Beach Monkey
Mauritius: Beyond the Beach
Whilst many travellers are content to stay on the beach when visiting Mauritius’, the island’s stunning natural landscape is ideal for exploring. You only need to travel a little beyond the beach to experience another side to this enchanting island. Catamaran cruises regularly depart for smaller offshore islands, including the coconut plantations on Benitiers Island and the sand bank of Ile Aux Cerfs. When doing so, you can pass bird colonies on Coin de Mire Island, and perhaps even be lucky enough to spot dolphins and whales. Many of these islands are surrounded by lagoons or reefs, which can make excellent locations for snorkelling in the warm, clear waters.
Towards the south west of the island lies the Black River Gorges National Park. Wild, hilly and remote, its network of hiking trails through the forest lead to waterfalls and viewpoints with stunning vistas – be sure to keep an eye out for kestrels, colourful parakeets and chattering monkeys along the way. This is very much ‘DIY trekking’ – but guides can be hired at the visitor centre, where maps are also available.
Whilst many travellers are content to stay on the beach when visiting Mauritius’, the island’s stunning natural landscape is ideal for exploring. You only need to travel a little beyond the beach to experience another side to this enchanting island. Catamaran cruises regularly depart for smaller offshore islands, including the coconut plantations on Benitiers Island and the sand bank of Ile Aux Cerfs. When doing so, you can pass bird colonies on Coin de Mire Island, and perhaps even be lucky enough to spot dolphins and whales. Many of these islands are surrounded by lagoons or reefs, which can make excellent locations for snorkelling in the warm, clear waters.
Towards the south west of the island lies the Black River Gorges National Park. Wild, hilly and remote, its network of hiking trails through the forest lead to waterfalls and viewpoints with stunning vistas – be sure to keep an eye out for kestrels, colourful parakeets and chattering monkeys along the way. This is very much ‘DIY trekking’ – but guides can be hired at the visitor centre, where maps are also available.
Also in the south west region is Chamarel – a small and unassuming village that is home to two popular natural attractions. The Chamarel Falls cascade more than 100 metres down the cliffside and a trip through the sugar cane plantations lead to the coloured earths: seven colours of earth formed by volcanic activity set contrastingly against the lush green backdrop of the hills. The giant tortoises that reside there are also worth visiting.
Travel inland to Curepipe, almost in the centre of the island, to Trou aux Cerfs. This dormant volcano has a crater that is 300 metres in diameter and 80 metres deep. From its summit it offers incredible panoramic views: you can look west to the Rempart Mountain; north west to the giant Corps de Garde; and spot the capital, Port Louis, in the distance.
For a complete escape, take a 90 minute flight to the tiny volcanic island of Rodrigues, located 500km off the north east coast of the mainland. Over one million years old with a mountainous landscape and predominantly African and Creole population, a visit to this largely unspoilt island seems a world away from mainland Mauritius – or indeed anywhere. Surrounded by coral reefs, Rodrigues’ warm waters are ideal for beginner-level divers, or for land-based activities try cycling or hiking along the coastline.
Mauritius holidays will be remembered for a lifetime, so embrace your adventurous side: don your hiking boots, snorkel or helmet and set off to make the most of your time away.
About the Author
Janine Barclay writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.
monkey on the beach
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