The West
Discover the West of Mauritius
If you visit the west coast of Mauritius you will be transported to a spectacular coastline, amazing mountain peaks, and sugar cane fields. The weather on this side of the island is warmer and more humid than anywhere else in Mauritius. There is little wind, the lagoons are calmer, and the currents aren’t as strong as they are on the east coast except during winter where the weather conditions may slightly change.
Towns and Villages
Here, in the north-west of the island, you will find the capital of Mauritius, Port Louis, which was founded by the Dutch in 1638. It is now a bustling city of contrasts and you will be able to discover both street hawkers and big commercial centres. In Caudan Waterfront for example, there are fine dining restaurants, bars, stores, and art galleries. There are also plenty of museums in Port Louis to keep you occupied.
The villages of Flic-en-Flac, Tamarin, and Black River have all developed into tourist areas with many good hotels. In Flic-en-Flac there are some shopping centres and many nice restaurants. Tamarin is an old fisherman village which is popular for its surf spots, it has now developed into a luxurious residential area. Tamarin is also well known for its salt pans “La Route du Sel”, however the main salt pans have stopped operating as it is no more profitable.
Chamarel village is set in the highlands and is worth a visit. It’s famous for having 7-coloured soil “La Terre Sept Couleurs”, lovely restaurants, and a rum factory “La Rhumerie de Chamarel” where you can take a tour and do a little rum-tasting. For the young-at-heart there is also an adventure park.
Beaches
There is a beautiful beach and lagoon at Flic-en-Flac which is fringed with Casuarina trees. It is the longest beach on the island. Around Le Morne Brabant there are kilometres of white sandy beaches with a reef protected lagoon. The beach-fringed land between Flic-en-Flac and Le Morne is known as Riviere Noire.
One of the best spots for surfing or kite surfing is at Tamarin Bay. Le Morne Brabant has strong and steady south-east trade winds so surfing, windsurfing, and kite surfing are also popular here.
What to Do
If you enjoy hiking, visit one of the beautiful nature parks on this side of the island, such as Black River Gorges, Casela, or Gros Cailloux.
At Black River Gorges you will find some spectacular waterfalls and 311 species of flora and fauna. It is home to the last rainforest in Mauritius.
Casela Nature Park is a place to excite both young and old. You can see 1,500 birds here, tamed wild animals, and tortoises, as well as have a go on a zip line or quad bike.
If you fancy a trip on the sea, visit the Ile aux Benitiers. You can go by fishing boat from Case Noyale or La Gaulette or by catamaran or speedboat from Le Morne, Black River, or Flic-en-Flac. The island is flat and measures 2 kilometres by 500 meters so you should be able to explore the whole island during your trip.
The west is the best place on the island to see dolphins and you can even swim with them. From the period May to September you might get to see migrating whales.
If you are interested in mountain climbing, there are opportunities at Le Morne Brabant, Trois Mamelles, and Rempart Mountain. You also have the highest mountain in Mauritius in the south west; Piton de la Petite Riviere Noire.
Tamarin Falls is worth visiting. It is a string of 7 waterfalls surrounded by green mountains. You can trek here and swim in the pools underneath some of the waterfalls. It is an exhilarating experience.
Going to the west coast of Mauritius allows you to experience beautiful beaches and the most spectacular sunsets. If you love nature you will be in your element here.
Towns and Villages
Here, in the north-west of the island, you will find the capital of Mauritius, Port Louis, which was founded by the Dutch in 1638. It is now a bustling city of contrasts and you will be able to discover both street hawkers and big commercial centres. In Caudan Waterfront for example, there are fine dining restaurants, bars, stores, and art galleries. There are also plenty of museums in Port Louis to keep you occupied.
The villages of Flic-en-Flac, Tamarin, and Black River have all developed into tourist areas with many good hotels. In Flic-en-Flac there are some shopping centres and many nice restaurants. Tamarin is an old fisherman village which is popular for its surf spots, it has now developed into a luxurious residential area. Tamarin is also well known for its salt pans “La Route du Sel”, however the main salt pans have stopped operating as it is no more profitable.
Chamarel village is set in the highlands and is worth a visit. It’s famous for having 7-coloured soil “La Terre Sept Couleurs”, lovely restaurants, and a rum factory “La Rhumerie de Chamarel” where you can take a tour and do a little rum-tasting. For the young-at-heart there is also an adventure park.
Beaches
There is a beautiful beach and lagoon at Flic-en-Flac which is fringed with Casuarina trees. It is the longest beach on the island. Around Le Morne Brabant there are kilometres of white sandy beaches with a reef protected lagoon. The beach-fringed land between Flic-en-Flac and Le Morne is known as Riviere Noire.
One of the best spots for surfing or kite surfing is at Tamarin Bay. Le Morne Brabant has strong and steady south-east trade winds so surfing, windsurfing, and kite surfing are also popular here.
What to Do
If you enjoy hiking, visit one of the beautiful nature parks on this side of the island, such as Black River Gorges, Casela, or Gros Cailloux.
At Black River Gorges you will find some spectacular waterfalls and 311 species of flora and fauna. It is home to the last rainforest in Mauritius.
Casela Nature Park is a place to excite both young and old. You can see 1,500 birds here, tamed wild animals, and tortoises, as well as have a go on a zip line or quad bike.
If you fancy a trip on the sea, visit the Ile aux Benitiers. You can go by fishing boat from Case Noyale or La Gaulette or by catamaran or speedboat from Le Morne, Black River, or Flic-en-Flac. The island is flat and measures 2 kilometres by 500 meters so you should be able to explore the whole island during your trip.
The west is the best place on the island to see dolphins and you can even swim with them. From the period May to September you might get to see migrating whales.
If you are interested in mountain climbing, there are opportunities at Le Morne Brabant, Trois Mamelles, and Rempart Mountain. You also have the highest mountain in Mauritius in the south west; Piton de la Petite Riviere Noire.
Tamarin Falls is worth visiting. It is a string of 7 waterfalls surrounded by green mountains. You can trek here and swim in the pools underneath some of the waterfalls. It is an exhilarating experience.
Going to the west coast of Mauritius allows you to experience beautiful beaches and the most spectacular sunsets. If you love nature you will be in your element here.
