Mauritius is often considered a destination that offers a relaxing, laid-back experience, with its rustling palm trees, cane sugar beaches, spectacular marine life and a three-hour time difference that helps to ease the effects of jet lag. Set in the Indian Ocean, east of Madagascar, this English, French and Mauritian Creole-speaking republic is a popular choice for holidaymakers looking for sun, sand and sea. There is, however, much more to this island than meets the eye. It boasts a wealth of museums, a wild interior perfect for hiking and a vast array of water sports. These are just a few of the many attractions that make Mauritius an ideal destination for travellers.
If you’re looking for a truly classic beach break, look no further than the stunning Indian Ocean island of Mauritius!
Beach holidays don’t get much more traditional than the Indian Ocean paradise of Mauritius.
Discover the adventurous thing to in Mauritius for an memorable vacations in 2024:
Chamarel is a village in the southwest of Mauritius, near Tamarin and Le Morne. It is but better known for its Coloured Earths and Chamarel Falls.
Seven-coloured earth is a natural phenomenon and a popular tourist destination in Mauritius. The colours evolved as basaltic lava was converted to clay minerals. It is said that if the colours mix together, they will separate on their own.
The Chamarel Falls on the St. Denis River is another interesting sight to see in Chamarel.
Three distinct streams of water descend from a height of 272 feet into a gorge. Many consider this to be Mauritius’ most beautiful waterfall.
This magnificent waterfall, set against the picturesque forest and mountains, is mesmerizing.
Most aerial photos of Mauritius reveal the beauty of the lagoon that surrounds Ile aux Cerfs. The latter was once used by wealthy Europeans to hunt deer. Today, the island is a popular destination for those enjoying a day trip.
Combining this visit with a stay in the lovely fishing village of Trou’Eau Douce on the east coast is a great idea.
The beautiful Touessrok golf course is located on this island. It also offers lovely and scenic coves protected by casuarina groves.
If you’re visiting Mauritius for the first time, you may wish to spend your time relaxing on the beach. However, if you’re looking for a more action-packed holiday, one of the easiest places to explore is Black River Gorges National Park in the south.
A hike is a wonderful chance to gain insight into the local flora and fauna, including the national bird, the Mauritius kestrel, and macaque monkeys. For your convenience, there are two information centres, 37 miles of hiking trails and plenty of picnic spots. It is advisable to be prepared for all weathers and to wear mosquito repellent to guard against bites, which are likely to occur.
Those who prefer a more leisurely stroll over an energetic trek might like to head to the north. The Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden, also known as the Pamplemousses Botanical Garden, has a fascinating history, having been created in 1767 and named after the first prime minister of Mauritius.
You may wish to admire the giant water lilies, the national flower of Mauritius, the red boucle d’oreille (Trochetia boutoniana), the spice garden and the huge variety of palms in the 81 acres of grounds. See more
Those who were captivated by the dodo in Lewis Caroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland can visit the Natural History Museum in Port Louis to witness a complete dodo skeleton and learn about the bird that became the country’s national emblem. (It is found on money, stamps, and in numerous gift shops in the form of a cuddly toy.
The Blue Penny Museum, which displays the 1847 Blue Penny and Red Penny stamps, is a must-see for philatelists, while the Postal Museum’s 200-year-old structure is as appealing as its contents. In the south, Mauritian poet Robert Edward Hart’s coral-stone mansion turned museum is worth a visit, or you can watch enormous tortoises and see a truly horrifying variety of insects at La Vanille Nature Park.
Visitors to Le Caudan Waterfront may enjoy shopping at this popular destination, which features an Instagram able Umbrella Square and a range of designer labels. But that is neither here nor there. Sometimes a little retail therapy can make for a fun day out. Here you’ll find a variety of modern coffee shops and brands, including L’Occitane and Hugo Boss, alongside art shops selling locally produced crafts.
You may also wish to consider taking in a show at the Caudan Arts Centre, which has a seating capacity of 430 and stages a variety of performances, including concerts, ballets and plays. Meanwhile, the cinema, Star Caudan, offers a selection of films suitable for all ages, presented in both British and French.
Port Louis, the capital, of Mauritius. Founded by the French governor Bertrand-François Mahé de La Bourbonnais in 1735. Located on the northwest coast, Port Louis is the administrative and business capital.
During the day, Port Louis is overrun with office workers. After office hours, it becomes quieter. This allows visitors to enjoy a pleasant outing on the famous Caudan seafront.
It is decorated in a classic London theatre style and can seat around six hundred spectators. Fort Adelaide is on a hill overlooking the city and the harbour. This citadel-like building was 1835 built by the British. In the idea to keep an eye out for potential riots in Port Louis before the abolition of slavery.
If street food is your thing, you’ll enjoy touring Port Louis Central Market (Mauritius), which sells a wide range of fruits, herbs, and spices.
While you can explore on your own, a guided tour will provide you with a greater knowledge of the African, Indian, Chinese, and French influences that contribute to Mauritian cuisine, as well as the best sites to sample curries, pickles, and gateau pima (chilli nibbles)and other buddies. Later, toast the day’s discoveries with a speciality Phoenix beer or Greys rum.
Île aux Cerfs is a 250-acre island located around 20 minutes by boat trips from the mainland.
It’s a terrific day out for golfers who may tee off among the palm trees and exotic vegetation at the Île aux Cerfs Golf Club, where Bernhard Langer built the 18-hole course. If golf isn’t your thing, head for the beach, which is one of the best in Mauritius and ideal for sunbathing and swimming. Take a picnic or, for a more upscale option, reserve a private barbecue meal on the beach.
Trou aux Cerfs is an extinct volcano located in the center of the central plateau. It has a view of the small town of Curepipe. The crater’s steep slopes end in a natural lake.
The panoramic view from this point is spectacular. It offers views of the main towns as well as the Moka mountain range and the northwest coast.
Hinduism is Mauritius’ main religion and the island is covered in temples and murti (images of deities), such as the 33m-high red Lord Shiva statue and the largest in the world of Durga Maa (also 33m, she is depicted with her golden lion).
You simply have to visit Grand Bassin, a sacred lake that lies in the crater of an extinct volcano in the south. Pay your respects, but remember to dress conservatively. The best way to learn more about the sites, the gods and the most commonly celebrated festivals in Mauritius is by taking a guided tour.
Imagine, 400 years ago, contemplating the lands of Mauritius. Endless forests unfold before you, pigeons, parrots, and bats flying in groups.
Ile aux Aigrettes
Giant turtles and dodos are approaching you and wondering what you are doing here. The Aigrettes is where you can see some of the island’s rare and endangered species in their former glory.
Visitors will be able to see the last traces of the dry ebony forest that once covered the entire main island. They will also be able to see some of the work done by the Mauritius Wildlife Foundation. Replant and reintroduce endangered vegetation such as rare orchids, reptiles, and birds.
This small group of islets has become a favourite stopover for sailboats and divers. It can also be pleasing to visit it by catamaran. It is possible to book cruises through hotels or local receptive agencies.
Visitors can snorkel in the crystal-clear waters of Coin de Mire. It has seabird niches in its cliffs, by joining one of these cruises.
This excursion provides the opportunity to picnics around Île Plate and Îlot Gabriel.
Even further north, you can see the remarkable silhouette of Ile Ronde. It is a nature reserve with restricted access to protect the native plant and reptile species.
Mauritius Wildlife Foundation is currently conducting a major conservation operation on these islands. The Ronde Island and its neighbour, Snake Island.
Need of Permits upon entry, but they can get local.
Mauritius was founded by the Dutch in 1638 and named it after Maurice of Nassau, Prince of the Netherlands.
The island later became French, then British, until it gained independence in 1968. Slave labour was used on the sugar plantations, and Le Morne Brabant, a peninsula in the south, is a stark reminder of the island’s terrible past.
Runaways sought sanctuary on Le Morne Mountain, but when slavery was abolished in 1835, they saw soldiers and leapt to their deaths, according to tradition. Another theory holds that they were massacred. Le Morne Cultural Landscape is currently a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the International Slave Route Monument commemorates the battle for freedom of enslaved people and their terrible
The Eureka house is an old house dating from 1830, equipped with 109 doors. It is a must-see if you want to understand Mauritian life during the colonial era.
It is often said that Casela Nature Parks is a must-visit attraction for anyone wanting to experience the very best of what Mauritius has to offer.
We believe that a visit to the Casela Nature Parks is something that needs no introduction. It is our hope that you will find it to be a memorable experience, offering unique and thrilling activities for visitors of all ages on the west coast of Mauritius. We are delighted to offer a variety of activities, including African safari adventures, interactions with big cats and rhinos, quad biking, ziplining and encounters with other animals such as giraffes, camels, tortoises and birds.
We would like to suggest some unique activities you may enjoy at Casela:
There are several sites to visit in Mahebourg and its environs. This includes the fascinating National History Museum and the Naval Museum. (Houses the bell recovered from the shipwreck of St Géran. There are other interesting nautical objects.
The Mahébourg market is the least touristy and most traditional of Mauritius’ markets. It provides good business, particularly in the areas of ephemera, clothing, and toys.
The natural park of La Vanille, located in the southern village of Rivière des Anguilles. It is a safe haven for Nile crocodiles, alligators, and giant tortoises.
La Vanille is also the world’s largest Aldabra giant tortoise breeding center. There are over 500 turtles of various ages roaming the park. Its insectarium allows you to diddle around with insects.