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An African holiday package is a great option for a family vacation, honeymoon or even just a well-deserved getaway - even more so if you opt for an island holiday instead of a conventional bushwhacking adventure. While there is much to be said for venturing into the wild and experiencing Africa's unique, uncultivated beauty, an island travel experience is something everyone should enjoy at least once in their life. So, now that you have scoured the internet for Mauritius specials and finally decided on your date of departure you are probably giving some thought to your itinerary, right? Tough one. Mauritius, much like its other African island counterparts, is bursting at the seams with exciting and interesting attractions, activities and cultural pursuits. To make things a little bit easier we have decided to a list of our five favourite Mauritius attractions. And the nominees are (**insert drum roll please**)… 1. Port Louis:
Well, you can't very well go to a foreign country without visiting its capital, now can you? Port Louis is a bustling harbour- and commercial centre where you will be able to sneak a peek at the way native Mauritians conduct their daily lives. Here you may visit the new Caudan Waterfront for shopping and entertainment, the Central Market if you are keen to haggle over fresh produce, not to mention a plethora of historical sites. Splurge on a horse-drawn carriage tour and learn more about sugar- and rum production in the area. 2. Jardin des Pamplemousses:
The term translates to 'Grapefruit Garden', but is used to describe any kind of botanical garden. The garden in question is actually named Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanic Garden, but is infrequently referred to as such. If you have a love for all things botanical, a visit to this garden is a must. Here you can view everything from the giant Amazon waterlily to the remarkable Talipot palm that grows for sixty long years, flowers and then promptly dies.
3. Isle Aux Cerfs:
Situated just off of the east coast of the main island, Isle Aux Cerfs ('Island of Hearts') is a watersports haven where you can enjoy some of the very best snorkelling around. Keen to enjoy some fresh air? Pack your walking shoes and do the three-hour walk around the island. There are also a number of superb restaurants and a golf course should you get the sudden urge to tee off. 4. The Coloured Earth:
A curious natural phenomenon, the Coloured Earth of Chamarel is the name given to an area where visitors may observe a portion of hillside on which the earth has naturally separated into seven distinct colours. Scientists believe that the different colours stem from the fact that once-molten rock cooled at different rates, but cannot account for the fact that it never merges (not even when it rains or when thoroughly mixed in laboratory test tubes!). The location has a restaurant and a children's play centre, so families can make a day of it. 5. Domaine de l'Etoile:
The 'Place of the Stars', Domaine de l'Etoile is a park that comprises 6000 acres of spectacular woodland on the eastern side of Mauritius. Here you can enjoy guided hikes, quad- or mountain biking, horse riding or simply admire the landscape as you dig into a picnic basket. So, you thought that island holidays were only about beachcombing and sipping cocktails? We hope that this information will inspire you to make your special Mauritius getaway a more varied and active one! If you have any further questions it may be a good idea to contact an accredited African holiday booking agency who could give you more information.
Gloria McPherson owns an African holiday agency that sources and facilitates a number of bush- and island holiday packages.
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