History of Mauritius
Prior to 1598 there was no human habitation on the island of Mauritius. At that time it was only an indigenous habitat with dense forests, peaks and mountains, streams and rivers, and some species of birds, unique among which was the famous Dodo.
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In maps of the Middle Ages Mauritius is shown by an Arabic name 'Dina Arobi'. It is believed that Arab sailors knew the island as early as the 10th century, but they never settled there.
Then in 1507 a Portuguese sailor named Domingo Fernandez 're-discovered' the island. Between 1507 and 1511 the Portuguese paid brief visits to the island on their way to the Indies. To the Portuguese at that time, the island also served as a place of respite for damaged ships and weary crews. However, like the Arabs, they never established a settlement there. By the time they left Mauritius for good the Portuguese had already introduced animals like pigs and goats, to name a few, into the island. The Portuguese called the island 'Ilha Do Cirne' (Island of Swan).
In 1598 the Dutch found Mauritius and a new chapter in the history of the island began. Click here to find out more about the Dutch Period.
The Dutch Period
In 1598 the Dutch came into the scene when Vice Admiral Vybrant Van Warwick claimed the island for the Netherlands and named it Mauritius in honour of his ruler, Prince Maurice of Nassau (Pictured onA brief history of the dodo
The Dodo and other birds The Dodo were huge birds of unknown species that existed only on the island of Mauritius which had no human habitation prior to 1598. Due to its short wings and bulky bodyInfo on Business, Tourism, Media, Sport, Culture
Mauritius is a small island situated in the Indian Ocean. We are connected via direct flights to almost every capital city. So getting there is relatively easy.
The island is about 720 square miles
The French Period
After the departure of the Dutch 1n 1710, Guillaume Dufresne D'Arsel, while on the route to India, landed in Mauritius in September 1715 and claimed the island for France. He named Mauritius 'Ile deBirdlife
Mauritius has several endemic species of birds - birds which are found nowhere else in the world. Many ornithologists or keen birders wishing to add unique species to their lists will find the longRodrigues 2000 Tours Ltd
Combine in awe of scenery and soak up the lush nature and the people hosting the "Cinderella" Mascareignes.
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Endemic Plants of Mauritus
Mauritius .... with it's world-known reputation for being a paradise island, has more to offer than its sandy beaches and its blue lagoons.
The island is also rich in its endogenous flora and fauna