MAURITIUS

Mauritius

About:-

Mauritius, a sparkling crystal in the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, will fascinate you. The contrast of colours, cultures and tastes makes the island so charming that the scene is set for an unforgettable holiday.

Here, you have the opportunity to experience unparalleled luxury: a level of refinement that is head and shoulders above that on offer in other tropical holiday destinations. Here, you will discover the true meaning of ‘beauty’ – a realisation that will compel you to return to Mauritius’ shores time and again.

1. Port Louis, Capital City of Mauritius

Port Louis, the cosmopolitan capital city of Mauritius was founded in 1735 by the French governor and pioneer Bertrand-François Mahé de La Bourdonnais. Located on the Northwest Coast, Port Louis is the administrative and business capital of the island.

Buzzing with activity during the day, the city is full of cultural and historical treasures that should not be missed. Beyond the central market, which is a focal point for those who want to feel close to the soul of Mauritius, are many historic sites including the Champ de Mars - the oldest race course in the southern hemisphere.

What to see

La Place D’Armes

At the historical centre of the city is the Place d’Armes surrounded by Bottle Palm trees and several statues, and is the main square connecting the seafront to Government House.

Statue of Mahe de la Bourdonnais

This statue of one of the founding fathers of Mauritius is situated at the entrance of the Place d'Armes and is a symbol and reminder of our French heritage.

The Government House

Government House, built at the time of Governor Nicolas de Maupin (1729-1735), is a splendid building and one of the oldest buildings in Port Louis. It was recently renovated and is the official address of the Parliament of Mauritius.

Port Louis Theatre

The municipal theatre of Port Louis was built in the nineteenth century and is one of the oldest in the Indian Ocean. Decorated in a classic London theatre style, it can accommodate around six hundred spectators.

Fort Adelaide

Located on a hill overlooking the city and harbour, the Citadel of Port Louis (Fort Adelaide) is a fort that was built between 1834 and 1840 to guard the city against riots during the abolition of slavery. Today local and international concerts and artistic shows are performed there and it is definitely worth a visit for the stunning views from this vantage point.

2. Inland & Centre Mauritius

Time to leave the usual beaches and try a few excursions inland to get a feel for the heart of the island. Cooler than the coastal regions, the central plateau is situated between 400 and 600 meters above sea level. Starting from the South of Port Louis, this vast urban area is home to about 400,000 people, representing over one-third of the island's population. High up on the plateau, you’ll also find forests, lakes and plantations that are well worth a visit.

What to see

Towns

Four towns, namely Rose Hill, Quatre Bornes, Vacoas and Curepipe, make up the heart of the island.

Rose Hill’s busy high street is swarming with shoppers during the day and is worth a visit if you’re ready to brave the crowds and look for some great bargains. There are many shops to browse and local restaurants to choose from.

Ganga Talao

Not far from Mare aux Vacoas reservoir is Grand Bassin, also known as Ganga Talao. It is one of the rare natural lakes in Mauritius, formed inside the crater of an extinct volcano and is the renowned pilgrimage place for Mauritians of Hindu faith. Every year in February, during the Maha Shivaratri week, thousands of Hindus walk miles from every corner of the island to bring their gifts for Lord Shiva at Grand Bassin.

Eureka "La Maison Créole", Moka

This historical mansion built in 1830 with no less than 109 doors will provide you with a glimpse into the lifestyle of the more affluent Mauritians during the colonial era. The Eureka House Restaurant also offers Creole meals that will delight the finest palates.

3. The East Mauritius

The East coast with its succession of beaches is undoubtedly one of the island’s most beautiful coastlines set alongside emerald coloured lagoons. Punctuated with numerous luxurious hotels and authentic villages, this coast has the particularity of being exposed to the constant south-east trade winds. The several kilometres long Belle Mare beach is its main attraction.

What to See?

Ile aux Cerfs

You can reach Ile aux Cerfs in a variety of boats: speedboat, pirogue, glass bottom boat, catamaran and even a pirate ship! Setting out from either Trou d’Eau Douce or even further South from Blue Bay, most boat trips consist of a stopover at Grand River South East, snorkelling in the lagoon, a barbeque and drinks on board or on shore, sega dancing, and many other fun activities.

Grand River South East

The Grand River South East is a real attraction. The wide estuary enters an impressive gorge ending on a pictorial waterfall. An ideal place for excursions.

Beaches

Roches Noires and Poste Lafayette

The public beach of Roches Noires extends to Poste Lafayette, an excellent place for fishing and breathing in the crisp air. These are two very popular summer resorts, especially during the warmer months as the sea breeze there blows almost all year round, which makes it an ideal place for kitesurfing and windsurfing.

Bras d’Eau

Bras d’Eau is a small bay inside the lagoon of Poste Lafayette. Its public beach has a view of the south, which means that you can see both the sunrise and the sunset - unique in the East. At night, it is the best place in Mauritius to see the milky way.

Belle Mare

Belle Mare has a beautiful white sandy beach. The coastal road which follows large stretches of white sand from Palmar to Trou d’Eau Douce winds down to Grand Port right next to the sea and ends in the village of Mahebourg.

4. The North Mauritius

In Mauritius, when we speak of “the north”, Grand Bay is the first thing that comes to mind. Grand Bay, through sustained development, has become the premier tourist destination of Mauritius.

The starting point of nautical trips to the northern islands and other sea activities, Grand Bay has two beaches, one of which is “La Cuvette, a discreet hideaway, where you can still found the rare “tec-tec” hidden in the sand, small white shells that need to be preserved.

What to see?

Green Tourism

Les Vergers of Labourdonnais at Mapou

Close to Grand Bay, discover a large variety of tropical fruit trees and colourful fragrant flowers.

After a walk among the anthuriums, bougainvillea and hibiscus, taste jams and freshly squeezed fruit juice made from fruit grown in the orchard. Those living in Mauritius buy plants and flowers for their gardens and homes at Labourdonnais.

Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden

The Pamplemousses garden is known by botanists from around the world for the large collection of indigenous and exotic plants that grow there, including the giant Victoria Amazonica water lilies and the numerous species of palm trees.

Beaches

The north of the island has plenty of beaches, each one more beautiful than the next. The most popular ones among Mauritians and tourists are Trou aux Biches, shaded by casuarinas, and the long curvy beach of Mont Choisy which continues from Pointe aux Canonniers to Grand Bay and to the divine Pereybere public beach.

For the more adventurous or those in search of peace and quiet, take a walk over the stones, to the left or right of Pereybere’s public beach and discover the private beaches of Casita and Bain Boeuf with their clear blue waters and exquisite views.

Sports

Cycling

Cycle from Cap Malheureux towards Calodyne and Saint Antoine through the little villages, sugar cane fields, and pine forests and enjoy the view of the outer islets.

Sailing

Grand Bay is the Mauritian sailing paradise thanks to its protected bay. From there, one can join a yacht trip, a catamaran cruise or even rent a private sailing boat. The conditions for sailing are ideal and yachts can be hired to navigate around Mauritius or to visit some of the islands that lie off the north coast.

Kite surfing

The North has some great kitesurf "spots", especially around Cap Malheureux and Anse la Raie.

5. The South & South-East Mauritius

The wildest and most beautiful landscapes of the island are in the South: sandy beaches bordered by cliffs carved by waves, rocky shores, sugar cane fields as far as the eye can see, and mountainous terrains offering magnificent panoramas. The integrated tourist area of Bel Ombre is also a model of its kind.

What to See

Mahebourg

One of the main fishing villages on the island, Mahebourg is built along the shore of the immense bay of Grand Port.

Pointe Canon

Pointe Canon in Mahebourg is an excellent place to photograph Lion Mountain and the Grand Port mountain range to the left of it. Ilôt Mouchoir Rouge with Ile aux Aigrettes to the right are also worthy of a place in the photo album.

Blue Bay

Pointe d'Esny, a white sandy beach lined with bungalows, leads to Blue Bay. This beach, surrounded by a semicircle of casuarinas is one of the nicest of the island with its fine sand, clear water and lively corals, perfect for snorkelling.

Rochester Falls

The Rochester Falls out of Souillac are worth a visit. The road passes through the sugar refinery of Terracine. Over time, curious carvings have appeared in the lava shaped by the waters and green crystals were formed in the soil.

Beaches

The beaches in this part of Mauritius are rare but striking. One of them is the famous family Blue Bay beach. Another one is Gris Gris which has the particularity of having the coral reef very close to the shore. Huge waves break a few meters away and wash the grainy sand mixed with colourful tiny shells.

6. The West & South-West Mauritius

The West and South-West coasts of Mauritius are the driest areas on the island. Protected from the prevailing winds, the region boasts some superb hotels and lagoons calm enough for swimming, snorkelling, diving, water-skiing, kayaking, pedal boats and sailing activities.

Head to Tamarin Bay, or to the world famous “One Eye” at Le Morne, where you can find the best waves for surfing.

The West is where you’ll find the lush Black River Gorges. You can spend the day visiting the different Nature Parks (Casela, Gros Cailloux) in the region, going for walks, great activities for kids and taking in the stunning surroundings. There are even some tame African lions, giraffe and other animals to see.

What to See?

Albion and Pointe aux Sables

Albion is more of a residential area than a tourist spot but it has a public beach worth visiting, and if you take a walk along the coast towards Club Med, you can have a lovely swim in the shade of the trees which border the shore. Albion is also known for its lighthouse.

Black River Gorges National Park

One of the main “green” attractions is the Black River Gorges National Park which extends over 16,680 acres and provides a haven to highly endangered native plants and animals. It plays home to around 311 species of native and endemic flowering plants and nine species of birds that can only be found in Mauritius.

One Eye

The One Eye surf spot at Le Morne is world renowned, with its fast left tube that makes the shape of an eye before breaking on the shallow reef. On one side of the mountain of Le Morne, which has seven faces, you will see a huge hole crossing the cliff that looks like an eye in a Rasta profile. Some say that this is how the surf spot got its name. Interestingly, the owner of the area around Le Morne has only one eye, so we can safely say that the spot is well named!

Best Time to Visit Mauritius

Climate

Mauritius enjoys a relatively mild climate. Although temperatures are rather moderate throughout the year with occasional rainfall, the most pleasant times to visit the island are between the months of April and June and between September and December. As Mauritius is located in the southern hemisphere, the summer and winter months are opposite to seasons in Europe.

Seasons Summer: November to April

The weather is hot and humid during these months, with peaks in temperatures occurring in the months of December, January and February. Rainfall is abundant, especially on the central plateau. The highest rainfall normally occurs in the months of February and March. Daylight hours typically run from 5.30am to 7.00pm.

This is the best time for scuba diving – especially December through to March – and for deep-sea fishing.

Winter: May to October

The temperature is cooler during this season, and prevailing winds tend to blow over the island from the east and south-east. The lowest temperatures are felt in August (20°C on the coast). Daylight hours typically run from 6.45am to 5.45pm. This is the best season for surfing (June to August).

Weather

On the central plateau, which is some 600 metres above sea level, the average day temperature is between 20°C in August and 26°C in February. On the coast, the temperatures are higher by about three to five degrees. The northern and the western parts of the island are warmer and drier than the eastern and the southern regions.