Mauritius

 

Best time to visit

July to September (winter)

 

Experiences

• Lazing on the long, casuarina-fringed beach of Belle Mare
• Diving offshore, especially at the northern end of the island
• Hunting for bargains in the downtown market in Port Louis
• Strolling around the beautiful Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Gardens at Pamplemouses
• Hiking in the Black River Gorges National Park – a must for nature lovers
• Undersea walks are becoming increasingly popular in Maritius – wearing lead boots and diving helmets and stroll along seabed feeding the fish.
• Walking with the lions
• Visiting the ‘boat making’ factory – beautiful wooden boats

 

Eat

Rougaille (a Mediterranean dish of tomatoes, onions, garlic and any kind of meat or fish) or daube (stew)

 

Drink

Lassi (a yoghurt and ice-water drink) or alouda glacé ( a syrupy brew of agar, milk and fruit syrup).

 

Interesting facts

Home to the extinct dodo, sugar plantations, coconut palms, pamper-happy beach resorts, Indian fusion cuisine

 

Mauritius

 

Located off the eastern coast of Africa in the Indian Ocean, the idyllic island of Mauritius is a remarkably romantic holiday destination. Renowned for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, gorgeous powder-white sand beaches and a wonderful tropical climate, most visitors spend their days relaxing on beaches or in one of the many luxurious holiday resorts fringing them, but there is much more to this little island than merely cocktails and coconuts. Those who venture inland will dis­cov­er lush, jungle-clad mountains, glistening blue lagoons, impressive rivers and water­falls, extinct volcanic craters, charming little ramshackle towns and villages, and some fabulously friendly locals. Must-see attractions include: the bustling capital of Port Louis with its lively local markets; the remarkable 85 metre-high Chamarel Waterfall; and Eureka, a historic plantation mansion turned museum offering visitors a glimpse into the island’s colonial past.

 

Mauritius East Coast

 

The East Coast of Mauritius is known as one of the island’s wildest and most scenic coastlines. Fringing emerald lagoons, interspersed with sleepy villages, upmarket hotels and exclusive resorts; the East Coast is the playground of the rich and famous. Visitors can look forward to the beautiful Belle Mare Beach, stretching for several kilometres; visit lle aux Cerfs, a watersport paradise; and jump on an excursion to Grand River South East, a wide estuary boasting a magnificent cascading waterfall. Other highlights include: the charming village of Trou d’Eau Douce, the Roches Noires Caves and the spectacular Bras d’Eau National Park.

 

Mauritius South Coast

 

The southern coast of Mauritius is said to be the most scenic part of Mauritius. This quintessential island paradise is known for its pristine stretches of white-sand beaches lapped by crystal-clear calm waters. Visitors can soak up the spectacular tropical scenery as they explore the magnificent South Coast. There are a variety of wonderful scenic attractions along this popular route such as: a number of historic island villages and fully equipped upmarket resorts; the small island of Ile aux Aigrettes; and Le Morne Peninsula which features a number of luxury hotels, excellent beaches and the renowned Le Morne Brabant Mountain, a renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site. Popular activities include: swimming, snorkelling, diving, lazing on picture-perfect beaches and sampling the delicious local Indian-style cuisine.

 

Mauritius West Coast

 

Known for excellent beaches and breathtaking scenery, the West Coast of Mauritius is a popular tourist destination. Visit the region’s best beach, Flic en Flac, south of Port Louis.enoy a wide selection of water sports or soak up stunning sunsets. Visitors can look forward to a wide selection of wonderful activities and attractions including relaxing on white-sandy beaches lapped by crystal-clear waters, enjoy kitesurfing and windsurfing as well as exploring the dramatic scenery surrounding Le Morne, browse the colourful markets of Port Louis. Other Highlights include: the volcanic lake at Grand Bassin, the magnificent waterfalls and ravines of Black River Gorges National Park.

Northern Mauritius

 

 

Northern Mauritius, like most of the island, is known for its soft white-sand beaches lapped by crystal-clear waters fringed with swaying palms. It is home to a variety of fascinating attractions including the Mauritius National Botanical garden, boasting over 650 plant species; Port Louis, the bustling capital of the island; and the Sugar Estate and Museum, displaying the history Other northern highlights include: a vibrant nightlife, the charming village of Grand Bay with its beautiful beaches, and the picturesque village of Cap Malheureux featuring the famous red-roofed chapel. Visitors can also enjoy browsing locally produced goods at the Goodlands Market, as well as swimming, snorkelling and kayaking on the pristine Pereybere and Mont Choisy beaches.

 

 

Port Louis

 

Sandwiched between the glistening Indian Ocean and a natural amphitheatre of unusually shaped mountains, Port Louis is the capital and the main port of the exquisite island nation of Mauritius. This bustling, character-filled town is known for its attractive French colonial architecture dating back to the 18th Century. Must-see attractions include the colourful central market, the beautifully manicured Jardins de la Compagnie, and the impressive Pamplemousses Botanical Garden, known for its giant waterlilies and giant tortoises. There are also two cathedrals, a mosque, a Chinese casino, some 18th century barracks, and an interesting natural history museum. Don’t miss the Caudan Waterfront complex offering a shopping centre, a children’s play area, and a large food court serving a variety of local and international culinary options.

 

Flic En Flac Beach

 

The Mauritian seaside village of Flic en Flac is located in the district of Black River on the western coast of the island, about 15 kilometres south of the capital, Port Louis. What was once a small fishing village has developed into one of the country’s premier tourist areas. Its glorious golden-sand beach is the longest on the island and is lined with casuarina trees, luxury hotels, as well as some lovely little tourist shops, excellent restaurants and laid-back beach bars, where visitors can sit back, relax, and indulge in a delicious fruity cocktail. Flic en Flac is blessed with a wonderful crystal-clear lagoon which is protected by the surrounding coral reefs, providing an excellent spot for swimming, scuba diving and snorkelling. If you are seeking a relaxing retreat in an idyllic island setting, look no further than the picturesque village of Flic en Flac.

 

Rodrigues

 

Situated northeast of Mauritius, the volcanic Indian Ocean island of Rodrigues is named after the Portuguese explorer, Diogo Rodrigues. The island neighbours Mauritius and is considered to be a part of Mauritius. This charming island features a spectacular unspoilt landscape boasting pristine beaches lapped by turquoise waters, mysterious and uniquely shaped caves, and a variety of flora and fauna. Rodrigues is surrounded by beautiful coral reef creating a colourful underwater wonderland for visitors to explore. Sample local Mauritian food, soak up the laidback island-style atmosphere and enjoy a host of wonderful activities on this island paradise.

 

Tamarin

 

Located along the western coast of Mauritius, the village of Tamarin is known for its laidback atmosphere and boasts a magnificent crescent bay, powder-fine sand and two world-renowned surfing spots. Originally an old fishing village, Tamarin has developed into a thriving commercial and leisure zone. This seaside village is set in an idyllic landscape featuring the iconic 556-metre-high Morne Brabant Mountain as its backdrop. Watch dolphins playing in the early morning surf, laze on the stunning beach or watch a spectacular sunset with your toes hidden in the warm sand. Visitors can look forward to an array of outdoor activities including: surfing, snorkelling, diving, golfing, kitesurfing, horse riding, fishing and whale watching.

 

Trou-Aux-Biches

 

Situated on the tropical island of Mauritius, Trou-aux-Biches is a little beach town set along its northwestern coast. This idyllic town is known for its award-winning, palm tree-lined beach lapped by crystal-clear water and fringed by first-class resorts and hotels. Originally a quaint fishing village, Trou-Aux-Biches has grown into a popular tourist destination. Soak up the sun, take a blissful stroll along the seemingly endless white-sand beach and immerse yourself in this island paradise. Visitors can look forward to a variety of activities including: swimming, snorkelling, diving, shopping, fishing and much more.

 

Balaclava

 

Balaclava is a seaside village located along the picturesque northern coast of Mauritius. This little beach town is known for its typical Mauritian beauty featuring white-sand beaches, dazzling azure waters and an array of luxurious resorts. Lounge on a deck chair, soak up the sun, treat yourself to a luxurious spa day, or take a stroll along the idyllic beach. Visitors can look forward to a variety of activities including: swimming, snorkelling, and diving as well as spectacular sunset cruises.

 

Grand Baie

 

Once a sleepy little fishing village, Grand Baie (Grand Bay) has developed into a thriving tourist town on the north coast of the island of Mauritius. This popular resort serves as a convenient base for travellers exploring the rest of the island with an array of luxury hotels on offer as well as a number of designer boutiques, fine restaurants, beach bars and nightclubs. Aside from relaxing on the exquisite white-sand beaches that fringe the crescent-shaped bay, visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities including swimming, scuba diving, sailing, water-skiing, deep sea fishing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, parasailing and even submarine excursions to discover the spectacular range of marine animals that inhabit the crystal-clear waters surrounding the bay.

Chamarel

 

Situated amidst the lush western hills along the west coast of Mauritius, Chamarel is a small highland village in the Riviere Noire District. Chamarel is known for its laidback atmosphere and breathtaking landscapes characterised by rolling hills, cascading waterfalls and coffee plantations. Chamarel village is a popular escape for honeymooners and travellers from around the world. Aside from the beautiful beaches of Mauritius, the Seven Coloured Earth dunes are the highlight and one of the most visited attractions on the island. Other must-see attractions in the surrounding area include the 83-metre-high Chamarel Falls, considered the most spectacular waterfalls in Mauritius; the Black River Gorges National Park featuring dense rainforest and a variety of protected fauna and flora; and the Rhumerie de Chamarel, an eco-friendly rum distillery.

 

 

Le Morne Peninsula

 

Situated on a unusually shaped peninsula, at the extreme southwestern tip of Mauritius, the little fishing village of Le Morne is best known for its iconic rocky crag, Le Morne Brabant. This UNESCO accredited World Heritage Site presides over the entire Le Morne area which serves as a popular tourist centre. Visitors can look forward to relaxing on the idyllic white sand beaches, and swimming, snorkelling, surfing or kiteboarding in the exquisite reef-protected lagoon. Don’t miss Domaine Des Grands Bois, an impressive 2000 acre park inhabited by a variety of wildlife such as stags, deer, monkeys and rare, exotic birds. While the peninsula itself features some of the island’s best beaches lined with an array of luxury hotels, the coastline from the peninsula along to Baie du Cap remains almost entirely free of development and has managed to retain much of its natural beauty.

 

Blue Bay

 

Situated in the more undeveloped south of Mauritius, Blue Bay is known for its wild scenery and magnificent coastal landscapes. It features exquisite beaches lapped by crystal-clear waters making it a popular choice for visitors as the rest of the southern coast doesn’t have beaches. Visitors can look forward to a variety of wonderful activities such as: enjoying a scenic drive through the Mauritian countryside and the drive from Souillac to Le Morne, a popular coastal road; as well as exploring the Blue Bay Marine Park featuring the best of the island’s unspoilt coral reefs and a diversity of abundant marine life. Other nearby attractions include: the little town of Mahebourg and lle aux Aigrettes Nature Reserve.

 

Bel Ombre

 

Sandwiched between forest-clad mountains and an exquisite turquoise lagoon on the southwest coast of the island of Mauritius, Bel Ombre is a small tourist village known for its pristine white sand beaches and spectacular natural scenery. While there are a few luxury resorts strung along the coastline, the area remains mostly undeveloped with the Frédérica Nature Reserve and the Black River Gorges National Park right on its doorstep. This unspoiled natural wilderness provides an ideal environment for an array of outdoor activities including hiking, mountain-biking, 4×4 safaris, quad biking, golf, swimming and kiteboarding. Notable attractions in the area include the beautiful Rochester Falls, the cliff top viewpoint at Gris Gris, and the Vanilla Crocodile and Tortoise Park.

 

Mahebourg

 

Set on the southeastern coast of Mauritius, the small village of Mahebourg serves as the commercial hub of the Grand Port District. It features wide avenues, a wonderful waterfront promenade, a fascinating museum displaying a variety of artefacts such as early maps of the island and paintings of early Mauritian of wildlife. Visitors can look forward to a number of interesting activities such as: visiting the Central Foire de Mahebourg, a bustling market; enjoying an array of delicious traditional cuisine and lazing on a variety of pristine beaches. Other highlights include: the Notre Dame des Anges, a church that dominates the village’s skyline and the Mahebourg Mosque – an important local landmark.

 

Trou d’Eau Douce

 

Located on the eastern coast of Mauritius Island, the small, idyllic village of Trou d’Eau Douce boasts lovely, soft-sanded beaches, incredibly blue, warm waters, and a charming fishing village atmosphere. Explore bright coral reefs, swim for hours in the warm waters, take a boat ride out to watch the dramatic peaks at a distance, or visit the popular Ile aux Cerfs nearby as a day trip. When in need of some shade, watch fishermen bring in their catch, or browse the markets for delicious, sweet, fresh fruit.

 

Grand Gaube

 

Situated in the Riviere du Rampart District, on the north coast of Mauritius, Grand Gaube is a quiet village surrounded by beautiful white-sand beaches, lapped by the crystal-clear waters of the Indian Ocean, and fringed by swaying palms. Visitors can look forward to snorkelling, swimming and excellent diving in the impossibly turquoise waters, enjoying local musicians and dancers entertain at a variety of restaurants and bars, discovering the vibrant nightlife, and browsing bustling markets. Other popular activities include: boating, golfing, and lazing on an array of pristine beaches.