West and South-West

Mauritius' west and south-west coasts will provide you with an entirely different perspective of the nation. It is the island's sunniest and driest region, with natural features sceneries that resemble the African savanna. At sea or inland, in the center of nature, there are numerous locations to discover and many activities and leisure to enjoy.

Flic en Flac, Tamarin, and Le Morne beaches are the most popular for family trips, surfing, and kitesurfing, as well as for their historical significance. Young and old will enjoy leisure parks, and nature enthusiasts will enjoy discovering the Black River Gorges National Park or taking a trip out to sea to see dolphins. The region has a lovely climate all year, both in summer and winter, and offers a wide range of activities and relaxation for the entire family during your Mauritius vacation.

Flic en Flac, Tamarin, and Le Morne beaches are the most popular for family trips, surfing, and kitesurfing, as well as for their history. The Black River Gorges National Park and a journey out to sea to see dolphins will excite both young and old. During your vacation in Mauritius, the region enjoys a lovely climate all year, including summer and winter, and offers a wide range of activities and relaxation for the entire family.

Take the Black River Road south from Port-Louis, which will take you to all of the settlements in the west and southwest. The first to arrive are Pointe aux Sables and Albion. These coastal towns, which are mostly residential, are tranquil and popular with the locals. The Martello tower, a defensive stone building built by the British in the early nineteenth century, is located near the entrance to Pointe aux Sables. Between Pointe aux Sables and Albion, there lies "Montagne Zako," a cliff of around twenty meters high from which you can leap into the sea below.

Flic en Flac is recognized for its gorgeous beach with casuarina trees that spans for many kilometers, as well as its numerous restaurants and nightlife. The beach is popular with Mauritian families for weekly picnics because it is easily accessible from the island's urban center; tourists also like it. Take advantage of the many food trucks lining the shore to sample local fare, or try one of the eateries along the street. On weekends, the beachfront road is packed with people after dusk, close to the different taverns and nightclubs. You could try to meet the Mauritian night owls by attending a restaurant-club evening.

As you travel south, the environment changes dramatically; the mountains and plants take on varied tones of ochre, evoking the African savannah. Tamarin and Grande Rivière Noire, once remote fishing settlements, are now densely populated and treasured by surfers and those seeking a peaceful life by the sea. The many places in the region will excite surfers, especially the one in Dal, which was made famous by the film «The Forgotten Island of Santosha», which was released 40 years ago.

The salt pans, which are the only ones operating now, are visible from the entrance of Tamarin. You are welcome to pay them a visit and purchase souvenirs from the shop. At nightfall, with La Tourelle Mountain in the background, amazing photos can be captured. Another Martello tower, located at La Preneuse beach in Grande Rivière Noire, has been converted into a museum since 1999. Follow the instructions!

Drive off the main road upon leaving Grande Rivière Noire to reach the Black River Gorges National Park. It's a lush forest with a diverse range of native and unique trees, as well as valuable animal species including the Pink Pigeon, Mauritian Parakeet, and Paradise Flycatcher, all of which are closely monitored protected birds. The size of the Mauritian Bats that fly over the trees in open daylight may astound you. The park is also a popular destination for nature lovers and trail enthusiasts; there are various marked paths, some of which lead to the Macchabée or Pétrin forests in the island's highlands.

Kite surfers love Case Noyale and La Gaulette, little fishing communities, for their proximity to the sea and economical holiday homes, after driving along the gorgeous path of Petite Rivière Noire. The landing station of Case Noyale is an interesting photo opportunity. It's a one-of-a-kind spot, out of time, with its modest stone post office guarded by a massive Banyan tree that has been there for centuries. A beautiful location for sunset photography. Benitiers Island, a popular tourist destination, is accessible from La Gaulette. Watching dolphins, diving at Crystal Rock, and enjoying a nice BBQ on the island are all on the program.

Le Morne, further south, is known for its magnificent white sand beaches, as well as surf and kitesurfing sites, but it is also a historical site that is protected by UNESCO. On Sundays, Le Morne beach is popular for family picnics, but surfers also prize it. All surfers have heard of Le Morne's famous "One Eye" spot, which is supposed to get its name from a human profile visible on the mountain's slope, from which one can discern an eye formed by a hole in the stone.

Le Morne is also a part of Mauritius' history. It has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Some escaped slaves are claimed to have climbed this peak during the colonial era and, in order to avoid being apprehended, flung themselves into the void out of hatred. Slave communities had evolved in the mountain's secret crevices. At the foot of Le Morne Mountain, there is a memorial place with statues.

Shopping
The Cascavelle Shopping Mall, located at the intersection of Flic en Flac and Black River, is the region's main shopping destination. There are various apparel, accessory, jewelry, and souvenir stores, as well as a wine shop, a grocery, a bank, and a food court. The Ruisseau Créole Shopping Mall, located in Black River to the south, has shops, restaurants, a bank, and wine shops, among other things. Smaller business complexes will be seen in the various settlements along the way.