20 reasons to visit Mauritius

Before Paradise there was Mauritius…

No other island will enliven your spirits like the pearl of the Indian Ocean. A small island with a huge heart, thanks to the cheerfulness and high spirits of its inhabitants and the splendour of its exotic landscapes and indigenous plants and animals… Mauritius is a necessary milestone in your quest for perfection…

Situated in the Southwestern Indian Ocean at about 2000km from the coast of South Africa and 900km from Madagascar, Mauritius is very proud of its cultural melting pot, a perfect blend between India, Asia, Europe and Africa. The island was first colonized by the Dutch in 1598, by the French in 1710 and finally by the British in 1810 until its independence in 1968. Mauritius has preserved a rich cultural and historical heritage and you will enjoy discovering its numerous facets. Beside its beautiful sandy beaches, its sugarcane fields, the Dodo and its forests, Mauritius is truly a welcoming and charming island, a cocoon of pleasure that makes one’s voice vibrate with emotion.

10 Must Sees

Casela Bird Park

Set in a magnificent site in the Black River District, the bird park is home to over 140 species of birds from around the world. Spreading over 25 hectares of land, this area offers many activities such as safaris or a ‘Walk with lions’. But the main attraction remains the Mauritian Pink Pigeon, one of the rarest bird in the world still striving not to follow the steps of the dodo…

The Champ de Mars in Port Louis

Located at the foot of a mountain, the Champ de Mars is the perfect place to watch the Mauritians gather joyfully for the horse races. The atmosphere and the crowd offers a vibrant picture of the Mauritian folklore. Races take place only on Saturdays or Sundays afternoon from March to December.

The Blue Penny Museum at the Caudan waterfront

Discover the rare gems of world philately at the Blue Penny Museum. Situated at the Caudan Waterfront, the museum possesses two high valued stamps representing Queen Victorias’s Left profile. In addition to their rarity (only one issue of 500 copies were printed for the Mauritian Post), these stamps also hold a «printing error» which prompts stamp collectors to look for them !

The Citadel- Fort Adelaide

Situated on a hill overlooking Port Louis, this fort was built by the English in 1835 in anticipation of possible rioting in the capital before the abolition of slavery. Nowadays it hosts concerts and shows by local and international artists.

Love nature…Love Chamarel !

Commonly known as the Seven Coloured Earth, it is one of the most unusual sites of the island : a landscape consisting of different shades of blue, green, red and yellow colours, due to the weathering of volcanic rocks. Nearby you will also discover the Chamarel waterfall which possesses a rare beauty. In the village of Chamarel you will find several “table d’hôtes” where you will enjoy the taste of typical Mauritian cuisine.

Naval Museum of Mahebourg

Go to Mahebourg to admire the remains of the French colonial period. The museum is located in a French colonial house dating from the 18th century, where you can admire replicas of the ancillary that were used in the historical battle which has just celebrated its 200th anniversary.

Ile aux Cerfs

Famous for its white sandy beaches, its magnificent lagoon and its various water activities, île aux Cerfs is the perfect place if you aspire to a cool relaxing day under the shade of filao trees. You can also have lunch on a pirate ship (fish and grilled lobster) and after that, take a speedboat to visit the GRSE waterfalls.

La Maison Eureka

Nestled in a beautiful landscape, a magnificent and beautiful Creole mansion surrounded by a veranda. Built in the 1830′s, the house has been reopened to the public as a museum showing colonial life, typical furniture, antique maps and Chinese and Indian housewares.

La Vanille Crocodile Park

Also known as La Réserve des Mascareignes, this park is located near Rivières des Anguilles, in the south of Mauritius. It is home to various species of exotic animals such as deers, tenrecs, bats, giant tortoises, geckos and mongooses. The main attraction is of course the thousands of Nile crocodiles bred for their skin. The park also offers a nature walk surrounded by sugarcane filelds and fresh water springs.

Grand Baie

A shopping and leisure paradise, Grand Baie is also the most popular beach and considered as the major tourist town and undoubtedly the ideal place if you want a night out. Abounding with restaurants, bars and trendy night clubs, Grand Baie offers many possibilties : windsurfing, water skiing, boat trip to visit islands such as The Coin de Mire, île Plate or île Ronde. You can also book a helicopter trip for an excursion along the coast.

10 Must Do

SSR Botanical Garden

This lush garden is famous for its Victoria Regia water lilies and many species of exotic plants such as the Talipot palm which blossoms once every 100 years ! Different avenues lead to the Château of Mon Plaisir, built by the English. Erected in the mid 19th century and surrounded by the sweet scent of roses, the building is now a protected monument.

Big Game Fishing

This sport popular in the west of the island will give you the opportunity of teasing the Marlin off the Mauritian coasts ! The Rivière Noire Centre de Pêche, offers all facilties for big game fishing and over the past few years, big game fishing championships have been regularly staged with participants of different countries.

Yemen Reserve

If you want to get close to the herds of deer as well as admire some splendid species of the Mauritian Fauna, this reserve is the perfect spot for you ! You will enjoy a breathtaking view of the sea from the kiosks scattered throughout the area.

Black River Gorges

This national park was created in 1944 to protect the remaining rain forest of Mauritius. You will have the opportunity to enjoy beautiful landscapes, endemic plants and rare species of birds. Permission is required for hiking through the forest.

Domaine du chasseur

To admire the richness of Mauritian fauna and flora nothing compares to this beautiful area located at Anse Jonchée in the South east of the island. The Java deer, wild boar, monkeys and the famous kestrel live amidst this vast land stretching over some 1950 acres. If you are hiking to hunting, you will have the opportunity to admire the different species of protected animals and rare trees during a nature walk. Feeling hungry ? The area offers a panoramic sea view restaurant with a very good typical Mauritian menu. A must !

L’île aux Aigrettes

This coral island of 25 acres off Mahebourg was declared a natural reserve and is home to several endangered species of plants and animals. Among them, some of the world’s rarest species : Pink Pigeon, Kestrel, Green Gecko Phelsuma and the Aldabra giant tortoise. Treat yourself to a genuine ecotourism trip on this spectacular island…

A Relaxing day on Mauritian greens

Golfers will not be disppointed. Mauritius offers golf courses across the island. Among them : Anahita, Heritage Golf and Spa Resort, The Legend, Paradise Hotel, Saint Geran, Tamarin Golf Estate & Beach Club, Le Touessrok, Domaine de Bel Ombre (Golf du Château). The greens are waiting for you !

Swimming with dolphins

Tamarin Bay is a spot where you can swim with black dolphins and long beaked dolphins or simply watch them in their natural environment ; discover these endearing animals during catamaran cruises along with a visit to Crystal Rock and Benitiers island.

At the heart of traditional Mauritius, discover ‘La route du Thé’ in three steps

Discover History and typical Mauritian cuisine during a special trip at three different spots in a lush and charming region. The tour begins at the Domaine des Aubineaux, a colonial mansion of the late 19th century with a fine collection of original photograhs. Then forward to the Bois Chéri Tea Factory and then finally to Saint Aubin. On this beautiful property, sugar produced from sugarcane is also used to make a delicious rum. You can observe the various stages of production at the distillery. And last but not least, the ‘table d’hôte’ with a typical Mauritian menu is awaiting you in the exquisite colonial house built in 1819.

2 amazing luxury hotels

Royal Palm

Calm retreat of heads of state and noble families, the Royal Palm is a haven of peace which perpetuates the Mauritian lifestyle, tinted with luxury and traditions. With its wonderful and savoury cuisine led by a stunning chef, its sunny suites and bedrooms and more particularly its discreet and excellent service, the Royal Palm is the most prestigious address of the Indian Ocean.

Discover and book the Royal Palm

Four Seasons Resort Anahita

Gracefully framed in a charming environment and a sparkling lagoon with sweet accents of paradise…the four Seasons Anahita is a delightful haven of peace. Golfers and ‘amateurs’ of lazing by the pool, will not be disappointed ! The hotel offers a magnificent golf course designed by Ernie Els, and the spectacular swimming pool will provide you with delightful moments of pleasure and happiness.

Discover and book the Four Seasons Anahita

Practical Information

When to go

Due to its climate, Mauritius is a pleasant destination throughout the year. For diving, the most appropriate period is from December to March and for surf, from June to August.

Climate

Between 24°C in July and 31°C in February. The rainy season is between January and April. The seawater temperature never drops below 22°C.

Flight

Approximately 12-14 hours from Europe // 4 hours from South Africa // 6 hours from Middle East // 14-16 hours from Asia & Australia // 21 hours from New York // 14 hours from Brazil.

Languages

English is the official language but French is widely spoken.