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Mauritius is blessed with a warm tropical climate making it a much sought-after all-year-round destination. Boasting roughly 100 laid-back beaches; a warm sea lapping its shores; spectacular lagoons; beautiful coral reefs and so much more. If you are on the hunt for that special vacation experience, Mauritius is the place to be.
The country’s greatest drawcards are its idyllic climate, stunning beaches and safe sea bathing but it has so much more than that to offer the visitor. We list below some of the top tourist attractions to be found in and around Mauritius.
Mauritius Botanical Garden
Mauritius Botanical Garden, a.k.a. the Pamplemousses Garden/SSR Botanical Garden, is, a without doubt, one of the country’s most popular tourist attractions. It is the oldest botanical garden in the Southern Hemisphere. Famous for its giant water lilies, spice garden and unique collection of 85 varieties of palms. Of special interest is the Ebony tree planted there by Nelson Mandela on 11 September 1998.
Black River Gorges National Park
Located in the hilly southwestern part of Mauritius, this beautiful nature reserve has two information centres and quiet picnic areas. If you feel sufficiently active you can take one of the hiking trails to the highest point on the island, Black River Peak. The park protects most of the island’s remaining rainforest and is home to many species of wild animals, such as the flying fox, and bird species such as the Mauritius kestrel, pink pigeon and Mauritius parakeet amongst others.
Île aux Cerfs Island
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Île aux Cerfs Island, (known in English as the Deer Island) is famous for its sandy beaches, beautiful lagoon and big selection of activities to ensure a day of relaxation and fun. Here you will find some of the world’s most beautiful beaches and as such, it is one of the must-visit places in the country.
Port Louis
Port Louis is the capital and largest city in Mauritius. Apart from its scenic setting, it has some great attractions for all tourists. These include Fort Adelaide (a.ka.a. La Citadelle), three museums, the Caudan Waterfront, the Mauritian Chinatown and the bustling Port Louis bazaar which in itself is a must-visit attraction in the city.
Grand Bassin
Grand Bassin, is a lake situated in a secluded mountain area in the district of Savanne, in the heart of Mauritius. The Hindus of Mauritius declared it a Holy lake because it is said that the water in the lake communicates with the waters of the holy Ganges River of India. Beside the lake, there is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and other Gods and overlooking the lake is the statue of Mangal Mahadev which is 33 meters tall, making it the highest statue in Mauritius.
Chamarel park – 7 coloured earth & Chamarel falls
The “seven-coloured earth” of Chamarel park is a geological curiosity and a major tourist attraction. It is the only place in the world where you can find earth of seven colours in one place. These vary in colour from brown, to violet, to green, to purple to name a few. The waterfall is simply wondrous to behold with three distinct streams plunging 100 metres down into the gorge below.
Trou aux Cerfs
Trou aux Cerfs is an 85-metre-deep extinct/dormant volcano which was estimated to be active some 600,000 to 700,000 years ago. In the centre of the crater, there is a small lake. From the viewpoint of the crater rim, you will be treated to a spectacular view of most of Mauritius Island.
