Visiting the South is a must because of its scenery and also for catching the feeling of the colonial history of Mauritius . The south is by far the region that contains the most interesting places for anyone interested in the period of the French colonial history.
The south is where the history of Mauritius began. The Vieux Grand Port was the first Port in Mauritius . The Dutch explorers, first to land in Mauritius, settled in Vieux Grand Port. Today The south is the least developed but remain a most authentic region of Mauritius with some recent hotels. The region of Bel Ombre has recently become a landmark for tourism.
Lagoons are very rare along the south coast which is also the only region where the open sea comes straight to the rocky cliffs of this part of the island. Bathing is hazardous and in some cases prohibited along the south coast due to strong sea currents and waves breaking on the shore.
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Mahebourg is a peaceful colonial town and it is in this bay during 3 days from the 22 to 25 th August 1810, the French squadrons commanded by Duperré and English commanded by Willoughby fought a duel to death. It was the only naval victory of Napoleon. The people of Mahebourg are either fishermen or field workers and the atmosphere in town is very cheerful, lively and friendly. They are often referred to as true mauritians. Mahebourg is also known for its Bazaar and most particularly for its fair taking place on Mondays. You will be able to discover this fascinating population and to buy quite some good garments at discounted prices.
At
Pointe des Regattes is a monument to the French and English who died in the 1810 Battle of Grand Port. The battle lasted several days and was a great attempt by the British to conquer the island. It ended in defeat for the British and both sides suffered heavy casualties. The French victory is inscribed on the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.
The fascinating aspects of this battle can be seen in the H
istorical and Naval Museum of Mahebourg , a dilapidated colonial residence built in around 1771 that belonged to the Commandant of the District of Grand Port, Jean de Robillard. His initials are inscribed on the wrought iron balustrade of the house. After the Battle of Grand Port, De Robillard turned the house into a hospital and the commanders of the French and British forces, Rear Admiral Victor Duperre and Admiral Sir Nesbit Willloughby, convalesced alongside each other and no doubt sobered by the appalling loss of men and ships, shook hands symbolising the beginning of an entente cordiale . The house was bought by the government in 1950 and turned into a museum under the direction of the Mauritius Institute.
The H. Rault biscuit factory is one of the oldest factory of Mauritius still in operation in its original state and can be considered a live museum worth a visit.
● Ile aux Aigrettes is a nice island outside Mahebourg where vegetation is 100 % endemic. Managed by the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation Ile aux Aigrettes is a worthy eco-tourism and educating trip, accessible only with an organized tour operator. There you can find few of world's rarest birds including the Mauritius Kestrel, pink pigeon, the green Gecko Phelsuma and the Aldabra giant tortoise. Many native trees are also to be found there.
● Souillac is situated on the extreme south of the island and one of the most important villages. Named after the French governor, it played an important role in the development of the South of Mauritius. It was the place where the sugar from the mills of the south were embarked on coaster sailing boats to reach Port Louis . This practice was discontinued only in the 1900's when the railway network was stretched to Souillac.
At the southern end of the village lies a favorite view-point named
Gris-Gris on top of the cliff. The Ocean sea engulfs itself in dark rocks which have hollowed out by constant crashing of the waves. It is an excellent watch for whales and seabirds and you breathe fresh air straight from the ocean.
● The Rochester Falls near to the town of Souillac is one of the few waterfalls that is accessible to all. The road to it is a bit rough but still a nice drive through sugarcane fields. The falls are not very high but are an interesting shape. Some guys looking for photo opportunities will jump off the falls and dive. They usually ask for a contribution from those who are interested in the scene. The black basalt rocks were apparently formed with the rapid cooling of the lava.
● Le Souffleur (the geyser) used to be a fascinating natural activity caused by the engulfing of waves in rocky caves. Due to the erosion of the rocks, this phenomenon no more occurs. However the scenery around Le Souffleur is worth a stop and a walk.
● La Vanille Reserve des Mascareignes started to operate in 1985 in the south. Along unforgettable walks , you will stroll trough a luxuriant flora where banana trees, palm tree and giant bamboo provide shade for the thousands of Nile crocodiles which are bred in the park an which you can visit in perfect safety. You will also pay a visit to the large colony of giant tortoises wandering around in their two acre park and luckily meet ‘Domino' who is approximately 90 years old and weighs 275 kilos. The site is in fact the largest Aldabra and Radiata Tortoises park of the world. The insectarium is a ‘must see' collection of butterflies and other brightly colored insects ( approx 23000 species ) and is one of the most fascinating in the world. It took the owner of this collection 30 years of patient work to bring about this amazing collection. You will also encounter a variety of other creatures like geckos, monkeys, tenrecs, java deers, Japanese Koi carps, fruit bats and many more. The rest of the park is ecologically orientated and contributes in the preservation and the restoration of the endemic flora.
● The Domaine du Chasseur also called Domaine du Grand Bois hidden in the hills of Anse Jonchée near Mahebourg on the south east side of Mauritius a magnificent park covering 2000 acres. On forest-clad slopes at an altitude of 300 to 500 meters live stags and deer, monkeys and wild boars amongst a luxurious cegetation od ebony, eucalyptus, ravenale, palm trees and wild orchids.Rare species of birds such as the kestrel can be seen in the woods. The domain also hosts 4 thatch-roofed bungalows and an open restaurant overlooking the sea. A wide choice of venison and seafood is available.
● Le Domaine de L'Ylang Ylang on the south west coast of Mauritius nests at the foot of Anse Jonchée hills. Its main resource is the plantation of Ylang Ylang from the fragrant flowers of which a perfume and essential oil are distilled. The effects of Ylang Ylang are stimulating and relaxing. It is used in aromatherapy to relieve anxiety, from insomnia, to reduce stress and high blood pressure. The domain offers a panoramic view of Vieux Grand Port and the neighboring islets. Hiking possibilities for nature-lovers and food sampling of farm products can be organized on request.
● Grand Bassin: Sacred lake for the Hindus in between some temples situated in the Black River Georges National Park ; worth seeing specially when the feast Maha Shivaratree is celebrated there. You are welcome to the ceremonies held over there.
Take off your shoes before entering the temples!
Discover the East of Mauritius
