African Travel Tips When Visiting Reunion
April 17th, 2008 by
travel
Reunion is an island born out of a volcano, makes for a rather unusual tropical paradise. Reunion is made up of two great mountain ranges, Peak of the Snows and Peak of the Furnace, separated by the Plains. Unique features are the black sand beaches and the imposing Cirques, a geological curiosity that act as natural amphitheatres.
Although a French island, three centuries of history have resulted in a melting pot of cultural diversity with inhabitants a harmonious mix of the French, Indian, Malagasy, African and Chinese. It is due to this fact that culture, religion and cuisine are paramount. The mouthwatering food and potent punches are part of the lifestyle with religious festivals almost always taking place.
Apart from these assets, Reunion is also known for its rare perfumes, exotic colours, Bourbon vanilla, innumerable sporting activities, year-round warm water and waterfalls. It is an invitation for everyone including honeymooners, divers, hikers and other outdoor types to escape to its special charm.
CAPITAL:
St-Denis
CLIMATE:
Hot, tropical. The best time is May-Nov (cooler, dry season) as Dec-Feb is hot and wet and cyclones may occur. Rain falls throughout except Jun-Aug.
CURRENCY:
1 Euro = 100 cents. Major credit cards are accepted in all major establishments: restaurants, hotels, fuel stations and toll booths. It’s best to exchange currency at large banks in the centre of town or in a financial area. If only a small amount of money is being exchanged, the hotel money exchange rate may be adequate. Traveller’s cheques are recommended in Euro.
ELECTRICITY:
20 volts, 50Hz. Plugs are mainly 2-pin round.
HEALTH:
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers over 1 year of age coming from infected areas. Visitors are advised to take pre-arrival precautions against typhoid, polio and hepatitis A. Other health concerns are influenza (risk extends throughout the year). Tap water is safe to drink.
LANGUAGE:
The official language is French. Reunion/French Creole is widely spoken and Tamil by some.
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS:
New Years’ Day (1 Jan); Easter Monday (12 Apr); Labour Day (1 May); 1945 Victory Day (8 May); Ascension Day (20 May); Whit Monday (31 May); Bastille Day (14 Jul); Assumption (15 Aug); All Saint’s Day (1 Nov); Rememberance Day (11 Nov); Abolition of Slavery (20 Dec); Christmas Day (25 Dec)
SHOPPING:
embroidery; lace; coral jewellery; basketware; local & Parisian fashion items; wooden sculptures/furniture; rum, vanilla and extracts of vetiver, geranium and ylang-ylang.
SOCIAL CONVENTIONS:
Religion is 94 percent Roman Catholic, other faiths include Hindu, Islam and Buddhism. While in the Tamil temple, respect its sanctity and don’t wear any leather. Business is conducted in French and no formal interpreter services are available. Trade literature should also be in French. A suit is not usually necessary.
TIME DIFFERENCE:
GMT +4
TIPPING:
Widely practised. Ten percent is common.
TOP TEN ATTRACTIONS DESCRIPTION:
Saint-Denis:
Capital and the biggest French overseas city; several historical, relgious, cultural and natural attractions e.g. the Cathedral of Saint-Denis, Route de la Montagne, the Big Market, the Small Market, Natural History Museum, brightly coloured Tamil temples, mosques, Buddhist pagodas, Artotheque, Barachois seafront, Creole houses and Jardin de l’Etat Botanical Garden.
Saint-Paul:
Don’t miss the street market, a tour of old Saint-Paul, Le Bernica, the seaside cemetery, the first French Settlers’ Cave, Petite-France and the Ma
Tags: African, Gerald Crawford, Reunion, Travel Tips