Mauritius’ inland is not dead as the dodo. |
There is so much more to Mauritius than its idyllic beaches, and now it is easier than ever to explore the inland of this beautiful island, once home to the dodo. Indeed the dodo is the islands national icon, and despite it being extinct for 400 years, its very existence demonstrates the uniqueness of Mauritius and sets it out as one of the worlds most bio-diverse areas.
The vast majority of visitors to Mauritius travel no more than a mile from the beach, however in the last few years people are realising there is so much more on offer here and venturing in to the dodo’s world. A land of rocky inlets, tree covered mountains and extinct volcanoes.
If you want to see the dodo’s closest living relative, the Nicobar pigeon, then head to the foot of Mount du Rempart, which Mark Twain described as a ‘pocket Matterhorn’. The most accessible native forest on the island is at Black Water River Gorges. Take the three hour hike to the Black River Peak and you will be strolling through giant ebony trees and you can spot endangered birds on the way. At Charmarel you will find waterfalls and at Domaine Louisa nearby try out the new Parc Adventure, a rope bridge challenge through the forest that really gets you up close with the wildlife.
The short boat trip out to the rocky outcrop that is the Isle aux Aigrettes takes you as close as you can get to the dodo’s coastal home and possible final resting place, some four centuries ago. Aldabra tortoises look through the undergrowth under the ebony trees, and the pink pigeon, saved from the same fate as the Dodo by British conservationist Gerald Durrell, also resides here.
So come to Mauritius for its beautiful beaches, top class hotels and wonderful climate, but don’t forget to take time out from the beach to discover Mauritius’ hidden delights.
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