Mauritius is a small corner of paradise lost over 1865 km² in the middle of the Indian Ocean which attracts many tourists each year for its beauty, its extraordinary landscape and its pleasant tropical climate. Its isolation and its tropical climate have allowed the islet to develop an exceptional ecosystem, which will surely disorient you! If you are lucky enough to be able to spend a stay on this magnificent island surrounded by Reunion Island to the West and Rodrigues Island to the East, here are 6 places you absolutely must visit!
Summary
- 1/ The Great Basin
- 2/ La Vanille Reserve des Mascareignes
- 3/The plain of Chamarel
- 4/Le Morne Brabant
- 5/ Ile aux Cerfs
- 6/ The Black River Gorges National Park
1/ The Great Basin
This lake from an old volcanic crater has it all. Located in a mountainous region of the Savanne district, the lake is the most sacred Hindu place in all of Mauritius. There is a temple erected in honor of the goddess Shiva where the local population believes that it contains the holy waters of the Ganges. During Maha Shivaratri , a Hindu festival, Mauritian pilgrims walk barefoot from their homes to the sacred lake in order to meditate and pray. There is also a statue of Shiva which overlooks the whole place. The place is respected by all and offers a fascinating atmosphere , immersing us in the heart of Hindu and Mauritian culture.
2/ La Vanille Reserve des Mascareignes
This zoological park located in the south of the island will allow you to visit and discover new animal and plant species with your family . The star of the park is the Nile Crocodile , but it is possible to discover iguanas , caimans , giant tortoises , monkeys and mongooses … A variety of mammals, not to mention the incredible collection of 20,000 species of insects that make from her one of the most important private collections of insects in the world . At the end of your visit, it is even possible to taste crocodile meatin a small specialized restaurant! So, want to taste?
3/The plain of Chamarel
This plain is home to very nice little corners of nature, including two spots not to be missed. The Seven Colored Earths are dunes of earth with different colors in brown tones. This unprecedented formation is due to the erosion of volcanic ash which has acted on these rocks to form these magnificent colors, but also to temperature changes which have accentuated the phenomenon . There is also the Cascade de Chamarel, about 100 meters high, which offers a sumptuous panorama. You can even swim there!
4/Le Morne Brabant
Located in the south-west of the island, Le Morne is a peninsular mountain near the coast and classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The place is also symbolic for Mauritius, as it represents a page in the history of the island . Indeed from the 17th to the 18th century, during the colonization of the island, it was there that it was easiest for slaves to escape from their masters (marronnage). Le Morne is therefore the symbol of the fight against slavery in Mauritius. The position of Le Morne offers an exceptional view of the surrounding lagoon .
5/ Ile aux Cerfs
This large islet located in the east of Mauritius is characterized by its magnificent white sand beaches and clear water with superb bluish colors . The place is perfect to relax and enjoy a warm, pleasant and light-colored environment. There are also activities such as parasailing, golf or other water sports to make the most of the incredible nature of this place.
6/ The Black River Gorges National Park
This park covers more than 6574 hectares of endemic fauna and flora of Mauritius, including 3.5% of the overall ecosystem of the islet. More than 300 species of plants have been recorded, and very rare birds live only in this park, such as the Pink Pigeon. Many hiking trails have been laid out to cross the park and discover the exotic character of the Mauritian environment. On the program, exceptional hikes leading to the Piton de la Petite Rivière Noire, panoramas on the Cocotte mountain, but also on waterfalls, gorges and other peaks .
