Nature & Parks

1. Black River Gorges National Park

• Largest nature reserve in Mauritius

• Ideal for hiking, bird-watching & waterfalls

• Trails for all levels (easy to advanced)

2. Chamarel Seven Colored Earth & Chamarel Waterfall

• Unique volcanic sand dunes in multiple colours

• Stunning 100m waterfall

• Easy to access and great for photos

3. La Vallée de Ferne

• Perfect for eco-walks

• Home to giant tortoises & rare endemic plants

4. SSR Botanical Garden (Pamplemousses)

• Giant water lilies

• Huge collection of palm species

• Peaceful place for a slow, scenic walk

Wildlife & Interaction

5. Casela Nature Parks

• Walk with lions (supervised experience)

• Giraffe feeding

• Safari jeep tours

• Quad biking and ziplining

6. La Vanille Nature Park

• Thousands of giant tortoises

• Crocodile farm

• Family-friendly

Hiking & Adventure

7. Le Morne Brabant Hike

• UNESCO site with dramatic views

• Moderate difficulty

• One of the most rewarding hikes in Mauritius

8. Pieter Both Mountain

• For experienced hikers

• Famous boulder on top

• Guided tours recommended

9. Lion Mountain (Vieux Grand Port)

• Beautiful ocean and lagoon views

• Half-day hike

Outdoor Sports

10. Quad Biking

• Available at Casela, La Vallée des Couleurs, Domaine de l’Étoile

• Great mix of mud, forest, views & adrenaline

11. Mountain Biking

• Domaine de l’Étoile

• Bras d’Eau National Park

• Perfect for forest trails and easy riding

12. Ziplining

• Rivière des Galets (longest zipline in the Indian Ocean)

• Vallée des Couleurs

• Domaine de l’Étoile

13. Cycling & E-Biking

Eco alternatives to motorised activities.

Best routes:

• Chamarel plateau

• Le Morne coastal road

• Sugarcane field backroads

• Bel Ombre Nature Reserve (e-bikes available)

Leisure Activities

14. Horse Riding

• Le Morne beach rides

• Domain de l’Étoile forest trails

• Romantic sunset options available

15. Golf

Mauritius is one of the top golf destinations:

• Île aux Cerfs Golf Club

• Heritage Golf Club

• Mont Choisy (North)

Relaxed & Cultural Activities

16. Sugar Museum (L’Aventure du Sucre)

Fantastic museum + tasting of sugar, rum, jams.

17. Tea Route

• Domaine des Aubineaux

• Bois Chéri Tea Factory & Plantation

• Saint Aubin Colonial House
  Great for history + tasting.

18. Rum Distilleries

• Rhumerie de Chamarel

• Saint Aubin

• New Grove
  Tours + tastings in beautiful settings.

19. Port Louis City Tour

• Central Market

• Caudan Waterfront

• Plue-Penny-Museum

• Aapravasi Ghat (UNESCO site)

Hiking in Protected Nature Reserves

These areas are preserved for biodiversity and offer minimal-impact ways to explore nature.

20. Black River Gorges National Park

• Largest forest reserve

• Home to endangered species (pink pigeon, Mauritian kestrel)

• Trails range from easy (Parakeet Trail) to advanced (Black River Peak)

21. Bras d’Eau National Park

• Quiet, lesser-known forest

• Ideal for birdwatching and peaceful walks

• Great for spotting bats, deer, and rare plants

22. Le Pouce Mountain

• One of the island’s easiest peaks

• Stunning views

• Sustainable and crowd-free on weekdays

Forest Walks & Conservation Experiences

23. Ebony Forest (Chamarel)

• Reforestation project reviving the native ebony forest

• Elevated canopy walk

• Guided tours about endemic flora & fauna

• Supports local conservation

24. Vallée de Ferney

• Giant tortoises + endemic plant restoration

• Highly educational, eco-focused

• Proceeds support habitat preservation

Wildlife Encounters (Ethical)

25. La Vanille Nature Park (Tortoise Sanctuary)

• Thousands of Aldabra & Radiata tortoises

• Large, natural enclosures

• Supports breeding and repopulation

(Avoid wildlife parks that offer direct interaction with predators – these are not eco-friendly.)

26. Birdwatching

Mauritius is full of endemic and migratory species.

Top spots:

• Domaine de l’Étoile

• Ferney Valley

• Ile aux Aigrettes (land portion of the tour)

• Pointe d’Esny wetlands

Eco-Friendly Farms & Gardens

27. Bois Chéri Tea Plantation (on foot)

• Walking tours through tea fields

• Tasting offered in eco-conscious settings

• Quiet, sustainable activity

28. SSR Botanical Garden (Pamplemousses)

• Giant water lilies

• Worldwide conservation partnerships

• Excellent alternative to commercial attractions

Cultural & Community-Based Experiences

29. Bois Chéri + Saint Aubin (Tea & Vanilla Route)

Learn about sustainable agriculture and enjoy local products.

30. Port Louis Street Food Tour (Walking)

Walking food tours highlight:

• small Mauritian vendors

• local traditions

• minimal carbon footprint

31. Mahébourg Waterfront & Old Town Walk

Great for supporting local businesses while discovering history.

Organic & Agro-Eco Domains

• La Ferme Écologique de Rivière Noire

• Organic farm workshops

• Composting, permaculture, local vegetable tastings

• Lavilleon Adventure Park (Chamarel)

• Focus on preservation

• Offers forest walks, mild ziplining, and eco trails

• Works on restoring natural habitats

10. Eco-Friendly Shopping

Support Mauritian artisans:

• Goodlands Market (local crafts)

• Pallet-co (upcycled wood items)

• Islandwool (handmade wool products)

• Handmade macrame, ceramics & natural beauty products at small craft stalls