14 Days (2 Weeks) Mauritius Safari

South – Mahébourg / Ferney Valley / Le Morne / Chamarel (3 days)

I recommend that you begin your two-week trip to Mauritius by exploring the island's southern region. When you fly into Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport in the Mahébourg area, you'll touch down in this area.
The southern region of Mauritius is largely undeveloped and home to some of the island's best preserved ecosystems. Forests, mountains, and natural valleys are just some of the stunning scenery you'll come across.
After you've dropped off your bags, I suggest spending your first day around the Mahébourg area to ease into things. The first stop on this 15-day trip should be Mahébourg, the island's southernmost and most recognizable city because it was the island's original capital.
Mahébourg is a charming seaside hamlet that is ripe for exploring the daily lives of Mauritian locals. The traditional Creole architecture, the array of charming stores, the waterfront, and the winding lanes all won me over.
Take most of your time in Mauritius by touring the Rault Biscuit Factory, where the island's signature cassava-based biscuits are made. The covered market is likewise lovely, with a wide variety of fresh produce and exotic spices.
Then, after work, drive the short distance to Blue Bay where you may swim, relax, and unwind on the beach. You could even go on a "glassbottom" (glass-bottomed boat) trip and see the ocean floor right below you!
If you have time, take the boat from Pointe Jérôme to Île aux Aigrettes, a bird refuge well worth a visit.
I recommend spending the morning of your second day in Mauritius at the Valley of Ferney as you continue exploring the island's southeastern coast. If you only have two weeks to spend in Mauritius, this trip is a necessity.
Located just north of Mahebourg, the Ferney Valley protects almost 200 acres of tropical forest and mountainous meadows. Wow, that's fantastic. You can spend two or three hours wandering peacefully and taking in the many views of the harbor of Mahébourg for the low, low price of eight euros (325 rs).
You can even take a 4x4 ride, which will get you even further into the valley. Last but not least, make sure you pack sturdy footwear that offers adequate protection from the elements, especially the sun and insects.
Between the municipalities of Mahébourg and Old Grand Port, the entrance to the Valley of Ferney reserve may be found at the site of a former sugar plant. You can't get to Mahébourg without using a taxi if you haven't leased a car.
Don't miss the opportunity to check out the mini coffee museum close to the front desk before hopping on a shuttle to the tour's beginning.
In the afternoon, head in the direction of the coast to the southwest. The remaining episodes are set in stunning Morne Brabant. Getting there by bus will take you until 2:30 or 3 in the morning (compared to just over an hour by vehicle).
Take the first bus running between Mahébourg and Souillac if you're taking the bus.
Souillac to Cape Bay, for the second
And Morne is served by the third bus from Cape Bay.
Use this webpage as a starting point for your bus route planning.
Le Morne, a coastal mountain that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a symbol of the island. She dominates the water's edge and the beach by the same name.
Morne is one of the most stunning beaches in all of Mauritius, and I highly recommend spending the rest of the day there. Like most Mauritius beaches, it's rather quiet during the week but gets highly crowded on the weekends.
Relax on the soft beach and take in the scenery, swim in the Indian Ocean, enjoy some water sports, and go for a stroll in the neighborhood if you so choose.
I suggest that you climb Mount Morne the next morning. This hike is doable without a guide, although it's highly recommended. You'll make lots of new friends and get invaluable local knowledge. The trails are treacherously precarious in some spots, but they'll help you find your way and keep you safe anyhow.
I would not advise bringing kids or anyone with a fear of heights to make the last hike to the peak. If you ever get the chance, you should climb to the top of Morne; the view is spectacular. The colors are stunning, and the effect is magical.
When I visited Mauritius for two weeks, it was one of my favorite excursions. It will take you roughly three to four hours to complete the entire climb.
Booking the guided tour for the ascent of Le Morne in advance, either through a travel agency or the hotel, is highly recommended. Check the schedule in advance, but tours are typically offered twice daily, first in the morning at 6 a.m. and again in the afternoon at 2 p.m.
I recommend Chamarel, which is close to Le Morne and only a short bus ride or taxi ride away from the beach, for your third full day in the area. As one of the primary natural marvels of Mauritius, often known as the Land of 7 Colors, Chamarel is one of the most visited locations on the island.
We paid 125 rs each (approximately 3 euros) to get in. Once there, head to the Chamarel waterfall via the unpaved path. Then, you'll find a lovely vantage point of the waterfall below. You can swim or go down to have a closer look at it if you're so inclined.
The site's main attraction can be found near the end of the path, which leads to a large clearing. In front of you will be a scene unlike any other, made up of ocher earth dunes in a rainbow of colors from hot orange to purple, via yellow and brown. The gradation of these hues is entirely organic, making for a very spectacular display.
You could actually walk on the 7-color Earth and take a sample off of it just a few years ago. However, access has been restricted since its preservation became a priority. If not for the many tourists who travel through, I doubt the Land of Seven Colors would exist in its current form. Visit duration should be between 1 and 1:30 hours.
You can always visit Rhumerie in Chamarel, right beside the site's exit. You'll get a crash course in the local rum-making process along with a sample of the finished product. The restaurant and retail space at La Rhumerie.
A museum dedicated to optical illusions, "Curious Corner" can be found just adjacent to the Chamarel site's main entrance. I know it doesn't sound appealing at first, but trust me when I say it will make you laugh and make you smile. We have a fantastic time together. Everyone can enjoy themselves throughout the 1 hour and 30 minute tour. What put a happy cap on the morning.
I advise spending the afternoon hiking in the Black River Gorges National Park, which is only a short drive or bus ride to the west of Chamarel, after having lunch in one of the tiny, traditional restaurants in the hamlet. With a total area of 6,754 acres, it is by far the island's largest natural park.
A scenic tour through the tropical rainforest is planned. You can go on an adventure to a place with lots of greenery and explore the local fauna, rivers, and waterfalls.
To avoid getting lost and to learn about the park's history and the native flora and fauna you'll encounter on your journey (including the illustrious Pink Pigeon! ), I recommend hiring a guide.
The duration of the guided hike is around 4 hours. There are a lot of routes to select from, so if you want to go for a solo stroll, make sure to get your bearings and pick your route ahead of time.

The North-West: Port Louis / Grapefruit

Port-Louis, the island's capital and the third stop on our 14-15 day road trip, is located in the island's northwestern corner. You will be immersed in the bustle of local life, far from the tranquility of natural landscapes and lovely beaches. Start your half-day trip to Port Louis with a dawn departure.
Tourist Attractions in Port Louis
• Shopping for fresh produce, spices, and other regional specialties is a breeze at the Queen Street covered market. Snacks and souvenirs (haggle for discounts) are also available.
• The Caudan Waterfront, the first and longest-running open-air mall on the island. It has charming little streets lined with stores and restaurants and mobile food carts lining the sidewalks. Check out the promotional video for Patrick and Rosie Latulipe's store, where you can buy only things made from cassava root—my personal favorite! There are theaters and a museum (the Blue Penny, with fascinating exhibits on Mauritius's past) as well as sea vistas. Weekends tend to be busier than weekdays, and many evenings feature live musical performances.
If you are going to Port Louis, park in the parking garage right away. You can get to most places from Caudan, and it's the easiest of the bunch to get to on foot.
Take a bus, car, or cab to Pamplemousses Botanical Garden after lunch on the terrace by the lake in Caudan; it's only 20 minutes from Port Louis.
This 37-hectare French botanical park was established by a French botanist in the 18th century. It's home to a wide variety of plant species from all over the world as well as those native to the area. Adult tickets cost 8 euros, while children's tickets cost 5.
Taking a stroll in the garden is a pleasant way to cool off after a morning in Port Louis's oppressive heat. The pathways are well-laid out, and you can see all sorts of interesting vegetation along them, including enormous baobabs and water lilies, palm trees of varying sizes and shapes, fragrant plants, and tropical fruit trees.
The tour is either self-directed or guided. The guides are warm and engaging, and they talk a lot. Self-directed tours allow for a more relaxed pace amid the plants, whereas guided tours require a lot more focus from visitors. The 1- to 2-hour guided tour covers a lot of ground, allowing you to learn as much as possible about the garden's history and collection.

The Tea Route

We are currently on our fifth day of a two-week trip to Mauritius. Learn more about Mauritius's tea culture today.
The Tea Route is a guided culinary and cultural tour that visits several locations across the island with the help of an expert guide and a private vehicle and driver.
Beginning in the Domaine des Aubineaux, close to the village of Curepipe, the Tea Route is broken up into three distinct phases. This manor was originally constructed as a colonial home in 1872. A distillery, tea parlor, gardens, and historic stables are all open to the public.
The next leg of the journey leads you to Bois Chéri, where you can learn more about the island's tea plantations. You'll also get to see where that famous drink comes from, as you'll get to tour a tea factory. There is also a tea museum to explore, and the tour culminates with a tea tasting in a quaint cottage overlooking the island's southern coast.
On the final leg of the Tea Route, you'll dine in a colonial mansion built in 1819 that was converted into a restaurant. The vanilla of Mauritius, a typical aroma added to the local tea, is manufactured in the "House of Vanilla," which you will tour along with the sugar mill and the rum distillery. After that, you'll be served an authentic Mauritian dinner to cap off the day.
This guided day trip (which will take approximately 5–7 hours to complete, not counting travel time between locations) will cost approximately 55 euros per adult (meals included) and 29 euros each child over the age of 5.
If you visit Mauritius, you must go on the Tea Route. It's done in a casual setting, and although it seems time-consuming, it really flies by. You can, of course, also visit these three locations separately, on your own time, over the course of several days.

Rodrigues

If you're spending 14-, 15-, or 16-days seeing Mauritius, I suggest spending the last three days on the little island of Rodrigues, located around 600 kilometers east of Mauritius. Take a flight to Rodrigues (it takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes).
Rodrigues is a small, tranquil island that is perfect for unwinding. Weekend travelers from all across Mauritius frequent this destination. Your brief time on Rodrigues, far from the Big Island's cities and beaches, will be accented by tranquility and natural beauty.
Since there isn't any mass tourism or large hotels, the local wildlife and lagoon are left untouched, and visitors can stay in a cozy B&B instead.
What to see and do in Rodrigues during the course of three days:
• Explore the beautiful shores that lie between Pointe Coton and Port Sud-Est in the island's eastern region. There are numerous sights to see, including little U-shaped beaches, long beaches lined with filaos, and small hidden coves all surrounded by azure and translucent sea. The beaches are virtually empty in the winter, which just adds to their allure.
• Mount Limon, at 393 meters above sea level, is Rodrigues' highest point. It takes only a few minutes to reach the top of Mount Limon. A stunning sunset is visible.
• The capital, Port Mathurin, is a charming seaside village full with brightly painted homes. Take a stroll around the side streets and stop by the market to pick up a memento or sample some regional delicacies.
• Visit Cats Island and Hermitage Island via boat. The natural beauty of these two small islands has been conserved admirably.
• Lagoon diving and snorkeling in Rodrigues are more exciting than in Mauritius because of the island's more diverse and well-preserved underwater ecosystem.
• Visit the Cocos Island, one of Rodrigues' most precious gems. Cocos Island, home to several bird species, is a great place to spend a day or half a day. Take a pirogue boat for an hour and a half from the West African community of Pointe Diamble. Once there, you can explore the entire island (which is just 1 kilometer long and 250 meters broad), enjoy the beautiful white sand, and look for some of the numerous species of birds that call the island home.

END OF THE 14 DAYS (2 WEEKS) MAURITIUS SAFARI