The pristine beaches and the translucent blue sea water are the main attractions of Mauritius.But as one moves further inland, other beautiful spots unfold. Hikers and walkers will be delighted to experience numerous paths and tracks which are easily accessible . Some circuits can even be covered in half a day while others can be more challenging and will make you sweat especially in Summer!
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THE TRACKS |
The Black River Gorges and its surroundings are ideal for nature lovers. Indeed, in the midst of this lost haven lies an immense nature reserve (6574 ha) endowed with a humid sub-tropical primary forest. Hiking enthusiasts, at beginner level or more experienced, will surely enjoy the endemic flora and the rare species that render this remote location so special.
Various tracks are proposed based on their accessibility: the Macchabée forest (a reserve and also a hiding ground for the rarest species) will lead you to the Piton de la Petite Rivière Noire, the highest peak on the island; the most daring amongst you will have a go at Bel Ombre where you will be mesmerised by the tropical forest. The Valriche nature reserve located in this region contains a wide variety of endemic, indigenous, medicinal and fruit trees. You will surely not miss the fauna dwelling there in their natural habitat such as the deer, wild boars, monkeys, bats and rare bird species such as the Grosse Cateau Vert and the Paille en queue.
There are several service providers which offer hiking excursions with varying levels of difficulty as well as simpler activities. You may go down the canyon at Eau Bleue and Tamarind Falls or you may climb the cliffs at Albion. You may also hike on high altitudes and enjoy amazing scenery visible from the highest mountains of the island (Piton de la Petite Rivière Noire, Le Pouce) or the Montagne du Lion at Grand Port which is close to the airport ...
You may also choose between the quad bike, 4 x 4 or just a mountain bike to explore the landscapes and the natural sites off the beaten track.
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THE ISLETS |
Be Robinson Crusoe for a day and visit one of the many lovely small islands surrounding Mauritius. There are about twenty of them and their names conjure up fantastic images: Ile Ronde, Ile aux Bénitiers, Ile aux Aigrettes, Ile aux Deux Cocos, Ile d'Ambre, Ile aux Cerfs ... Some of them, such as l'Ile Ronde and l'Ile aux Aigrettes, have been proclaimed natural reserves and are home to several rare bird species such as the paille-en-queue, the fouquet and the kestrels.
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SCUBA DIVING |
Its extended coral reefs and fish-abounding lagoons have earned Mauritius the reputation of a favourite spot for scuba divers. One can go diving all year round though the best time is between October and March. The depth of the lagoon and the shoals in the northern part of the island are particularly well appreciated. The most convenient spots are found at Holt Rocks (Pointe aux Canonniers), where morays, clown-fish and the golden perch are plentiful and at Kingfish Kingdom (Mon Choisy) which is a 50 m deep, level III spot . Also not to be missed is the impressive Sharks' Hole (Ile Plate) which, as its name suggests, gives one the unique opportunity to admire from close a large variety of sharks such as the blacktail shark, the reef shark and the black tip reef shark.
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