Book excerpt: Rough Guides Snapshot Mauritius (includes Port Louis, the northern islands, Black River Gorges National Park, Mahébourg, Blue Bay, Île aux Aigrettes, Le Morne Peninsula and Rodrigues). Rough Guides Snapshot Mauritius is the ultimate travel guide to this idyllic tropical island. It leads you through the country with reliable information and insightful coverage of all the main attractions, from the bustling capital of St Louis and its photogenic historic counterpart, Mahébourg, to the famed beaches of the north and forested slopes of Black River Gorges National Park. Detailed maps and up-to-date listings pinpoint the best cafés, restaurants, hotels, shops, bars and nightlife, ensuring you make the most of your trip. Packed with pre-departure advice and practical tips, the Basics section contains all the information you need to travel around Mauritius, including transport, accommodation, food, drink, costs and health, while Contexts fills you in on history, beliefs and music and includes a handy Language section. Full coverage: Port Louis, Turtle Bay, Trou aux Biches, Grand Baie, Grand Gaube, the northern islands, Pamplemousses, Trou d'Eau Douce, Île aux Cerfs, the Bambous Mountains, Vieux Grand Port, Tamarin Falls, Curepipe, Le Pouce and the Moka Mountains, the Black River Gorges National Park, Mahébourg, Blue Bay and Pointe d'Esny, Île aux Aigrettes, La Vanille Réserve des Mascareignes, Souillac, Bel Ombre, Flic en Flac, Tamarin, Chamarel, La Gaulette, Le Morne Peninsula and Rodrigues and its offshore islands.