Mauritius is a beautiful and mountainous island that even Mark Twain felt was worthy of his admiration. Because of its many wondrous places and areas to explore and discover, it can be difficult to decide what to see and where to go. Below, we’ve put together a list of attractions and activities you should consider when visiting the island.
Black River Gorges National Park
A phenomenal haven of thick rainforest, protected wildlife species and undulating hills, Black River Gorges NP captures the essence of the island. The park is home to many species including endangered icons such as the pink pigeon and the Mauritius kestrel, as well as introduced animals like the macaque monkey.
Visitors are urged to keep a keen watch as sightings of these animals, and many others, are common. According to UNESCO, the park is of pivotal importance to Mauritius’ commitment to conserving their population of endangered flora and fauna and this importance is only underlined by its stunning natural splendour.
Diving and Snorkelling
As the island is bordered by shallow waters and coral reefs, before disappearing into the depths of pristine ocean water, it is an ideal location for diving and snorkelling. There are a myriad of options to choose from due to the island’s topography such as Pointe aux Piments and Ile aux Cerfs – a 100-hectare oasis island boasting white sand and an aquamarine lagoon.
However, a real highlight is Blue Bay Marine Park. Found on the south-west corner of the island, this beach offers up easy access to the water, allowing you to navigate the coral reef straight from the shore. As it is only a maximum of six metres in depth, the waters offer excellent visibility and are perfect for first-time snorkelers and children.
Volcanoes
Mauritius is a volcanic island, but there is only one that is dormant: Troux Aux Cerfs. It is at least 600 metres high, and its vantage point offers up excellent views of the town of Curepipe below. The crater area is decorated with beautiful flora making for a picturesque walk, or you could follow in the footsteps of the local tradition and meet at the base at sunrise and jog your way to the top.
Wondrous Landscape
Mauritius has a plethora of striking places to visit that capture its natural beauty and wonder. In the Riviere Noire District – an area late to tourist development, which offers a vestige of traditional Mauritian life – there is a geographical wonder known as Seven Coloured Earths. Holidays in Mauritius wouldn’t be complete without a visit to this formation set within the popular and fascinating Chamarel plain. Over millennia, the rocks were pulverised into sands whereby the tropical climate stripped them of all water-soluble elements, creating black iron and aluminium oxides that present a rainbow of seven brilliant hues of colour.
While there is an abundance of places to see and go for tourists having holidays in Mauritius, one thing is certain – you won’t be disappointed!
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