Mark Twain said, “Mauritius was made first, and then heaven; and heaven was copied after Mauritius.”
As some of you probably know, I grew up on the beautiful island of Mauritius. I never realized the chance I had growing up on a tropical island until I moved to Paris. I guess the fact that I haven’t been home in five years makes me want to write about it. Though I have a profound attachment to the city of love, Paris, I feel like nothing can beat a tropical summer holiday.
Mauritius island is well-known for its lovely white sandy beaches, but there is more to do than just simply soaking in the sun. With palm trees, waterfalls, mountains, dormant volcanoes, temples, and historical sites, there are all the ingredients to make your journey unforgettable.
Note: Mauritius is one of the safest countries in Africa and the danger level is the lowest here. But as a traveler, I will advise you to be careful.
Keep reading to find out what to do and see when visiting Mauritius.
1. Get lost in the city of Port-Louis
Port-Louis, the capital city of Mauritius, is a vibrant town. It is one of the first things to visit when in Mauritius. This is where you will find the history and heritage of the island, seamlessly integrated into this bustling city.
The French governor, Mahe de Labourdonnais, constructed the city in the year 1735. Today it is the largest city in Mauritius and the economic and administrative center of the island.
The biggest and oldest post office in Mauritius is located in Port Louis near the Caudan Waterfront. At the city center, there are a number of French-styled buildings, which enhance the charm of Port Louis. You can tour the city and see some wonderful French colonial buildings, such as the Government House and the Municipal Theater.
- Central Market or Grand Bazar: Main Market filled with exotic fruit & vegetables, clothing, wooden & traditional handicraft products, local pieces of jewelry, and souvenirs at very low prices. There is also a small snack area, where you will find an eclectic range of local foods.
- Caudan Waterfront – It is a shopping mall where you can find some craft markets and hotels. It is located in the harbor of Port-Louis. I will recommend you have lunch there while overlooking the harbor, it is great.
- Fort Adelaide or La Citadelle – Located on the higher lands of Port Louis, this fortress was built in fear of a civil war. Fort Adelaide offers a vast panorama of Port Louis and its harbor.
- Chinatown – Located at the very heart of the city, this area is filled with shops selling a number of Chinese and Far East goods. Chinatown also serves as the apothecary of the island with a variety of traditional herbs and plants.
- Champ de Mars – Champ de Mars is very popular among Mauritian horse racing fans. The club was founded by the first British Governor, Sir Robert Townsend Farquhar on 25 June 1812 and was inaugurated by the Mauritius Turf Club, making it the oldest horseracing club in the Southern Hemisphere.
- Natural History Museum – The museum is recognized as the oldest museum in Mauritius and displays a huge collection of natural science exhibits, including the reconstruction of the world-famous dodo. The museum’s galleries allow you to witness the past 500 years of the natural history of Mauritius.
- Marie Reine de la Paix – Pay homage to the Virgin Mary at the Marie Reine de la Paix – a modern chapel consisting of a 26 ft. statue of the Virgin Mary on a platform with an altitude of 175 ft. The views are simply breathtaking and you have to climb 7 terraces and 82 rock-cut steps in order to reach the monument.
- The Jummah Mosque – formerly “Mosque of the Arabs”, is a mosque in Port Louis, dating from the 1850s. The building combines Indian, Creole, and Islamic architecture.
2. The rainbow earth – Chamarel
It is located on the Southwest part of the island and it is one of the most popular tourist attractions.
Offering a unique experience not only for geology and nature lovers but also for those who want to better understand this rare geological phenomenon. Moreover, it is a great spot to make some colorful Instagram pictures.
The color of the dunes goes from red to brown, green, purple, blue, violet, and yellow. I suggest you go there at 8 am, with the morning lights the colors will be on point. You will capture the best photos.
There are also a few giant turtles within the park, do not miss them. Originally from Aldabra in Seychelles, the species can reach up to 1m in length with an average lifespan of more than 150 years. The park’s oldest giant tortoise is said to have died at the age of 250 years!
Practical info: The park is open daily from 8 am to 5:30 pm. You can either buy your ticket upon arrival or by clicking here.
3. The Chamarel waterfall
Not far from the Chamarel Geopark is the waterfall. Undoubtedly the tallest single-drop waterfall in Mauritius at about 100m high, the Chamarel Waterfall is a striking piece of nature standing amid dense vegetation. Fed by the waters of three distinct streams pouring into Saint-Denis River, it has a powerful rush.
Proceeding along the Seven Coloured Earth Geopark’s 3km access road, which makes for a scenic drive to the site, don’t miss the waterfall’s viewpoint on your left. Offering a front-row view of this wonder of nature, it can be accessed via a trail snaking through dense foliage. Once there, you can also swim in the base pool but be careful.
4. Le Morne Brabant
Located on the South West part of the Island, Le Morne Brabant is one of my favorite sites in Mauritius. Very few people know that Le Morne is a historical landmark. This giant rock submerged out of the earth, then witnessed tragedies during colonial times.
Today, Le Morne is known for its illusional underwater waterfalls, its hikes, and its gorgeous sandy beaches giving a Hawaiian vibe.
I recommend you to hike Le Morne. It usually takes around 3 or 4 hours depending on how fast you walk and how many breaks you take. Be careful, the path gets steeper at times. Don’t let this put you off though, it is an incredible hike.
I recommend hiking Le Morne early in the morning. And if you are a photographer amateur like me, the lights are going to amaze you.
5. Black River Gorges National Park
Having my best conversation with the monkey!
After heading to Le Morne, you should go to Black River Gorges National Park. It is also located in the Southwest part of Mauritius.
BRGN is the biggest National Park the Island has to offer. Kiss of falling leaves, gargantuan knobby roots underfoot and beautiful hills are a fairytale for various animals like monkeys. Needless to say, this park is better e
The main highlights are Alexandra Falls, Maccabée Viewpoint, Gorges Viewpoint, and Piton de la Petite Rivière Noire.
6. Macondé Viewpoint
Maconde Viewpoint is one of the most famous viewpoints on the Island.
In Mauritius’ history, the Macondé Rock served as a shelter for slaves who managed somehow to run away from their masters; nowadays it does not serve any other purpose than being one of the top photo spots for tourists to stop by while on their road trips to the south of the island.
It is so popular that you might need to expect a crowd on top of the rock; especially during the weekends, but we can’t blame anyone as the unobstructed view wins everyone’s heart! You’ll be amazed by how the calming waters of the West coast meet and merge with the wilderness of the south coast.
This area is a symbolic landscape for photographers.
If you are at Le Morne Brabant, you should definitely go to Macondé. To have the best picture either go early morning or right before sunset.
7. Tamarind Falls / 7 Cascades
Not far from the Black River Gorges, there are the most beautiful canyons in Mauritius known as 7 Cascades (waterfalls).
As beautiful as the canyons are, some paths are very dangerous. I recommend you go with a knowledgeable guide there.
8. Ganga Talao Grand Bassin
Apart from the religious aspect, Ganga Talao is one of the best temples you will see in Mauritius. It is compared to the Ganges river in India. The lake is filled with millions of fish and huge eels.
You should definitely visit this temple and the most beautiful thing is they allow you to visit without questioning your faith. The statues are about 33 meters and it’s said to be the tallest statues in Mauritius.
9. Pamplemousse Garden
The garden covers an area of around 37 hectares, and it is home to a wide range of plant species, some of which are endemic to the island.
The garden was first established in the 18th century, under French colonial rule, but it was later expanded and renovated by the British during their period of colonization. Today, it is one of the oldest and most well-maintained botanical gardens in the world.
One of the highlights of a visit to the Pamplemousse Botanical Garden is the collection of spice trees and plants, which includes nutmeg, cinnamon, and vanilla. You can also learn about the history and uses of these spices, and even purchase some to take home as souvenirs.
Another popular attraction in the garden is the collection of giant tortoises, which are native to the island.
For those interested in history, the garden also houses a small museum dedicated to the history of Mauritius and its colonial past. The museum provides insight into the island’s unique cultural heritage, as well as the ecological importance of the garden.
In addition to its stunning botanical displays and fascinating wildlife, the Pamplemousse Botanical Garden also offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of modern life. Visitors can stroll through the tranquil gardens, taking in the sights and sounds of nature, or relax in one of the garden’s many picnic areas.
The Pamplemousse Botanical Garden of Mauritius is a must-see destination for anyone visiting the island nation
10. L’Aventure du Sucre
Ever since the Dutch stepped ashore on Mauritius and introduced the sugar cane, the sugar industry has formed a great part of the history of Mauritius. At l’Aventure du Sucre you will learn all about the sugar-making process and about the colonial past that has been of such great importance to what Mauritius stands for today.
I can assure you it is not a boring museum visit; there is rum-tasting and sugar tasting in the visit.
11. Casela and Safari
One of the highlights of Casela is its safari experience, which allows visitors to get up close and personal with a variety of African animals. You can take a guided tour of the park in a specially designed vehicle, which offers great views of the animals in their natural habitats. Along the way, you may encounter lions, zebras, giraffes, and many other animals.
Another popular attraction at Casela is the zipline adventure, which offers the chance to soar over the park’s lush vegetation and enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and coastline. The zipline course is designed with multiple levels of difficulty, so you canof all skill levels c
For those who prefer water activities, Casela also has a range of options to choose from. You can go on a boat ride to explore the park’s lagoon, where they may see dolphins and other marine life. The park also has a waterpark with a range of slides and pools, providing visitors with plenty of opportunities to cool off and have fun.
Casela also offers visitors the chance to learn about the local culture and history of Mauritius. The park has a cultural village where you can see traditional Mauritian homes and crafts, and also offers tours of the nearby sugarcane fields and rum distilleries.
Casela World of Adventures is a great destination for families, adventure seekers, and anyone looking to experience the natural beauty and culture of Mauritius.
12. Bois Chéri Garden and Tea Factory
What many people don’t know is that Mauritius is also home to some of the world’s finest teas, including the renowned Bois Chéri tea.
Bois Chéri, which means “dear woods” in French, is a tea estate located in the southern part of Mauritius. The estate is situated in the midst of lush green forests and rolling hills, creating a picturesque and tranquil setting for tea lovers to enjoy. The estate was founded in 1892 by the Frenchman Pierre Poivre, who was also responsible for introducing many other crops to Mauritius, such as cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.
Bois Chéri tea is known for its unique flavor and fragrance, which is a result of the special climatic conditions of Mauritius. The island’s tropical climate, with its abundant sunshine and frequent rainfall, creates ideal growing conditions for tea bushes.
You can visit the museum and finish with black tea, green tea, and flavored tea blends.
13. Blue Bay and Ile aux Cerfs
Blue Bay and Ile aux Cerfs are two of the most stunning destinations in Mauritius. You can reserved a Catamaran day where you will visit the Islands, a waterfall and barbecues.
Blue Bay is located on the southeastern coast of Mauritius and is famous for its crystal-clear waters and stunning coral reefs. The bay is protected by a marine park, which ensures that the natural beauty of the area is preserved for future generations to enjoy. Visitors to Blue Bay can enjoy a range of activities, including swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving. The coral reefs here are home to a diverse range of marine life, including sea turtles, dolphins, and a variety of colorful fish. One of the most popular activities in Blue Bay is glass-bottomed boat tours.
Ile aux Cerfs is a small island located off the east coast of Mauritius. The island is famous for its beautiful beaches and crystal clear waters, making it a popular destination for tourists. One of the most popular activities on the island is parasailing. Parasailing is a thrilling activity that allows you to soar above the island and enjoy breathtaking views of the coastline. Moreover,The island is also home to a championship golf course, considered one of the best in the world. The course is located in a stunning natural setting, with views of the ocean and the lush tropical landscape.
14. Cap Malheureux Church
The church Notre Dame Auxiliatrice, also known as the “Catholic Church of Cap Malheureux”, is a popular landmark located in the northernmost part of the island of Mauritius. This beautiful church is famous for its bright red roof and its picturesque location by the sea.
The bright red roof is said the blood of Christ and is a common feature in many Catholic churches around the world.
The Church featured in a number of films and TV shows and is often used as a backdrop for weddings and other special events.
15. Bagatelle Mall
I decided to place the Bagatelle Mall at the end because I don’t think you’ll be traveling all the way to visit a shopping center.
But if you are looking for some good restaurants or a place to buy anything local, Bagatelle Mall is the perfect address. Moreover, if you want to buy some Mauritian spices, Intermart is perfect for that. There are various species like cinnamon, vanilla beans, or chilies, and the best part: they are cheaper.
Do not forget to leave a comment or let me know if I missed out anything 😉
