. Modern day Rodrigues has been influenced by African, Malagasy and European cultures and creole, similar to French, is the main language. There are many village fairs and parties and there is an enjoyable market each Saturday at Port Mathurin.
The Ile aux Cocos is a bird reserve where you can observe terns and noddies and access is across the 4km of water by pirogue. This takes about one hour and the island is towards the edge of the lagoon that circles Rodrigues.
There are some tiny outlying islands such as Hermitage Island and Catherine Island which are rocky and have lovely views and beaches with areas to snorkel.
Rodrigues has many hiking trails which circle the coastline as well as inland, so keen walkers can easilly pass a week here wandering through local villages and off the track paths.
The diving is superb here with the reefs being largely unspoilt. However, it is not recommended for beginners as there are strong currents and the dive boats almost never anchor (to avoid damaging the coral).
Accommodation is mainly in small guest houses and home stays. There are a few larger hotels but they have very basic facilities and food is mass produced and buffet style. To get more of a local experience and home cooked foods, we recommend the guest houses. There are also very good restaurants specialising in the local seafood around Port Mathurin and Anse Aux Anglais.
Sight seeing around Port Mathurin is fun, it's a sleepy little town with a few good cheap restaurants. We recommend paying a visit to CareCo, a charity for disabled and under privaliged children and adults, they produce honey and coconut crafts amongst other things. You can visit their workshops and school or their shop near the Barclays bank in town.
