Words by Yvonne C Mtengwa
My recent editorial trip to Mauritius came as a surprise, activated bya quick chat with a dear friend who was representing a stunning resortas her new client. Travel is music to my soul, and has morphed from being a privilege to an absolute necessity as I endeavour to explore new destinations while sharing the incredible humans in my world, what makes our continent and surrounding islands so special…
Mauritius, a jewel in the Indian Ocean, offers a perfect blend of stunning beaches, lush landscapes, and vibrant culture. Many of my experiences over the sevendays we traversed the island piqued my curiosity, not only at the cultural diversity and historical richness that influences the people on the island, butthe power of geographic transformation through the forces of nature. With plenty to explore, here’s my hit list of topeight must-see and do experiences to make your Mauritian adventure unforgettable, should you find yourself planning a trip to one of the Indian Ocean’s prized touristic gems.
1. Immerse Yourself in the Beauty of Île aux Cerfs
This pristine island paradise is a short boat ride from the mainland and is spread over 87 hectares of mostly untouched land off the east coast of Mauritius. With its white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life, Île aux Cerfs is a must-visit for sun, sea, and relaxation. It is also a haven for golfers, boasting what is arguably one of the most beautiful golf courses in the world,the Ile aux Cerfs Golf Club, an 18-hole championship golf course designed by two-time Masters champion Bernhard Langer.Water sports and a host of land activities will also keep you entertained, with a wide range of restaurants on the ready for your culinary indulgence.
2. Discover the Seven Coloured Earths of Chamarel
A natural wonder, the Chamarel Seven Coloured Earths I can best describe as a unique geological feat, and a remarkableformation featuring sand dunes in seven distinct colours. This captivating spectacle is a photographer’s dream and a must-see for any visitor to Mauritius. Walking down the winding pathways across the park grants you a front row view of volcanic eruptions that spewed molten lava across the island millions of years ago, which eventually cooled and solidified into basalt rock.
Over centuries, this rock, exposed to the hot, humid climate, including intense heat, heavy rainfall and cyclones, broke down into iron and aluminum-rich minerals which oxidize at different rates, creating a variety of coloured oxides. The vibrant reds, purple and blue layers undulate across the park’s landscape, creating a captivating destination for lovers of nature and geographic processes alike!
3. Hike to the Summit of Le Morne Brabant
For adventure seekers, hiking to the top of Le Morne Brabant isn’t too challenging for the experienced hiker, but certainly takes some level of endurance and is a rewarding experience for all. This iconic mountain, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers breathtaking panoramic views of the southwestern corner of the island.Reaching the summit itself requires an added climb, as the landscape is deemed a nature reserve with access restricted by the Le Morne Heritage Trust. From rocky outcrops and some steep sections that may require the use of your hands when climbing, this trek is one that you’ll find enjoyable, especially if you start before the sun starts beating down on you, or you are not intercepted by rains that fall ever so often, sometimes at several intervals in a day.
4. Explore the Black River Gorges National Park
A treat for nature lovers keen on being enchanted by cliffs, the sound of streams of water flowing, sweeping views of the escarpment below and eery tree trunks that jut out into the sky from the dense forests that form the park. Black River Gorges National Park is home to diverse flora and fauna and the spectacular Alexandra Waterfall.
This lush rainforest is the largest protected forest in Mauritius, is spread across 17,000 acres of rolling landscape and deep valleys, boasts 50 km of walking trailsand is perfect for hiking, birdwatching, and experiencing the island’s natural beauty. A peaceful walk will expose you to the expanse of forest that is home to 300 species of flowering plants and nine species of birds endemic to Mauritius. You’ll also find some areas set aside for picnicking, where you can savour your packed lunch while enjoying the views that surround you.
5. Relax on the Beaches of Flic-en-Flac
Flic-en-Flac is renowned for its long stretch of white sandy beach, ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. Located in the district of Black River just 15 km south of Mauritius’ capital Port Louis, Flic-en-Flac isan easily accessible destination and offers plenty to get up to.From staying at lavish 5-star resorts, delighting in local cuisine served from abundant street food stalls and fancy restaurants, or experiencing a wealth of relaxed activities such as a simple leisurely stroll along the shore, unwinding with a good book as you take in the sound of the waves, it’s no wonder why it is one of the island’s most frequented locations.
6. Discover the Underwater World
Mauritius boasts a vibrant marine ecosystem, making it a paradise for snorkelling and diving enthusiasts. While one can explore colourful coral reefs, encounter fascinating marine life, and discover hidden underwater treasures through snorkelling, diving, or even going into a submarine, there’s also a unique phenomenon that you’ll come to hear about at some point while in Mauritius.
Did you know that Mauritius and its surrounding islands, including La Reunion and Rodrigues, are known as the Mascarene Islands and sit on an ocean shelf. Off the shore of Le Morne Brabant, you will be mesmerised by yet another unique spectacle – the Underwater Waterfalls of Mauritius, a display of sand and silt moved by the ocean’s currents to create an illusion of a waterfalls beneath the ocean’s surface. You can catch a glimpse of these “waterfalls” during a hike up Le Morne Brabant, but it’s certainly more impactful to take a flight onboard a helicopter or seaplane.
7. Visit Pamplemousses Botanical Garden
A haven of tropical plants and flowers, Pamplemousses Botanical Garden, formerly known as Sir Seewoosagur Botanical Garden, is a must-see for nature lovers, and one of the most visited attractions on the island close to Port-Louis. Stroll through the lush gardens, admire the giant water lilies, and learn about the island’s rich botanical heritage in a garden that grows a striking variety of tropical plants, with many of them only found in Mauritius.
8. Indulge in Mauritian Cuisine and Culture
It was particularly insightful to learn that there are no indigenous Mauritians, but rather the people of Mauritius boast multiple heritages and influences, which of course have transcended into thereligious, cuisine culture and societal norms. The island’s multi-ethnic and multilingual society forms a dynamic population that can be easily described as a “rainbow nation”, founded on the successive waves of European colonisation from the French, English and Dutch in centuries past. It was under French Rule between 1715 and 1810 that slave trade took root, with colonial masters bringing slaves for forced labour from mainland Africa and Madagascar. The passage of time further witnessed traders from India and China migrating to Mauritius, with the resulting multicultural ancestry leading to shared values and cultural expressions such as festivals and fostering an understanding between people of various ethnic groups.
I scheduled in a walking tour through Port-Louis with a guide from My Moris, an organisation offering exposure to the day-to-day life of Mauritians through cultural tours and authentic historical and dining experiences.Here I enjoyed the opportunity to savour the delicious flavours of the island’s cuisine, a fusion of Indian, Chinese, French, and Creole influences. From street food to fine dining, there’s something to satisfy every palate, and I certainly left the island feeling like I had travelled to different parts of the world through my Mauritian food and cultural exploration diaries!
An editorial trip of a lifetime!
The abundance of excursions I went on across the island were courtesy of Mauritius Tourism Authority, and I have them to thank for an incredibly robust itinerary that witnessed me not only explore the island, but also experience world class facilities, the island’s warm hospitality and the beauty of her people. I can safely say after my 7-day trip, that Mauritius offers an unforgettable experience for vacationers of all ages and interestsand is one destination I will certainly return to for more discovery of its plural cultures and biodiversity.
Yvonne C Mtengwa is the Founder/Editor-in-Chief of the award-winning Travel Essence Magazine, a Communications Strategist by profession, with an avid passion for discovering Africa and the Middle East’s iconic landscapes through her travels. Connect with and follow her travel, tourism, and lifestyle experiences on: IG @Quintessentially_yvonne.
