The African island of Mauritius, surrounded by turquoise ocean and sandy beaches, is a cultural melting pot with open-water access to the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Australia. The island’s tiny size makes it easy to tour the entire country, even if you’re pressed for time. Among the best things to do in Mauritius are sightseeing trips that visit popular sites like the Trou aux Cerfs volcano, the Grand Bassin crater lake, the Black River Gorges National Park, and the Chamarel Waterfall.
Chamarel Waterfall
The highest single-drop waterfall in the country is Chamarel Waterfall, which is located in Mauritius’ southwest. Nearly as tall as the Statue of Liberty, its thundering waves plunge 300 feet (100 meters) into glistening pools encircled by luxuriant foliage. One of the greatest photo ops in the nation is a visit to this picturesque location.
Curious Corner of Chamarel
The Curious Corner of Chamarel is a museum unlike any other in Mauritius, with interactive puzzles, forced-perspective photo opportunities, and mind-bending optical illusions and mirror mazes. It’s full with entertaining exhibitions for the Instagram era that make you laugh and question your assumptions.
Black River Gorges National Park
The majority of Mauritius’ surviving native rainforests may be found at Black River Gorges National Park, which also boasts some of the island nation’s most picturesque hiking routes. The endangered pink pigeon is one of the indigenous plants and animals found in the area. One of the most stunning waterfalls in the nation, Alexandra Falls, is accessible via a quick and well-liked climb.
Savanne District
The picturesque Savanne District, the southernmost of Mauritius’ nine districts, is renowned for its untainted, rocky landscape, beautiful beaches, and a number of important cultural landmarks. Traditional tropical getaways can be found in coastal resort communities like Bel Ombre and Souillac. Inland natural beauties like the Black River Gorges National Park are worth visiting, though.
Trou aux Cerfs Volcano
The Trou aux Cerfs volcano, which rises 1,985 feet (605 meters) above sea level, offers expansive views of the Mauritian countryside and its striking mountain ranges. Its enormous crater, which has a diameter of almost 980 feet (300 meters) and a depth of 260 feet (80 meters), is a sight in and of itself and makes a great place for a quick walk.
Seven Coloured Earth Geopark
Due to its distinctive volcanic geology, the Seven Coloured Earth Geopark is renowned for its multicolored sand dunes. Geologists are interested in the science underlying the separating soils, while fans of amusing photo ops flock for pictures of the striped show. Another attraction in the park is Chamarel Waterfall, Mauritius’ biggest single-drop cascade.
Casela World of Adventures
For good reason, Casela World of Adventures is one of Mauritius’ best family-friendly attractions. ATV riding, hanging bridges, a high-speed zipline, and a variety of African species that you can see on a safari with a twist can all be found there.
Bénitiers Island (Ile aux Bénitiers)
Crystal Coral, a coral formation off the west shore of this islet off the southwest coast of Mauritius, gives the island its name because it seems to float above the ocean. The island, which is less than half a mile (.8 kilometers) from the seaside communities of La Gaulette and Le Morne, was formed by a coral reef and is a popular place to go snorkeling and swim with dolphins.
Casela World
For good reason, Casela World of Adventures is one of Mauritius’ best family-friendly attractions. ATV riding, hanging bridges, a high-speed zipline, and a variety of African species that you can see on a safari with a twist can all be found there.
Gris Gris Cape
The Gris Gris Cape, a stunning but dangerous location where land meets sea, is located on the southernmost tip of Mauritius. Views of waves slamming against the “Roche Qui Pleure” (French for “the crying rock”) may be seen here. The name comes from the raging floods that give the impression that the rock is actually crying.
Bois Cheri Plantation
Since 1892, tea has been produced in southern Mauritius at the Bois Cheri Plantation. The plantation, which spans roughly 617 acres (250 hectares), includes fields, a production facility, and a museum where guests may learn about tea directly from the source.