Mauritius is full of wonderful things to do and see. Here are 10 of my top attractions.
1. Visit Ile aux Cerfs
Have a day out in the sun on this pretty island, situated on the east coast of Mauritius with an all inclusive tour. Tours includes transport from your hotel to Trou d’ Eau Douce, the boat trip across to the island, lunch and a trip to see a waterfalls.
2. See the seven colours of the earth
See the seven colours of earth at the Chamarel Waterfalls, it is small, yet impressive and makes for great photos. You are able to get there on your own (bus, taxi, car) or you can book a South West Tour which will take you to on a day’s round trip all around the South West of the island and includes several stopovers- including the seven coloured earth, the diamond factory in Floreal, the extinct volcano at Trou auc Cerfs, the sacred lake at Grand Bassin and the Black river Gorges
3. Pamplemousse gardens
This beautifully maintained garden is very close to Grand Bay, and getting there is very easy by bus. If you get hungry for some local flavor; stop at Chez Tante Athalie which is 2.5 km from the gardens. This restaurant comes with fantastic hospitality and allows one the chance to experience real Mauritian home-cooked cuisine.
4. Markets in Port Louis and Quatre Borne
If you feel like getting away from the pricey shops of Grand Bay, take a bus to Port Louis and get a local taste of how real Mauritians shop. If you want to go even more local, take another bus to Quatre Borne and get lost trying to navigate yourself around the tiny passageways with stalls selling everything from clothes, to shoes, to hair accessories, to sari’s and fabrics of all kinds.
5. Beaches
Of course you cannot come to Mauritius without taking a dip in the turquoise sea and lie on the white silky sand. In the north the beaches are mainly white, fine sand, but as you go east, the beaches change colour and texture and the sea changes from calm lagoon to roaring ocean. In the south, in Riviere des Gallets the beach consists of pebbles and at Gris Gris the ocean is rough and can be dangerous to swim in.
6. Attend an Indian wedding
You can either go in search of a home that has been decorated with lights and a huge tent in their backyard and then proceed to gatecrash the wedding (you will be most welcomed!), or you can make friends with some locals and then hope that someone that knows someone is getting married and you can crack an invite. It is a great experience, and a chance to eat with your hands off a banana leaf and jam to the energizing sounds of Punjabi and Bollywood hits.
7. Horse races
Horse racing has been in Mauritius since 1812 and every Saturday the entire country gears up for some horse action. There are 2 ways to enjoy the races at the Champ de Mars racetrack, the oldest racetrack in the southern hemisphere. You can just pitch up and mingle with the locals in the stands, bet, enjoy the food and great atmosphere. Or, if you want to experience how the elite of Mauritius enjoy the races, you can buy a ticket and will have access to the upper boxes and Crowne Lodge (especially catered for foreigners) and sip champagne with the high society. The dress code for this area is smart, sleek and sexy and if you are lucky you could have your photo taken and published in the weekly race magazines and newspapers.
8. Grand Bay
Enjoy beautiful views of the turquoise- coloured sea, either from land or take a trip in a catamaran. You can also go water skiing; take a ride on a glass bottom or speed boat and the ever popular parasailing.
9. Enjoy the nightlife
There are numerous clubs in Grand Bay; a popular one amongst the locals is Insomnia. There are also restaurants to suit everyone’s taste dotted on every street, open until late. If you are missing home, try out the Beach House which overlooks the bay. It is a South African run establishment with the main attraction being the big screen T.V’s to keep the expats updated with what’s happening back at home. Drop in for a late afternoon cocktail.
10. Taste the local food
A good choice is dhal puri, which is an Indian street food consisting of a lentil pancake filled with a light vegetable curry and some optional chili. Wash it down with some homemade lemonade. Another tasty meal is a roti filled with vegetable curry. It’s easy to spot the men selling these as they are always on a bicycle with a little glass cabinet in the front. The roti -men mostly hang out by the beach, so grab one (or two) of these on the way and enjoy your meal in the most perfect of settings.
Contact details
Ebrahim Travel and Tours
Reception at Royal Road, Grand Bay next to M.C.B Bank
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.etours.mu
Tel: + 230 421 1597/263 1454
Chez Tante Athalie
Route Royal, Pamlemousses
Email: [email protected]
Tel: +230 243 9266
