Top Mauritius Safari Packages and Things to Do and Lodges

Ferney Valley

Ferney Valley is a top natural attraction in Mauritius, located in the southeast. The nature reserve covers over 200 hectares, boasting diverse flora and fauna. Near Mahébourg, it begins at the historic Ferney sugar factory, offering guided or solo tours. Visitors can explore three free hiking trails: a 5 km trail through sugarcane fields and forests, a more challenging 13 km trail, and a 20 km trail for the seasoned hiker. Additionally, 4×4 tours can be booked in advance.

The 7 Waterfalls | Tamarind Falls

The 7 Waterfalls, or Tamarind Falls, is a stunning hiking destination in Mauritius. Situated in the west near Tamarin, this demanding trail features a series of waterfalls amidst natural beauty. Hikers can opt for the full trail to see all seven waterfalls or a shorter route covering the first four. The full trail requires a day, while the shorter one takes half a day. It is highly advised to hike with a guide due to unmarked trails, ensuring safety with their expertise.

Flic-en-Flac Beach

Flic-en-Flac Beach is an essential stop on the west coast of Mauritius, renowned for its extensive shoreline that spans roughly ten kilometers. The beach is bordered by filaos, offering generous shade to visitors. At the beach’s entrance, a variety of food trucks offer snacks, fresh fruit, and beachwear. The bustling resort town of Flic-en-Flac boasts various restaurants, nightclubs, and upscale hotels.

An excursion to Flic-en-Flac presents an excellent opportunity for scuba diving. Numerous dive centers provide sessions within the lagoon. Diving with a center located in Tamarin Bay, a mere ten-minute journey from Flic-en-Flac’s heart is an experience we highly recommend for those eager to explore Mauritius’s underwater splendour alongside a remarkably hospitable team.

Black River Gorges National Park, a 15-minute drive from Flic-en-Flac, is the country’s most expansive nature reserve. Spanning over 6,700 hectares, the park safeguards various ecosystems, housing over 300 plant species and 9 unique bird species. Visitors can traverse the park via marked trails, with numerous hiking paths varying in length and difficulty.

To fully appreciate the park, allocate at least a half-day. The journey offers encounters with waterfalls, river crossings, and breathtaking vistas of the gorges and the southwestern coastline. For the optimal experience, consider a guided tour to uncover the best trails and the park’s most secluded gems.

Le Morne Brabant

Le Morne Brabant is widely considered the most iconic mountain in Mauritius. Towering over the southwest coast, it has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2008. The area offers a variety of activities, such as:

• Relaxing on the beach
• Hiking to the summit

The public beach at Le Morne, with its idyllic setting, is an essential stop during your Mauritius getaway. Wilder than the northern beaches, the tranquil Le Morne beach lies at the mountain’s base. Before lounging on the sands, consider climbing Le Morne Brabant. The hike is spectacular, offering stunning panoramic views at the summit.

The round trip takes approximately three hours. The path can be steep, so for safety, hiring a professional guide is advisable. A guide will not only ensure your safety but also enrich your hike with insights into the area’s history and natural heritage. You can arrange for a guide here:

Pamplemousses Botanical Garden

A visit to the Pamplemousses Botanical Garden is a must when in Mauritius. As one of the island’s premier tourist spots, I find myself visiting often for refreshing walks. Located near Port-Louis, this expansive tropical garden covers 37 hectares and is home to hundreds of plant species from across the globe, established in the 18th century by the French governor and botanist Pierre Poivre.

The garden boasts a diverse array of fruit trees, palms, bamboos, baobabs, water plants, and aromatic flora. The collection is extensive, with some species, like the towering baobabs, being particularly majestic.

Make sure not to miss the pond of giant water lilies, a garden highlight.

Your visit might also include wildlife sightings: fruit bats in the trees, native geckos, chameleons, and tropical birds. Additionally, the park houses some animals in captivity, such as deer.

A stroll through the park is a tranquil experience, typically requiring one to two hours for a full circuit. For those interested in the garden’s history and the species it harbours, a guided tour is recommended.

Ebony Forest Reserve

Adjacent to the Seven Colored Earths lies the Ebony Forest Reserve. Open to the public since 2017, this reserve is a protected tropical forest amid restoration. Historically exploited for its ebony timber, the forest is now the focus of a 50-hectare reforestation initiative.

The reserve has recently inaugurated a section to enhance visitor understanding of biodiversity conservation and also hosts educational visits for schools.

Upon entry, visitors are greeted by a small museum that effectively encapsulates Mauritius’s natural history. Subsequently, guests are escorted by 4×4 vehicles into the reserve’s core, where guides elaborate on the restoration efforts, the indigenous species, and the forest’s intricacies.

Visitors have the option of a standard tour, a bird-watching tour emphasizing endemic species or a unique tour that includes tree planting. Further information is available on the Ebony Forest’s official website.

The tour culminates with an ascent to “Sublime Point,” a vantage point that justifies its name with breathtaking views. It is undoubtedly one of the most remarkable vistas on the island, offering a panoramic view of Morne Brabant Bay, which can be enjoyed with a beverage in hand.