Rodrigues Beckons

Thompsons Holidays hosted a workshop last week in collaboration with the Rodrigues Tourism Office and Air Mauritius to showcase to South African travel agents what their clients can experience when visiting Rodrigues.

For those looking for an escape that combines relaxation with adventure and sustainability, the island promises a unique experience. At just 108 sq km, Rodrigues is a small outlying island nearly 600km east of Mauritius. It is part of the Republic of Mauritius.

We used to think that Rodriguess remoteness was a weakness, but now we see that it is its strength. It is an unspoiled, untouched piece of nature. There is nothing else like it, Rodriguess Commissioner for Tourism,Jean Alain Wong So, told Travel News . He highlighted two compelling reasons why South Africans should consider the island for their next holiday destination.

Rodrigues offers abundant natural beauty, a vibrant population, and an array of activities, and secondly, its easy-going, unspoiled charm sets it apart as a peaceful haven for those seeking quiet and serenity away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Encircled by a lagoon, the island offers a variety of water activities, such as kite surfing, paddle boarding, snorkelling, and scuba diving. Additionally, nature-based activities like hiking, relaxing on the pristine beaches and exploring the Francois Leguat Reserve are also popular. At the reserve, visitors could encounter hundreds of giant tortoises and vast limestone caves. The island is also known for its vibrant cultural events, such as the yearly Festival Kreol.

Issana Agathe and Jean Alain Wong So at Thompsons Holidays Rodrigues workshop held on April 15. Source - Kerryn Moore

Issana Agathe, MD of the Rodrigues Tourism Office, pointed out the islands commitment to sustainability. As one of the first small islands in the world to ban plastic bags, Rodrigues is leading the way in environmental conservation. The island is in the process of obtaining certification as a green destination, cementing its reputation as a pioneer in eco-tourism. It already offers divers and snorkellers the opportunity to contribute to coral reef conservation by planting coral during their underwater excursions.

Rodrigues Tourism has licensed 193 accommodation sites, including hotels, tourist residences, guest lodges, and houses. Unlicensed accommodation options such as Airbnbs are also available.

Travellers can expect prices that match those in Mauritius, along with similar weather conditions.

Currently, there are no direct flights from South Africa to Rodrigues. Travellers must first travel to Mauritius on Air Mauritius and then take another flight to Rodrigues, which provides an ideal opportunity to package both destinations into one experience.

Typically, Air Mauritius has between five and ten daily flights from Mauritius to Rodrigues, depending on peak and off-peak seasons. Daily flights to Mauritius are available on Air Mauritius from Johannesburg and twice weekly from Cape Town.

Flights from Mauritius to Rodrigues are limited, with only 72 seats available, making it essential to book early, especially during peak seasons. Travellers from Runion can fly direct to Rodrigues on Air Austral on Wednesdays.

We are planning to construct a new runway at the end of the year, which will hopefully enable direct flights from Seychelles, South Africa and eventually Kenya, said Wong So.

Rodrigues may not be as well-known as other Indian Ocean islands, but its allure lies in its untouched beauty, laid-back atmosphere, and commitment to preserving its natural wonders.