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Driving in Mauritius can
be a lifetime experience; in fact, walking on the streets as
well. Although most roads are in good shape, it is the way the
Mauritians drive that makes it a bit scary. First of all, the
cars are right hand driven but people drive more towards the
middle of the road rather than on the left hand side as the
streets are often crowded with pedestrians, dogs, hens etc.
However, several of our visitors do rent cars to drive along
and they are absolutely right as in fact, it is just another
way of driving, the oriental style, where the one who acts as
if he did not see the obstacle or who looks determined is given
priority. It is thus a question of applying a different driving
style consisting of driving at approximately the same speed
as others, using of the horn and pass lights without hesitation
and expect anything. Buses are especially scary as they drive
fast on narrow roads trying hard to overtake the competitor
ahead. Riding bikes and bicycles in busy towns and villages
can be simply dangerous.
Renting a car in Mauritius remains an advantage as,
we repeat, there are plenty of interesting things to see in
Mauritius for those who want to see them. Driving
not only allows the seeing of magnificent sceneries, but also
the catching of quick images (often funny) of Mauritius that
reveal in a glimpse, the real life in Mauritius which those
who stay in hotels
will never be able to see. A car allows one to stop at anytime
anywhere just for a picture or for buying something on the street
side and start a conversation with a local and learn something.
Isn’t that real travelling?
Car rentals in Mauritius may be a bit expensive as
cars and spares are subject to high taxes. International car
hire companies are of course the safest way to go but
a few of the smaller local
car rental companies are performing and offer the
possibility to save some money while benefiting from an OK to
good service. However, we would not recommend renting unofficial
cars as they are often in really bad shape and one may face
severe troubles in case of accident. Cars that are registered
as cars for hire bear yellow number plates.
Updated in June 2006
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