Visit: Trou aux Cerfs, Curepipe, Mauritius
Begin your 8 hours tour with a hotel pick-up at your accommodation anywhere in Mauritius. You will meet & be greeted by our guide and after boarding to your comfortable vehicle, then set off for your first stop.
Then, you'll be heading to Trou Aux Cerfs which is one of the famous natural tourist attractions in Mauritius. The dormant volcanic crater is around 605 meters above sea level, with a diameter of 350 meters & a depth of around 100 meters.
Unlike the typical volcanic features, Trou aux Cerfs’ crater is surrounded by a vast area of lush forest consisting of indigenous plant species and some giant green pine trees. It is believed that the Trou aux Cerfs erupted once and has remained dormant for the last 700 000 years; experts believe that there is a potential chance for it to become active again.
Definitely, one of the main highlights is the 360-degree view of the town, Curepipe & the majestic view of Rempart Mountain, Trois Mamelles, and the Port-Louis- Moka mountain range.
Duration: 40 minutes
Visit: Reservoir Viewpoint, Mare Longue Reservoir, JFF6+GQ3, Vacoas-Phoenix, Mauritius
Afterward, heading to Mare Aux Vacoas reservoir which has the honor of being the largest reservoir on the island with a capacity of almost 26 million cubic meters and is simultaneously a rather popular stop for tourists visiting the south of the island.
Although nothing as fancy as the other attractions in Mauritius, Mare aux Vacoas is a gem hidden between lines of thick forests. It is the perfect place to spend a relaxing few minutes away from the usual hustle and bustle of the country. The reservoir even offers a rather amazing view worth several clicks.
Duration: 20 minutes
Visit: Grand Bassin, Mauritius
After some time, continue to Ganga Talao (commonly known as Grand Bassin is a crater lake, about 550 meters above sea level, located in the mountainous Southwest of Mauritius. On the shoreline sits a temple along with a collection of small shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva and other gods.
During your visit to this sacred site, you will inevitably be awestruck by the gigantic statue of Lord Shiva. However, fear not about your doom, at Grand Bassin you will find the Hindu God Lord Shiva, smiling and as peaceful as ever. The statue is 33 meters high & is the highest known statue in Mauritius. Ganga Talao is a major draw of crowds in Mauritius, with many people visiting the site to pray, meditate, or simply to walk by the lake and enjoy the gorgeous surrounding views. The lake of Ganga Talao is thought to be around 18 meters deep with a healthy population of fish in the lake.
Your south-west full-day scenic tour ends with return transport to your hotel.
Duration: 40 minutes
Visit: Alexandra Falls, Central Plateau, Black River Gorges, Union Park, Mauritius
The next stop is Alexandra falls which is Situated some 700m above sea level & is one of the most popular nature sites in Mauritius.
You must have definitely seen many of its pictures on postcards or in videos venting the beauty of Mauritius. Alexandra Falls is indeed one of the most emblematic & popular sites of the island. Famous not only for its breathtaking beauty, Alexandra Falls also offers visitors the chance to live a unique experience with nature.
Once you are there, do not miss the chance to admire and capture on your camera the panoramic view of the South-East Coast with its turquoise ocean. If you want to take in the full view, you can climb up a wooden platform.
On your right is the Alexandra Falls. From where you are, the waterfall looks like a silent white stream cascading over the rocky outcrops. You will also have a plunging look on Mauritius’s virgin green valley which is home to many endemic avian species and flora. You will need nothing more to soothe the eye.
Duration: 40 minutes
Visit: Black River Gorges National Park, Mauritius
Next, you'll head to the gorge viewpoint which is the best place to have a panoramic stunning view. Midway between Chamarel and Alexandra falls, stop here for a stunning panorama. The vista point is but a 3-5 minute walk from the road and is really quite spectacular. It is a must-stop location during a road trip from Grand Bassin to Le Morne. Amidst the unspoiled rainforest of Mauritius, there are almost 17,000 acres of rolling hills, deep valleys, spectacular waterfalls, and unparalleled beauty of flora and fauna in the southwestern region.
You’ll be astonished at how elevated the viewing area is above the gorge below. There is a nice waterfall off to your right.
The national park is famous for its array of endemic flora and fauna and the viewpoint ensures you to have an overview of what it is truly made of.
The Black River Gorges National park protects most of the island's remaining rainforest and is home to many species of wild animals and birds.
Duration: 30 minutes
Visit: Bois Cheri Tea Factory and Tea Museum, Bois Cheri Road, Bois Cheri, Mauritius
Then, you'll head to the Bois Chéri Tea factory. A guide will lead you through the factory & the tea plantation, offering you to discover the history, stories, and tales of the Bois Chéri and the importance of tea productions in Mauritius.
After the guided tour of the tea factory, you will visit the tea production museum learning more about the history of tea in Mauritius.
The Bois Chéri offers a great panoramic view of the south of the island. Nowadays Bois Chéri produces a new range of flavored teas, green teas & herbal teas. You may taste them during your visit.
Your visit to the Bois Chéri plantation includes:
- A guided tour of the Bois Cheri tea factory
- Visit the tea museum
- Visit the tea plantation
- A tea tasting with a panoramic view of the flora & fauna
Duration: 1 hour
Visit: Gris Gris Beach, South Coast, Souillac, Mauritius
Afterward, heading to Souillac to see the astounding view of Gris-Gris. The appeal of Gris-Gris lies in its scenery, the high cliffs here drop abruptly to the sea and the refreshing winds of the Indian Ocean blow all year round.
Far away from the idyllic setting of calm seas and the tranquil scenery, is the Gris Gris beach. Gris-Gris is well known for its sea cliffs and offers visitors a magnificent view from the top. This is definitely a sight worth seeing. Coral reefs do not surround this part of the island, which allows large waves to crash directly on the cliffs.
You will have a great viewpoint on the cliffs and will see the crashing of waves against the flanks.
Afterward, you'll head to a local restaurant to savor a 3-course Mauritian lunch comprising fresh Salads, Rice, Soups, chicken curry, or fish and vegetables. You will have a choice and the chef will explain to you and ask you about your preferred choice.
Duration: 1 hour
Visit: La Vanille Nature Park, Senneville, Riviere des Anguilles, Riviere des Anguilles, Mauritius
Next, you'll head to the La Vanille crocodile park where you will discover the flora and fauna endemic to Mauritius. You will get the chance to observe these animals in the reserve (according to the animal welfare act); Nile Crocodiles, tenrecs, eels, iguanas, and turtles from Madagascar and Seychelles.
You will be introduced to a collection of fossils of animals that are now extinct in Mauritius and surrounding islands such as the dodo and the elephant bird of Madagascar. You will get the opportunity to learn about insects as well since La Vanille Nature Park also has an insectarium with a rare collection of species from various locations around the world.
The Park spreads over 3.5 hectares in the south of the island and houses many other animals that you will have a chance to see from monkeys, bats, deers, geckos, wild boars, and carp to name a few. The site is also home to 2000 Nile crocodiles where you can observe them at different stages of their growth.
Duration: 1 hour