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5 top things to do in Mauritius

Find out what to do in Mauritius.
Mauritius is famous for its weather, its ice-white beaches and crystal-clear lagoons. But that’s not all. Turns out this tropical island is packed with loads of other stuff, too. Hang up your beach towel for a day and you can rub shoulders with giant tortoises, tour rum distilleries and zip-line through the jungle. Here’s our selection of surprising things to do in Mauritius...

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1. ZIP-LINE THROUGH THE JUNGLE

The Casela Nature Park is home to the longest zip-line in Mauritius. Buckle up and whizz across the park, which is surrounded by thick jungle, forest-clad hills and towering mountain peaks. There are double and triple lines, so you can share the experience with friends, too. And, if that doesn't get your adrenaline pumping, there's a canyon swing to try out. A cross between a bungee jump and zip line, it launches you off of a platform and swings you back and forth, Tarzan-style.

Take a peek at the best adventure holiday destinations

2. SEE A NATURAL PHENOMENON

Chamarel's Seven Coloured Earths have baffled geologists for years. In the middle of the forest, these rainbow-coloured sand dunes look like the aftermath of the world's biggest Holi festival. Scientists believe it's caused by a rare chemical reaction between rain and volcanic rock. At just a 20 minutes' drive from Le Morne, it's well worth stopping off for a look. Don't miss the 100-metre-high waterfall and the clan of giant tortoises, either.

See the Seven-Coloured Earths of Chamarel on our Colourful South daytrip

3. TOUR A TEA PLANTATION

Tea production goes back centuries in Mauritius and a visit to the Bois Chéri Plantation will show you how it goes from leaf to pot. Start with a guided tour through the factory, where you’ll see how it’s picked, prepared and fermented. After exploring the museum, sit down to taste a range of teas, including vanilla, coconut, and even tropical fruit flavour. What’s more, the plantation’s hilltop tea house comes with 360-degree views for miles out.

Visit Bois Chéri Plantation on our Charms & Flavours excursion

4. VISIT A WORKING RUM DISTILLERY

If you're more into cocktails than tea, try a tour of the Rhumerie de Chamarel. This sugar cane plantation and rum distillery is set within the island’s south-west region. Here, they carefully cut each cane by hand, before preparing and fermenting it – a process which takes a painstaking six months. The harvest season is from July to December, when you’ll get the full tour experience, but tasting sessions run all year round. You’ll be able to try all different types of rum, including varieties blended with fruits and spices.

Find out everything you need to know about Mauritian rum

5. EAT STREET FOOD

With Indian, Madagascan, African and French heritage, Mauritius has a diverse culture and this is reflected in the cuisine. Street food is really popular and you can get it all over the island. The most popular dish by far is called dholl puri. This soft, pancake-like flat bread is slathered with bean curry and spicy chilli paste. You’ll soon realise that Mauritians love chilli and can eat insane quantities of it, without breaking a sweat. Other favourites include aubergine fritters, fried noodles, and chopped fruit covered in sugar and, you’ve guessed it, chilli – a surprisingly delicious way to get one of your five-a-day.

Get clued up on Mauritius with our seven top facts
Ready to see what Mauritius has to offer?

Browse our Mauritius holiday deals or find out when’s the best time to visit Mauritius. Plus, discover why Mauritius made our list of the best island holidays.

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Author: Sarah Robinson

Published: 22.09.2016

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Destination

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