Eight places you must see in Mauritius

With historic sites, impressive nature, and a vibrant capital, there's plenty to explore on this Indian Ocean island paradise. Here's some of its highlights to get you started...

5 mins

1. Ebony Forest

View of Ebony Forest

View of Ebony Forest

Ebony Forest is a privately-owned conservation reserve with passionate guides and an interesting small museum. Take a guided hike or 4WD experience, plant a tree, and admire the far-reaching views from Sublime Point. 

2. Ile aux Aigrettes

See giant tortoises on Ile aux Aigrettes (Shutterstock)

See giant tortoises on Ile aux Aigrettes (Shutterstock)

Ile aux Aigrettes is home to the last remnants of dry coastal forest and is now a nature reserve dedicated to preservation and restoration of endemic flora and fauna. Join a prebooked eco tour with the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation to see the giant tortoises, pink pigeons and the endangered Mauritius fody. 

3. Black River Gorges National Park

Spectacular Alexandra Falls in Black River Gorges National Park (Shutterstock)

Spectacular Alexandra Falls in Black River Gorges National Park (Shutterstock)

National park which gives an insight into how most of Mauritius must have looked before colonisation. Explore the 60km of walking trails while looking out for the rare endemic species which live here, including pink pigeons, Mauritius kestrels and Mauritius parakeets. 

4. Bois Cheri Tea Plantation

The oldest tea plantation in Mauritius (Shutterstock)

The oldest tea plantation in Mauritius (Shutterstock)

The oldest tea plantation on the island. Visit early to see the tea being picked, before a visit to the small but very interesting museum, and then try a tea tasting of the many varieties produced (we like the vanilla). The restaurant offers imaginative dishes, many of which use tea in some way.

5. Pamplemousses Botanical Gardens

Formerly known as the Sir Seewoosagur Botanic Garden, this tranquil 33-hectare spot is the third oldest botanical garden in the world and is home to a wide variety of species, both endemic and introduced. 

6. Le Morne Brabant

Fantastic Le Morne Brabant (Shutterstock)

Fantastic Le Morne Brabant (Shutterstock)

This UNESCO World Heritage site is the coastal monolith where runaway slaves once hid. Local legend has it that on 1 February 1835, the day that slavery was abolished, soldiers went to tell the slaves the good news, but seeing them approach, the former slaves jumped to their death. They are now remembered at the Slave Route Monument at its base. Hiking and climbing the mountain is possible and you’re rewarded with spectacular views. 

7. Port Louis

Port Louis is the capital of Mauritius (Shutterstock)

Port Louis is the capital of Mauritius (Shutterstock)

Start at the citadel for a splendid view over the nation’s capital, including its churches, mosques and temples, along with its popular racecourse, before exploring its warren of streets below with their mishmash of architecture. The Natural History Museum displays a unique dodo skeleton. 

8. Get into or onto the water

Mauritius' waters are made for watersports (Shutterstock)

Mauritius' waters are made for watersports (Shutterstock)

Whether you’re into snorkelling, diving, kayaking, surfing or windsurfing, Mauritius has the perfect spot for you. Currents and winds vary around the coast, so do your research when booking. And if you don’t want to get your feet wet then there are always glass-bottomed boat tours! Whale watching trips run from the north coast in season (May to September).

 

About the trip

The author travelled with Pure Breaks.

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