01 July 2019

Discovering the green side of Mauritius

Unmissable excursions in the hinterland, for those who cannot resist breathtaking scenery in the middle of greenery and experiences in contact with nature

Mauritius is an enchanting tropical paradise in the Indian Ocean, known for its white sand beaches, turquoise lagoons, and rich coral reefs. The island offers a unique mix of cultures that creates a vibrant range of traditions. There are countless wonders of nature: in addition to the marine ones, the mountainous interior is dotted with waterfalls, jungles and tea plantations. The warm hospitality of the Mauritians and the variety of activities, from diving to nature excursions, make Mauritius an eclectic and fascinating green destination.

The luxuriantly green island certainly offers new horizons to be discovered. To be experienced in the name of adventure, with the passion of an explorer. The lush hinterland of Mauritius, with its many shades of green, reveals itself as an immense variety of landscapes and panoramas just waiting to be admired. From the volcanic reliefs, from which it is possible to contemplate the endless horizons that reach the ocean, to the fascinating waterfalls located in various points of the island, from tropical gardens to natural parks. Getting inspired is what you need to set out to discover new views.

Panorama Mauritius - Photo: © Daniel Malinowski

Mauritius from above

Half a day is enough to follow in the footsteps of Charles Darwin, who seems to have been the first to reach the summit of Mont Pouce, the mountain that takes its name from the characteristic shape that makes it look like a thumbs up. From the top of the third highest elevation on the island (812 meters), you can admire a 360° panorama of the northern part of Mauritius, including the capital, Port Louis. The highest peak is that of Piton De La petite Riviere Noire (828 meters), located further south. It is located in the western part of the Black River Gorges and, already halfway through, you can admire several viewpoints over the park, but also over the lagoon of Le Morne Brabant.

Moving further south, however, an excursion to Mount Le Morne Brabant offers a splendid view of the peninsula of the same name and the Indian Ocean. This site, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has also become the symbol of liberation from slavery and helps to tell an important piece of the island's history. Near Curepipe is Trou aux Cerfs, the most famous dormant volcano in Mauritius. The crater, surrounded by lush vegetation, is 605 meters above sea level and a lake has formed in its center. The panorama offered is a magnificent view of Mount Rempart, the Trois Mamelles and the Port-Louis-Moka mountain range.

Trou aux Cerfs - Mauritius

Botanical Garden of Pamplemousses. Photo © Daniel Malinowski

The Botanical Gardens

The Pamplemousses Botanical Garden is undoubtedly one of the most visited attractions in Mauritius.

Created over 300 years ago by the famous French botanist Pierre Poivre, the garden is the oldest in the Southern Hemisphere and boasts a plethora of native plants.

The Talipot palm or Corypha umbraculifera is of particular interest: legend says that it blooms only once every sixty years before dying.

The Curepipe Botanical Garden is also worth a visit: created in 1870, it is the second largest botanical garden in Mauritius and is home to some rare trees and native plants.

The waterfalls

If the aquatic heritage of Mauritius is represented to a very large extent by its coasts and the ocean, its splendid waterfalls are not to be forgotten. The Chamarel waterfalls, near the homonymous colored lands and known for their considerable height, can be seen from a very easy to reach viewpoint. To complete the excursion, it is certainly worth stopping for lunch at the Rhumerie de Chamarel and the adjoining restaurant. In the southern part of the island, the Rochester Falls are also not to be missed, "just" 10 meters high but of simple and authentic natural beauty. Among these waterfalls surrounded by vegetation you can swim, walk or climb. The Tamarin waterfalls can be reached with a slightly more challenging guided excursion, but certainly more than valid for the enchanting panorama it offers.

Chamarel Falls - Mauritius. Photo: © Daniel Malinowski

Black River Gorges National Park

Home to 311 species of native and endemic flowering plants and nine species of birds that live only in Mauritius, the Black River Gorges National Park is one of the island's main 'green' attractions; It covers an area of 6750 hectares.

The trip is an opportunity to get to know Mauritius better, which is located in the Indian Ocean, about 800 km east of Madagascar. This volcanic island is known for the human warmth of its multicultural population, white beaches and luxury hotels. Thanks to the tropical climate, along the coast even during the cooler seasons (particularly from May to September) temperatures rarely drop below 22°C; Mauritius is therefore the perfect destination for a trip at any time of the year. The island is also the ideal destination for water sports enthusiasts, golfers, hikers, culture lovers, those looking for relaxation in spas, honeymooners and families. Mauritius, with Port Louis as its capital, has 1.3 million inhabitants, including those on Rodrigues Island. Three religions coexist in harmony: Hinduism, Islam, and Christianity. The administrative language is English, but French and Creole are also used on a daily basis.

Edited by Lisa Maria River, Avion Luxury Magazine

Updated: February 2024

Source and photo: Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority Press Office.

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