Okay guys, what springs to thoughts once you consider Mauritius? Maybe it’s the white sandy seashores and turquoise waters? Or perhaps you consider beloved up honeymooners and luxurious resorts? Nicely, you wouldn’t be improper, 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 lately took a 1 week journey out to Mauritius to go to my new social media consumer Royal Park. The intention of the journey was to expertise “actual Mauritius”, and with born and bred Mauritian colleagues on my facet, I gained a very distinctive perception into this paradise island.
After experiencing so many extraordinary facets of the island on my journey, it looks as if flying all the best way to Mauritius to easily lie on a seaside can be considerably of a criminal offense (nice information for people who prefer to get out and discover). For those who’re considering of going to Mauritius, listed below are my various highlights to the island that may make your journey really unforgettable.
South Island Helicopter Trip
For those who’re searching for one thing further particular to do in your journey to Mauritius, this needs to be it. Think about hovering over Mauritius’ rugged mountains, aqua marine coral limitations and plush emerald forests with an actual rush of adrenaline pumping by your veins. Air Mauritius operates 30 minute helicopter rides from Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Worldwide Airport (Mauritius’ solely airport). For those who’re a little bit of an aviation geek, you’ll additionally love being escorted by the key workers 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 searching for seashores and never a lot else. Nevertheless, this bustling business metropolis is bursting with tradition, heritage and allure and it’s the right place to find out about Mauritius’ wealthy cultural historical past. The slender streets are cut up into completely different cultural quarters with avenue distributors promoting every thing from materials to spices. The easiest way 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 beloved it. The tour lasted 3 hours and so they took us to fulfill 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 situated in Port Louis and dates again to 1812 (it’s really 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 look at the horses. It’s superb to see how passionate they’re in regards to the jockeys and horses. There may be additionally now an growing quantity of savvy vacationers and ex pats who additionally come alongside to the race days, and normally pay for field tickets. A day trip 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 need to state that I strongly dislike zoos basically, and wouldn’t select to go to them anyplace on this planet, however Casela is a lot greater than a zoo. The animals have an amazing 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 day trip for each households and adults.
Basic admission means that you can discover all 4 themed kingdoms and consists of actions akin to a toboggan run, bus safari, giraffe viewing, huge cat viewing and extra. However the magic stuff lies within the extra extras, akin to zip lining throughout jungle ravines, breakfast with the giraffes, a quad safari and strolling with lions*. I did all 4 of those experiences and so they have been all unimaginable. For those who 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 amazing high quality of life within the nature park. We needed to signal a disclaimer earlier than the stroll to state we have been conscious the lions are wild and unpredictable. I did my analysis earlier than collaborating on this exercise and wouldn’t endorse it if it wasn’t above board. It was an unimaginable and interesting expertise that I’ll always remember.
Mountain climbing Le Morne
For those who like a little bit of a bodily problem, you’ll be glad to listen to that the mountain climbing, biking and abseiling alternatives are countless in Mauritius. Due to its volcanic and mountainous terrain, you possibly can take your choose from a wide range of climbs and hikes. The largest problem of all is mountain climbing Le Morne; Mauritius’ highest peak. I didn’t get time to do that hike on my journey nevertheless it was extremely really helpful to me by locals and would love strive it if ever return.
Grand Baie
Grand Baie is a captivating coastal city and port situated within the north west of Mauritius. It’s bustling with outlets and waterfront cafés and is properly value a bit of go to. Tucked behind the primary street is a superb little market promoting native wares and souvenirs and should you go to round 5pm you’ll see the day by day fish market on the waterfront. The number of tropical fish is superb and watching the locals make their choices is a superb sight. Cease by Sundown Cafe (simply off Sundown Boulevard) for an iced espresso or a sundowner and watch the fishing boats are available in to port.
Blue Bay Marine Park
The most effective locations for snorkelling on the island is the gorgeous Blue Bay Marine Park. If there’s one place that may assure these image good azure waters, it’s right here. There are numerous excursions and packages you possibly can ebook to expertise Blue Bay Marine Park, however be certain 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 situated proper on the waterfront in Mont Choisy. Get a desk on the terrace and are available early to look at the spectacular Mont Choisy sundown.
The Seaside Home, Grand Baie – an excellent informal bar and restaurant on Grand Baie seaside, 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 various 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? For those who loved this put up, please depart 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 consumer, 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.
