10 Places to Visit in South Mauritius

Le Morne Brabant – Touch the Sky

This is by far Mauritius’s most iconic and remarkable landmark, namely the Le Morne Brabant UNESCO World Heritage Site. Once a refuge for escaped slaves, today, the mountain with its dark, cliffy surface stands for freedom. If you want to take in a breathtaking panoramic view of the Indian Ocean and parts of the island, you should do the infamous hike to the top of Le Morne.

If uncertain, it is advised to take a guided tour and factor in some time for the hike to the top. A guided hike has a bonus: The guide will surely expand on the mountain’s emotional history and give you more details about Mauritian history.

Grand Bassin and Hindu Temple – Sacred Lake

This Hindu temple offers an important place for the Hindu community in Mauritius and visitors. The spiritual site offers temples as well as statues to Hindu deities. The enormous statues of Maa Durga and Shiva are especially impressive. With its 33m, the Shiva statue is one of the biggest statues in Mauritius and looks very impressive from afar and close.

Every year for Maha Shivaratri, Hindus from all over the island pilgrimage to Grand Bassin. Visit this place to learn about the cultural significance of the Hindu community of Mauritius. Before entering the religious site of Grand Bassin, please consider modest clothing and take off your shoes before entering the temple.

Bois Chéri – Tea Tasting

Mauritius is a tea-drinking nation: black tea, green tea, flavored teas, hot or iced, and maybe a pinch of milk. The Bois Chéri Tea Factory and Museum offer tours through beautiful tea plantations and their own production.

You will learn about the country’s history of tea production. Take a tour of the tea plantation, learn about the history of tea production on the island, and see how the tea is being further processed. Eventually, you will be able to have a taste at their chalet. Do not forget to try (and maybe buy) the vanilla-flavored option!

Vulcanic Crater – Walk around the Giant

You can visit Trou aux Cerfs, which is not too far from Grand Bassin. It is an extinct volcanic crater, which makes it safe to approach. You will find a lush park around the top of the crater, and you can walk 360 degrees around the crater. It can be quite windy up there, so pack a jacket or pullover. A big plus: you will be offered an amazing panoramic view over the island. You will most likely meet joggers or other sportif people as it is a famous spot for locals to take a walk.

Read More: Where to Stay in Mauritius: The Island Paradise with Something For Everyone

Black River Gorges National Park – Into the Wild

If you are interested in nature, your next stop in Mauritius should be the Black River Gorges National Park. This protected landmark offers perfect opportunities for hiking while immersing yourself in the surrounding greenery.

The walking trails lead you over rivers and past waterfalls. Look up into the trees: If you are lucky, you can see pink pigeons or the famous Mauritian flying fox. Before you see them, you most certainly will be able to hear them first.

Alexandra Falls – Majestic Lookouts

To be found within the Black River Gorges National Park, the Alexandra Falls are the next natural landmark to visit in Mauritius. The real star here is the lookout point. You will be able to see the falls in their full beauty. And a big bonus: on the other side of the lookout, it offers a majestic view of the Southern Coast of Mauritius, which you can see from the observation deck. Please appreciate the beautiful view.

Chamarel – Seven Colors of the Earth

This is probably one of the most well-known sights in South Mauritius. You can visit the natural phenomenon within a private park – we are talking big here. It features a piece of land – earth – colored in seven distinct colors, all created by the chemical process of natural oxidation.

The colors seem to appear in waves, making them even more picturesque. Please keep in mind that you are not allowed to walk on the seven-colored earth—use the path leading around it. Once you are there, you will be able to visit the park’s—again—enormously big waterfall, which is surrounded by rich green vegetation. If you are planning to walk within the park, keep in mind its size: driving here might be the better option.

Bel Ombre Beach – Paradise Waves

This is where the locals go for a Sunday swim: for a mandatory beach experience, I recommend checking out Bel Ombre Beach. This beautiful beach stretches along the Southern part of the island, offering various variations of the sea: sandy-chilling-by-the-beach-day or admiring the full wavy force of the Indian Ocean.

Before you make your decision, make sure to check whether swimming is allowed within your visited beach strip. The name-giving village nearby offers restaurants or bars where you can try the local dishes… and cocktails.

Chamarel Rum Factory – Tasting the Island

End (or start for extra fun) your South Mauritius trip with a visit to the Chamarel Rum Factory. This traditional distillery is famous for its typical Mauritian sugarcane rums. By taking a guided tour, you will become familiar with the rum production process, from sugarcane harvesting to fermentation and, lastly, distillation.

In conclusion, you can taste some of their rum, which is included in the tour. The Chamarel Rum Factory also offers a restaurant for lunch and a souvenir shop with all sorts of Mauritian goodies—as well as its own rum.

Read More: Walking With Lions in Mauritius

Mauritian Sunsets – Nature’s Treat

This one is kind of cheated as you will not only find it within the southern part of Mauritius. But due to its immaculate beauty, it deserves its own mention: the Mauritian sunsets. Wrap up your day and witness the breathtaking sundown, whether by the beach of Bel Ombre, on the top of Le Morne, or within the National Park of Black River Gorges. Bring your cameras or smartphones and end your exciting Mauritius exploration day with a stunning view of the sun.

Before You Go:

• Transportation: Mauritians drive on the left side of the road. Be familiar with this when renting a car (which is a very convenient way to get around the island). However, it is very common in Mauritius for tourists to book a taxi for full-day tours. You can also take buses, but make sure to check connections before you leave.
• Language: You will surely be able to communicate with the Mauritian people using English and French. However, learning a few expressions in the local Creole could open interesting conversations with the locals.
• Currency: The local currency is the Mauritian Rupee (MUR). Nevertheless, credit cards are mostly accepted, and you should be fine paying with them. Leave some cash for markets or tips.
• Safety: Mauritius is generally a safe country. However, it is advised to take standard precautions, such as not leaving your belongings unattended and being aware of your surroundings. It gets dark early, so plan your day accordingly.

These are my favorites for South Mauritius, but there is way more to explore. For example, the Casela Nature Park. Exploring the northern part of the country is also a fabulous idea. If you are interested in city life, you should take a day trip to St. Louis, the island’s capital.

Are you not too interested in going around and just want to relax and hang out by the beach? Check out beautiful options to stay in Mauritius here. Whether you are looking for adventure, historic sites, immersion in nature, or just to unwind on the paradisiac island, Mauritius offers unforgettable experiences.

Author Bio: Vanessa Hagenschulte is a passionate traveller with a background in literature and linguistics. Currently pursuing her doctorate, she is travelling to different countries, regions, and cultures. And – of course – writing about them

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