Mauritius: exploring the deep blue
21 Mar 2013
Visitors to Mauritius, off the south-east coast of Africa, experience cultures, religions, and historic and culinary influences from Britain, France, Africa and India, amid the buzz of urban island life.
Shop ’til you drop
Port Louis, the nation’s capital, is a great place to give your credit card a workout. The city has mall-style shopping along the waterfront, and markets worth visiting for bargains and souvenirs. While in the capital, visit one of the world’s oldest racecourses, Champ de Mars.
Those keen to indulge in the luxury travel the island is famous for can visit the resorts, villas and hotels around the coast to soak in the swimming pools, lie on the beach, enjoy spa treatments or sip cocktails while watching the sun set over the Indian Ocean.
Wildlife
A visit to the Black River Gorges National Park, which covers about two per cent of the island and is located in the south-west corner, is a chance to encounter more than 300 species of plants and nine species of birds. The park is accessible by car and can also be explored on foot.
More adventurous travellers will find themselves face-to-face with big cats at the Casela Nature and Leisure Park, where a walk with the lions is an opportunity not to be missed. Accompanied by professional guides, visitors enter a special part of the park where they literally walk among the lions. Be sure to follow the rules though – these are wild animals, and the consequences of startling them or straying from the human pack are just as you would expect.
Under the sea
Formed approximately 10 million years ago by a volcanic eruption under the sea, Mauritius is now protected by a coral reef barrier that stretches around almost the entire coastline. It is famed for its pristine, white, sandy beaches and sparkling seas. Beneath that blue water you’ll find a huge variety of sea treasures, so borrow snorkelling gear from your hotel or resort and dive right in, or board the Blue Safari submarine to explore the ocean beds and see 17th-century shipwrecks.
Say your prayers
Among the island's sacred sites is the famous red roof chapel, located on the northern-most part of the island. Admire the beautiful woodwork structure of the picture-perfect chapel overlooking a cobalt lagoon. The sacred lake of Grand Bassin (left) is a magnifi cent Hindu temple located in the mountains. A holy lake is surrounded by temples, shrines and colourful statues.
On the sea
The clear, gentle sea creates great conditions for paddle boating, kayaking or exploring on a catamaran.
Head to the La Carangue jetty in Rivire Noire and, in the safe hands of a friendly crew, set sail on a cat to explore the west coast. To see the island from this perspective is a truly breathtaking experience, and if you are lucky you will spot frolicking pods of dolphins.
Join us!
Join PSPL on a trip to Mauritius for Probus members from 30 July to 11 August. Contact Trade Travel for more details and to book.
E: [email protected]
T: 1800 645 103 (toll free) or +61 7 5574 3733.
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