The attractions in Mauritius appeal to a broad range of holidaymakers, with something for water sports enthusiasts; nature lovers; beach babes; shopping aficionados and historians. The entire coast is lined with paradise-like beaches, with coral reefs just a short swim away off-shore. Inland, the hinterland provides mountainous nature reserves, traditional villages and amazing scenery.
East
The east of the island is home to one of the most important villages in Mauritius, Flacq. Flacq is home to the largest open-air market in Mauritius and acts as an important trading hub. Relax and take your time shopping here, picking up some uniquely Mauritian treasures along the way. If you are looking to cool off from the heat after some retail therapy, the Waterpark Leisure Village offers a whole host of exciting chutes and pools for family fun. Alternatively, head for Ile aux Cerfs Ile aux Cerfs; a paradise for water sports enthusiasts. Offering beautiful beaches, this is one of the most idyllic spots on the island.
Interior
The interior of the island hosts some modern, manmade attractions as well as some historical areas, which the island is known for. L’Aventure du Sucre (tel: +230 243 06 60) is an interactive exhibition located at an ancient sugar mill. Here you can trace the history of the island’s sugarcane production as well as have the opportunity to taste unrefined sugars and local rum. To cool off afterwards, the natural lake of Ganga Talao, resting within the crater of an extinct volcano, offers a peaceful setting and some stunning scenery. More nature can be admired at the Black River Gorges National Park, which boasts 6,574 hectares (16,244 acres) of protected native forests. To learn about Creole traditions on the island, Eureka (tel: +230 433 8477) offers unparallel insights, dating back to 1830.
Northern Touristic Zone
As the first area on the island to experience a tourist boom, Grand Bay continues to attract visitors with its shopping and leisure activities as well as its happening nightlife that is inclusive of restaurants, bars and discos. Beach lovers will enjoy La Cuvette Beach, which has recently been renovated, and Pereybere Beach, with its excellent shopping, restaurants and pubs. History buffs can head for Balaclava Ruins, just metres from Baie aux Tortues, named after the tortoises that frequent this area by 17th century sailors. Here you can see what remains of the sea walls built by Mahé de Labourdonnais. For a cultural experience, make a trip to Triolet Shivala, the longest village on the island, which houses the Maheswarnath Temple, first built in 1819. Horticulturalist might like to stop off at Labourdonnais Orchards to discover the variety of tropical fruit trees and colourful and perfumed exotic flowers that are on show here.
Port Louis
The capital of Port Louis enjoys a relaxed setting, with the recently developed Le Caudan Waterfront boasting a lively and interesting atmosphere with its casino, cinemas, shops, bars and restaurants. Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Gardens is not to be missed and dates from 1735, the beginning of the period of French and British struggle for occupation of the island, which lasted until 1935. Once considered the jewel of the Indian Ocean; nowadays, Port Louis continues to offer historical buildings and interesting cultures and traditions.
Southeast
This part of the island will appeal to those interested in Mauritius’ colonial history. The Dutch ruins at Vieux Grand Port reveal the oldest settlement on the island. For a glimpse at the wonderful wildlife that the island offers, Ile aux Aigrettes is a protected area boasting several endangered species including some rare birds, the Green Gecko Phelsuma and the Aldabra giant tortoise. Founded in 1804 by the French Governor Charles Decaën, the fishing hub of Mahebourg makes for a pleasant visit, with its scenic Grand Port Bay being worth a photo or two.
If hunting rather than observing wildlife is more your thing, the Domaine des Grand Bois will appeal to you. Here you can hunt for stags, monkeys and boars in an area of 900 hectares. Accommodation is provided in the form of four thatched-roof bungalows, while a restaurant with panoramic ocean views caters to hungry visitors, with venison featuring on the menu.
The island is full of view points including the gardens at Souillac, a small coastal resort in the Savanne district. Climb to the cliff top and enjoy the vistas from Gris Gris viewing spot.
West
The west of the island contains historic treasures, further beaches and a large game reserve on the island. The landscapes of Chamarel are not to be missed, with the volcanic ash revealing shades of blue, green, red and yellow. The nearby waterfalls are set amid unspoilt nature and a good place to spot local flora and fauna. One of the island’s exports, salt, is produced at the Salt Pans near Tamarin, where the sunshine helps to naturally produce salt. Bird spotters should not miss Casela (tel: +230 452 0693/4), where more than 140 bird species from all five continents reside alongside fish, tigers, tortoises, monkeys, deer and orchids. Further wildlife can be enjoyed at the Yemen Yemen Reserve, where you can get up close to herds of deer and Mauritian fauna.
Top Things to Do
Get up close with nature on a hike in the Black River Gorges National Park. This expansive nature reserve is home to natural forest that is inhabited by indigenous plants, birds and wildlife. Both the Black River Peak and the Maccabee trails are recommended.
Get wet and indulge in some water sports
The island offers everything from snorkelling and jet-skiing to parasailing and waterskiing. Grand Baie is a favourite spot, while La Cuvette’s long beach is perfect for sailing, windsurfing and waterskiing. Those looking for a good place to swim should try the northern beaches of Trou aux Biches, Mont Choisy and Péreybère.
Head for La Vanille Réserve des Mascareignes
This impressive reserve is also known as ‘Crocodile Park' and is home to thousands of Nile crocodiles which congregate to the delight of onlookers. The site is also home to Aldabra tortoises, deer, monkeys, boar and an insectarium.
Soak up some if the island’s waterfalls.
Tamarind Falls in the hinterland encompasses seven waterfalls, which are surrounded by luscious and fertile mountains. Holidaymakers can swim here in the numerous pools and relax under the shady trees.
Trek to the summit of Piton de la Petite Rivière Noire.
This mountain is 828 meters high and offers views from the island’s highest point. The views are spectacular so don’t forget your camera!
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