Mauritius Travel Guide: A bond for life and giant tortoises as witnesses

After I reported to you, among other things, about the many weddings in Mauritius in my article Mauritus – Where you can dance at 10 weddings at the same time, this part now continues in a very animal way.
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Mauritius Holiday Report: Part Two

After telling you about the many weddings in Mauritius in my article Mauritus – Where you can dance at 10 weddings at the same time have reported, this part now continues in a very animalistic way.

La Vanille Nature Park in Mauritius: Home to many giant tortoises

The "La Vanilla Nature Park" we didn't just choose it by chance, because there is a very special attraction there, or rather a lot of big and small attractions: because in addition to many native animals, such as fruit bats, there are crocodiles and giant tortoises. Yes, giant tortoises! My heart jumped for joy! If I ever got married in Mauritius, giant tortoises would be my groomsmen and flower girls. There are turtles of all ages here: from newly hatched to over a hundred years old. The turtles were originally "imported" from the Seychelles. For a few rupees you can buy special animal feed and be very close to the animals.

I was a bit shocked by the signs saying that you are not allowed to ride (!) the turtles! Apparently, many people lack respect for these animals. A childhood dream came true for me. I have always wished to face these wonderful creatures in person and touch their shell. I asked a zoo employee if the turtles felt something when you stroked their thick shell and her answer surprised me: "Yes, they actually like it!" Nevertheless, they are of course not cuddly toys and you should treat them with a lot of respect.

The park itself is manageable and especially recommended for families. I quickly felt transported back to my childhood. And was instantly snapped out of my daydream. Because be careful: swinging is strictly forbidden for adults in this park! A park employee didn't show a lot of humor after he warned me not to use the swings because they were only for children. Apparently, as an adult woman, you shouldn't behave too playfully and conspicuously in Mauritius. At least that was my impression. Otherwise we had a fantastic day in the jungle of the park.

The Grand Bassin: One of the largest Hindu pilgrimage sites outside of India

After our trip to the park, we stopped at "Grand Bassins", the largest Hindu pilgrimage site outside of India. Thanks to the big Shiva statue you can see the pilgrimage site very well from afar. The 33 meter high figure is the tallest statue of Mauritus. A hairy surprise awaited us at the entrance of Ganga Talao. Wild monkeys jumped and bathed directly at the temple complex. The wild monkeys like to be fed by the tourists. Apparently we were lucky with our visit, because there weren't too many tourists around, so we were able to see everything in peace.

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Breathtaking sunsets with a spectacular color spectrum

We just enjoyed nature for the rest of our stay in Mauritius! I think there were some of the most breathtaking sunsets I've ever seen. And no sunset was like the other! Each day ended in an unpredictable spectrum of colors and shapes. I had never discovered the perfect climate for me in any country before. I didn't sweat or freeze. Especially at night I could just go outside in a thin dress without a jacket and relax and watch the stars.

Towards evening the flying foxes land in the palm trees and tenrecs like to get lost under a lounger. One night I ran away screaming because I thought I was being chased by a chubby rat. But something made me suspicious about the animal. At first it seemed to run towards me like a small dog and then I noticed that the little one was missing a rat's tail. Until we found out that it was a Tenrec. By the time we understood that, however, it was already too late and the little one was over the mountains.

Impressive play of colors on Mauritius

On the last day of our trip I didn't want to leave! I would have loved to have taken the ocean, the sunsets and the weather with me! Rarely have I felt so sad to have to leave a place as in Mauritius. Something mysterious surrounds the island. A pure, original beauty that can even be felt in the air. This island has a very special soul. So I can imagine coming back sometime.

My Mauritius travel guide

Attractions in Mauritius

Here is my small, personal selection of excursions in Mauritius. As already mentioned, Mauritius is extremely diverse and therefore offers a wide range of sights and activities.

Flic en Flac

In Flic en Flac you will find the longest stretch of beach on the island. Although the place is very touristy, you will also meet locals on walks who meet on the beach, eat together and play music. Flic en Flac symbolizes the "postcard Mauritius" with its lush panorama. The beach offers everything that belongs to paradise: fine sand, spectacular views, water sports activities and clear water. Swimming is possible on this beach, but due to a separation from the deeper waters, it is less suitable for swimming.

Le Morne Brabant

Le Morne Brabant is a 556 meter high mountain in the southwest of Mauritius. The terrain on which the rugged mountain stands has been privately owned for centuries. The mountain has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 2008. Today you can go on exciting hiking tours there and learn a little more about the history of the island. However, hiking and climbing on Le Morne is not entirely easy and quickly becomes a sweaty affair. Those who are particularly courageous can also climb the mountain to the summit cross. You will be rewarded with a breathtaking view over the lagoon.

La Vanilla Nature Park

This park is highly recommended for families and animal lovers, especially turtle lovers. Anyone who, like me, has always wanted to come face to face with a giant tortoise will get their money's worth here. There is also an extensive insectarium, including butterflies from all over the world. The opening times are from 08:30 a.m. to 17:00 p.m.

Mont Choisy Beach

The Mont Choisy Beach is a very idyllic and rather quiet, fine sandy beach in the northwest of Mauritius between the towns Pointe aux Canonniers and Mont Choisy. Despite its central location in what is probably the liveliest holiday region on the island, the beach is by no means overcrowded. You can swim and snorkel here.

Ganga Talao – Grand Bassin: Hindu pilgrimage site

If you are interested in the largest pilgrimage site outside of India, you have come to the right place. There is a very special atmosphere in this place. Grand Bassin is the name of the crater lake which, according to legend, is connected to the holy river Ganges in India. It is relatively quiet here during the weekdays, but on the weekends between late February and early March, more than 400 believers make the pilgrimage to the Holy Lake and offer their offerings.

Botanical Garden in Pampelmousses

The botanical garden in Pampelmousses or also Sir Seewosagur Ramgolam Botanical Garden (the official name of the park) is always worth a visit, but especially in spring you can experience an unforgettable spectacle of colour. From giant water lilies to countless liver sausage trees to palm trees that only bloom every 30-80 years and much more awaits you in this special botanical garden, which was originally a vegetable garden 300 years ago. The park can be easily reached via a motorway and is very well signposted. There is free parking in front of the park. The opening hours are 08.30 a.m. - 17 p.m.

underwater waterfall

What?! There is an underwater waterfall and it's actually in Mauritius? Unfortunately, I only found out about this after I've been back in Germany for a long time (why didn't anyone tell me?) Maybe you've seen satellite images that appear to show a waterfall under water. How does it work? Of course, this is an optical illusion, but in its way it is unique in the world. Because powerful ocean currents remove the sand from the coast of Mauritius and wash it into deeper regions of the ocean, this creates the impression of an underwater waterfall. The explanation does not take away the magic of the surreal sight. You can marvel at this phenomenon with your own eyes via a helicopter flight.

Food in Mauritius

Wanderlust goes through the stomach! For me, a journey is always a journey of the senses of taste. In Mauritius you will find delicious curries in all possible variations, as well as fresh vegetables, rice and fish. A popular snack between meals is roti with dhal or dholl, a kind of crepe filled with yellow lentils.

Hotels: Where to stay?

Mauritius also offers a wide range of options for small and large budgets when it comes to accommodation. We were at Sofitel Mauritius L'Imperial Resort & Spa and couldn't have been happier. From the location to the facility to the food, everything was perfect. The only thing that was partially lacking was the service. This was particularly noticeable in the restaurant. While the staff did their jobs accurately and precisely, they were often very rude, unfriendly, and lacked any joy or cordiality. That's the only point deduction, because the behavior didn't match the rest of the hotel complex.

The staff at the front desk, on the other hand, were extremely friendly and helpful. While walking we discovered other fantastic resorts such as this Sugar Beach Golf & Spa Resort, which we also really liked. In Flic en Flac, one accommodation is actually more beautiful than the next. So the choice is not that easy. Nevertheless, we were particularly enthusiastic about the Sofitel. The tropical gardens of the hotel complex are simply impressive!

hotel addresses

Sofitel Mauritius L'Imperial Resort & Spa
Wolmar Coastal Rd
Flic en Flac
90517 Mauritius

Sugar Beach Golf & Spa Resort
Wolmar Coastal Rd
Flic en Flac
90517 Mauritius

Best travel time Mauritius

The ideal travel time for Mauritius is in the so-called Dry season from May to November, In the Rainy season from December to April there is often precipitation. Tropical storms can also occur between January and March. We were in Mauritius for 10 days in April and didn't have a single rainy day. Thanks to year-round constant, pleasant water temperatures a beach holiday in Mauritius is basically possible at any time of the year. It is important to note that Mauritius is one of the tropical climate zones. it reigns year-round high humidity.

Boats at Flic en Flac Beach
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