Mauritius- Mahebourg, Trou d'Eau Douce, Trou-aux-Biches, Mont Choisy, Coteau Raffin

So after finally getting out of South Africa(whew) I flew directly to the beautiful island of Mauritius. I decided to start at the southern end of the island, rented a car and took a road trip! I felt comfortable driving on the wrong side of the road and vehicle as I had experience in South Africa. I was in for quite the month! So started in Mahebourg for a week. First stop Ferney Valley (La Valley De Ferney) A conservation nature reserve. Beautiful rolling Meadows and tropical forest. I'll try to point out what I remember.

The tree on the right looks like an elbow. Look at the size of that termite nest middle left. Middle right, cinnamon tree. I hate to admit it, but I didn't know cinnamon was from a tree...and at the bottom, these giant tortoises can live to be 170-200 years old. These two are 180...I had no idea!

Mahebourg Seafront...not much here, but beautiful! Unfortunately it's overcast today, which was good for Ferney Valley, but not for the beach. But on the bright side, I was able to find a great restaurant with fabulous food.

The next day I decided to check out the Mahebourg Museum - the history of the country from slavery and indentured servants to independence. The island was uninhabited until the dutch arrived and decided to settle then brought slaves here to develop the island.

Actual chair from 1690's(Righthand side). Replica of the train built in the 1800's(Righthand side). Upper right is water jug. Coins, tools, weapons etc. The wood- lower left is from an actual boat from the late 1600's. Chinese porcelain from the 10th century. Bottom they were advertising slaves, like furniture - smh.

After a long afternoon at the museum, I was in need of dinner. Found a good spot right on the beach. A local spicy seafood dish-yum!

I am taking a road trip as I said and traveling the island for 3.5 weeks. I just left the south side, which is by the airport. These are pictures from my drive to the east coast. Also stopped at a little place for lunch, fresh, tender calamari.

Trou d'Eau Douce

Made it to the beach today... unfortunately too cold to get in. Still beautiful! Look at how clear the water is. I found a nice little restaurant on the beach for fresh Ahi and Jumbo Shrimp.

I left the east coast and headed to the west. I made it to the West Coast where it's 80 degrees and sunny! This is Flic-en-Flac Beach

The following day I toured Port Louis, the capital. These are pictures from downtown. Dodo bird is extinct, but it's the national bird. These are real size sculptures; they were so big they couldn't fly. Then old trees with long branches, looking like rope.

Some cool street art here too.

Then Chinatown. Full day exploring.

Then the next day I went to Black River Gorges National Park - this hike almost took me out! It was almost vertical climb! And it was advertised as hiking to see the waterfalls(7) but we didn't see ANY! That's the ONLY reason I kept climbing. I was ready to turn back after 30 minutes....at least it was a pretty forest-sigh.

The trees bottom left are mainly hollow inside. Look at the trunks...they use it to make musical instruments. Then the tree above that on the right is like lifesaver or something like that. If you split it at the "V"there's rain water in there that's safe to drink. I can't remember the names. Remember I was lightheaded and feeling faint...

Those are fruit bats(the largest bats) up on the right and look at the size of that termite nest in the picture next to and above them! After all the drama of hiking, I spent the next few days relaxing at the beach.

Arrived in the north of the island today(Mont Choisy). Made a couple stops along the way. First, botanical garden. A little disappointed, all the water features were closed for repairs...

I just think these huge, old trees are so cool. Look at the roots!

Next stop was Chateau De Labourdonnais Estate. An old sugar cane plantation. The mansion, grounds, extensive garden and restaurant and bar with gin tasting -yep! I did the gin tasting yummy!

Imagine southern plantations...Gone With The Wind. The house is huge ...

They had their own herb garden, giant Tortoises and goats. You recognize the nutmeg tree? Also a clove tree, black apple tree- they had quite the spice garden!

Yep, you guessed it. Another day relaxing at the beach. What's nice about this beach is the trees for shade. Look at how clear the water is! They also have food trucks, tables and chairs and they even had a ice cream truck!!!

This one was Mont Choisy Beach. Below is Grand Baie. They're close enough I was able to get to both in one day.

This one has a much more developed boardwalk, with tons of restaurants and shops.

Time to head out. Took the Tea Route on my drive south. Unimpressive.

Domaine des Aubineaux and Bois Cheri Tea Factory.

They actually have linens and clothes from the prior owners dating back to the 1700's. The most impressive part of the whole tour was this marble tub. Beautiful! Next stop: Chamarel waterfall, Seven colored earth geopark and Tortoise park. Some pictures that I took on the drive up, plus a preserved cave on the side of the mountain.

Staying on the southwest part of the island to end my road trip. Coteau Raffin. I spent the next day at La Preneuse beach. This is a beach mainly for locals. Not real crowded.

Then ended the day with dinner at the beach watching the sunset. Perfect day

I made a friend that was keeping me company. :)

The next day I checked out Le Morne beach. Overcast today, so I didn't stay that long. But I stopped for Ahi and a drink on my way in.

The next day I leave for Seychelles. These are from my drive south to the airport.

As I bring this road trip to an end, I realize I will definitely come back. The people are great- welcoming and accommodating. And you can't beat the beautiful beaches- it's the perfect vacation spot. Until next time...