Mauritius: private tour of the south west of the island

Since 1970, workshops have specialized in the manufacture and sale of these works. Mauritius has even become number 1 in the manufacture and export of model ships in scale models. Made of teak or camphor, the largest require up to 400 hours of work and are made up of thousands of assembled elements. They can cost up to 4000 euros! The first models can nevertheless be found for less than 100 euros. To avoid any unpleasant surprises, find out very precisely the price of the taxes to be paid and the amount of the shipping costs. Also note that the airlines take an overload on the models according to the volume and the weight. An invoice and a purchase certificate in good standing, recognized by the countries of the European Union, will avoid you paying customs duties on arrival. One of the most famous ship model factories is Historic Marine

rater of 300m in diameter, witness of the volcanic activity present a few million years ago on the island. This crater offers excellent points of view on all the neighboring regions, in particular the city of Curepipe, the mountain of Rempart, also called "Three breasts", in the west, and the mountain Saint-Pierre, in the northwest. The crater is filled by a small lake and boasts lush vegetation, consisting of tall pines and other species of tropical plants. A circular road goes around Trou-aux-cerf, you can descend there by paths.

The water of this lake is considered to be a resurgence of the sacred Ganges. In the 19th century, Mauritius already had a population of Indian workers who lacked a place of worship reminding them of the sacred river, the Ganges, place of purification of the soul. In 1897, a Hindu priest, Shri Jhummon Giri Gosagne had a vision where he saw that the waters of the Grand Bassin were flowing from the Ganges river. Since then, the Mauritian Hindus have thus elected Grand Bassin the most sacred place in Mauritius and have made it a place of pilgrimage, hence the mystical atmosphere that emerges there. Once a year (in February or March, the dates vary) on the occasion of Maha Shivaratree (which means the night of Lord Shiva)) thousands of pilgrims walk from their homes, back and forth, for a great ceremony in Grand Pool. A gigantic statue of "Shiva" is now erected there. On the banks, several Hindu temples are open to pilgrims and visitors. Apart from its purely spiritual aspect, Grand Bassin is also a very rich natural site where an abundant fauna which has taken up residence there: you will surely have the chance to come across monkeys performing or looting the offerings of pilgrims. It is a very appreciated visit of the tourists.

The viewpoint of Alexandra Falls is on the central plateau. It is part of the Black River Gorges. If you love waterfalls as much as we do, this is a "must see"! Alexandra Falls is hidden in the deep jungle of the Black River Gorges National Park and is part of a movie scene! As you walk through this wonderfully imaginative setting, you will find it hard to believe that you are on planet Earth! Alexandra Falls could certainly be the reason why you will wake up at 6 am in Mauritius to achieve a peaceful and pleasant state of mind. The lure of falling water; surrounded by lush greenery, to the sound of local bird species and other creatures are perfect continuous movements that cause us as humans to mentally relax at the sight of Alexandra Falls. The surroundings of the waterfalls represent a real book of the jungle and promise tranquility and tranquility while you enjoy one of the best places to see in Mauritius. Alexandra Falls is accessible on your way to Champagne Plaine (ideal for fruit picking) and towards Grand Bassin. It is a great addition to your day trip to these two places and going through other natural wonders along Chamarel.

species of plants and animals and will get a breathtaking view of Alexandra waterfalls. The Black River Gorges National Park is the largest protected forest of Mauritius. Providing over 50 km of magnificent and yet challenging hiking trails. This is the best way to get into the deep nature of Mauritius whether you prefer a hardcore climb to the highest peak or a gentler ramble through the forest. There are four entry points to the National Park. While strolling in the midst of nature, this green area will fill you with a sense of serenity and peace. This nature reserve provides over 50 km of trails where you can trek and explore the rich and diverse flora and fauna of the island. The enchanting, wild expanse of thick forest is home to over 300 species of flowering plants and 9 species of birds unique to Mauritius, including the famous pink pigeon, which is staging a very gradual comeback from the brink of extinction. As you keep exploring you will find spellbinding waterfalls (Alexandra Falls in particular), pristine rivers, picnic areas, wide canyons and dramatic mountain ranges, which create panoramic views altogether About the Black River Gorges National Park Amidst the unspoilt rainforest of Mauritius, there is almost 17,000 acres of rolling hills, deep valleys, spectacular waterfalls and unparalleled beauty of flora and fauna in the southwestern region- welcome to the Black River Gorges. It covers 2% of the thick native forests and rolling hills of the southwestern part of Mauritius. The Black River Gorges Nature Reserve was constructed in order to save the natural vegetation of the island and make it one of the most important Mauritian sights. One can walk along the greenery and reach the highest point of the island, which is the Black River Peak. Facilities for visitors include two information centers, picnic areas and 60 kilometers of trails.

Next to the national park between Rivière Noire and the Pointe du Morne, the Chamarel region presents one of the main natural curiosities of Mauritius. Located in a private domain (paying access), the land of 7 colors of Chamarel is a clearing which has 7 color variations, oscillating between ocher, brown, red and purplish. This phenomenon is believed to be due to the presence of volcanic ash containing mineral oxides of different colors exposed by erosion for centuries. The peculiarity of this earth is that once mixed, the colors still do not separate. But we can no longer carry soil or walk on it to keep this unique place in the world. There is also an enclosure with giant turtles that will delight the little ones. The Chamarel Waterfall Before arriving on the land of the seven colors, you will take an ocher-colored path which will lead you to a truly impressive waterfall. It is fed by the rivers St Denis and Viande salée and is about 100 meters high. You can admire a waterfall at the top of a promontory. It is also possible to descend and bathe there. Tips: For photographers, it is advisable to visit Chamarel in the middle of the day so as not to be bothered by the shadows in front of the waterfall and on the plain, which are very contrasting. Then don't miss the visit to the Rhumerie de Chamarel

l plain, is the Rhumerie de Chamarel. Overlooking the road leading to the lands of the seven colors bordered by fields of pineapples, sugar canes and tropical fruits, the Rhumerie offers tastings of agricultural rums distilled on site, guided tours, a shop and a restaurant in the evolving and refined menu, L'Alchimiste. Rhum de Chamarel, an eco-conscious agricultural rum. Ideally located in a valley protected from the prevailing winds, the plantation of the Rhumerie de Chamarel benefits from a micro-climate bringing it a natural watering at the opportune moments of the growth of the canes. Harvested daily by hand from the first light of day, the freshly cut canes arrive in less than 4 hours at the mills of the Rhumerie. This proximity, this selection and the absence of “burning” of the cane fields are the guarantees of the highest quality juice. For its fermentation and distillation processes, the Rhumerie uses the most modern techniques with the greatest respect for the environment. Nothing is lost here; the bagasse, cane fiber collected after the extraction of the sugar, is transformed into energy, the fumes are cleaned, the ashes used in the fields and the water vapors recovered for watering the gardens. Visit the Rhumerie de Chamarel One of the peculiarities of the Rhumerie is that it was thought from its conception to offer a complete tourist experience. The architectural space on a human scale, created by the Mauritian architect Maurice Giraud, gives off a feeling of well-being. The use of noble materials such as wood, stone and water gives it a "soul" that is both elegant and authentic and certainly makes it one of the most beautiful "factories" that exist. The other special feature of the Rhumerie is that it was created to produce high quality agricultural rum. It is therefore the magic of this transformation that will be told to you by professional guides throughout a “estheticized” and secure manufacturing process. Rum tasting The visit will end with a tasting of 6 rums (classic, double distilled, premiun gold, coconut, vanilla, coffee…) which you can naturally find in the shop at a very affordable price. It's time to refuel. The visit to the Rhumerie is in French or English and the duration of the visit is around 30 to 40 minutes. The Alchemist Restaurant with 80 seats, open daily for lunch and by reservation for dinner, The Alchemist offers a Chef's cuisine made from local products, preferably from sustainable culture. Variation of palm kernel, deer, "brown pig" are offered here accompanied by a wine list from France and elsewhere, for an optimal match. The creation of the Rhumerie is a mature idea driven above all by the passion for entrepreneurship in Mauritius. The evolution of Mauritius 'sugar' policy, the absence of internationally renowned Mauritian agricultural rum and the desire to create a quality 'green' domestic tourism product are the foundations of this project. It is also the vision of sustainable and family development. Opening days: Monday to Saturday Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. More information on the Rhumerie de Chamarel