This small island paradise is full of treasures of all kinds and has everything to please: its lagoons, sandy beaches, culture, colors … Well, fortunately, this is not bound to stay a dream, for you vacationer. Instead of lazing all day on the beach, we have concocted a list of activities to enjoy! Visit those magical places to discover all the beauty Mauritius has to offer. You will absolutely no longer want to leave this little paradise!
1. Valley of the Colors
One of the most incredible places on the island is the Valley of Colours! You will be able to admire this place where the earth is of 7 different colors, due to the presence of volcanic ash containing mineral oxides of different colors. This place is located in the Chamarel area, right next to the national park. Often visited on foot, this site becomes grandiose when you go higher up! This is why we recommend that you give a try to the zip line circuit in the nature park, in the middle of the cliffs, waterfalls, vegetation and park of animals. You will embark with the team in a 4 × 4 to go up a part of the park while getting the opportunity to say hello to the harmless beasts of the forest. Arriving on site, you will get your equipment and a safety brief will be given to you. Then it’s all up to you to let yourself slide along the line, over the pristine landscapes.
2. Via Ferrata on the West Coast
To stay in a sensational activity, the Via Ferrata is a climbing route, that is to say a cable is hung all the way to the rock, and so you can climb safely. At the heart of the Yemen Nature Reserve, this park is home to the two longest rivers of Mauritius (Rivère du Rempart and Tamarin River) and extends over 4,500 hectares. The first part of the route consists of climbing the mountain “Mamzel Zabeth” to the summit. At the top, the panorama is breathtaking since you will have a full view over the entire west coast. The route then continues with a trek of thirty minutes to the suspension bridge, for a little adrenaline-push. Cherry on the cake, the circuit ends with zip lines ending directly in the pond, allowing you to end the journey with a little swim!
3. Belle Mare
Everywhere on the beaches of Mauritius, you have the possibility to indulge in parasailing. But for a more spectacular view and fewer tourists for the same, it is advisable to go on the beach of Belle Mare. Parasailing involves a parachute flight pulled by a boat along the coast. At over 60 meters high, like a bird, you will discover an incredible view of this beautiful island. All your senses will be alert and you will feel light and free. A good alternative to parachute jumping, as you get off the boat and climb as the boat moves slowly. But for those who want more sensations, it is possible to unhook the parachute for a gentle free fall in the water.
4. Casela Adventure Park
Casela is the main adventure park of Mauritius hosting various species of animals living in quasi-freedom in the heart of 14 hectares of vegetation. By taking a shuttle, you can safely roam among wildlife and get in touch with it. For an hour, walk in the heart of the forest, surrounded by these kings of animals, the lions. A walk that looks like a canine ride, with the exception that the animal weighs 200 pounds and could kill you in a stroke. Despite some fears that some may have, the animals are not drugged or beaten, nor tied. An experience, which is yet again incredible to do.
5. Grand Bassin
Mauritius is strong in its Hindu culture and Grand Bassin remains a sacred place for their pilgrimage for Maha Shivaratree. Located in an ancient volcanic crater in the Savane region this lake is surrounded by a temple dedicated to Shiva, Hanuman and Lakshmi. Once a year, around February / March on the occasion of the Maha Shivaratree (Great night of Shiva), thousands of pilgrims walk from their home for a grand ceremony in Grand Bassin which lasts all night. Ten days before this night, believers refrain from drinking alcohol or eating meat. A place that exudes a true mystical and relaxing atmosphere, a haven of peace and well-being. Also, one will certainly not miss one of the tallest statue of the Indian Ocean at the entrance of the sacred place – Mangal Mahadev.
6. Port Louis Market
It is impossible to go to Mauritius without visiting its capital and its incredible market. It is also called the bazaar and contains the wealth of Mauritian culture. Located on Queen Street and being one of the oldest markets, Port Louis Market offers a large selection of fresh and typical products, grouped by category. On one side the color palette of fruits and vegetables: pineapples, mangoes, turmeric, calabashes, passion fruit … but also plants to make herbal teas. On the other hand, the meats and seafood. And finally an exclusive part where you can find souvenirs with artisanal products: Embroidery, tablecloths, teas, jams, clothes … A walk to do late in the morning, to awaken your taste buds and taste, quietly on the go local produce!
7. Meet the dolphins
An excursion generally made early in the morning (around 7 am), where you start by having breakfast on the beach. Then embark on boats on the beach of Black River for a gentle awakening with the dolphins in their natural habitat. Fins and snorkels are provided to see these magnificent creatures. Be careful not to get too close, do not forget that these are wild animals moving in schools and can have impulsive and violent behavior. The day is followed by a barbecue, followed by another dive called the Natural Aquarium, we let you guess how much it will make you dream!
8. Gabriel Island
From Grand Baie, embark in the early morning on a Catamaran destined for the Ilot Gabriel located at 17 kilometers from the Mauritian coast. During this excursion, you will pass by the Coin de Mire, a whale-shaped island that houses the famous Paille-en-queues at the top of its cliffs. It will not be surprising during the journey to cross groups of Dolphins playing in the water. Once you arrive at Ilot Gabriel, you can walk around and bathe for an hour or two before enjoying a good barbecue on the Catamaran. Then in the beginning of the afternoon, you will make the opposite way to get back to Grand Baie around 16/17.
9. Blue Bay Marine park
The dreamed place of the divers, Gunners coin has the paradise of the seabed. The question is why diving in the South East rather than elsewhere? Simply because this area is subject to wind, which means that diving is not ideal every day, and therefore no boats in the water, but when the weather is fine, the marine fauna is more important, a veritable garden of Eden (turtles, clown fish, barracudas, morays, rays …)
10. Tea Route
This time a trip of three stages, of another nature since it is based on the Mauritian gastronomy. You will start by the Domaine des Aubineaux, a typical colonial residence of the 19th century located on the high plateaux. On the program, the visit of the gardens, the old stables transformed into distillery and in the shop of essential oils but also a break in its tea room. Then, direction Bois Cherie, an area known for its tea. You can visit the manufacturing plant by following the various stages of manufacture. The visit is continuous in the tea museum of the estate and ends with a tasting. Finally, stop at Saint-Aubin, north of Souillac to discover an old colonial estate specialized in sugar. This place, today has been transformed into a table d’hôte and will offer you typical dishes based on local products. But also visit the distillery of agricultural rum from which you can follow its manufacture, as well as a small sugar factory that has been recreated for visitors to follow the manufacturing steps.
Enjoy your trip in Mauritius by renting a car with Avis to discover all of these gorgeous places!
