Fun Things to Do on Mauritius

By Mike Gerrard

The island of Mauritius in the Indian Ocean is noted for its beaches and its wildlife but there are some unusual things to do too.

I once spent a fortnight there with the wonderful Raleigh International organisation, and was privileged to see one of the world’s then most endangered species, the Pink Pigeon, in the jungle.

Today I’m pleased to see that thanks to the hard work of conservationists, the Pink Pigeon is no longer endangered, having at one time been down to just nine birds. At one time it looked like it was on its way to extinction, like another of the island’s endemic birds, the dodo.

So I’ve always had a soft spot for Mauritius, and I’m delighted to highlight a few of the many fun things there are to do on this unique island that’s in the Indian Ocean but is part of Africa.

Explore a Volcanic Crater in the Middle of a Town

Trou aux Cerfs Volcano

The Trou aux Cerfs volcano is one of the island’s more remarkable sights. The crater is almost 1,000 feet across and though surrounded by trees is right in the middle of the town of Curepipe. In fact it is next to the public toilets!

Send a Postcard from an Architectural Marvel

Central Post Office

You might think you’ve no need to go to the post office if you’re on holiday on Mauritius, but you do. The Central Post Office in Port Louis is an architectural gem. It was built in 1870 from black stone and is still in use today. You can also visit the postal museum that’s inside it.

Visit a Historic Theatre While You Can

Port Louis Theatre

The Port Louis Theatre opened in 1822 and for years was the focal point of the cultural life of Mauritius. It’s a striking yellow building with red doors and shutters, but it has been empty for some time and who knows how much longer it will survive?

See a Giant Pond of Giant Water Lilies

Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden

Also known as the Pamplemousses Botanical Garden after the town where it’s located, this collection of over 500 different plant species dates back to the 18th century. One of its most remarkable and unusual displays is a giant pond filled with giant water lilies.

See a Sand Dune Rainbow

Seven Colored Earth

Near the little village of Chamarel, with a population of under 800, is a unique natural phenomenon: a series of sand dunes in seven distinct colours (red, brown, violet, green, blue, purple, yellow). It’s thought to have been formed from molten lava rock up to 7 million years old.

Enjoy Mauritian Food in a Rare Wooden House

Maison Eureka

Eureka House was built in 1830 and is one of only a handful of wooden houses that survive on Mauritius. As well as touring the home you can also stay overnight and enjoy a meal of Mauritian food in its restaurant.

Visit a Hindu Place of Pilgrimage

Grand Bassin

The lake of Grand Bassin is known to Hindus as Ganga Talao as it’s believed to have connections to the holy River Ganges. It has been a place of pilgrimage for Hindus since the 19th century.

Find an Instagrammable Red-Roofed Church

Notre-Dame Auxiliatrice de Cap Malheureux

The church of Notre Dame Auxiliatrice at Cap Malheureux is a wonderful opportunity for an Instagram selfie with its bright red roof contrasting with the deep blue sky and surrounding greenery.

Search for Endangered Birds in a National Park

Black River Gorges National Park

Two of the island’s most endangered birds, the pink pigeon and the Mauritius kestrel, survive in this national park. You might be lucky to find those in its 17,000 acres but there’s plenty of other wildlife to look for on the 37 miles of hiking trails from tough hill climbs to coastal walks.

Taste Exotic Foods in a Victorian Market

Central Market

The huge Central Market in Port Louis dates back to Victorian times and is a place for foodies and photographers alike. The colourful exotic fruits and spices – and the equally colourful vendors – provide a host of photo opportunities, and many stalls will offer you a taste of what they’re selling.

Sip Tea on a Tea Plantation

Bois Cheri Tea Factory and Tea Museum

The Bois Cheri Tea Factory and Tea Museum not only offers tours around its tea factory and tea plantations, it also houses a tea museum and you can arrange to have a tea tasting in its restaurant.