West Coast
The West Coast of Mauritius is popular for the dolphins that come to the waters to rest and breed. This is one of the most sheltered regions and is characterised by palm-fringed beaches, salt pans and landscape diversity.
West Coast Highlights
The West Coast of Mauritius is popular for the spectacle surrounding the dolphins that arrive in the waters to rest and breed. The west is Mauritius' most diverse coastline. The old fishing village of Flic en flac is a popular tourist hub, but is by no means all this part of the island has to offer.
The Morne Mountain (le Morne Brabant) is a basalt monolith with a summit over 550m above sea level. It is located at the end of a peninsula in the far south-western region of the island. Aside from its aesthetic appeal of green rock-faces and caves, it is popularly visited for its links to the history of slavery in the country and also offers a superb diving environment in its waters.
Black River is a part of the coast that neatly carves white, sandy little bays into the nutrient-rich farm land. The Black River Gorges National Park is characterised by lusciously vegetated hills that soar over the salt pans of Tamarind. Inland, lies Chamarel Rum Distillery known for its daily tours that teach visitors about the rum production, of course, offer tastings.
The Martello Towers, near Black River, stand as a memorial to the rivalry between ancient colonial powers and symbolise the end of slavery in the country.
Due to the high level of sunshine on the west coast, this is where the salt pans thrive. Tamarin is where the salt production of Mauritius is based.
Located in Black River, Casela Park is a 25 ha nature reserve that houses more than 140 bird species from 5 continents, while it is also home to a variety of other species like giant tortoises, zebras, a tiger and ostriches.
Yemen Reserve is a much smaller reserve in Mauritius, but is still worth a visit to see range of Mauritian fauna and flora for the days spent away from the sheltered beaches.
Hilton Mauritius Resort & Spa is located on the beach front and is located close to Port Louis, the capital of Mauritius. Guest Rooms and Suites at Hilton Mauritius Resort & Spa are arranged in small pavilions surrounded by tropical landscaping.
The Sands Resort and Spa is smaller than most resorts in Mauritius and offers guests a more personalised holiday experience. This 4 Star resort offers romance, peace and serenity amongst beautiful gardens with the spectacular Le Morne Mountains in the distance.
Opening onto an inviting palm grove of over 1 000 coconut trees and warmed by the breath of millions of white frangipani, La Pirogue's range of ground-level standard rooms, superior rooms and royal suites are both spacious and charming; romantic and family-friendly.
Pearle Beach Resort includes a spa where guests can relax and enjoy traditional massages, facial and body care. Taste the delicacies from Mauritius, Europe and Oriental cuisines prepared by the chef, paired with an exotic drink.
How to Get there
There is one main International Airport in Mauritius, Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport, which is located about 48km from the capital, Port Louis. This is a terminal for all incoming and outgoing air traffic and is the gateway to all Mauritius destinations.
Sun Safaris will book guests on Air Mauritius or South African Airways flights from Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International. There are flights from Cape Town to Mauritius, but they are irregular and most will not suit guests’ itineraries.
Upon arrival at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International, guests will connect with a road transfer to their booked hotel on the island. The country is only 2040 sq km in size and all destinations can be reached by road.
Once on the main island, guests can take boat cruises or ferries to a number of the surrounding islands, like Reunion, Rodrigues and the archipelago of Agelega.
West Coast Activities
The West Coast lies a few kilometres from the capital of Mauritius, Port Louis, and also close to the lively town of Grand Baie. The West Coast is popular for its spacious environment where resorts and homesteads are closely located to the beautiful white sand beaches of Mauritius.
The entertainment, nightlife and other activities keep guests endlessly occupied, while excursions include visiting the Black River Gorges National park, known for its highly endangered plants and animals as well as 311 plant species and 9 bird species that can only be found in Mauritius.
Visit the multi-coloured dune-like knolls, known as Chamarel Coloured Earths. It is said that the seven colours of the mound were formed from volcanic ash, while others believe the mounds can be due to the different quantities of metal oxide they each contain. The Salt Pans in Tamarin is the heart of salt production in Mauritius. Guests can visit and choose to take part in the production process.
