National Park

Covering over 67 square kilometres, the Black River Gorges is the largest national park in Mauritius and a great place for hiking. It has a highly valued habitat mix - dry forests with monumental trees in the valleys along the river, swampy heaths filling the middle passages and humid tropical forests in the upland areas. [btn "Find the cheapest hotel in Mauritius" https://www.booking.com/country/mu.en.html?aid=2380460;label=p-mauricius…

Sandy beach, Cliff

The beautiful beach of Gris Gris is unique thanks to the black rocks that are crashed by the violent waves of the Indian Ocean. It is the strong sea currents and large waves that make it unsuitable for swimming. [btn "Find the cheapest hotel in Mauritius" https://www.booking.com/country/mu.en.html?aid=2380460;label=p-mauricius-grisgris] After a short walk along the coast, continue to the cliffs of La Roche Qui Pleure, translated as the Weeping…

Waterfall, Hiking trail

One of the most visited natural attractions in Mauritius are the Tamarind Falls, often referred to as the 7 cascades, 7 waterfalls or Sept Cascades. It is actually a set of 9 waterfalls, but two of them are not open to the public, hence the more familiar name "7 Cascades". The official name refers to the name of the Tamarind River, which creates the deep forested canyon with the falls. [btn "Find the cheapest hotel in Mauritius" https://www…

Island

A small island and nature reserve in one, it seeks to recreate the original Mauritius before the arrival of the first settlers. You will have the unique opportunity to see native animal and plant species such as the pink pigeon or the ebony trees. The island is also home to the Aldabra tortoise. [btn "Top 10 luxury resorts in Mauritius" https://www.booking.com/country/mu.en.html?aid=2380460;label=p-mauricius-aigrettes] Currently, it is not…

Sandy beach, The Cove, For kids

The Blue Bay Marine Reserve is one of the most popular bays in southern Mauritius, with beautiful beaches and great conditions for snorkelling without having to pay for boat trips. [btn "Book a hotel in southern Mauritius" https://www.booking.com/country/mu.en.html?aid=2380460;label=p-mauricius-blue-bay] Blue Bay Public Beach Much of Blue Bay is occupied by apartments and private houses, but right in the centre of Blue Bay town you'll find…

Island, Sandy beach

The fairytale island of Ile aux Cerfs covers 87 hectares just a few minutes by boat from Trou d'Eau Douce. Ile aux Cerfs is a regular stop on day cruises, but you can also take the public ferry and spend a relaxing day on its beautiful beaches or golf course. [btn "Top 10 luxury resorts in Mauritius" https://www.booking.com/country/mu.en.html?aid=2380460;label=p-mauricius-cerfs] Beaches and water sports Ile aux Cerfs consists of several…

Island, Lighthouse

Lighthouse Island, officially named Ile aux Fouquets, is one of my favourite places off the east coast of Mauritius. The atmosphere on the island, with its abandoned lighthouse battered by the great waves of the Indian Ocean, is absolutely magical. [btn "Top 10 luxury resorts in Mauritius" https://www.booking.com/country/mu.en.html?aid=2380460;label=p-mauricius-phare] An abandoned lighthouse and breathtaking views Tourists head to Ile au…

Garden

The vanilla plantation in the town of Saint Julien d'Hotman in the northern half of the island is one of the most popular tourist destinations. Despite the fact that I am not very interested in plants and botany, I really liked the vanilla plantation and can definitely recommend it as a stop during a road-trip around the island. If you're heading more south, visit the Domaine Saint Aubin plantation and rum distillery, which I liked even more! …

National Park

One of the three national parks in Mauritius is called Bras d'Eau and covers 500 hectares in the north-eastern part of the island. The other national parks are the more famous Black River Gorges and Islets National Park, comprising 8 islands including the famous Ile aux Cerfs or Ile aux Fouquets. [btn "Compare car rental prices in Mauritius" https://www.booking.com/cars/airport/mu/mru.en.html?aid=2380460;label=p-mauricius-bras-eau] The…

Cave

While planning a road-trip around Mauritius, I was interested in the maps about lava tunnels in the town of Roches Noires on the northeast coast. The town is right on the main road, so it was a natural stop on the way from Bras d'Eau National Park to the resort of Grand Baie. [btn "Compare car rental prices in Mauritius" https://www.booking.com/cars/airport/mu/mru.en.html?aid=2380460;label=p-mauricius-lava] Although many maps indicate the…

Botanical garden, For kids

The Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden is a popular tourist attraction and a surprisingly large beautifully maintained park. It is the oldest botanical garden in the southern hemisphere, founded in 1770. The garden covers an area of 37 hectares. [btn "Compare Mauritius car rental prices" https://www.booking.com/cars/airport/mu/mru.en.html?aid=2380460;label=p-mauricius-botanicka] Set aside at least 1 hour to visit the SSR Botanical…

Sandy beach, Resort, Mountain, Salt Plain

Tamarin is a popular resort on the west coast, and in addition to the beaches, you can climb the famous Tourelle de Tamarin mountain or discover the still-functioning salt flats. The town is relatively small, but you'll still find a full range of facilities in the form of restaurants, street food stalls, beach equipment shops and there's even a large Super U supermarket. [btn "Top resorts in Tamarin" https://www.booking.com/city/mu/tamarin.en…

Lookout, Coast

Maconde Point is an iconic rock promontory on the south coast between Le Morne and Baie du Cap. [btn "Compare car rental prices in Mauritius" https://www.booking.com/cars/airport/mu/mru.en.html?aid=2380460;label=p-mauricius-maconde] From the viewpoint, accessed by a short staircase, you'll get a breathtaking view of the rocky and very rugged coastline, the road winding along the sea and even see the Mauritian icon, Le Morne Mountain, in the…

Hiking trail, Valley

The Ferney Valley is a private nature reserve on the south-east coast of the island and a great place for easy walking routes through peaceful meadows and woodland. [btn "Compare car rental prices in Mauritius" https://www.booking.com/cars/airport/mu/mru.en.html?aid=2380460;label=p-mauricius-ferney] La Vallée de Ferney is one of the few areas in Mauritius where native forests and endemic species of plants and birds (such as the Mauritian…

Waterfall

Alexandra Falls is a pair of roughly 35-metre high waterfalls at an altitude of over 700 metres amidst dense green vegetation. Unlike the very strenuous trek to the more famous 7 Cascades, Alexandra Falls is an ideal quick stop. In fact, you can drive almost right up to the cliff's edge - there's only a 3-minute leisurely trail from the parking lot. [btn "The best car rental companies in Mauritius" https://www.booking.com/cars/airport/mu/mru…

Natural formation

The Land of the Seven Colours (or Seven Coloured Land) in the Chamarel Nature Reserve is one of the most famous attractions in Mauritius and although it is a very touristy place that you can only get to for a fee, we definitely recommend a visit. [btn "Top 10 luxury resorts in Mauritius" https://www.booking.com/country/mu.en.html?aid=2380460;label=p-mauricius-7-colours] The Seven Coloured Lands unit covers a relatively small area of 0.75…

Waterfall

The highest waterfall in Mauritius is located on the Baie du Cap River, measuring almost 100 metres and falling from a densely forested basalt cliff into a gorge. It is located in the Chamarel Geopark just a 10-minute drive from the famous Land of the Seven Colours. [btn "View the top hotels in Mauritius" https://www.booking.com/country/mu.en.html?aid=2380460;label=p-mauricius-chamarel-fall] There is no trail directly to the waterfall, but a…

Forest, Hiking trail, Mountain

The Ebony Forest Nature Reserve protects Mauritius' endemic plant and animal species in a restored native forest in the Chamarel area. Within the area of several dozen hectares, you will find semi-arid forest, dense tropical forest, as well as non-native plantations. [btn "The 10 best hotels in Mauritius" https://www.booking.com/country/mu.en.html?aid=2380460;label=p-mauricius-ebony-forest] As the name of the reserve suggests, the main part…

Natural formation, Amusement park, Forest, Waterfall, Hiking trail

Chamarel is a village in the south-western part of Mauritius, located below the highest mountains of the island between the Black River Gorges NP and Le Morne Brabant. The famous geopark containing many tourist attractions is named after this small village of only a few dozen inhabitants. [btn "Top 10 luxury resorts in Mauritius" https://www.booking.com/country/mu.en.html?aid=2380460;label=p-mauricius-chamarel] The village itself is not very…

Mountain, Lookout

Mount Le Morne Brabant is an absolute icon of the island of Mauritius and has a huge cultural significance for the locals. The view of the monumental rock massif is one of the world's most famous and a visit to Le Morne is a definite "must-do" during a stay in Mauritius. [btn "Top 10 luxury resorts in Mauritius" https://www.booking.com/country/mu.en.html?aid=2380460;label=p-mauricius-le-morne-brabant] Symbol of freedom and UNESCO World…

Mountain

The highest mountain in Mauritius, Piton de la Petite Riviere Noire, rises to a height of 828 metres and is often referred to in English (even on official signs) as Black River Peak. [btn "Compare car rental prices in Mauritius" https://www.booking.com/cars/airport/mu/mru.en.html?aid=2380460;label=p-mauricius-piton] There are footpaths leading up to the iconic peak on three sides, with one side being relatively comfortable and manageable for…

Temple, Lake

The Grand Bassin volcanic lake, also known as Ganga Talao, is located 550 metres above sea level and is considered the most sacred Hindu site in Mauritius. There are several Hindu temples around the lake and the place is also very popular among tourists. [btn "Compare car rental prices in Mauritius" https://www.booking.com/cars/airport/mu/mru.en.html?aid=2380460;label=p-mauricius-grand-bassin] Giant statues and Hindu temples The unmistakable…

Botanical garden, Museum, Garden, Restaurant, For kids

Domaine Saint Aubin is a former colonial mansion that has lost none of its former splendour. The complex of several plantations and buildings is located in the south of Mauritius and is a very popular tourist destination. If you want to explore the whole complex, including the tours, set aside at least 2.5 hours. [btn "Top 10 luxury resorts in Mauritius" https://www.booking.com/country/mu.en.html?aid=2380460;label=p-mauricius-aubin] You can…

Sandy beach, The Cove

Le Bouchon is an area on the southern coast of Mauritius still unspoilt by mass tourism. [btn "Compare car rental prices in Mauritius" https://www.booking.com/cars/airport/mu/mru.en.html?aid=2380460;label=p-mauricius-le-bouchon] A beach with a village idyll It contains one small, neat village, a beautiful sandy beach with shallow water coves ideal for amateur snorkelling and an idyllic landscape of sugar cane fields. The public beach of Le…