Mauritius - The West

Le Pouce und Pieter Both
A hiking trip on the mountain Le Pouce is a popular amusement amongst the Mauritian population. Thus, the pathway which is relatively easy to walk has to be shared with a lot of excursionists on the weekend. But who climbs the 812m of the mountain will be rewarded with a fantastic view on Port Louis and its surroundings.
The mountain Pieter Both can be climbed, too. For this purpose experience in climbing and climbing equipment are needed. The mountain is crowned distinctively by a boulder on its peak.
Photos of Le Pouce


Domaine les Pailles
At a distance of only 5km from Port Louis lies a special recreation area: Domaine les Pailles, an open-air museum which depicts the history of Mauritius vividly. The area can be explored by mini train or in a horse-drawn carriage. The main attraction of the park is an old sugar mill, in which sugar production is demonstrated. In the distillery the visitor learns how rum, the national drink of Mauritius, is produced. In the casino, which is to be found in an old colonial building gamblers will find their joy. One shouldn’t miss a dinner in one of the gourmet restaurants: whether Creole, Chinese or Indian cuisine: real treats await the holidaymaker.  

Eureka
In the villa Eureka the visitor can dive into the Mauritian past. The elegant colonial villa was built by English settlers in 1830. The colonial furnishing with chandeliers, heavy wooden furniture, old musical instruments and historical maps make the visitor sense what life must have been like for a plantation owner in the 19th century. In the garden of the villa a small waterfall can be discovered. A restaurant and a souvenir shop complete the destination.


Casela Bird Park
The Casela Bird Park stretches out on an area of about 20 hectares. The most famous star of the park is the pink pigeon which was in danger of extinction for a long time. The park is also the home to about 120 other bird species. Furthermore, the visitor can watch tigers, monkeys and other animals. A trip to the small streams which flow down the mountain shouldn’t be missed out. The visitors love to splash about in them. You can also go on a quad tour in the park. Casela Bird Park: a paradise for fans of birds and nature.
Photos of Casela Bird Park

Chamarel
Chamarel is famous for its coloured earth. When the visitor enters the park he will first enjoy a fantastic view on the waterfall Cascade Chamarel which flows over 127m. In the park one can then enjoy the magnificent play of colours of the earth. On a small hill the earth shows itself in colours ranging from red, yellow and brown to orange, lilac and blue. This phenomenon can be best seen in sunlight. Scientists explain this play of colour with the erosion of the volcanic earth. There are also some giant tortoises who have found their home in the park.
Photos of Chamarel

Le Morne Brabant
Le Morne Brabant is one of the most striking mountains of Mauritius. A sad story from the times of slavery is connected to it: some fled slaves hid on the mountain to escape their owners. When in 1835 some police men climbed the mountain to announce the abolition of slavery the slaves were so afraid that they jumped off the mountain and died. Today the mountain may only be climbed with an official permission. For those who don’t climb it, it still offers a breathtaking view, for example from the beach of Le Morne.
Photos of Le Morne