Dodging the downpours? Feeling the chill? Spring may me on the horizon but that doesn’t mean it’s getting any warmer. We could all do with a tonic from the meteorological trials we face in Britain at that this time of year, and they hardly come any better than a holiday to Mauritius. This gem of an island in the Indian Ocean spoils visitors not only with its breathtaking natural beauty and year round sun but also its long list of great things to see and do, too.
1] Do go chasing waterfalls
At 100 metres, Chamarel is the island’s tallest and, arguably, prettiest waterfall. You can ascend the neighbouring steps to reach a spectacular viewing platform complete with dizzyingly beautiful views.
Top Tip – Don’t forget to pose for a photo & make your pals back home green with envy.
2] Skyfall
Adrenalin junkies don’t get left out in Mauritius. Skydive Mauritius offers tandem jumps so even first-timers can get their opportunity to experience the ultimate rush as they float through the air above the island’s famously verdant topography.
Top Tip – Book early to secure your jump and avoid disappointment.
Skydive in Mauritius and get a bird’e eye view of paradise.
3] Shop til you drop
From thrill seeking to retail therapy, the top 10 things to do in Mauritius is a varied list. Grand Baie is a cosmopolitan area teeming with shopping boutiques plus great restaurants and bars so you can take a load off after all that shopping! There’s a bustling bazaar for all you bargain hunters too.
Top Tip – ‘Sunset Boulevard’ is the street for jewelry lovers.
4] Step back in time
Mauritius’ colonial past has left behind some stunning examples of the signature architecture of the period. Maison Eureka is a wooden mansion nestled in highlands near Moka. Tour the grand house and take tea while you survey the wonderful views from this unique perspective.
Top Tip – Be sure to view the antique furniture
and authentic photography for a real sense of history.
5] In a while, crocodile
The ill-fated dodo may have flown the coop, but Mauritius is still home to some fascinating animals. La Vanille Crocodile Park lets you pay them a visit. Say hello to monkeys, giant turtles and bats, as well as the crocs.
Feeling Peckish? Order crocodile curry at the park restaurant, if
you must be reminded who’s really top of the food chain!
6] Just hanging around
If La Vanille Crocodile Park is where you’ll encounter the fascinating fauna of Mauritius, The Pamplemousses Botanical Garden is the place to appreciate its flora. 60 acres of undulating landscape comprises various palm tree species, tranquil lakes, giant lily ponds and fruit bat trees, complete with their namesake residents hanging around (upside down of course).
Top Fact – Green fingered dignitaries such as Ghandi and Mandela have
planted trees here; well worth a visit.
7] Get off the beaten track
The Black River Gorges National Park invites adventurous spirits to hike the ancient forests for a genuine sense of Mauritius’ natural assets. Thousand of hectares of trails, gorges, waterfalls, rocky peaks and sweeping vistas reveal 300-plus different flower species, and you may even spot the famous pink pigeon, too.
Top Tip – Pack sensible shoes and bottled water
as some trails can take a few hours to complete.
Mauritius boasts some of the most picturesque golf courses on Earth.
8] Tee-off in tranquility
Golfers could hardly dream of a more picturesque venue for a day on the links. Mauritius’ golf courses, flanking ocean or mountain as they tend to do, can inspire even a beginner to hit a hole in one. Heritage Awali is a 5-star Golf Spa Hotel taking full advantage of its glorious setting. Its championship 18 hole course holds a par 72 and boasts a popular club house for that well-earned post-round tipple.
Top Fact – Heritage Awali’s golf course was designed by Peter Matkovitch
of the famous architecture firm Matkovitch & Hayes.
9] Culture vultures meet the dodo
A visit to the National History Museum in Port Louis is a great way to take in Mauritius’ culture and history. It houses some of last remaining skeletons of the island’s symbolic former resident – the dodo – and you can learn all about the story of this famous, flightless beast.
Top Fact – The dodo’s fate was sealed when it appeared on the dinner plates of 17th century sailors. Possessing neither flight nor fear of humans, it was just too easy to catch
10] The final furlong
Despite all the action, there’s ample opportunity in Mauritius to don your Sunday best and sample some sophistication. The socialites and jetsetters gather at Champ de Mars Race Course on Saturdays to place their bets, soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the canapes, cocktails and of course, horses.
Top Fact – The Champ de Mars is the oldest race course in the Southern Hemisphere.