Mauritius Holidays

Created by French botanist Pierre Poivre back in 1767 and dotted with trees planted by the likes of Indira Gandhi, Princess Margaret and Robert Mugabe, the history of these world-famous gardens is as impressive as the 500 different species of plants. Officially the oldest botanical garden in the southern hemisphere, weave your way through the diverse flora and fauna with your knowledgeable guide and discover how nutmeg and cloves made their way into Mauritian cuisine, marvelling at the giant Victoria Regina waterlilies as you go. Another ingredient that’s had a profound impression on the history and identity of Mauritius, you’ll make a quick stop at nearby L’Aventure du Sucre, a former sugar mill turned museum, before meeting with a local family to sample some Creole-style home cooking. Preparing lunch together, you’ll learn some of the chefs best kept culinary secrets before sharing the feast with the family and exchanging tales.

• Duration: half day
• Morning departure
• Monday to Saturday departures
• Operates year round
• Private experience

Good to know
An intimate and fascinating trip for both couples and families - the deer and tortoises in the botanical gardens are sure to delight the little ones.

Put on your walking shoes as you leisurely taste your way through more than two and a half centuries of history in the island’s capital, Port Louis, on this enlightening walking tour. Immigration has shaped much of Mauritius, so the UNESCO listed Aapravasi Ghat, where almost half a million Indian immigrants arrived to work in the sugar plantations, is a fitting place to begin. As you gently stroll along the waterfront and into the historical centre your experienced guide will help you discover some of the oldest buildings, from the Postal Museum to the Port Louis Theatre all the while filling your imagination with stories of this colourful capital’s past. As you reach the Central Market with a deeper understanding of the rich diversity of Mauritius, tuck into local delicacies from fritters and roti to dumplings, curries and noodles and wash them down with the local speciality Alouda – an ice-cold milk drink served with agar-agar and psyllium grains. Discover even more culinary treasures as you make your way to Chinatown where generations of Chinese immigrants have traded before exploring the boutique shops and craft markets at the Cauden Waterfront.

• Duration: half day
• Morning departure
• Monday to Saturday departures
• Operates year round
• Private experience

Good to know
While every effort is made to accommodate any dietary requirements, please discuss with your guide before booking.

Explore the natural beauty of inland Mauritius, which combines the wonders of the Chamarel Coloured Earths and the majestic Ebony Forest, while contributing to the conservation of this delicate habitat. A fascinating natural phenomenon, the seven distinct colours of sand at Chamarel are a sight to behold as is the nearby waterfall plunging 100 metres down into the Black River Gorge – both perfect spots for some holiday snaps before heading into the reserve with your conservationist guide. Buckle up as you explore the Ebony Forest together on a jeep safari and discover the work being done to create a sanctuary for the island’s rich biodiversity. Walk along the raised walkways in the forest’s canopy, look out for Fruit Bats hanging in the trees and spot Pic Pic birds gliding above the foliage. At Sublime Point, with breath taking views across Le Morne, put pen to paper and write your own love note to be placed under the native tree you’ll shortly be planting. Not only will you be contributing to the ongoing conservation of the forest, you can return in years to come to see how it’s grown.

• Duration: half day
• Morning departure
• Monday to Saturday departures
• Operates year round
• Private experience

Good to know
This is a beautiful experience for honeymooners, anniversary couples or a special proposal.

Experience conservation in action as you explore the Ile Aux Aigrettes Nature Reserve run by the Mauritius Wildlife Foundation on this insightful guided eco tour. Having previously been devastated by tree logging and the introduction of non-native animal and plant species, the foundation’s intense conservation efforts have resulted in the restoration of the forest and species that had long since disappeared from the island. After a short boat trip from the mainland across Mahebourg Bay, your private ranger will guide you along the reserve’s trails introducing you to the distinctive flora and fauna, pointing out rare species such as the Pink Pigeon and Giant Aldabra Tortoise as you go. Before leaving, head to the islands famed Rault Biscuit Factory where cassava biscuits have been produced for over a century and tuck into an authentic Mauritian lunch at a local restaurant.

• £10 of each excursion sale goes towards the Der Touristik Foundation
• Duration: half day
• Morning departure
• Monday to Saturday departures (excluding Wednesday) • Operates year round
• Private experience

Good to know
Although a gentle route suitable for children, we recommend packing a good pair of walking shoes and some bug repellent for the trail.

Whether you know exactly where you want to go or you’re looking for some direction, there’s no better way to explore the island than with a personal guide and chauffeur who can share their expansive knowledge and experience with you. From hidden dining spots you’d otherwise miss to insights about the local culture, spend the day discovering the sights at your own pace and relish in the freedom to change course at a whim. A fantastic option for those travelling with children or those looking to delve deeper into the Mauritian spirit.

• Duration: full day
• Morning departure
• Monday to Saturday departures
• Operates year round
• Private experience

Good to know
You’ll benefit from a personal car with driver and local guide for the entire day but please be aware fees to any attractions you decide to visit will be payable locally.

Spend a memorable evening horse riding along a beach in Mauritius, enjoying the soothing sound of gentle waves as the sun melts away, accompanied by an experienced and trained guide. Wade into the cool water with your horse, canter along the stunning white sand and soak up the majestic sea views as the sun sets into the ocean. After your ride, enjoy a cheese and wine session to round off an idyllic evening. Don’t forget your camera!

• Duration: 1-hour ride
• Evening departure
• Daily departures
• Operates year round
• Private experience

Good to know
Suitable for both novice and experienced riders, the trek will be tailored to your abilities and led by an experienced guide.

Catching your first glimpse of a dolphin racing beside your boat or spotting a giant humpback whale breaching on the ocean’s surface are moments that will stay with you forever. As you head out along the west coast, your experienced crew will begin briefing you on the types of dolphins and whales you can hope to spot and most importantly how to view these magnificent mammals in a sustainable and responsible manner. It won’t be long before you’re an expert at identifying the two types of dolphins found here – Bottlenose and Spinners – as you watch them play in their natural habitat. Sperm Whales call these waters home all year-round while between July and November giant Humpback Whales travel up from the arctic to breed and give birth. As you continue into deeper waters in search of these graceful creatures, the skippers will be on hand to answer all your questions and ensure you’re prepared for your first encounter.

• Duration: half day
• Time: 7.30am to 12.30pm
• Monday to Saturday departures
• Operates year Round
• Private experience

Good to know
As this experience involves wild animals, there’s no guarantee you’ll encounter the dolphins or whales in their natural habitat but the crew at Dolswim have a 90% success rate. Due to the nature of the activity this experience is not recommended for pregnant women, those who are physically challenged or children under five years old.

Go beyond the smouldering beaches of Mauritius and you’ll unearth a vivid island interior, where rare birds soar over lime-green landscapes and wild trails lead to epic mountain views. Black River Gorges is the only national park in Mauritius. It’s a must if you’re into nature. Pull on your walking boots for this half-day hike and you’ll get to see some of the island’s most mesmerising sights. Follow your guide through forested trails to discover rushing waterfalls and towering trees, and listen out for local birdlife as you go. If you’re lucky, you might even get a glimpse of the native echo parakeet, Mauritius kestrel or pink pigeon.

• Duration: 4 hours
• Departs on Monday, Wednesday and Friday\ • Operates year-round\ • Group experience

Le Morne Brabant is one of Mauritius's most famous and scenic hikes, with spectacular views of the island's southwestern corner. In the company of an experienced guide, you’ll start the seven-kilometre hike at dawn, ascending the mountain to see expansive views stretching across the island's interior and down to the shoreline and the sea.

• Duration: 5 hours
• Time: 5am to 10am
• Daily departures
• Operates year-round
• Group experience