The cyclone season, without euphemism

Most tour operators write nothing about cyclones. We think that is the wrong way to sell a trip to the Indian Ocean, so here it is as it stands.

När

The cyclone season runs from November to April and peaks between January and March. It coincides with the warmer, wetter season, which is the same period many people want to travel in.

Hur ofta

Cyclones that hit Mauritius directly are uncommon — roughly every three to five years. Far more often a storm passes at a distance and gives a couple of windy, rainy days without anything dramatic happening.

A normal year in the warm season means hot, humid days with short but heavy showers rather than persistent rain. The golf carries on between them.

Vad vi gör

Three things, and they are not negotiable.

Every guest travels on a programme that can be rebooked. It is built into how we put the trips together, not something you pay extra for.

We require proof of travel insurance covering weather and cyclones before final payment. That is a requirement, not a recommendation. Without it you do not travel with us.

If a named storm directly threatens a departure, we work with the hotel and the airline to rebook. We do not leave guests sitting in a telephone queue on their own. That is the whole difference between having an operator and having booked it yourself.

If you want to minimise the risk

Travel at the edges of the season. November and April carry the lowest weather risk and still offer entirely playable conditions. It is also what we recommend to first-time travellers who are unsure.

If you want to travel in February, that is perfectly fine. But do it with your eyes open, with insurance that covers weather, and knowing that a rebooking is a possible outcome.

It is not a very persuasive piece of writing. It is, however, a true one.