Mauritius is a volcanic island nation located in the eastern part of Africa. It consists of Mauritius Island and several smaller islands. With an area of 2,040 square kilometers, it’s about one-eighth the size of Beijing. The capital, Port Louis, is the largest city and the political, economic, and cultural center of the country, with a population of around 120,000. Mauritius has a total population of over 1.2 million, and there is also a significant Chinese community on the island. Surrounded by coral reefs, Mauritius features diverse landscapes, including narrow coastal plains, central plateaus, and multiple mountain ranges with isolated peaks. After colonial rule by the Dutch, French, and British, Mauritius gained independence from Britain on March 12, 1968. Once the only home of the dodo bird, which became extinct by the late 17th century, Mauritius was rated as one of Africa’s high human development index countries as of 2013. In 2016, with a per capita GDP of $9,628, Mauritius became one of Africa’s wealthier nations and is often referred to as the “Switzerland of Africa.”
Port Louis is surrounded by mountains, and tourism plays a big role here. The Caudan Waterfront, opened in 1996, is a major commercial hub located in the city’s most vibrant waterfront area. It hosts over a hundred boutique shops, restaurants, and is bustling with various art events and exhibitions all day long. The lively atmosphere, combined with colonial architecture with an African flair, attracts local fashionistas and many tourists to Mauritius.
Every year in Mauritius, during the festival of Maha Shivaratri, Hindu devotees carry colorful chariots and frames as they walk towards the sacred lake to collect holy water. It is believed that this holy water has healing and protective powers.
Blue Bay Marine Park is a famous coral nature reserve in Mauritius, known for its snorkeling spots. We took a special glass-bottom boat to the middle of the sea, where we could see live corals through the glass bottom of the boat.
Chamarel Falls, located within the Seven Colored Earths area, is the tallest waterfall in Mauritius. Its height matches that of the Statue of Liberty and it was also a filming location for the movie “Jurassic Park.”
Seven Colored Earths
The Seven Colored Earths is located in the Black River mountains of southwestern Mauritius. These rolling, wave-like dunes were formed from volcanic eruptions, with erosion shaping them into their current form. When exposed to sunlight, the soil displays a range of vibrant colors, making this area one of the most unique geological sites in the world.
Studies suggest that the soil’s colorful appearance is due to the uneven cooling rates of molten volcanic rock and the presence of various minerals and crystals within the soil. These elements reflect shades of yellow, ochre, purple, red, and orange under the sunlight, creating a striking visual effect.
Geologists once conducted an experiment by mixing different colored soils together in a test tube. After a few days, the colors naturally separated, demonstrating the soil’s fascinating properties.
Trou aux Cerfs Crater
Trou aux Cerfs, located in the central region of Mauritius at an elevation of around 500 meters, is believed to be the island’s point of origin. Once an active and eruptive volcano, it is now in a long period of dormancy, surrounded by lush greenery and offering a peaceful and picturesque environment.
We observed the crater during a helicopter tour around the island, which provided a stunning aerial view of this natural wonder.
Casela Nature Parks
Casela Nature Parks is prominently advertised at the airport’s arrival area. Located on the west coast of Mauritius, this expansive wildlife park covers over 10 hectares and offers an immersive experience showcasing African wildlife.
Visitors explore the park by vehicle, traveling through open natural environments where they can encounter zebras, deer, ostriches, antelopes, and other animals up close. It provides a unique opportunity to experience the charm of African wildlife in an open setting.
Casela Nature Parks also features an aviary that is home to various bird species from around the world. Unfortunately, due to time constraints, we could only catch a glimpse of some of the rare birds. Among them were majestic parrots, lovebirds, hyacinth macaws, and blue-crowned motmots.
Underwater Waterfall
Unlike typical waterfalls that cascade from cliffs, Mauritius boasts a stunning underwater waterfall near its coastline. Through the clear ocean waters, you can observe sand and silt rapidly flowing from the shallow coastal shelf down into the deeper ocean, creating the illusion of a massive underwater cascade. The depth of the underwater waterfall is estimated to reach about 3,500 meters, making it the tallest of its kind in the world.
In the sunlight, the flowing sediments give the impression that the entire island is being drawn into the ocean, creating a breathtaking visual effect. Beyond its beauty, this underwater phenomenon plays a vital role in regulating ocean water temperature and salinity. As the waterfall plunges, it mixes water layers, stabilizing temperatures, and distributing warmth across equatorial waters.
We had the incredible experience of witnessing this spectacular sight from a helicopter flying over the coast. The view from above was truly awe-inspiring!
While on the helicopter tour, we captured a remarkable photo—one that resembles a giant tortoise gazing at the underwater waterfall from the shore.
The tortoise shape in the landscape was unaltered, and from above, both the head and body of the tortoise are clearly visible. This natural formation is so unique that it could very well become another must-see attraction in Mauritius in the future.
Natural Bridge
The Natural Bridge was discovered by a foreign tourist and has since become a popular spot for photographers and visitors. Located on the southern coast of Mauritius, this natural wonder is a massive black reef stone shaped by the relentless pounding of the sea over the years. From a distance, it resembles a solemn and rugged bridge wedged between cliffs.
We managed to capture it from the helicopter, as the journey by car would have involved a bumpy ride along rough roads.