East of Mauritius
Discover the East of Mauritius
The interest of the East is that there is more than beaches to see. With mountains, rivers, and typical villages, there are a lot of places to visit, including a few historical sites.
Ile aux Cerfs Island
This paradise island of Mauritius constitutes of around 100 hectares of land. Nowadays there are no more deers on the island, but you will find there some of the worlds beautiful beaches and as such it is one of the must place to visit and see in Mauritius.Mauritius Ile Aux Cerfs is famous for its sandy beaches, beautiful lagoon and big selection of activities and facilities. In Ile Aux Cerfs you are sure to have a day of relaxation and fun on one of the picture-postcard beaches, and to enjoy a swim and snorkeling in the lagoon.
Grande Riviere Sud Est
It is the longest river of the country and boats that can be taken from Trou d'Eau Douce to go down the river until it meets the sea. You can enjoy the amazing landscape while lying in the shade of the trees as the boat sails down the river. The scenery is amazing and a few catamarans as well as other types of boats offer this opportunity.
Dutch Ruins
The oldest settlement of the country is fund in Vieux Grand-Port. The Dutch discovered Mauritius, and named it after a Dutch Prince, Maurits Van Nassau. The ruins of these settlements are being excavated, and a small museum is found just next to the ruins.
Pointe du Diable
This is a spot alongside the coastal road where canon batteries from the French colonial times are still there. These have been used during the Naval Battle opposing French to British who wanted to invade the island in 1810. It also offers a nice viewpoint on Vieux Grand Port.
Lion Mountain
For those who are interested by a trekking adventure, there are few mountains around. The Lion mountain nearby offers a nice panoramic view on the island once on top. Next to it, another mountain, the Cat and the Rat, can also be easily climbed. These names have been given to these mountains due to their shapes, and those coming across these mountains will immediately understand why!
Roches Noires
Roches Noires is mainly a residential area with some luxurious beach houses but it does host a nice quiet beach. Situated on the East coast that can be very windy, Roches Noires also provides kitesurfing opportunities nearby.
Trou d'Eau Douce
Trou d'Eau Douce is a typical fishermen's village. However, with boat excursions starting from Trou d'Eau Douce that have grown quite fast these last years, the village has undergone some developments, and has seen the emergence of a few hotels and restaurants. The boat excursion starting point can thus get quite busy during the day. Trou d'Eau Douce has however maintained an authenticity as compared to other villages. Excursions starting from Trou D'Eau Douce head to different places like Ile aux Cerfs or other cruises on the East coast.
Ile aux Aigrettes
This is an islet that is now set for the protection of the fauna and flora. The Mauritius Wildlife Foundation has been doing an amazing work there for the preservation of endangered species.
Thus species like the Kestrel, the Pink Pigeon, the Green Gecko Phelsuma, as well as the Aldabra giant tortoise can be seen there. Ile aux Aigrettes can be visited, but there are no accommodation facilities.
Domaine du Chasseur
The Domaine du Chasseur has an area of 900 hectares of hunting grounds where stags, monkeys and boars wander.
In terms of accommodation, there are also few thatched roof bungalows that can be hired.
The restaurant is on the highest part of the place, and when having a meal there, there is a fantastic panoramic view on the valleys and the sea. For those who are looking for a walk in the midst of nature, walking up to the restaurant is a good opportunity. However, the hike can get quite exhaustive due to the steep hill. This can also be done by 4 Wheel Drive.
Mahebourg
Mahebourg is the main city in this region of the island. Close to the airport, it can get very busy, especially on market days occuring on Mondays. There is also a wide waterfront that has been built there, giving the opportunity of having a nice walk along the seashore. Mahebourg also hosts the National Historical and Naval Museum in a nice 17th century colonial house. This museum retraces the different colonization of the country by the Dutch, the French and the British. There is a whole section on the Naval Battle of Vieux Grand Port between the French and the Royal Navy in 1810, the single Naval Battle that France has won in history. The museum is opened from Monday to Saturday (except on Tuesdays) from 9 am to 4 pm, and on Sundays from 9 am to noon, and the admission is free.
Blue Bay
Blue Bay is a very nice beach with opportunities for snorkeling and glass bottom boats excursions.