OVERVIEW

Mauritius, an island nation in the Indian Ocean, is best known for its beaches and reefs. However, there’s more to Mauritius than just the coastline. Travel inland to enjoy rolling fields of sugar cane, forests of ebony and eucalyptus trees, and lush mountain gorges with waterfalls and natural wonders. If warm water, fresh seafood, and a little adventure are what you’re looking for, Mauritius is the perfect addition to an African safari.

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Snorkel in protected coral reefs or dive deep at one of the many dive spots around the island.
  • Put on your boots and hit the hiking trails Black River Gorges National Park or Yemen Nature Park.
  • Travel the panoramic route to see the unique and fascinating seven-colored earth of Chamarel.
  • Head out to sea and throw a line over the side – Mauritius boasts some of the world’s best deep-sea fishing.
  • Soak up the vibey atmosphere and sample some local cuisine in the capital, Port Louis.
Gateway city: Port Louis
Best time to travel: April through June; September through November

PORT LOUIS

A charming yet bustling city, Port Louis reflects its cultural heritage in its British and French colonial buildings, Anglican and Catholic cathedrals, the main city Mosque and the Natural History Museum, A visit to Central Market, a stroll through the streets to admire the architecture, with lunch at one of the slew of restaurants or street-food vendors make it an enjoyable day trip.

GRAND BAIE

Located on the north end of the island, Grand Baie is a hive of activity with the greatest concentration of hotels, beaches, restaurants and lively bars and entertainment.  You can pick up some local handicrafts at the Grand Baie Bazaar, parasail at the public beach, or take a catamaran excursion towards Gunner’s Quoin and Flat Island, who’s surrounding waters are teeming with hammerhead sharks and game fish.

BELLE MARE

Long stretches of pristine white-sand beaches, fringed by casuarina trees and turquoise oceans await at Belle Mare on the south-east coast of Mauritius.  An authentic, barefoot luxury, island experience awaits on this unspoiled stretch of the island where topless sunbathing is accepted.

FLIC EN FLAC

Boasting one of the longest beaches on the island, Flic-en-Flac is a charming seaside village on the west coast.  Similar to Grand Baie in the north, it is alive with restaurants and shops, and whether you are looking for an active vacation of water sports and afternoon walks, or quietly soaking up the sun or snorkeling in the lagoon protected reef, Flic-en-Flac, offers a pleasant and charming setting to do just that.

CHAMAREL

Reached by a panoramic route of stunning views and 272 feet above sea level, Chamarel is a unique volcanic geological phenomenon resulting in seven colors of earth swirled together to create a beautiful feature.

LE MORNE PENINSULA

Backed by the iconic Le Morne Brabant mountain, one of two UNESCO World Heritage Sites on the island, and a poignant reminder of its slave history, Le Morne Peninsula offers the ideal conditions for kitesurfing.

BLACK RIVER GORGES NATIONAL PARK

Take a hike through the gorges, past waterfalls, and up to the plateau to incredible vistas.  A haven of highly endangered native plants and animals with around 311 species of native and endemic flowering plants and 9 species of birds, endemic to the island, Black River Gorges National Park provides a cool respite on a day trip from the coastal villages.

RODRIGUES ISLAND

For a truly off-the-beaten path paradise, head to neighboring Rodrigues Island, a tiny island with a laidback atmosphere and Creole-style hospitality with trekking available and superb diving.

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