• Grade 8 - 12 High School students (girls and boys) and their families.

• Anyone who enjoys the outdoors and is physically active will enjoy this trip. This trip is not a race. Our progress while paddling will be dependent on the slowest paddler. Being able to work as a team is essential. 

• You need to be a happy camper. Camping facilities and ablutions are sometimes very basic and when we sleep on the islands (of which there are three), ablutions are non-existent. 

Offshore paddling experience is an advantage; however, it is not a requirement. Of the 145kms, approximately 30kms will be paddled outside of the reef. Paddling beyond the reef will only take place if the conditions are suitable. I suggest that everyone bring sea-sickness tablets as a safety precaution. Valoid tablets work well. 

The total distance that we will be paddling is approximately 145 kms in ten days ie approximately 15kms each day. This might not appear to be much; however, we might encounter headwinds which make the paddling more challenging. Most of the paddling is within the reef. We need to allow for adverse weather so there may be a day or two when we must be able to achieve at least 25 kms. There will be numerous opportunities to rest and/or do some snorkelling during each day’s paddle. Paddling time each day averages approximately 4 hours. One does not have to be super fit to enjoy this adventure. However, as with all endurance sports, the fitter you are, the more you will enjoy it. Having done this trip many times with clients of varying abilities, we will assist beginners with a training plan to ensure that they are suitably prepared for this paddling adventure. 

Fifteen plastic polyurethane, rotor moulded sit-on-top sea kayaks will be provided. They are doubles (two people per kayak). Each kayak weighs 35kgs when empty. They have proven to be ideal for conditions in Mauritius. They are robust, stable, comfortable and their storage capacity is sufficient. NB: You do not have to have a paddling partner to be accepted on this trip. Paddling partners will be finalised before we begin paddling. 

Mauritius is not a high-risk malaria area. However, everyone must bring mosquito repellent. Tabard works well. Each person must bring their own personal medication requirements in a watertight container. An empty plastic jar with a screw-on lid is sufficient to store tablets, etc. Mercurochrome, antiseptic cream and Vaseline to prevent chaff are necessary. A basic First Aid kit will be provided. Enough sun protection for 12 days in the sun is essential. 

• Daytime average temperature: 29 degrees 

• Nighttime average temperature: 25 degrees

• Sea water average temperature: 25 degrees 

Paddles, life jacketsand waterproof containers for storage are provided. 

What to wear while paddling:
Hat and sunglasses (both with straps/string attached around neck), T-shirt or long- sleeved and / or short- sleeved rash vest, costume and shorts.
Footwear is essential (takkies or aqua/trail shoes are suitable).
NB: Rubber booties are not suitable. 

Camping
Sarong (NB: There will be no space for a sleeping bag), roll up mattress, torch (headlamp is recommended), one toilet roll in plastic zip-lock bag, toiletries, small towel, metal cup, bowl, knife, fork and spoon, tracksuit pants, long - sleeved T-shirt, two pairs of shorts, two T-shirts, underwear. Camera / Go-Pro is advised; however, you will need to provide its own dry bag. 

NB: opportunities to re-charge batteries are limited. There will be safe storage facilities for all items that you will not need while paddling.

Currency in Mauritius is the Mauritian Rupee. Expect the exchange rate in December to be approximately Rs2.3 = R1.00. 

Most of the food is provided.
Example - muesli/cereal, milk, tea, coffee, fruit, biscuits,  chocolates, sweets, bread, 2 min noodles, biltong, nuts and raisins, etc. We replenish our food stocks from supermarkets en-route.

Evening meals when we are staying at guesthouses will be for your account.

• 6  nights in a tent which is provided

• 6 nights in a guest lodge.

Purchasing of gifts and paying for the “tourist type activities” (eg; paragliding, scuba diving, water-skiing, under-sea walk, etc) will be for your own account. I suggest you budget for about “R3500” spending money.