History

Of volcanic origin and generally sheltered by barriers of coral reefs forming natural, safe, crystal clear lagoons, Mauritius has long been a dream destination. Known to the Arabs as early as the 10th century, but officially “discovered”in 1505 by the Portuguese navigator Pedro Mascarenhas, the island was occupied successively by the Dutch (1598-1712) and the French (1715-1810), and was ceded to Great Britain in 1814 through the Treaty of Paris. On 12 March 1968, Mauritius became Independent. Republic Day was proclaimed on 12 March 1992.

What to see and do in Mauritius

Watersports
Mauritius' long sandy white beaches are naturally protected by a coral reef, which encircles almost the entire island. The clear and calm waters off the coast make conditions for all types of watersports that include scuba diving, snorkelling, windsurfing, water-skiing and kayaking.

Deep-sea fishing
Mauritius is a paradise for deep-sea fishing, the area outside the reef being home to one of the most prolific deep sea fishing areas. Species include the blue or black marlin, all types of sharks, yellow tuna, the Bonitos, the ‘emperor’, the ‘pélerin’, the ‘bécune’or the barracuda.

Huge fishes like the Blue Marlin roam our seas and hunt around the island from November to April, and very often until May.
The ocean is 70 metres deep one kilometre away from the coast. Mauritius holds several world-fishing records (IGFA), including that of the mako shark of 1115 pounds, the blue shark of 400 pounds, a bonito of 41.5 pounds, a white tuna of 224 pounds and a ‘bécune’of 125 pounds.

Underwater activities
One of the most spectacular ways to explore the ocean beds is to go on board the Blue Safari submarine. You will enjoy a superb encounter with the marine life and get a chance to see various wrecks dating back to the 17th century. Night diving, “honeymoon”diving and training sessions are available.

Le Nessee, a semi-submersible, will provide you a one-hour trip under the sea in complete safety. A unique experience with optimal viewing for passengers of all ages. And for those who want to experience the feeling of walking on the seabed, there is an Undersea Walk.

Places to visit

Grand Baie
Grand Baie was the first area of the island to fully experience the tourist boom. A shopping and leisure paradise, Grand Baie is also where Mauritians head when they want a fun-filled night out (restaurants, bars and discos).

The Triolet Shivala
The longest village on the island, Triolet offers an opportunity to visit the biggest Hindu temple, the Maheswarnath, first built in 1819 in honour of the Gods Shiva, Krishna, Vishnu, Muruga, Brahma and Ganesha.

Flacq Market
Flacq is one of the most important villages in Mauritius. This meeting point for inhabitants of the East boasts the country’s largest open-air market. The extremely colourful market attracts a large number of people.

Ile aux Cerfs
Ile aux Cerfs is a paradise for water sports and has the most beautiful beach in Mauritius. You cannot afford to miss this tiny island, delicately poised on the ocean, a real pearl in the Mauritian landscape. Full day tours to the island include a fish barbeque that defies description.

Ile aux Aigrettes
Owing to the remarkable work accomplished by the Mauritius Wildlife Fund, the island has become an international standard for the protection of natural resources and endangered species. A few of the world’s rarest birds, including the kestrel, can be seen there. You can also discover the extremely rare Pink Pigeon, the Green Gecko Phelsuma and the Aldabra giant tortoise.

Mahebourg
Mahébourg is one of the main fishing villages on the island. Built on the magnificent Grand Port Bay it was founded in 1804 by Governor Charles Decean.

Martello Towers
The Martello Towers represent the scene of the ancient rivalry between old colonial powers and the ingenuity of mankind. They are a milestone in the island’s history; they symbolise the end of slavery and the beginning of Indian immigration.

Chamarel
A winding road leads from Case Noyale village to the coloured earths of Chamarel: an undulating landscape of different and contrasting shades of colours. The different shades of blue, green, red and yellow are said to be the result of the erosion of the volcanic ash. The neighbouring waterfalls of Chamarel rise from the moors and the native plant life. The site possesses a rare beauty.

L’Aventure du Sucre
Visit an interactive and ultra modern exhibition situated at the heart of an ancient sugarmill and discover the fascinating history of Mauritius and its sugarcane adventure exposed over 5000 sq meters! Then, let yourself be tempted by the tropical boutique with its unique gifts, souvenirs and tasting of special unrefined sugars as well as local rum.

Ganga Talao - Grand Bassin
Beyond La Marie and Mare-aux-Vacoas is Ganga Talao, one of the two natural lakes of Mauritius. It rests within the crater of an extinct volcano. It is an important pilgrimage site and many Mauritians of the Hindu faith walk there during the Maha Shivaratri festival or the night fasting dedicated to Shiva.

Pamplemousses Gardens
The Gardens are known to naturalists throughout the world for their large collection of indigenous and exotic plants, including the giant Victoria Amazonica water lilies and many species of palm trees. The 60-acre garden boasts 500 different species of plants, of which 80 are palms. Of particular interest are the giant water lilies, a spice garden and the Talipot Palms, said to flower every 60 years after which they die.

The deer and tortoises are a delight for youngsters, whilst an old French mansion, Château Mon Plaisir, and an old sugar mill conjure up pictures of Mauritius’rich historical past.

Central Market
The picturesque Port-Louis central market continues to be a meeting point for Mauritians looking for a “cari” (curry) or “dithé” (tea). Here you will find all the ingredients that help to create the charm of Mauritius: local crafts, vegetables, famous “dholl purris”as well as herbal tea sellers. Built in 1844 the market is currently being renovated.

China Town
Enjoy a picturesque and affordable visit to Port-Louis’Chinatown. The sellers of boiled chow mein and fish balls form part of the picturesque scene in an area where you can find almost anything at an affordable price.

Caudan Waterfront
Caudan Waterfront has become an unavoidable route for those who wish to have a taste of the best of Mauritius. Offering more than just rows of shops and restaurants Caudan Waterfront also enables you to discover Mauritian expertise in all fields, as you stroll around the area. Fast food or gourmet cooking, jewellery and local crafts, everything to suit all tastes.

For further information and itinerary opinions contact us at:

Tel : +27 11 887-5262
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