How Long Do You Need in Mauritius?
Great question! And that really depends on how much you want to “relax”.
I would like to preface by saying that I had a brilliant time in Mauritius. I got the opportunity to relax, which I’m not very good at. I’m usually running around making sure I see everything. We stayed at the edge of Flic en Flac, and it was quiet. It was all little strolls, lying on the beach with a good book, sitting on the roof terrace, it was nice. If that’s what you need, this is where you come.
As we were right by the beach, we went for lovely walks down to Tamarin and ate ice cream. We caught the bus to the capital, Port Louis, had the best time seeing dodo skeletons in the museums, exploring Chinatown, and walking around the fancy port area.
It’s not that Mauritius doesn’t have anything. I just feel they’re selling the wrong things, and perhaps they should focus more on the snorkeling, water sports, boat rides, beaches. They do them really well. One of my favourite memories from there was when I saw tropical fish swimming around me in the sea. That blew my mind much more than some coloured earth. 🤭
Here are the Big Five you’ll see online and in tourist offices:
1. Seven Coloured Earth Geopark
Hmm. While it is pretty, it’s not impressive. In my opinion. The earth was multiple colours, yes, but there are plenty of similar places around the world and they don’t make such a fuss about it.
They’ve put a (very) little turtle enclosure there too, for when you’re tired of the view. 😂
2. Chamarel Waterfall
Advertised on its own but if you drive up the Seven Coloured Earth’s access road, you’re going to see it! If you want to go down to the bottom of the falls, there’s a trek, but unless you plan on swimming in the pool, the view is best from above.
3. Grand Bassin Crater Lake
This was brilliant! We were all very surprised and impressed by this beautiful Hindu complex. Gorgeous temples and shrines surrounding the lake, and a really peaceful atmosphere, even when it’s full of people.
4. Black River Gorges National Park
Unfortunately, I didn’t get the chance to hike through this rainforest, which I was a bit bummed about. We did drive around the outskirts on the way to different towns though so I did see it and it looked beautiful. This is first on my list if I return to Mauritius!
5. Casela Nature Park
I will jump at any opportunity to go to a nature park! However, we skipped this one because I read a lot (a lot) of bad reviews. It’s aimed at children, like an empty playground with a handful of big cats. HOWEVER, I will say that I checked the reviews again whilst writing this, and they have definitely shot up. A lot more 5 stars, and apparently definitely worth visiting. So I’m leaving this one up to you! 😉
