Mauritius

About this trip

Mauritius is more than its postcard lagoons. The volcanic island, 65km long, is a cultural mosaic of Indian, African, Chinese, French and British heritage where temples, mosques, churches and pagodas share streets and the food fuses curry, biryani, dim sum and rougaille. The UNESCO Le Morne peninsula tells the painful story of escaped slaves - and offers the world's most photographed underwater 'waterfall' optical illusion from the air. Black River Gorges National Park has the last endemic forest where the Mauritius kestrel and pink pigeon were brought back from the brink. Pair luxury beach time with culture, hiking, and the Seven Coloured Earths of Chamarel for a far richer trip than a generic resort week.

Highlights

• Underwater waterfall optical illusion seen from a 25-min seaplane flight
• Hike Le Morne Brabant UNESCO peak (3 hrs, moderate)
• Chamarel Seven Coloured Earths and 100m waterfall
• Port Louis market, Aapravasi Ghat UNESCO site, Champ de Mars racecourse
• Catamaran cruise to Île aux Cerfs with Tamarin dolphin watching
• Domaine de l'Étoile 4x4 nature reserve with Java deer and zip-lining

Itinerary

1. Day 1

   Arrive & resort transfer

   Pickup at SSR airport. Transfer to west-coast 5-star resort. Welcome cocktail.

2. Day 2

   Beach & lagoon

   Morning at leisure. Afternoon catamaran cruise with Tamarin dolphins, snorkelling, BBQ on board.

3. Day 3

   South-west cultural circuit

   Le Morne UNESCO viewpoint, Chamarel Seven Coloured Earths, Black River Gorges, Grand Bassin sacred Hindu lake. Lunch at a Creole table d'hôte.

4. Day 4

   Le Morne hike or seaplane

   Choice: guided 3-hr hike up Le Morne Brabant (UNESCO), or 25-min seaplane flight to see the underwater waterfall illusion. Afternoon spa.

5. Day 5

   Port Louis & east coast

   Capital tour: central market, Aapravasi Ghat, Caudan waterfront. Lunch dim sum in Chinatown. Afternoon Île aux Cerfs catamaran from Trou d'Eau Douce.

6. Day 6

   Departure

   Morning at leisure. Late check-out. Transfer to SSR for international flight.

What's included

• Five nights half board at 5-star west or north-coast resort
• Return airport transfers in private vehicle
• Full-day south-west cultural tour with English-speaking guide
• Catamaran cruise with snorkelling and lunch
• All park and UNESCO site entry fees
• Choice of Le Morne hike (with certified guide) OR seaplane flight

Not included: international flights, visa fees, optional activities marked above, personal expenses, tips beyond stated inclusions, and travel insurance (we arrange separately on request).

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