Mauritius
On the dancing waves of Mauritius
If you are planning a trip to Mauritius, you probably already know that it is famed for its beaches and water sports, but it is also known for its natural beauty and cultural heritage, all of which adds up to a wealth of eco-attractions for visitors to enjoy sustainably.
The natural landscape of Mauritius offers ample opportunities for biking, hiking, and mountain climbing in the verdant hills and forests. You do not want to miss the opportunity to witness the majesty of the Morne Brabant mountain on the South-West tip of the island, or take in the breathtaking views of the waterfalls after trekking through the Black River National Park with a chance to observe the endemic flora and fauna like the endangered Mauritius kestrel, the pink pigeon and the echo parakeet.
You could also visit a nature reserve like the one on Aigrettes Island, off the South-east Coast, where you could come across native species such as the the Telfair’s Skink as well as the Aldabra giant tortoises. There are so many spectacular viewpoints of natural beauty that you will struggle to fit them all in, from Rochester Falls in the south, and the Chamarel seven coloured earth sand dunes and waterfall in the south-west, to the Ferney Valley in the south-east where you can take a kestrel feeding tour, or the Tamarind Falls in the south-west. At various attractions in the south, and south-west you can try canyoning, zip lines and Nepalese bridges.
Of course Mauritius offers a wealth of water sports, and nature lovers will no doubt want to seize the opportunity to try diving or snorkelling to witness some of the world’s most awe inspiring coral reefs and marine life. The island is almost completely encircled by a barrier coral reef that is home to sea anemones, sponges, and a variety of multi-coloured fish including Damselfish, Boxfish, and the popular Clown Fish, which offer a magnificent display for divers. Mauritius also offers nature lovers the opportunity to swim with Dolphins off the West Coast, and for Whale watching, with Sperm Whales observable all year round, and Humpback Whales spotted from July to November.
Mauritius also has a rich cultural history, and visitors can discover more about the island’s people and its past by visiting one of the many museums, such as Aapravasi Ghat, which is also the historical landing site of indentured labourers. You can also visit a tea estate on the ‘tea route’, such as Bois Cheri or Saint Aubin, or an old sugar estate like the Domaine de Labourdonnais. As you are out and about don’t miss the opportunity to get to know some of the locals, you will always find someone willing to have a chat!
We recommend that you choose a local tour operator that will help you enjoy the attractions and participate in activities sustainably, without disturbing the environment and wildlife.
Dancing through your heart
The Mauritian sega is a pinnacle for the Mauritian people to express their joy and entertain themselves.The music is upbeat and resisting its rhythm is almost impossible as you see the Mauritians swinging around twirling, in elegant but also expressive and hypnotic movements.
This dance is their traditional dance and forms part of Mauritian culture. Once on the island, many of these accommodations offer shows where sega is involved as a way for you to be entertained but also to meet the dancers and let the Mauritian spirit invade your body as you dance through the night.
Quick Info
Attractions Map
Take a look at the map to find what type of accommodation can be found in different areas of Mauritius
Mauritius Cuisine
Discover the type of food you can expect to find in Mauritius depending on the type of accommodation you are staying in
Know More!Mauritius Cuisine
If you are staying in;
- Luxury resorts and hotels - you can expect a range of international cuisine, both a la carte and buffet style
- Self-catering apartment/villas - you have the option of buying from the local market and experimenting, or trying some of the local restaurants and street vendors
- Guest Houses/Lodges - you can generally enjoy local cuisine, that is perhaps more refined or you might be lucky to experience some authentic food from the past
- Bed and Breakfast - while the breakfast might be basic, with bread as a staple, you can explore the local cuisine during your excursions, and try out restaurants and street vendors
Your Local Connection
Who would know the island better? A local operator can customise your holiday with unique experiences
Hotel Alternatives
Experience a different side of Mauritius by staying in a lodge, villa, bed and breakfast or apartment instead of a hotel
Know More!Hotel Alternatives
When you stay in a luxury hotel in Mauritius you obviously have the advantages of having your every need taken care of. However there is a tendency in these circumstances to stay within the resort and not experience the country authentically.
Consider trying an alternative accommodation type such as a self-catered villa, a studio apartment or a bed and breakfast by the beach or even an eco-lodge set in the wild South, which will allow you to experience a holiday where you can truly connect to the local environment and the Mauritian culture.
Staying in self-catered accommodation also gives you the freedom to choose sustainable activities that suit your interests and schedule, so you can go for a hike in the Black River National Park at a time that suits you or spend as long as you like at an attraction like the Casela Adventure Park instead of having a timetable imposed on you.
You also have the opportunity to sample local and international cuisine at the variety of restaurants available, or to try your hand at cooking with some of the seasonal produce, like jackfruit, okra and an array of leafy greens from local markets and sample some exotic fruit while you’re there. Sometimes you may even find fishermen selling seafood at the beach! All in all choosing alternative accommodation to a hotel can create a more immersive travel experience not to be missed.
Mauritius Accommodation Portal
Discover more about the types of accommodation available in Mauritius from studios and villas to luxury hotels