Unique Places in Mauritius

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For the Tamarin Falls our taxi driver took us to Henrietta where we were to meet a guide who was supposed to be able to take the two of us down to them, when we got to Henrietta we did meet the guide but he was blind drunk! Needless to say we did not go down to the falls with him and we took in the view from the viewpoint close to the bus stop. I would imagine most taxi drivers will know where the viewpoint is.

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To see this impressive waterfall you have to go through cane fields down a dirt trak to get to them, located near Souillac, the black basalt rock falls are not big but pleasing to the eye. My taxi driver knew where they were and I imagine most do. Warning though, watch out for the people around here, they are renound for pick pocketing and robbing you. My taxi driver was offered money to get us to pay them to watch people jump off the falls. We had a good driver though that had our safety as his priority and only took us to the falls as I insisted, as he warned of the problems that could arise.

Taxi driver from Taxi Mauritius, http://www.taxismauritius.com/

Quatre Bornes is a rather nondescript town in Central Mauritius. There isn't anything special to see, but it's an excellent place for shopping. The "big" market days are Thursday and Sunday. Besides,there are also a couple of not-so-expensive day-spas if you're looking for relaxation.

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Tamarin is supposed to be the surfing capital of Mauritius, but when I was there the waves weren't really impressive. The beach there isn't too nice aswell, it's rather greyish than white and doesn't invite sunbathers.
Tamarin is still the salt production centre of the island and there and you can see quite a few ponds where saltwater is left to evaporate.
Buses from Port Louis and Quatre Bornes pass through Tamarin on the way to Baie du Cap.

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Vieux Grand Port was the site of the first European settlement on Mauritius. The Dutch errected a fort there, close to the place of their first landing on the island in 1598.
There's a museum now where you can see some artefact of the Dutch period at the site of that first fort. The ruins you can see are left-overs from the French who took over Mauritius after the Dutch left.
The waters there were also the site of a famous naval battle which the French won against the British in 1810. This didn't help them much though, Mauritius became a British colony a few months later.
Vieux Grand Port is located a few kilometres from Mahébourg. The bus fare from Mahébourg is 10Rs.

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The boat will take you to the small islands surrounding Mauritius. You can comb the silky beaches after a hefty seafood lunch. It is about USD 20 to 40, depending on your choices of dishes. You can choose from fish and chicken or lobster, fish and chicken. I cant remember the actual location, but if you ask around, you should be able to locate as there are a few operators. It is along the east coast.

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Chamarel Village

From Case Noyale village, you can visit the coloured earths of Chamarel. It is an unique landscape of contrasting shades of colours and seeing them under bright sunlight will bring out the best of the landscape. The different shades of blue, green, red and yellow are the result of the erosion of the volcanic ash. You can also see giant tortoises roaming in the area. This place is found when the government is clearing land for development.

West of Mauritius

Whilst all the coastal hotels have lovely beaches...its great to drive off and find your own! There are 'public' beaches dotted all over the island, no sun loungers or facilities...these are au natural. So bring whatever you need...and enjoy the freedom of a beach to yourself...or at weekends...share the beach with locals...and mingle!