Mauritius Island Discovery
Seasonal Information
Experience Mauritius in a completely new way, creating unforgettable memories in beautiful regions around the island. Explore the highlights on offer and stay in boutique hotels that provide tranquil retreats in stunning locations. Sample local cuisine, visit temples and hike through national parks; there is so much to experience which is often missed on this paradise island. Mauritius is full of adventure! After a full day of discovery, dip into the warm turquoise Indian Ocean and unwind!
Mauritius
From beaches to national parks, here are the absolute best things to do in Mauritius:
The Capital, Port Louis
- Head to Caudan Waterfront shopping mall
- Check out China Town
- Visit Aapravasi Ghat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- See the sights, smells and sounds of Port Louis bazaar!
South Region
- Rochester Falls, Gris Gris and Souffleur (Whistle Hole)
- Heritage Nature Reserve, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
- Exil Canyon
South East Region
- Visit Ile Aux Aigrettes Island Nature Reserve and spot giant Aldabra tortoises, rare endemic plants, and colourful birds
- Maritime History Museum in Mahebourg
- Manioc Biscuit Factory and food market in Mahebourg
- Scuba dive or snorkel in Blue Bay Marine Park or Ile Aux Aigrettes island reef
- Visit Ile des Deux Cocos
- Climb Lion Mountain with a guide
- Visit La Valley de Ferney & Kestrel breeding
East Region
- River kayaking
- Ile Aux Cerf Island
- Belle Mare and Trou d’Eau Douce beaches
South West Highlands Region
- Bois Cheri tea plantation
- Kanaka volcano
- Holy Temple of Grand Bassin
- Guava fruit picking (seasonal)
- Chamarel & Alexandra Waterfalls
- 7 Coloured Earths and Ebony Forest tree planting experience
- Explore Black River Gorges National Park. Spot endemic birds while hiking along the river bed
- Le Morne cultural climb, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Relax on the white sandy beaches of Le Morne and Bel Ombre
North Region
- Visit Triolet Temple Shivala in Triolet Village
- Head to Grand Bay for shops and fine sandy beaches
- Take a guided tour of Pamplemousse Botanical Gardens
- Visit the Sugarcane Factory Museum
On arrival, you will be welcomed by a representative. They will explain the activities available throughout your trip and days out exploring the sights. Typically at each location, your stay will have 1 to 2 days relaxing at your leisure at the accommodation of your choice, with 1 or 2 days exploring the sights in the local area. Your guide will discuss what activities suit the days spent exploring the most.
The Mauritius Island Discovery can be tailored to your preferred duration, staying in boutique hotels, high end resorts or exotic lodges hand-picked to provide an authentic Mauritian experience. You will be able to explore the array of beautiful beaches, learn about the colonial history and the importance of Mauritius in the merchant shipping routes to Asia, as well as experiencing the multitude of cultures and religions through temple visits. One striking aspect of Mauritius is the dramatic scenery, with volcanic mountains towering high above the landscape, fringed by lush green vegetation and sugarcane fields, set in the backdrop of crystal blue waters and fine white sandy beaches. No doubt you will feel the urge to reach for your camera to capture the moments of your memorable discovery trip.
The 9 Night option allows guests to enjoy three nights in the East, Highlands and North of Mauritius. Each location has a choice of resorts to cater for a range of budgets, and travellers can mix and match throughout their stay to find the accommodations that suit them best.
The East region is home to beautiful beaches and is an ideal spot for watersports such as kayaking. Guests can choose to stay at the luxurious Constance Belle Mare Plage, a relaxing beachside resort with an array of facilities including 7 restaurants, 6 bars, a spa and fitness centre Sunrise Attitude, an adult-only hotel where guests can enjoy the tranquil atmosphere while gazing at the ocean, or Otentic Eco Lodge, Mauritius’ only eco glamping site with easy access to the Otentic River where guests can enjoy a range of watersports. The East of Mauritius boasts a range of beautiful locations including the scenic fishing village of Trou d’Eau Douce which dates back to the 17th century, the pristine white beaches of Belle Mare, and the private island of Ile Aux Cerf.
Your next three nights will be set in the luscious Highlands, where visitors can enjoy panoramic views from this stunning and elevated location. Choose between a stay at Lakaz Chamarel, an exclusive lodge which lies at the heart of the Black River gorge nature reserves, Bubble Lodge, unique transparent orb-shaped lodges that truly live up to their name and allow guests to fully immerse themselves in their natural surroundings, or La Vieille Cheminee, where guests can stay in a private eco-lodge set within the grounds of a tropical farm. The Highlands offer travellers a huge variety of incredible experiences, with trips to Kanaka Crater – a long-dormant volcano, the cascading waters of Alexandra Falls, Seven Coloured Earth – where the sand dunes appear in rainbow hues, the Ebony Forest which is home to around 140 endemic species, and many more fascinating and beautiful natural wonders.
On returning from the Highlands, guests can continue up into the North of Mauritius, where they can choose between staying at 20 Degres Sud Boutique Hotel – a luxurious and intimate hotel tucked behind an old coconut grove, Lagoon Attitude, a peaceful and eco-conscious seaside hotel, or Coin de Mire, where travellers can delight in sweeping sea views and colourful fishing boats. During the day, explore the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden, also known as the Pamplemousses Botanic Garden, and marvel at the 37.5 hectares of stunning water features, flora and fauna that makes up the Southern Hemisphere’s oldest Botanical Garden. Guests can also visit the L’Aventure du Sucre sugar cane museum and learn about the history of sugar and how it has shaped the island, take a day trip to Port Louis, sample delicious street food and take part in the Mangrove Planting Project to help restore the forests of Mauritius.
Guests visiting for 12 nights will then be able to move on to the South, famous for its rock formations and dramatic coast. Choose from a three night stay at either Heritage Le Telfair, a small but luxurious hotel, Heritage Awali, or Kaz’alala, an authentic and sustainable B&B that focuses on the local experience. The South Coast is home to a variety of impressive sites including Gris Gris beach, where crashing waves collide with the verdant, rocky cliffs, and Le Souffleur, a brilliant hiking spot where volcanic rock meets the Indian Ocean, and the pressure of the waves causes eerie whistling noises. Nature lovers can also visit the Heritage Nature Reserve and marvel at the amazing wildlife in a natural haven set between the mountains and the sea.
As this amazing trip begins to come to an end, guests will travel to the final destination; the South East of Mauritius. Choose between spending your final nights away at Preskil Island Resort, a private islet where guests can enjoy relaxing on sandy white beaches while gazing at Ile Aux Aigrettes and Lion Mountain, Astroea Beach Hotel, a modern and trendy hotel set beside sandy white beaches and overlooking Pointe d’Esny’s turquoise lagoon, or La Hacienda where guests can enjoy an exclusive stay on a guest house perched right on Lion Mountain, overlooking the south coast.
There is plenty to do here, such as visiting Blue Bay Marine Reserve where guests can see the stunning colourful coral gardens of Mauritius, as well as the marine species, fish and sea turtles that live among them. Visitors can also take a trip to the scientific research station at Ile aux Aigrettes and learn about the exotic plants and animals that have been introduced there, listen to the roaring winds that gave the Lion Mountains their name or enjoy an insightful tour of the Mahebourg Historical Naval Museum.
The beautiful blue lagoon and white sandy beaches will offer a relaxing start to your trip. Your hotel will encourage you to explore the local town Mahebourg for the city markets, and experience the hive of activity! Visit the Maritime Museum in the Old Grand Port region where you can learn about the maritime battles between the French and the English.
Visit Valley De Ferney and spot the rare Mauritian Kestrel flying high up on Lion Mountain. Take an optional boat trip to Ile Aux Aigrettes island, a nature reserve where scientific research is being carried out on endemic species of flora and fauna. Finally, take a dip in either the Blue Bay marine reserve or Ile Aux Aigrettes island reef, and snorkel with tropical fish.
Take the scenic route along the East Coast, known as the wild coast, here you will find vivid flora and beaches with crystal clear waters. Roads hug a winding coastline, passing fishing village after village. Travel along here, while being greeted by the friendly locals.
There is much to experience on this side of Mauritius. Take a boat ride to Ile Aux Cerf Island or relax on the long sandy beaches of Belle Mare and Trou De Douce. Head on a scuba dive to the outer reefs if you are staying in one of the high end hotels, or kayak down Grande Riviere Sud Est and see lush waterfalls when staying at Otentic Eco Tent.
Head north, and on the way visit the Botanical Gardens of Pamplemousse, famous for the Giant Lilly’s and an array of exotic plants. Many leaders of the world have visited the gardens and contributed by planting an endemic tree. Experienced guides can offer tours for a small charge to explain the history of the gardens and point out the tropical birds.
Travel further north to the pristine beaches renowned in this area, and spend the next few nights at your chosen hotel relaxing and enjoying local activities. Choose from an array of half day and full day optional activities during your stay from visiting Grand Baie and Pereybere beach to sailing and diving experiences.
If you are staying at Lagoon Attitude, book yourself on to the protected snorkel trail to see the coral reef in its full colourful display, then head to the Marine Discovery centre to learn what you have seen and how it can be protected. A day trip can be arranged to Port Louis and the Sugar Cane Museum, however it is better to do these activities while on route to the South Coast.
Visit the Sugar Cane Museum and learn about the main agriculture on the island. Mauritius now produces Demerara Sugar, which is known for its amazing quality.
Stop in the capital, Port Louis, with its lively fresh produce bazaars and local artisan crafts. Visit historical buildings such as Aapravasi Ghat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the museum, where you can see the skeleton of the famous extinct Dodo bird and a symbol of national identity in Mauritius. A must experience is stopping for some street food such as Dhal Puree and Gateaux Piment delicacies.
Head up to the central plateau stopping on route to see Kananka volcano with birds in abundance. Follow on to Grand Bassin, a holy temple set on the misty crater volcano. Here in February each year, the second largest Hindu pilgrimage outside India takes place and an estimated 60% of the people walk from all over the island to this place of worship. Visiting this place will allow you to understand the culture and the event’s meaning to the local community.
Add the option for a 1 night stay in Bois Cheri at Bubble Lodge for a unique experience in the Tea Plantation. Witness tea leaf pickers working hard at early sunrise. This option is subject to availability and should it not be available a day visit to Bois Cheri can be arranged along with Grand Basin Temple.
Adventure across the highest ridge on the island, visiting many natural attractions stopping at Alexandra Falls, Black River Gorge viewpoint and even picking guava fruit with the locals (between April and May). Explore Chamarel and the Seven Coloured Earths formed from rare volcanic eruptions thousands of years ago. Visit Ebony Forest to understand the reforestation of endemic tree species, as well as a trip to sublime point with spectacular views of the South West Coast. Finally, sample refined rum at the Rhumerie De Chamarel and learn about the process of making rum from sugar cane.
If you are into hiking or climbing visit Black River National Park, where you can walk on trails and potentially spot endemic birds such as the pink pigeon. Climb the UNESCO World heritage site Le Morne Mountain to view the magic of the underwater waterfall and learn of the symbolic cultural site.
Head to the South Coast and finish your discovery trip on high. The next few days can be as active or relaxing as you wish, but the temptation to explore will be strong.
Visit Gris Gris and Souffleur (whistle hole) on the rugged stretch of the south coast where waves crash dramatically against the volcanic cliff edges. Head inland to Rochester Falls for a refreshing dip.
Spend a day exploring the Heritage Nature Reserve recognised for its biodiversity and the neighbouring UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Hike through forests and river beds with experienced guides explaining the endemic flora and fauna of the island.
Relax on your last few days watching the sunset go down at the Heritage Resort, well known to have one of the most beautiful beach bays on the island.
Dates are flexible so please make an enquiry and tell us a range of dates you are considering so we can check availability.
- All Flights
Suitable for ages 18 to 80
Seasonal Information
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