Mauritius is a major tourist destination for a reason. One of the reasons Mauritius is among the most visited places in Africa, is its liveliness. Known for its top-rated Indian Ocean beaches, lagoons and reefs, the island nation of Mauritius should definitely be on your bucket list of places to visit. The island offers the best diving experiences in the world, rich Mauritian culture and mountainous adventures such as the Black River Gorges National Park, with rainforests, waterfalls, hiking trails and wildlife like the flying fox. From its culinary scene to vibrant outdoorsy, discover some of the best breathtaking and memorable experiences in Mauritius.
Flic En Flac Beach
Flic En Flac is a white-sand seaside village beach lined with casuarina trees. A great place to spend a holiday with a quiet setting for complete relaxation as it doesn’t feel busy. The beach offers other fun activities such as water sports, lagoons & nearby restaurants to wine and dine Mauritius cuisine. The destination is also an ideal place for a picnic while staying in the shadow of the trees scattered along the coastline.
Trace Mauritius Tea Route
Historians or curious visitors are bound to enjoy the Mauritius Tea Route. Take a trip back in time to the first days of Mauritius with its rich colonial history by retracing the Mauritius Tea Route. This trip will provide great insight on the importance of tea production in Mauritius. A guide will walk you through the Domaine des Aubineaux a colonial house built in 1872, which has been converted into a museum dedicated to the history of Mauritian Tea. You’ll also discover a colonial mansion-museum built in 1872, photo exhibitions of the 19th and 20th Century and Stroll across the garden Le Parc Floral des Aubineaux. Ever dreamed of tracing a route? Well, now is your chance with a guided tour.
Enjoy Mauritian cuisine
Mauritius has a diverse and vibrant culture and also great cuisine to share with visitors. Mauritian cuisine, much like Mauritian culture, combines Chinese, Indian, Creole, East African and European techniques and flavours. Must-try dishes include; Vindaye, made with mustard, vinegar and spices, it’s traditionally served cold as an accompaniment to fish and Rougail, a special rich ragout-like stew made with tomatoes, garlic, ginger and pieces of chopped sausage, squid, prawns or fish.
Seven Coloured Earths
Chamarel 7 Coloured Earth is a spectacular Geo Park destination to visit for discovery of the island’s fascinating natural heritage and blending geology. The Chamarel’s Seven Coloured Earth Geopark has become one of Mauritius‘ iconic tourist attractions since the 1960s. This world-famous attraction is a unique volcanic geological phenomenon resulting in seven colours of earth swirled together to create a beautiful feature. The colours evolved through conversion of basaltic lava to clay minerals. The area is comprised of sand dunes and sand of seven distinct colours (red, brown, violet, green, blue, purple and yellow). A beauty to behold, a visit to the coloured earth of Mauritius is a must! You’ll leave with a memorable photo set against the backdrop of Coloured Earths as a souvenir.
7 Colored Earth Road, Chamarel, Mauritius, +230 483 4298
Catamaran cruise to Ile aux Cerfs
For those who enjoy the cruise over the beach, Catamaran cruise is undoubtedly one of the best experiences you can have in Mauritius. One of the best best day trips in Mauritius. Ile aux Cerfs Island is an island off the east coast of Trou d’eau Douce village, Mauritius. A cruise to Ile aux Cerfs is an experience you shouldn’t pass up for anything. The cruise ship takes off from Trou D’eau Douce village, sail through the sea up to the iconic GRSE waterfall. After the visit of the GRSE waterfall, is a stop to a nearby spot perfect for snorkeling. Lunch is usually served on board after snorkeling and after lunch, the ship sets sail to Ile aux Cerfs island where you can relax on the sandy beaches or in the turquoise sea, or just sunbath.
Black River Gorges National Park
The Black River Gorges National Park is a national park in the hilly south-western part of Mauritius famous for its waterfalls, vistas and hiking. The park is a must-visit all trekkers, as well as for pure nature lovers and bird-watchers. With the help of the guides, you will discover Mauritius’ natural heritage in this unique area which is also the location of one of the rarest forests in the world. It harbors about 311 species of native and endemic flowering plants and 9 species of birds, which are found only in Mauritius. This hike will take you into the heart of the indigenous forest with many panoramic views. If you do venture up there, be sure to take your camera with you as the views are absolutely magnificent!
Black River Gorges National Park, Mauritius, +230 464 4053
Hiking on Le Morne Brabant
Mauritius surely has no shortage of fabulous attractions and must-visit tourist attractions for the adrenaline junkies. Le Morne Brabant, also known as Le Morne Cultural Landscape is the iconic mountain peninsula located on the southwestern tip of the island. The Cultural Landscape is an exceptional testimony to the resistance to slavery in terms of the mountain being used as a fortress to shelter escaped slaves. The mountain is also on the esteemed UNESCO World Heritage list and offers the triple pleasure of hiking, adventure and breathtaking views. Hiking Le Morne Brabant is a top choice for the best outdoor activities in Mauritius.
Sega Dancing
Your Mauritius experience is incomplete without learning to dance a few Sega steps. The Sega dance is a vibrant local dance with its distinctive traditional African rhythm. The spirit of Africa resonates through the musical instruments, usually ravanne, maravanne or triangle are played, while the songs, sung in Creole, depict the Mauritian way of life. The Sega folkloric dance has been registered by UNESCO on its Intangible Cultural Heritage list. So, if you ever find yourself in Mauritius, don’t leave without learning a few Sega dance steps. Locals claims the dance will have your hips undulating to the beat!
