Situated about 560 kilometres east of Mauritius is the island of Rodrigues. With a population of around 40,000, this island of around 100 kilometres squared is a gorgeous place to consider for holidaying. Many are familiar with Mauritius, but few seem to be aware of the quieter island located an hour and a half’s flight away.
The Local Environment
A tropical island, Rodrigues has temperatures in summer that sit around 25 degrees celcius, with relatively high humidity. Common sights when travelling the roads include mango trees, lychees, bananas, pomegranates, paw paw and many more.
Being a tropical island, perhaps the local fruit and beaches are what most draw people to consider this destination for a holiday. Rodrigues offers many chances for swimming, walking and exploring, four wheel driving and just relaxing. Some other activities of interest may include:
- A boat trip out to the nearby Ile aux Cocos to explore a small island covered with birds
- A drive to Mount Malgache to try out Tyrolienne (an activity like zip lining)
- Fishing from many of the beaches or taking a boat out to sea
- A visit to Caverne Tortue where tortoises as old as 150 years are kept in a sanctuary
- A visit to Caverne Patate to observe many stalagtites and stalagmites found in a large cave
The Local Language and Currency
Creole is the language of choice for locals on the island, however French is well understood and English is taught in the schools, making many Rodriguan people multi-lingual. For those familiar with French, it may be possible to understand some of the Creole spoken. Written works such as road signs will often be displayed in English or French.
The currency in Rodrigues is the rupee, with one dollar Australian being equivalent to around 28 rupees. Items on this island are generally cheaper than found in Australia, so spending money can convert well and be of great value.
Getting to Rodrigues
Rodrigues is a gorgeous island that is accessible weekly via flights from Mauritius. There is also the possibility of taking the Mauritius Pride, a ship that makes its way to Rodrigues regularly. Return airfares from Australia in the peak season of December may cost around $2,300 per person.
This will involve a flight to Mauritius of around ten hours before changing planes and taking a second flight to the island of Rodrigues. A place that is full of phlegmatic people that just go with the flow, Rodrigues is well loved by those from France, Mauritius and the local Reunion Island for this very reason.
Chris Thomas - C. Thomas has studied and worked with horses since 2001. She teaches horse studies part time and is undertaking an Equine Science ...
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