Despite being a small island in the Indian Ocean, Mauritius offers a wide range of activities, from tranquility to adventure.
Mauritius is a small island in the Indian Ocean, but it will surprise you. Yes, it definitely fits the description of a "tropical island," but this place is much more than what first meets the eye. Check out Mauritius for a journey you won't soon forget.
The top 13 activities in Mauritius |
The top activities in Mauritius span a wide range, from an exciting array of activities to some of the best hotels you'll find, flanked by nature reserves, botanic gardens, and restaurants that will make foodies go crazy. When you combine this with the golden sand that is as fine as powder on its many beaches, you have an extremely unique place.
1. The Botanic Garden of Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam
What's that? Among the top botanical gardens in the world.
Why leave? These lovely gardens are frequently likened to London's Kew Gardens. But at Kew, to see and smell some of the most amazing tropical plants in the world, you have to enter enormous glasshouses. They grow in outdoor gardens here in the Pamplemousses region of Mauritius, which is a setting that is frequently not too different from their natural habitat.
Make reservations for a private guided tour to discover the location of the tree that cures flatulence and discover how the water lilies that emerge white among the enormous Amazonica lily pads close red a day later.
2. The Nature Reserve of Bel Ombre
What's that? A 1,300-hectare nature reserve managed by the Heritage hotel chain in the area.
Why leave? Quad bikes are the best way to experience the literal highs and lows of the Bel Ombre Nature Reserve's diverse landscape. Drive past fields of sugar cane, take in the breathtaking view over the Domaine de Bel Ombre, and look for waterfalls, rock pools, and native bird species like the Mauritius Kestrel, Pink Pigeon, and Mauritius Black Bulbul.
3. The Brabant Mountain Le Morne
What's that? On the Le Morne peninsula, which is located on the island's southwest border, is Le Morne Brabant Mountain.
Why leave? Because escaped slaves sought refuge on this rough mountain with numerous hidden caverns, it has come to represent freedom and is recognized as a Unesco World Heritage Site. It is advised that you hire a guide to make sure you climb safely and to learn about the flora, fauna, and wildlife you see along the way.
4. By Tante Athalie Chez
What's that? A real eatery that will serve you Mauritius' authentic cuisine.
Why leave? After the Portuguese found Mauritius for the first time in the sixteenth century, the Dutch, French, and British all took up residence there. The cuisine of Mauritius, a now independent nation, has been shaped by the preferences of both its previous occupiers and the migrant laborers who came to live on the island from China, India, and Africa. The result is a mouthwatering fusion of Chinese, Indian, European, and Creole-inspired cuisine. This is made clearer than anywhere else than on the Chez Tante Athalie menu. Enjoy a meal while taking in views of the peculiarly scattered vintage cars and constantly bustling flock of vibrantly colored birds.
5. L'aventure Sucre
What's that? Since sugarcane was brought to Mauritius by the Dutch in the seventeenth century, it has been the primary crop. The story of sugarcane is told in L'aventure Sucre.
Why leave? Situated in an old factory on the Beau Plan Sugar Estate, close to the Botanical Gardens, this museum tour starts with an interactive exhibition showing the processing of sugar cane and concludes with a tasting of various sugars and rums. On the estate, there's also a decent restaurant. Le Fangourin has an amazing cocktail menu that focuses on rum and serves up regional specialties and sweet treats with a touch of sugar from the area.
6. National Park of the Black River Gorges
What's that? A 16,680-acre national park in the island's southwest that has been largely preserved by nature.
Why leave? to return to the natural world and explore an untouched area of the island where rare native plants and animals continue to thrive. Nine bird species are unique to Mauritius and about 311 types of native and endemic flowering plants in this area. You won't find a store here, so bring your own supplies as you follow the paths around the gorges.
7. Exciting Adventure in Mauritius
What's that? For those who enjoy water sports, Mauritius is a paradise, offering activities like sea karting, kite surfing, and scuba diving. All of them are available at Fun Adventure.
Why leave? You have nothing to lose by giving them a try because the majority of the large resort hotels offer a variety of non-motorized water sports at an all-inclusive price. The island's warm waters make it the perfect place for water sports. Currently exclusive to Mauritius, sea-karting offers a unique perspective on the coastline; take to the sea in one of these speedboat carts.
8, Port Louis
What's that? The capital of Mauritius, Port Louis, is located on the northwest coast and is very different from the majority of the island, which is made up of small towns and beach resorts.
Why leave? It's an opportunity to learn about Mauritius's typical urban lifestyle. Savor the laid-back dining and shopping district at the Caudan Waterfront as well as the old city's architecture with hints of French colonialism. The large international brand stores must be avoided, but in between are some excellent local hidden retail finds. A fun place to visit is Chinatown.
9. The Zip Line at Casela Nature Park
What's that? an incredibly long zip line that takes you over Casela Nature Park, an adventure park and safari combined.
Why leave? This breathtaking and frequently terrifying thrill ride is not for the timid; you'll be zooming through canyons, sweeping across breathtaking scenery, and splattering into the water. There are single, double, and quadruple lines, where four people join together to ride together.
10. Talao Ganga
What's that? A crater lake called Grand Bassin, or Ganga Talao as it is more commonly known, is located in the isolated Savanne mountain region to the south of the island.
Why leave? This stunning, serene lake, located approximately 1800 feet above sea level in the very center of the nation, has Hindu temples and gods scattered along its banks. Many Hindu pilgrims travel in bare feet from their homes to the lake during the Shivaratri festival, which takes place in Mauritius between the end of February and the beginning of March. Upon arrival, they celebrate. Visitors are welcome to take in the spectacle, but please dress modestly to show respect for the worshippers. It's also a great place to stroll and see monkeys playing in the wild during slower seasons of the year.
11. Charters for JPH
What's that? the possibility of spending time with the bottlenose and spinner dolphins that swim in packs around the island.
Why leave? You won't want to miss the opportunity to get up early and observe these magnificent, amusing mammals up close. Near the coast, the best time to catch them is in the early morning, between 6 and 8.30 am. JPH Charters will take you to their hangouts on a speedboat and give you snorkel gear so you can witness their underwater antics as well.
12. The Chamarel
What's that? A distinct volcanic geological phenomenon that has produced swirls of seven distinct earth colors.
Why leave? It's an opportunity to witness a breathtaking natural wonder that defies comprehension that it isn't man-made. You have to look twice at that. In addition, getting there requires taking a panoramic route that passes by an 83-meter-tall waterfall and through a tropical forest.
13. The Bubble Inn
What's that? The most eccentric hotel rooms on the island, without a doubt. Located in the center of the largest tea plantation in Mauritius, Bubble Lodge is a semi-transparent eco-dome.
Why leave? Who would turn down the opportunity to camp out under the stars on a tea plantation in the middle of a lake? Along with half board at the estate's renowned fine dining Bois Chéri Restaurant, where the passion fruit rum is a must-try, your stay also includes a guided tour of the Bois Chéri tea factory, a visit to the tea museum, and an opportunity to explore the tea plantation.