Landscapes

The Black River Gorges National Park


		The Black River Gorges National Park is a 6,574-acre forest that has been declared natural reserve. It provides an excep tional platform for nature lover to explore its interior beauty and its unique as well as endemic flora, which exceeds over 150 species and some of the rare and endangered fauna such as Pink pigeon, Mauritius kestrel, Mauritius Bulbul, Mauritius Parakeet, Mauritian Flying Fox to name a few. The gorge has walk trails, which allows a comfortable hike or walk through the gorge, during the hike, one can encounter extraordinary sightings.

Plaine Champagne

Plaine Champagne is the highest part of the central plateau in Mauritius. From Plaine Champagne, you can steal an excellent view of the Black River Gorges and the Ocean. This area receives Rainfall varying from 1000 mm to 4000 mm.

Trou Aux Cerfs
		This is an ancient volcanic crater, reaching 85 meters deep, and 180 meters wide. In addition, it is a panoramic viewpoint offering an amazing view of almost entire Plain Wilhelm’s District.

Tamarind Falls

		This attractive falls in the southwest of Mauritius is behind an awkward reach, but it is worth all the effort. It is an incredible string of about seven waterfalls surrounded by green mountains. It is indeed one of the most beautiful and calmest spot in Mauritius, and the best spot for nature lovers, and an ideal retreat to find exotic plants and birds. We advise against the Visiting of this spot without a local guide

Rochester falls
		One more beautiful Waterfall situated near Souillac and surrounded by very meticulous and unusual shapes of cliffs.
Telfair garden- Souillac A small seaside garden overlooking the sea named after Dr. Charles Telfair along the craggy coast of the Savanne district. A popular viewpoint is found at the southern end of the village, right on the cliff top: Gris Gris. Gris Gris A popular viewpoint found at the southern end of Souillac village, the cliff top offers a spectacular view of the high waves thrashing against the cliffs, in total contrast to the usual coral reef barrier claded blue lagoon. Le Soufleur The coral reef, which practically surrounds the island, breaks off on the southeast coast letting the sea to open. The gushing sea waves hitting against lava rocks and cliffs, carves out array of masses and other coastline sculptures, the best known of which is Le Souffleur, where the high waves spurts up to 80 m high amidst the unique naturally sculpted rocks.

Chamarel- La Terre Sept Couleur

		A zigzag road from Case Noyale village leading to the interior of Chamarel; an undulating landscape of diverse contrasting shades of colors supposedly the result of the volcanic erosion. Chamarel estate also has an adventure park that provides many of adventurous sport options.

Chamarel Water Falls Adjacent to the falls, there is a breathtaking waterfall of Chamarel that rise from the moors and the native plants in the surroundings. Salt Pans

		See the native women indulging at their work in the saltpan; Tamarin is naturally the heart of salt production in Mauritius due to the high level of sunshine the district receives.

Ganga Talao - Grand Bassin

Ganga Talao is one of the two natural lakes of Mauritius. It rests within the crater of an extinct volcano. This site is also known as Grand Bassin, it is an important pilgrimage site, and many Mauritian of the Hindu faith walk here during the Maha Shivaratri festival. A statue of the Lord Hanuman is found on the top of the mount beside the lake. You can view the sight of “Plaine Champagne" from this top.

Pamplemousses

		The Royal Botanical Gardens of Pamplemousses is found in the village of Pamplemousses, around seven miles North East away from Capital city of Port Louis. This beautiful garden was once described as “one of the marvels of the world”, and for a long time had been ‘ranked third among all the gardens that could be admired over the surface of the globe’. The garden has been described with numerous names since its existence but Since 17 September 1988, the name has been changed to “Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanic Garden” named after father of the nation.

		The Royal Botanical Gardens of Pamplemousses owe its origin to François Mahé de Labourdonnais, the first and most famous French Governors of Mauritius, then called “Isle De France”. In 1735, he bought Mon Plaisir and created a vegetable garden next to his residence, which served his household and supplied to then the budding town of Port Louis and to the ships calling at the island. However, the credit for the present garden goes to Pierre Poivre as he was the creator of the present gardens; he gathered numerous indigenous plant species and other varieties from around the globe. In addition, the credit goes to Poivre’s worthy successor Nicolas Céré who devoted his life and most of his personal fortune to create the gardens. It is due to their sacred efforts that Pamplemousses botanical garden is today highly recognized among the leading naturalists, and acquired the worldwide fame as one of the oldest and the most remarkable gardens in the tropical countries for its botanical specimens.

Garden’s main attractions:
The Entrance Gate Poivre Avenue with Royal Palms -. Talipot Palms – Monument commemorating the planting of trees by Queen, Queen Mother, duchess, visiting V.I.Ps and representatives of the world Liénard Obelisk - Turning left on Labourdonnais Avenue which is flanked with the fairly rare yellow latan (Latania Sp.) from Madagascar, one encounters the Liénard Obelisk. The latter is a graceful white column of marble donated by Liénard and placed in the garden under the patronage of Governor William Stevenson in 1860. On one side of the monument is inscribed this philosophical saying from Bernardin de Saint Pierre: “Le don d’une planteutile me parait plus précieux que la découverte d’une mine d’or et un monument plus durable qu’une pyramide”. Concession stone with the impression of a “Fleur de Lys”, the Royal emblem of France. It is one of the corners of the concession originally granted by the French Government to a settler in the 18th century. Château de Mon Plaisir Acajou Trees Water Lily Pond Fernery Old Sugar Mill Tortoise Pen The ‘Grand Bassin’ Stag Park ‘Paul et Virginie’ Monument Bernardin de Saint Pierre Statue

Casela Yemen Nature Reserve

		This 25 acres bird park boasts as many as 1500 birds of almost 150 different spices including extinct Mauritian Pink Pigeon. It also offers well-maintained ponds, pet farms, restaurants and many more adventurous tour options within their annexed Yemen nature reserves of 4500 acres of nature. One can explore this incredible reserve through safari vehicles or quad bikes. Walk with Lions & Cheetahs -Experience a one-on-one encounter with Lions and Cheetahs! An exceptional sense of excitement, a unique, and a lifetime experience of acquainting to these otherwise ferocious creatures. As you begin your interaction with the animals, besides walking by your side, you get to see them playing and hopping all around the trees, riverbanks, and rocks.

Domaine Du Chasseur
This spectacular park of 2000 acre s is found amidst the mountains in the southeast. It is a virgin tropical Forest. Besides the gourmet restaurants, range of excursions such as hiking, 4x4 safaris, etc is offered to explore the flora and fauna. It is an exciting natural hunting ground with its forest-clad slops hosting herds of Monkeys, Deers and wild Boars. Domaine D'Ylang Ylang It rests at the foot of Anse Jochee Mountain inVieux Grand Port. Besides its panoramic vistas, It is known for its Ylang –Ylang Plantations out of which essential oil is distilled. One can enjoy som e scrumptious food and delicacies in the restaurant found here.

Le Park Naturel De Le Val

These 3000 acres of Natural Park is found on the Rose-Belle sugar plantation, in the district of Grand-Port. The isolated chimneys found on this property are reminders of early sugar factories. It is a classic paradigm of diversification project of sugarcane plantations. Some of the major attractions are Fresh water shrimp cultivation, anthurium greenhouses, mini aquarium, animals such as deer, sheep and other plantations such as watercress that are supplied to local market.

La Vanille Reserve Des Mascareignes (Crocodile Park)

		Enjoy the guided visit of this famous Crocodile farm, where thousands of Nile crocodile rests amidst the shades of banana, palm, and giant bamboo trees. Following the crocodile encounter, you can explore the Aldabra and Radiata species of tortoises wandering in their two acres park, where you can take a picture with Domino, the 90+ year’s old tortoise weighing almost as 270 kg. The reserves boast to have the world’s largest tortoise park. Besides the park, there is also insectarium boasting more than 23, 000species of insects. It took 30 years of patience to Mr. Jacques Siedlecki to put together this amazing collection. He generally greets the visitors himself while telling them about his passion and feeding them with more info on the insects. During the walk through the greenery of the park, you will get to see various other tropical Fauna such as geckos, monkeys, Madagascan tenrecs, java deers, Japanese Koi carps, fruit bats, and many other species. The park’s restaurant “Crocodile Affame”offers Crocodile steak for the food lovers. In addition, there is a jungle themed playground for the children.

Le Waterpark

		For the aquatic activity lovers, a water leisure park offers range of water rides, slides, pools, and activities for children and adults alike. In addition, they offer open restaurants “Le Table De Pirates” for adult while “Candy Spots” to attract the kids’ interests.