Rodrigues

Rodrigues of authentic beauty, situated around 600 km to the north-east of Mauritius. 18 km long and 6.5 km wide, with about about a population 36,000 habitant. Rodrigues was discovered by Diego Rodrigues in 1528. PORT MATHURIN, the capital, is little more than a village. Its general store, a few shops which sell casual wear, photographic material and hard ware, tourist operators, municipal offices, banks, a pharmacy, a bus station and its considerable number of craft shops which display the basketry for which Rodrigues is famous, are all within a five minute walk. The harbour with its war memorial, welcomes the Mauritius Pride & Mauritius Trochetia at least once a week and the trip last for 28hrs. The caves, Caverne Patate, are on the south west coast.

Climate

Summer: November to April 29° to 34°C

Winter: May to October 15° to 29° C

Sea surface temperature: Summer 27.5°C - Winter 23°C

Climatic conditions typical of Rodrigues have considerably reduced the island's dependency on agriculture. Fishing and animal rearing are the main economy activities. A wide variety of handicraft goods are now available to tourists for taking.

Visits

Visitors are strongly advised to participate in activities that will enable them to appreciate the uniqueness of Rodrigues. Visitors may accompanying fishermen on their way to pick up lobsters, crabs, octopus from their "Casiers" left overnight in the lagoon. May go to visit Caverne Patate at Butte l'Herbe. The services of a guide are essential. A short trip by boat to the surrounding islands, e.g. Ile aux Cocos, a haven to some rare species of sea birds. And finally a visit to the local restaurant will enable fish lovers to discover authentic Rodriguan cuisine.