Okay guys, what springs to thoughts while you consider Mauritius? Maybe it’s the white sandy seashores and turquoise waters? Or possibly you consider cherished up honeymooners and luxurious resorts? Effectively, you wouldn’t be incorrect, however I felt compelled to jot down this weblog put up as a result of there’s a lot extra to Mauritius than the stereotypical scenes listed above. I not too long ago took a 1 week journey out to Mauritius to go to my new social media shopper Royal Park. The purpose of the journey was to expertise “actual Mauritius”, and with born and bred Mauritian colleagues on my aspect, I gained a extremely distinctive perception into this paradise island.
After experiencing so many extraordinary facets of the island on my journey, it looks like flying all the best way to Mauritius to easily lie on a seashore could be considerably of a criminal offense (nice information for people who prefer to get out and discover). In the event you’re pondering of going to Mauritius, listed below are my different highlights to the island that can make your journey actually unforgettable.
South Island Helicopter Trip
In the event you’re on the lookout for one thing further particular to do in your journey to Mauritius, this must be it. Think about hovering over Mauritius’ rugged mountains, aqua marine coral limitations and luxurious emerald forests with an actual rush of adrenaline pumping via your veins. Air Mauritius operates 30 minute helicopter rides from Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Worldwide Airport (Mauritius’ solely airport). In the event you’re a little bit of an aviation geek, you’ll additionally love being escorted via the key employees passages of the airport and driving alongside the runway to the heli pad. The entire expertise is each breathtaking and exhilarating in equal measure.
Port Louis
Mauritius’ capital of Port Louis has lengthy been ignored by vacationers, who predominantly come looking for seashores and never a lot else. Nevertheless, this bustling business metropolis is bursting with tradition, heritage and appeal and it’s the right place to find out about Mauritius’ wealthy cultural historical past. The slender streets are break up into completely different cultural quarters with road distributors promoting every thing from materials to spices. One of the best ways to find Port Louis is on a strolling / biking tour with My Moris.
My Moris is a small begin up firm that is respiration new life into town and can take you to all of the hidden corners that you just wouldn’t end up. They provide a wide range of completely different excursions, however I went on their Outdated Trades and Artisans Tour and cherished it. The tour lasted 3 hours they usually took us to satisfy a captivating number of native artisans. I’d suggest visiting Port Louis on a day journey and for a touch of luxurious go to Labourdonnais Resort on the waterfront for breakfast or lunch.
Champs de Mars Racecourse
One factor to learn about Mauritian tradition is that horse racing is BIG. The well-known Champs de Mars racecourse is positioned in Port Louis and dates again to 1812 (it’s truly the oldest race course within the Southern Hemisphere which is one thing Mauritians are very pleased with). Framed by a rocky stretch of mountains, it’s essentially the most picturesque race course I’ve ever seen.
Each Saturday is Race Day, and locals come of their droves to observe the horses. It’s superb to see how passionate they’re concerning the jockeys and horses. There’s additionally now an rising quantity of savvy vacationers and ex pats who additionally come alongside to the race days, and normally pay for field tickets. A time out on the Champs de Mars racecourse would add an genuine slice of Mauritius to any vacation.
Casela Nature Park
My go to to Casela Nature and Journey Park was absolutely the spotlight of my week and I might urge everybody going to Mauritius so as to add this to their to do checklist! Earlier than I am going on, I wish to state that I strongly dislike zoos basically, and wouldn’t select to go to them wherever on this planet, however Casela is a lot greater than a zoo. The animals have an ideal high quality of life and it feels extra like a nature reserve than a zoo. Positioned within the south west of the island close to Flic en Flac, Casela is a tremendous time out for each households and adults.
Normal admission permits you to discover all 4 themed kingdoms and consists of actions reminiscent of a toboggan run, bus safari, giraffe viewing, large cat viewing and extra. However the magic stuff lies within the extra extras, reminiscent of zip lining throughout jungle ravines, breakfast with the giraffes, a quad safari and strolling with lions*. I did all 4 of those experiences they usually had been all unbelievable. In the event you love animals, a go to to Casela goes to be a spotlight of your vacation.
*While these lions are bred in captivity, they’re on no account drugged or sedated. The animals are nonetheless free to roam and have an ideal high quality of life within the nature park. We needed to signal a disclaimer earlier than the stroll to state we had been conscious the lions are wild and unpredictable. I did my analysis earlier than participating on this exercise and wouldn’t endorse it if it wasn’t above board. It was an unbelievable and interesting expertise that I’ll always remember.
Mountaineering Le Morne
In the event you like a little bit of a bodily problem, you’ll be glad to listen to that the mountaineering, biking and abseiling alternatives are limitless in Mauritius. Due to its volcanic and mountainous terrain, you’ll be able to take your decide from a wide range of climbs and hikes. The largest problem of all is mountaineering Le Morne; Mauritius’ highest peak. I didn’t get time to do that hike on my journey but it surely was extremely advisable to me by locals and would love strive it if ever return.
Grand Baie
Grand Baie is a captivating coastal city and port positioned within the north west of Mauritius. It’s bustling with outlets and waterfront cafés and is properly value slightly go to. Tucked behind the primary highway is a good little market promoting native wares and souvenirs and for those who go to round 5pm you’ll see the every day fish market on the waterfront. The number of tropical fish is superb and watching the locals make their picks is a good sight. Cease by Sundown Cafe (simply off Sundown Boulevard) for an iced espresso or a sundowner and watch the fishing boats are available to port.
Blue Bay Marine Park
Probably the greatest locations for snorkelling on the island is the gorgeous Blue Bay Marine Park. If there’s one place that can assure these image excellent azure waters, it’s right here. There are numerous excursions and packages you’ll be able to guide to expertise Blue Bay Marine Park, however ensure it’s in your radar.
Restaurant Suggestions
Throughout my week in Mauritius I used to be proven round by locals who know the island just like the again of their hand. They took me to some superb eating places which included…
Le Pescatore, Trou aux Biches – an upmarket seafood restaurant positioned proper on the waterfront in Mont Choisy. Get a desk on the terrace and are available early to observe the spectacular Mont Choisy sundown.
The Seashore Home, Grand Baie – an excellent informal bar and restaurant on Grand Baie seashore, serving the most important and freshest Madageascan prawns. This place is ran by a pleasant ex-Springbok South African man who stated he’ll give VIP therapy to anybody who visits and mentions The Travelista
What did you consider my different information to Mauritius? Has it made you see the island in a brand new gentle, or impressed you to strive one thing completely different on an upcoming journey? In the event you loved this put up, please go away me a remark within the field under and let me know
My time in Mauritius was not a press journey. It was a working journey to go and go to my new social media shopper, Royal Park Mauritius. Thanks to Royal Park Mauritius for internet hosting me throughout this journey, and for permitting me to expertise #realmauritius.
For extra details about planning a visit to Mauritius, go to Tourism Mauritius.
