Regions
Centre de Flacq, 20 minutes from Belle Mare beach, is the biggest town on the Eastern coast. The South is the wildest and least developed region of the island, characterised by its ancient ruins and the majestic waterfalls of Rochester Falls. The Central region of the island houses the protected nature reserves of the Maccabées Forest and the Valley of Colours, with its lush vegetation, colourful flora and fauna, streams, and waterfalls.
Île aux Cerfs (East)
Île aux Cerfs, one of the most beautiful places in the Indian Ocean, and is a resort just off the coast of Centre de Flacq. The waters of Île aux Cerfs are perfect for water skiing and parasailing. On the island, there is a boat house where you can hire water skis, pedalos, sailboards, surfcats, Laser dinghies and canoes. Two-hour boat trips are offered to the Grande Rivière Sud-Est waterfall.
Curepipe (Central Region)
Curepipe's main street is Elizabeth Ave. There, the recently renovated colonial-style Hôtel de Ville (1902) functions as the town hall. In its gardens, you'll find a statue of the fictitious lovers Paul and Virginie from Bernadin de St Pierre's 1788 novel. Between Curepipe and Floreal is the spectacular Trou aux Cerfs, an extinct crater 85m deep and more than 200m wide from the rim, from which one can enjoy extensive views of the island.
Black River Gorges National Park
This beautiful highland area south-west of Curepipe is like no other part of the island. About 6km from Curepipe, Mauritius' only mountain road reaches the dam wall of the park's large reservoir, Mare aux Vacoas. The best time to visit Black River Gorges National Park is during the flowering season between September and January. Look for the rare tambalacoque or dodo tree, black ebony trees and the exotic birds that perch in them.