eco tourism mauritius

Ecotourism in Mauritius: What We Can Learn From the Home of the Dodo

November 29, 2022

Ecotourism in Mauritius is gaining traction and that’s something to celebrate. Here, we take a look at some of the sustainable initiatives going on there as well as what individual travellers can do.

See also the benefits of sustainable tourism and how to have a more sustainable beach trip.

Why sSould We Care About Ecotourism in Mauritius?

Sustainable travel matters and it always has. That we already know. But beyond good intentions, what can businesses and individuals do to make sure that we’re moving in the right direction. Earlier in the year, I had the chance to head south and explore ecotourism in Mauritius.

Disclosure : I travelled to Mauritius as a guest of Heritage Resorts. As ever, as always, I kept the right to write what I like. Otherwise, what’s the point?

First off: Where is Mauritius?

Mauritius is a tiny island in the middle of the Indian Ocean, located about 2,400 kilometres off the South East Coast of Africa and almost fully surrounded by colourful coral reefs. Volcanic in origin, its land is covered in dense forests and reservations, home to the Mauritius kestrel and giant tortoises.

Mauritius already attracts over 1 million tourists to its natural paradise each year. However, as the island with the highest population density in Africa, and a great deal of transport required to import goods and people, the challenges of climate change loom large. In other words, perhaps, its position makes a focus on sustainable travel all the more important.

Then there is the dodo, the most famous example of extinction in history. For Mauritius is home to the Dodo – or at least it used to be. Now, the great bird simply watches new arrivals in the airport hall, alive only in the form of the world’s imagination and a series of bright coloured keyring chains.

Today, ecotourism in Mauritius aims to do better. And you’ll find a series of initiatives across the island, spearheaded by passionate individuals and forward-thinking companies.

I visited Mauritius in partnership with Heritage Resorts to take part in their sustainable food festival and learn more about their approach.

How to Have a More Eco-Friendly Trip to Mauritius

The ultra short version involves reading this article on how to be a responsible tourist and taking it from there.

The slightly short version involves skipping down to the heading on how to boost ecotourism in Mauritius.

And in the longer version, settle down with a rum cocktail (locally produced, obviously) and catch up with Alexandre Piat, the Head of Sustainability at Heritage Resorts. A scientist, rather than a PR man, he’s unusually frank, honest and not afraid to talk about the things that aren’t working well -yet. He’s also shy about his English , even though he shouldn’t be.

Imagine the crash of the ocean, the soothing beats of the beach bar and the sun on the back of your neck as you read. Got it? Then we shall begin…

So, what kind of training do you have to become Head of Sustainability?

I have a Masters in the Science of Earth and the Environment and spent two years in coastal projects management. Now, sustainable travel is a degree subject in Mauritius and newer staff arrive with that under their belt.

How long have you been working here?

I arrived four years ago. First, it was just me but now we have a team of eleven people.

And, without meaning to sound rude, what do you do all day?

Most of our time is spent measuring and training. We run two hour training sessions each week for staff and try to inspire people to champion ideas for how to make each department more sustainable.

We measure and compare to the baseline. We have to measure, to be transparent and sincere as it is so easy to greenwash, even by mistake. We have to be careful not to over represent the PR if a project can’t keep up.

What is the hardest thing?

Changing the culture. The real challenge is trying to get people to understand why we are making a change. Both guests and staff have an idea that to be a luxury hotel, the air conditioning must be at a certain temperature and the linen should be changed every day and the buffet should be huge.

Trying to get people to change those ideas is the biggest challenge.

What’s had the biggest impact?

Hm…. I would say that waste management is the biggest one. We have changed the buffet to include more local food and to limit the food we import. We try to educate guests as to why we are doing that so that they don’t think it’s a problem. We take leftovers to an NGO nearby and we are working on a recycling scheme.

Let’s talk carbon footprints. I think we all know that’s a problem as, realistically, people have to fly to Mauritius. But Heritage Le Telfair is carbon neutral, right? What does that mean?

It means we have a project to make each stay carbon neutral. That consists of three parts.

• We calculate the carbon footprint. This is complicated because there are different ways, direct and indirect, to do this. We use the HCMI2 calculator which is specific for hotels and we work with the IA, a French company, to help calculate this independently.
• We try to reduce our carbon footprint. At Heritage Le Telfair, 40-50% of our energy is spent on air conditioning. And so we are trying to train our staff to change the thermostats.
• We offset. We know that this is not ideal but we then buy carbon offsets to make up the rest.

Unfortunately, this project does not include flights just yet but we are working with Air France on that. It doesn’t include transfers yet, either.

What other initiatives do you have?

We have many. But they take time.

• We are working on building a field of solar panels and aim for that to provide 80% of our energy needs by next year.
• We are working with a local NGO to see what they need, we donate food and leftover paint for example and I travel there once a month to check in and see that what we are doing is useful.
• We have recruitment targets to make sure that local people benefit from the jobs at this resort and run a training academy to prepare people for the hospitality sector.
• We are growing our own herb and vegetable garden to reduce food transport further.
• And, we have just launched our annual sustainable food festival.

Do you think there is hope for the future?

[Big smile.] Yes, I think it is amazing to see the change, even though it is slow. It is so important. Well, we all have to do it.

Read more about the sustainable travel projects at Heritage Resorts here.

Ways Your Visit Can Boost Ecotourism in Mauritius

Use your voice.

Support hotels and businesses who are making an effort. Ask questions at hotels and leave thoughtful feedback. Check out these other suggestions on how anyone can be a responsible tourist.

Cut Your Power Use

Turn off the AC when you leave and turn the thermostat up when you are in.

Carry a Reusable Water Bottle and Turn Down Straws

Cut down on disposable plastic in one easy step.

Use Reef Safe Sunscreen

Otherwise, chemicals in your sunscreen can damage those gorgeous reefs. See more sustainable beach tips here.

Think About Your Flight

Yes, that long haul flight isn’t going to be magically wiped away by, well, anything. But you can make the most of your trip by following all the principles of sustainable travel, staying for as long as you can – and really, really enjoying yourself when you’re there. And while carbon offsetting is a controversial practice, you can look into it more here.

Try Some Specific Activities That Protect Nature in Mauritius

And that’s where the next section comes in!

Activities That Boost Ecotourism in Mauritius

When it comes to the best way of protecting endangered species, where we go and what we spend money on makes a difference. By supporting the protection of the environment and local tradition in a non-exploitative way, you can cast your vote for the kind of tourism you want.

Mauritius is bursting with beauty and great initiatives to boost sustainable travel. Here are some top examples of ecotourism activities in Mauritius. Some I had the privilege of testing out, others come highly recommended and I hope to return to try.

Explore the Trails in Black River Gorges National Park

As the largest protected park in Mauritius, Black River Gorges National Park mesmerises with its rolling hills, blue lakes, and the waters of the Alexandra Falls. Locals told me that this was the best area for hiking on the island, and local guides can still show you some secret spots. You’ll also find gentler paths for nature lovers and more adventurous routes for the bold.

Here in the Black River Gorges National Park, you can spot the pink pigeon, rescued from extinction only a few years ago. Look out for giant fruit bats even in the day, their heads dangling from branches like macabre festive baubles.

Don’t worry, though. Despite the vampire look, they are fully fruitarian and will not attack you in any way. The Mauritius kestrel and echo parakeet also spend their lives in the dark forests of the Black River Gorges so wear neutral colours, keep quiet and you may just see them.

Roam Through the Bel Ombre UNESCO Biosphere Reserve

A 5-hour trek will take you into the deep nature of the Bel Ombre biosphere reserve , where you can admire the centenary trees, brooks and waterfalls. Quad biking tours are also popular if you are a fan. 

Or, you can clamber into a safari truck and drive through the reserve that way. This land shows the native state of the landscape in Mauritius, setting the scene for how things used to be.

If you are visiting in March or April when the guavas are ripe and ready for harvesting, you can hire a local guide to show you how to pick them yourself.

• Top tip: while you’re in the area, make sure to stop off and see the Seven Coloured Earth, a geological structure made of seven types of clay.

Diving in the Indian Ocean

The large chain of coral reefs that surrounds the island of Mauritius makes it a magnet for diving and snorkelling fans. However, due to pollution, some of the lagoon reefs have lost a big part of their coral cover in the past years. The island has developed a series of marine conservation programs to help rehabilitate the reefs, but until they recover their natural beauty, you will have to take your snorkelling or diving further from the beach.

Most eco-tourists prefer the protected marine reserve at the Blue Bay Marine Park , near Mahébourg, where it is easier to spot sea turtles.

You can also dive for up to 45 meters if you have the necessary permits. Highlights include butterfly fish, barracudas and bull sharks.

If you want to explore the beauties of the ocean without getting wet, there’s also another option. Let a glass-bottomed boat take you where the fun is and gaze down at the marine underworld beauty with all your clothes on.

One important thing to remember is to avoid using chemical-based sunscreens that pollute the water and lead to further deterioration of the reefs. Reef-safe sunscreen is the phrase you need to look for.

• See more sustainable beach trip tips here .

Go Back in Time on Ile aux Aigrettes Island

Preserved by the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation , Ile aux Aigrettes is a small island close to the coast of Mahébourg where you can see what Mauritius would have looked like before the arrival of man. The foundation’s goal is to raise awareness of the importance of green tourism while creating jobs for local people. 

Tours are conducted by expert guides and take around an hour and a half, which is enough to discover many of the rare plants, birds, and animals, some of them unique in the world. Here you can see the famous giant tortoise and the pink pigeons. 

If you are interested in birdwatching or photography, tour operators can arrange for you to have a great time with one of their tailor-made tours. And remember, everything you spend here goes to the foundation and will help preserve nature and support the local communities on the island.

Visit the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden

Don’t imagine a small collection of potted plants. The Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Gardens are actually a huge park that would take you a week to explore. Luckily, they offer guided tours for only 1 euro per person, so you can see all the main attractions in just a few hours.

The main attractions are the palm trees, with over 85 varieties. But the Baobabs are also a highlight, as are the other indigenous plant species that create the perfect environment for the giant tortoises of the Indian Ocean.

And while we’re on the subject of giant, it’s impossible to miss the ‘Victoria Amazonica’ giant water lilies, sprawling across the lakes.

The eco-tour will also take you to the spice garden founded during the rule of King Louis the XV, when the French started cultivating spices in Mauritius in an attempt to end the Dutch monopoly. The garden includes many of the spices used in the local cuisine, like cinnamon, clove trees, and nutmeg.

• Read more about sustainable food tourism in Mauritius here.

Eat Where Local People Eat

Sustainable tourism isn’t only about ecotourism, however. Sustainable tourism helps local communities, and their finances, as well as protecting the environment.

In Mauritius, you have two main possibilities when it comes to food: you can either dine at a 5-star luxury resort which promotes sustainable travel or you can try a smaller restaurant that cooks fresh seafood and creole dishes.

Mauritian cuisine has wonderful variety, fusing African, French and Indian influences with local fish like blue marlin and plentiful fresh fruits like mangoes, bananas, and pineapple. Vindaye, which is deep-fried fish with a condiment crust, is very popular, as a more fragrant kind of vindaloo. You’ll also spot the Indian influence in dishes like biryani or chilli-coconut chutney.

A general tenet of sustainable travel is that you have more chance of experiencing an authentic culinary experience if you visit small local restaurants. But don’t write off the big resorts completely.

This trip to a sustainable food festival in Mauritius run by Heritage Resorts really made me see this traditional advice in a new light. And you know what? Plenty of locals ate there too.

So, if you’re looking for my suggestion. I’d suggest a little of both.

Tour Port Louis with a Local Guide

While you can try a self-guided tour experience through the capital, touring with a local guide is the best way to immerse yourself in this mixed cultural heritage. A good guide will show you some of the oldest restaurants and shops in the Indian and Chinese neighbourhoods, highlighting small family businesses that have thrived over the years. Take a food tour and you can satisfy your stomach at the same time as your brain as you hear colourful stories about the small businesses you are supporting.

Visiting the Natural History Museum is another great thing to do in Port Louis. Located in a 19th-century building that was declared part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, it includes a series of collections presenting the flora and fauna of Mauritius and the Mascarene Islands. It is also home to a real dodo skeleton.

Where to Stay in Mauritius – Eco-Friendly Places

From rustic accommodation to luxury eco-resorts, you will find many places to stay in Mauritius that are committed to promoting ecotourism while offering their guests a wonderful experience in the middle of nature. Many of them collaborate with local NGOs to reduce pollution caused by plastic packing and support green tourism. 

Here are the most beautiful (and responsible) eco-lodges on the island that I’ve heard of:

Lakaz Chamarel Exclusive Lodge Mauritius

Placed within the perimeter of one of Mauritius’ most beautiful wildlife parks, the Lakaz Chamarel Exclusive Lodge offers generous rooms with terraces overlooking the mountains or the blossoming trees of the Mauritian forest. It is a place of relaxation for couples and families interested in exploring the natural attractions around, whilst enjoying the best comfort possible. Spa treatments are available, and the venue has dining facilities, always serving the freshest food cooked only from seasonal local ingredients.

Bubble Lodge at Domaine De Bois Chéri

Located in the South of Mauritius on an emerald tea plantation, the Bubble Lodge concept prides itself on having a very low impact on the environment. The bubbles are spacious enough to host a family of four and are provided with air conditioning and outdoor showers. Golfing and kayaking are popular activities, as well as discovering the tea plantation on foot.

Otentic Eco Tent

For kayak and paddleboarding fans, the Otentic Eco Tent on the bank of Mauritius’ most important river is a small heaven in the middle of nature. The accommodation tries to maintain a small carbon print by using photovoltaic panels to generate energy and natural and recycled materials for the tents. Bringing plastic bottles here is discouraged to reduce zinc oxide water pollution that can endanger the fish and other marine life forms. 

Heritage Resorts

Part of the Heritage resorts chain, these vacation homes are perfect for travellers looking for privacy and comfort in a paradisiac landscape. According to Heritage, its resorts are designed to preserve the nature around them and cherish its gifts. Their restaurants serve food based on local fruits and vegetables, and they even have their own beehives.

Besides the vacation homes, the company also has three large resorts on the island, offering Spa services, golf facilities, and sophisticated dining options.

More on Sustainable Travel

• Start here:  how to be a responsible tourist
• Is dark tourism ethical?  What you need to know.
• Get inspired by this collection of  the best sustainable travel blogs.
• 9 powerful benefits of sustainable tourism (and why you should care)
• The unmistakable emotional meaning of home
• Why we need to talk about the kindness of strangers
• Why you need to know about the cork trees in Portugal
• The importance of doing nothing
• How to get off the beaten track : three techniques you haven’t thought of
• Surprising ways to help protect endangered animals
• How to find the most ethical travel destinations
• 7 Fun and tasty examples of great food tourism
• 15 sustainable beach tips for your next trip to the sea

Please wait while your request is being verified...

• Anahita Mauritius

Eco-tourism in Mauritius: your guide to exploring the unspoiled East

If you’re a nature lover looking for a green way to vacay, let’s travel towards Mauritius, a small island in the Indian Ocean known to a paradise blending land and sea.

Indeed, the island is taking actions to preserve its beautiful flora and fauna and to encourage green tourism. In the preserved and authentic eastern region of the island, a plethora of sustainable activities awaits. Thanks to trails and hikes to suit every mood and difficulty level, a unique marine life, nature parks and surrounding islets, everyday is filled with adventures.

Whether you’re a laid-back adventurer or fond of hikes off the beaten tracks, here are our top 8 sustainable places to explore in the East of Mauritius.

The majestic Lion mountain If you are weary with the crowd and want to explore hidden paths and breath-taking views, hiking in the East will allow you to do just that. Let’s begin with the iconic Lion Mountain located in Old Grand Port, the South-East of Mauritius. The summit sits at 590 metres above sea level and requires rigourous physical efforts to get there. Once on top, you will enjoy stunning views overlooking the biggest lagoon of Mauritius as well as several islets such as Île au Phare or Île de la Passe which bears historical significance.

  Le Chat et La Souris Mountain One of the lesser-known hikes in Mauritius is ‘Le Chat et La Souris Mountain’ which literally translates to the Cat and the Mouse Mountain. There are two access points to this mountain, the first one is found in the village of Pointe aux Feuilles, located on the East coast of Mauritius and the second one in Olivia village next to a small chapel going by the name of Sainte-Thérèse de l’Enfant Jésus. Besides enjoying an immersion in the woods, you will also get to indulge in the local and authentic lifestyle of the East before or after your hike.

Bras D’Eau National Park Up in the North-East of the island, Bras D’Eau National Park, is a real sanctuary for fauna and flora. Enjoy a romantic or family walk in nature with lovely picnic spots and several walking trails. You will encounter an old sugar mill, endless litchis, and mango trees as well as eucalyptus, blackwood, teak, casuarinas, or the rare white-tailed tropicbird.

The Vallée de Ferney If you’re looking for softer trails, The Vallée de Ferney is a must for wildlife lovers. Located in the North of Mahébourg, a small fishing village, several hiking tracks of various intensity are offered in the heart of an incredible conservation park which attracts scientists, biologists and ecologists from all over the world. A guided tour can take you to observe the Kestrel bird, the emblematic Pink Pigeon and even the Echo Parakeet, native to Mauritius. An ideal family activity!

Blue Bay Marine Park Let’s dive into the largest brain coral in the whole Indian Ocean. Located right on the South-East coast near Mahébourg, Blue Bay Marine Park is the epitome of the island’s marine fauna. Travellers usually visit the popular old brain coral which is over 1,000 years old with a 5-metre diameter. If you ever go to Blue Bay, get ready to embark on a mesmerising voyage aboard a glass-bottom boat and delight in the wondrous discoveries that await as you gracefully glide across the water. Close to the coastline, the site also offers ideal conditions for snorkelling with a rich biodiversity as well as calm and shallow sea for a relaxing swim.

Île aux Aigrettes Another little gem located to the South-East, and also towards Mahébourg. The famous Île aux Aigrettes is known to be a haven for endemic species in Mauritius. This island has been declared a nature conservation site and is preserved by local NGO, the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation. Unlike Mauritius which is of volcanic origin, Ile aux Aigrettes is made up of coralline limestone and harbours the last remnants of a dry coastal forest. A not-to-be-missed sight!

The East of Mauritius will inevitably delight any traveller in search of adventures and daily activities with minimal impact on the environment. By visiting protected nature reserves on the island, you also support the work of eco-warriors, NGOs and organisations going the extra mile to keep our biodiversity alive and in perfect shape.

Some of these trails and hikes are not well known to the public, and the paths may not be very accessible. We advise you to hire a professional guide.

Cette publication est aussi disponible en : Français

Anahita Beau Champ: agricultural landscaping and urbanisation

Buying a property in mauritius, you may also like, anahita trail: a successful launch for the first..., mauritius east coast: discover the lagoon and its..., why i choose to live in mauritius, 4 reasons to relocate to mauritius, cost of living in mauritius: everything you need..., life in mauritius: discover a safe country to..., a road trip from the south of mauritius..., moving to mauritius: make your dream come true, living in mauritius through the visa premium. how....

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Accept Read More

THE 10 BEST Mauritius Eco Tours

Eco tours in mauritius.

• Scuba & Snorkeling
• Speed Boats Tours
• Dolphin & Whale Watching
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Chinese (Simplified)
• Chinese (Traditional)
• Freshverde Holidays
• Mahebourg Museum
• Black River Gorges National Park
• Mahebourg Waterfront
• Special Offers
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Exotic South: Journey into the Nature (Full-Day Tour incl Lunch & Ebony Forest)

2. Full-Day North Tour of Mauritius, ALL INCLUSIVE Day Trip, Private SUV Car, Guide

3. 7 Cascades Half Day

4. Visit 4 Beaches in the North Including Mont Choisy & Pereybere

5. The East of Mauritius: Full-day incl visit to Ile aux Aigrettes & Lunch

6. Full-Day Private Hiking le Morne Mountain & Seafood Lunch at Islet Fourneau

7. Private Southwest Tour with Local Lunch & Rum Tasting

8. Discover the East of Mauritius: Full-day All-inclusive tour (Visit to 3 parks)

9. Eastern Treasures of Mauritius: incl Rhumerie St Aubin & Blue-Bay Marine Park

10. The East Discovery Tour: Bois-Cheri Tea Factory, Blue-Bay Marine Park & Lunch

11. Best of the South-West, Instagram PhotoShoot Tour with Mauritian Lunch on the go

12. Exotic East of Mauritius: Full-day incl Ile aux Aigrette & Blue-Bay Marine Park

13. Wild South: Full-Day tour incl Rhumerie St Aubin, Bois cheri Tea factory & Lunch

14. Hiking the Black River Gorges: Full-day with Lunch and Transfer

15. Ile aux Aigrettes Nature Reserve, Blue Bay Beach, La Vanille Park & Gris Gris

16. The Discovery East Tour: incl Crocodile park, visit to Ile Aux Aigrettes & Lunch

17. Best of the North Coast, Instagram PhotoShoot Tour, Mauritian Lunch on the go

18. Nature Immersion in Mauritius: Stimulate your Sensory Systems

19. Full-day Lion Mountain Hiking with Lunch and Transfer Included

20. Full Day-Deep Wild South Tour-3 Pax (Drive Less,More visits)

21. Hiking Piton De la Petite Riviere Noire Mountain including Lunch & Transfer

22. Hiking Le Pouce Mountain: Full-day with Lunch and Transfer

What travelers are saying.

• Best of the North Coast, Instagram PhotoShoot Tour, Mauritian Lunch on the go
• Ile aux Aigrettes Nature Reserve, Blue Bay Beach, La Vanille Park & Gris Gris
• Exotic South: Journey into the Nature (Full-Day Tour incl Lunch & Ebony Forest)
• Full-Day North Tour of Mauritius, ALL INCLUSIVE Day Trip, Private SUV Car, Guide
• Private Southwest Tour with Local Lunch & Rum Tasting
• Unwind Mauritius
• Beguided Tours
• Island Cove Mauritius
• jeanpierre francois bruno
• So Mauritius
• Keep The Pace
• Rodrigues Friendly
• REAL - Rentals & Excursions
• Ocean Spirit Dive Center
• Fragawills Tour Operateur
• Al Ameen Tours
• Explore Nou Zil - Electro Bike Discovery

• المملكة العربية السعودية

Green Tourism

There is more to Mauritius than sun, sea and sand… Among the lush vegetation and tropical forests is another world to discover on the island. For those who love nature, there is much to love here.  One of the main ‘green’ attractions is the  Black River Gorges National Park , which extends over 16,680 acres and provides a haven to endangered native plants and animals. It is home to around 311 species of native and endemic flowering plants and nine species of birds that are only found in Mauritius.

Green tourism is growing rapidly through the number of reserves and “domaines” (estates) that are now beginning to open their doors to tourists. Together, they offer many activities ranging from trekking to canyoning to horse-riding, all offering exceptional panoramic views over the beautiful Mauritian landscape.

Mauritius Trails

The Dodo Trail

The Dodo Trail is an international Trail Running event taking place in the beautiful Island of Mauritius. Since its 1st edition in 2011, the course has constantly been adapted to the high expectations of international and local trail runners, who throughout the years have discovered and enjoyed the adventurous tracks: a real treasure of the best of Mauritian nature and landscape.

The Dodo Trail is a mountain race that runs through the highest peaks of the South and Western part of the Island for amazing views, running through unique and exclusive private properties.

You would see beautiful colourful lagoons from the mountains and dense tropical forests in the National Park Black River Gorges, which hosts as well amongst the rarest bird on the Island, such the Pink Pigeon or the Eco Parakeet.

Runners love this trail: the Dodo Trail has such a brilliant reputation that not less than 1300 runners turned up this year!

The Dodo Trail offers four unique and challenging trails for experienced enthusiasts runners as well as novices and families:

• Xtreme Dodo Trail: 50km & 3,500m ascent
• Ti Dodo Trail: 25km & 1,500m ascent
• Mini Dodo Trail: 10km & 500m ascent
• Dodo Fun Run: 5km

Ferney Trail

The Ferney Trail, organised by CIEL in partnership with Ilop Sport Reunion, Sun Resorts and RSVP Events is an annual event created in 2008, which count nearly 2,000 enthusiastic participants. The organisers are offering 4 races: a not so easy 35km trail, a 17km trail, a 10km trail and finally a Sun Kids Race of 4km.

This 100% non-profit trail event is a mixture of sport, team spirit, and sharing moments amongst family or with friends, all in a healthy green environment in the midst of the Bambous chain of mountains, with unique and exclusive private domains such as “La Vallée de Ferney” and Domaine de l’Étoile among others.

The Ferney Trail has a unique specificity: offering four races to different categories and types of participants, from 6 years old to 80 years old, while promoting bio-diversity and mountain races / hiking, in a very friendly atmosphere.

To date, the Ferney Trail is the most popular trail event in Mauritius.

For further information visit the official website:  www.ferneytrail.com

Mauritius Marathon

42.195km – 21.1km – 10km

Mauritius Marathon set-up in June 2010 is a unique event because of its claim not only to offer another race, but to create unforgettable experience and magic moments for the runners and their families. The track goes along one of the most beautiful coastal road in Mauritius near crystal clear lagoons, through typical coastal villages with a Finish on the beach! Mauritius Marathon combines sport challenge and discovery of the natural and cultural heritage of Mauritius in a very friendly atmosphere!

Mauritius Marathon and Half-Marathon are AIMS (& IAAF) Certified races.

For further information visit the official website:  www.mauritiusmarathon.com

Royal Raid Mauritius

LUX* Royal Raid, the first trail run to be set-up in Mauritius is a fantastic mountain run which will lead you inside our Island and makes you discover unforgettable tropical sceneries. Every year, local and international runners and hikers are all enjoying the wonderful friendship atmosphere which prevails, before, all along and after the event! LUX* Royal Raid consists of three races being held simultaneously:

• LUX* Royal Raid 80 (RR80) a race of 80 kilometers to be covered in less than 20 hours
• LUX* Royal Raid 35 (RR35) a race of 35 kilometers to be covered in less than 19 hours
• LUX* Royal Raid 15 (RR15) a race of 15 kilometers

During your challenge, you will have the exclusive opportunity to discover the following beautiful places of Mauritius:

• Yemen nature reserve, the largest and the most beautiful nature reserve of the Island
• The endemic Fauna and Flora and the famous Parakeet Trail of the Black River National Park
• The nature reserve and sugar cane fields of Frederica - Domaine de Bel Ombre

For further information visit the official website:  www.royalraid.com

A world class off-road Triathlon: Swimming, Mountain Biking & Trail Running in the spectacular nature of Mauritius. A real highlight of the Mauritian sporting calendar and part of the XTERRA World Tour.

This year's 3rd edition will be hosted by presenting sponsor Outrigger Resort & Spa. Following an open water swim in the clear, turquoise lagoon, the race will enter the private estates & nature reserves of Bel Ombre, providing a challenging test to the riders & runners – as well as stunning views towards the south-west coast. Entry is open to pros & amateurs, veterans & first timers, and there is even a special triathlon for kids.

Beyond the competition, XTERRA is about community, camaraderie and adventure. The beachfront finish line doubles up as the idillic setting for a sunset after-party, capping off a sporting day that will live long in the memory.

For further information visit the official website:  www.get-muddy.com

Ultra Trail Raidlight Beachcomber

Ultra Trail Raidlight Beachcomber (UTRB) is a truly unique trail running event, set in the tropical paradise island of Mauritius. The third edition, scheduled for the 9th and 10th of July, 2016, will be even more exciting after two very successful ones in 2014 and 2015.

For further information visit the official website:  www.beachcomber-events.com/utrb  .

An electric bicycle is not a motorbike: it is primarily a bicycle, whereby one must pedal. But it is a bicycle with an electric motor that makes all the difference. The engine provides assistance that helps you move forward when you need it, while limiting your efforts.

For further information visit the official website:  www.electrobikemauritius.com

The Ultimate Mauritius Travel Guide for an Eco-Friendly Escape

Looking for an eco-friendly island escape mauritius might just be what you're looking for. discover why this indian ocean island is fast becoming a sustainable travel destination in this mauritius travel guide..

Written By Francesca Brooking

Published January 5, 2022

Located off the east coast of Africa, Mauritius is an island nation with Madagascar as its neighbour.

Its distance makes it a luxury destination for travellers.

And it certainly looks the part with plenty of 5-star resorts, dreamy white-sand beaches and coastlines that could have been taken from a postcard.

Read on to discover what makes Mauritius a sustainable escape and why it needs tourism more than ever.

Mauritius is synonymous with a tropical island paradise, but the island is more than its luxurious resorts.

It’s a cultural mix of communities, a country full of history and a place where you can climb mountains and go snorkelling in a day.

It’s also a nation combating the threat of   rising sea levels   and rebuilding after increasingly volatile cyclones due to climate change.

Mauritius is a sustainable travel destination

Mauritius is growing as a  sustainable travel  destination. Tourism is being used to help fund  rewilding  projects and wildlife conservation.

Resorts around the island are committed to supporting local businesses and taking serious steps to mitigate their environmental impact. More so than just giving guests the option to choose whether or not to have their towel washed…

How do you have a sustainable holiday in Mauritius?

The answer is  Pure Breaks.   The travel company specialises in creating luxury tailor-made holidays and unique experiences around the world – not just in Mauritius.

It does the hard work for you in finding   eco-friendly places to stay   and ethical activities that show you the real, authentic side to the destination – beyond the resorts.

And they will also show you where your trip can have a   positive impact   on the community.

Feeling inspired? Here’s what an eco-friendly Pure Breaks holiday in Mauritius looks like.

Eco-friendly things to do in Mauritius

Discover the very best eco-friendly activities in Mauritius:

Learn about giant tortoise conservation

Join a rewilding project, tour a nature reserve, go snorkelling on a protected reef, visit a tea plantation.

Mauritius is home to the giant tortoise.

Sadly, its native species went extinct due to the introduction of animals such as cats, dogs and rats coupled with becoming a prized food source after the arrival of the Dutch (much like the unfortunate fate of the dodo).

However, giant tortoises were a vital part of the Mauritian ecosystem as they helped with seed dispersal.

In an effort to restore the island’s natural ecosystem, the   Mauritian Wildlife Foundation  introduced the Aldabra Giant Tortoise from the Seychelles in 2000 (the only remaining native tortoise species in the Indian Ocean) to Ile aux Aigrettes, a small islet on the southeastern coast of Mauritius.

Ile aux Aigrettes  serves as a protected nature reserve for rare endemic flora and fauna.

Tourists are welcome to visit either as part of a private or small-group tour, and the money supports vital conservation projects.

A real highlight of the tour is seeing the young tortoises in the nursery before coming across their much older (and larger!) counterparts roaming, snoozing and munching their way through the undergrowth.

How to Have an Ethical Wildlife Experience

If you’re a nature lover, one of the top things you can do in Mauritius is visit the  Ebony Forest Reserve  located near Chamarel’s Seven Coloured Earth Geopark.

Here the reserve encourages its visitors to get a hands-on experience of the natural world by getting involved in its  rewilding project.

Much of the endemic Mauritian flora had been cleared for sugarcane plantations and together with the introduction of invasive plants, the flora that was left was under threat.

The reserve works to bring the Mauritian flora to its natural state by removing invasive species and rewilding with endemic plants like ebony trees.

Visitors can explore the reserve or even plant a tree and leave behind a legacy of their trip.

Make sure to visit the   Seven Coloured Earth Geopark   on your way there too. It’s a small area of sand dunes streaked with distinct multi-coloured sand!

7 reasons why we should all be planting trees

Mauritius may be known for its beaches and lagoons but there are also some stunning hiking trails across the island.

One of the best places to go hiking is Chamarel’s Ebony Forest Reserve, the same place where you can plant a tree.

The reserve runs guided and self-guided tours on a 300m raised walkway through native bush up the hill to Sublime Point Lookout.

Here, you’re treated to breathtaking panoramic views of the forest sweeping down towards the island coastline and the open ocean straight ahead.

You can stop for refreshments at the tiny cafe before heading back down or you can continue to go up to the summit of Piton Canot for even more views.

The entire hike one way is about 2-4 hours depending on if you climb the peak.

How The World’s Most Eco-friendly Countries Can Inspire Us To Go Greener

Nestled in the south of the island,   Heritage Nature Reserve  is 1,300 hectares of unspoilt nature owned by Heritage Resorts. Anyone can visit whether you’re a guest or not.

The nature reserve is a protected conservation area close to the  UNESCO B iosphere Reserve  (which you can also visit).

Here you can explore a tropical landscape of native forest, mountainous terrain, rivers, forests and lush vegetation.

The reserve is home to plenty of wildlife too such as fruit bats, deer and birds including the Echo Parakeet, the Mauritius Kestrel, the Pink Pigeon and the Mauritius Fody.

All activities in the reserve have a strong focus on education and  conservation.

An expert guide can take you on a forest trek or if you prefer to cover more ground, you can go on a guided quad bike or 4×4 tour.

For a more relaxed approach, you can also enjoy a three-hour leisurely picnic in the heart of the reserve. Bliss.

No island escape is complete without meeting the local marine life.

However, like many   coral reefs   around the world, Mauritian reefs are threatened by bleaching, acidification,   unsustainable fishing practices  and pollution.

In an effort to preserve the reefs in the lagoons of Mauritius, the NGO Reef Conservation set up an initiative to protect selected marine areas – known as  Voluntary Marine Conservation Areas   (VMCA) – in which the local fishing community and other inhabitants agree to refrain from destructive activities there.

One such VMCA is Anse la Raie lagoon in the north of the island, an ecological restoration project covering 50 hectares of the coast.

Some tours will take you   snorkelling  in the area, but the best one is through Lagoon Attitude, an eco-friendly resort and project member located on the shores of the lagoon.

The activity takes you out on a glass-bottomed boat to the snorkelling trail and you can spend a few hours in the water seeing how many different species of fish you can spot.

You’ll also be encouraged use to Lagoon Attitudes own   reef-safe sunscreen  to protect the marine world you’re visiting.

10 Simple Ways To Be An Eco-Friendly Diver In 2020

Tea has been grown on a commercial scale in Mauritius since the 19th century.

Today, the island’s largest tea producer is   Bois Cheri  which covers 250 hectares and includes the plantation, museum, factory and tasting chalet.

Visitors are invited to take a guided tour of the plantation and factory where you can learn about the   tea production process   then follow it up with a visit to the museum to discover the history and importance of the industry.

Next, take a short coach ride through the tea plantation to the tea tasting chalet.

The scenic excursion takes you along the banks of a glassy-looking reservoir where you can spot the domes of  Bubble Lodge,  a popular   eco-glamping  experience.

If you’re lucky, you might even come across roaming deer and long-tailed macaque monkeys among the trees.

At the chalet, you’re invited to try a range of flavoured black teas accompanied by a selection of biscuits. There are herbal and green teas too.

For something stronger, dip into the on-site shop to sample a few Mauritian  rums.

Put The Kettle On: Your 5 Minute Guide To Plastic Free Tea

Where to stay in Mauritius

An eco-friendly trip to Mauritius isn’t just about what you do, but where you stay too.

Among the luxury island resorts, there are some sustainable gems that are doing their bit for the planet.

And another thing? There are enough options to suit a range of budgets too. Read on to discover:

Otentic Eco Tents

Lakaz chamarel, lagoon attitude, heritage le telfair.

Otentic  offers a fairly budget-friendly eco   glamping  experience in the form of safari tents.

The only tented ecolodges on the island, Otentic has two locations for guests to choose from: one by the Grand River and the other at the foot of Bambous Mountain.

Both locations offer quiet retreats in the arms of nature with the main differences being that the mountain location has six tents instead of twelve, is  self-sufficient  and has a 100% vegetarian menu.

The safari tents are simple and rustic complete with cosy beds and a shower at the back. All furnishings are made out of repurposed materials so there’s   no plastic here.

Toilets are a short walk to the main glamping site, where you can also find a small honesty bar and dining facilities.

What makes Otentic particularly special is the home cooking. Every day, local people from the village put on a Mauritian feast you’ll be thinking about long after you’ve returned home.

Ingredients are locally sourced, either from the  on-site garden  or from around the island rather than imported from halfway around the world.

For more eco-lodge ideas:  Check In: It’s Hikes And Hot Tubs At This Ecuadorian Eco-lodge

Nestled high in the green hills,  Lakaz Chamarel  is ideal for those seeking a quiet place to relax.

Accommodation is in the form of just 20 villas scattered around the main building, each one surrounded by trees and lush greenery to give you a sense of privacy.

All of the villas have their own terraces, an open-air bathroom and private swimming pools.

The interior decor is inspired by Indian, Chinese and African influences with subtle prints and bright colours to give each villa a unique style that feels warm and homely.

Lakaz Chamarel is very much a retreat with its on-site restaurant focusing on Mauritian cooking, spa facilities, outdoor  meditation   space and free   yoga  sessions.

It’s also a fantastic spot for  bird-watchers.

If you’re keen to explore the outside world, a free shuttle to the beach runs three times a day.

Lagoon Attitude   is a bit more of your typical island resort. For one thing, it belongs to a chain rather than independent accommodation – but don’t let that put you off.

Sustainable hospitality has become ingrained in its operations.

All rooms are free of single-use plastic   toiletry miniatures.   There are water bottle filling stations across the resort too.

Perhaps the most stand out effort is the on-site  zero-waste bulk shop  which offers a free to use tea and coffee station.

You can fill up jars of the amenities you need to take to your room. No excess packaging or plastic here.

In fact, Lagoon Attitude is big on tackling  plastic pollution  inside and outside the resort.

You’re invited to take a bag with you to the beach in case you come across plastic waste. You can then join their eco workshops to   turn plastic waste into DIY crafts .

There’s also an on-site marine discovery centre that offers a collaborative space for students, marine biologists, local tour operators and NGOs to study and help protect the marine environment.

The most luxurious of this   eco-hotel  roundup, Heritage Le Telfair is a glamorous five-star resort that’s part of the   Heritage Resorts   chain.

Here, you can find a wellness centre, swimming pools, beach clubs, kid’s clubs, 12 restaurants, a golf course and nature reserve.

Heritage Le Telfair also has a sister resort, Awali located nearby under the same Heritage Resorts brand.

Heritage Resorts is Green Key certified which means it’s audited every two to three years on its sustainability initiatives.

It regularly trains staff on sustainable development issues, works with NGOs to distribute   surplus food supplies  to people in need, uses eco-friendly cleaning products and sources local food as much as possible rather than importing ingredients from halfway around the world.

You certainly won’t catch salmon on the menu here.

Perhaps most impressive of all is the resort’s own recycling plant for paper, glass and plastic packaging.

Anything that can’t be reused by the hotel is sent to a certified recycler. Even waste cooking oil from the kitchen is turned into second-generation biofuel.

All that and with gorgeous luxury accommodation to boot, Heritage Le Telfair and Awali prove that true luxury does not come at a cost to the planet.

Eco-friendly escape but what about the flights?

Flying is notoriously not an eco-friendly way to travel. Until the aviation industry gets greener, flying less is the better option.

This is why we advocate for meaningful and impactful holidays that make a real difference to the destination.

As a tiny island in the middle of the Indian Ocean, Mauritius has the disadvantage of being a sizable long haul distance to travel to from most parts of the world.

However, in 2019, tourism accounted for  19.1% of total employment  with as much as 60% of tourists coming from the European market.

The arrival of the pandemic devastated the industry. A survey carried out by Deloitte found that 88% of respondents had their salary reduced, 29% expected to be laid-off and 4% had already lost their jobs.

The lack of tourism to the island also had  implications for sustainability and conservation efforts,  just like many other African small states.

Wildlife parks faced prolonged closures and the reduced amount of income resulted in decreased budgetary resources for conservation and protection of the natural environment.

For this reason, tourism is a vital part of Mauritius’ economic and sustainable development.

All activities and accommodations we’ve highlighted directly support local communities and conservation efforts around the island.

They encourage you to get out of the resorts and see the direct and positive impact your money can have.

Yes, flying is problematic at best but tourism can be a real force for good – for communities and a greener world. That’s why we recommend offsetting the carbon footprint of your flights.

For the best carbon offsetting schemes, read   Carbon offsets: Do they really clean your flying footprint?

Pure Breaks will help you offset the carbon footprint of your trip too. Read its commitment to  sustainable tourism.

Mauritius offers tropical holidays that are so much more than beaches and glamorous resorts.

Whether you’re a hiker, nature enthusiast, animal lover or just want to make a positive impact with your holiday, this island has got it all.

And during a time when travel is no longer as simple as it used to be, Pure Breaks makes booking a trip easy and straightforward. It’s a no-brainer, really.

For more travel inspiration

• Check In: Brutalism In The South African Bush
• Hiking Trails And Hidden Bays: Why It’s Time To Look Again At Barbados
• Mountain High: 6 Reasons Why Switzerland Is Better In Summer

Subscribe to the pebble mag Newsletter

Get weekly insights, guides and news to support our collective transition to a better, more sustainable future.

More from pebblemag...

Linen Trends: How Fashion Is Embracing This Naturally Breezy Fabric

By Georgina Wilson Powell

23 Best Farm Shops In The UK For Farm-To-Table Food

By Francesca Brooking

How To Make Clothes Last Longer: 21 Tips For Longer Lasting Clothes

9 Best Sustainable Luxury Brands For Planet-Friendly Couture

7 Gardening Brands For Non-Toxic & Eco-Friendly Tools

By Jenny Bell

9 Sustainable Drinks & Brands For Eco-Friendly Sipping

Go Green & Visit The 9 Most Sustainable Countries In The World

What To Do With Old Backpacks & Bags?: 7 Easy Ways To Recycle

pebble magazine is a member of the Sustainable Jungle Network and a member of One Percent For The Planet. Learn more here .  

pebble magazine acknowledges the Bunurong / BoonWurrung people as the Traditional Owners of this country, pays tribute to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in this land, and gives respect to the Elders past, present and emerging. 

© 2024 pebble magazine | All rights reserved

• Euro €
• British Pounds Sterling £
• United States Dollars $

Ecotourism in Mauritius

Many people have the perception that Mauritius is mainly a honeymoon destination and people travel here just for the turquoise lagoons or the powder-white beaches. Well, that is partially true! However, Mauritius has so much more to offer for all kinds of travellers. You should absolutely take time to explore the island beyond the luxury resorts.

Eco Touristic Activities in Mauritius

Another way to explore the island’s unspoiled nature is through Eco-Tourism. Many fun eco-touristic activities have been introduced during the last years; some of these activities can be done in parks like Casela Nature Park , Ebony Forest or you may opt for other activities like mountain hiking and zip lining across the beautiful riverbeds and gorges.

GSTC-Recognized Standard

With the worldwide trend to engage in sustainable tourism, Mauritius also restructured its strategy. Besides diversifying eco-activities, many stakeholders have implemented sustainable practices. Thanks to these measures, the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) has announced that the Mauritian Standard on Sustainable Tourism has achieved the ‘GSTC-Recognized Standard’ status.

The focus of the Sustainability Tourism Standard is to address requirements of the environmental impacts and their effect on land, air, water and other organisms and ecosystem of the island.

Furthermore, according to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the accommodation sector of the tourism industry contributes up to 21% of total carbon emissions. Therefore, it is one area within the industry that can significantly develop sustainable actions.

In Mauritius, the following measures have been implemented:

• Recycling of plastic and glass
• Banning single-use plastic all around the island
• Composting of waste materials
• Rainwater and stormwater harvesting to irrigate lawns and golf courses
• Designing building codes for better air ventilation and light penetration
• Growing local vegetables and fruits
• Buying local products such as seafood.
• Using renewable energy sources like solar panels
• Using sensors to decrease water and light wastage
• Some hotels such as the Lux Resorts and Constance Belle Mare have the Green Globe certification for their sustainability measures and devotion to supporting eco-friendly gestures.

Travel and tourism: a new addition to the educational curriculum

In addition, to promote Mauritius as a sustainable destination, the government took major measures to attain this goal. Several renowned Tourism Academic establishments have been set up on the island. Moreover, Travel and tourism are now part of the educational curriculum as the quality of the sector depends on the education of the employed personnel.

Highly trained personnel

Furthermore, since Tourism is a dynamic sector with constant innovation and updates on physical and behavioural patterns, research in this sector is extremely encouraged in Mauritius. Similarly, hotels and associated personnel are regularly trained in sustainable practices. These pieces of training help in developing new skills that will motivate them to find new ways to market the island as a green destination.

Customisable Itinerary

Nowadays, tourists are becoming more and more eco-conscious, and independent. For instance, they can organise their journeys. They create their itinerary according to what they think would make their journey memorable. By doing so, they can make better eco-friendly choices. Simultaneously, tour operators and hotel managers attract more clients by branding green practices which will in return influence the behaviour of tourists to become more environmentally alert.

• About Mauritius
• Meet the locals
• History of Mauritius

Where To Go?

• Mauritius Map

Explore More...

• Latest News
• Sustainability

Sea & Beaches

Sightseeing.

• VIEW ALL THINGS TO DO

Travel Info

• Travel Advice
• Premium Visa
• Best time to visit
• What’s on?
• Meetings and Incentives
• Destination weddings
• Weddings in Mauritius
• Accommodation
• Travelling to Mauritius
• Getting around
• Useful tips

Explore The Island

• Things to do

Plan your Visit

• Frequently Asked Questions
• Where to stay in Mauritius
• Fly over our coastline

There is big scenery to explore in Mauritius and plenty of eco-friendly ways to see it. Paddleboard across breezy lagoons or kayak around mangrove-lined bays and along peaceful rivers. Learn about wildlife and plantlife while hiking through Nature Reserves and National Parks; and listen to the local experts who can tell you all about the island’s conservation efforts.

Eco tourism

National parks in mauritius, mauritius wildlife, echo parakeet, offshore islands, la vallée de ferney, ebony forest, mauritius wild side, ile aux aigrettes, bras d’eau national park.

Subscribe to our newsletter

QUICK LINKS

• Fly over our Coastline
• Meet the Locals

Mauritius Now

• Press / Media Kit
• Privacy Policy
• Website Policy

Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority (MTPA) Port Louis REPUBLIC OF MAURITIUS Tel: +230 2031900

*Disclaimer: Information on listed products and services are provided by the operator and were correct at the time of publishing. Please visit the operator’s website for further information. The Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority (MTPA) makes no representations whatsoever about any other websites which you may access through this website. Some websites which are linked to this website are independent from the MTPA and are not under the control of the MTPA. The MTPA does not endorse or accept any responsibility for the use of websites which are owned or operated by third parties and makes no representation or warranty in relation to the standard, class or fitness for purpose of any services, nor does it endorse or in any respect warrant any products or services by virtue of any information, material or content linked from or to this site.

• Privacy Overview
• Strictly Necessary Cookies

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.

If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.

‘We are resilient’: Mauritius slowly consolidates ecotourism gains

With tourism numbers on the rise in Mauritius, environmental campaigners are pushing for continued sustainability.

Île d’Ambre, Mauritius – It is said to be the place where the last dodo was sighted. Yet, today, Île d’Ambre, an islet off the northeastern coast of Mauritius fringed by bright green mangroves, stands as a symbol, not of extinction, but of survival.

As guide Patrick Haberland explains, vast swaths of mangroves were destroyed right up to the mid-90s, ripped up for firewood or to clear the way for boat routes and hotel construction projects.

Keep reading

After the hurricane, world’s coral reefs face global bleaching crisis, why is germany maintaining economic ties with china, australia’s great barrier reef suffers worst bleaching on record.

Cutting down mangroves is now forbidden by law. Following a national conservation drive, sites like Île d’Ambre have since been restored. Now it’s a national park, protected by the government’s forestry department.

Having escaped extinction, the trees are now vital to the very survival of the nation. Their dense, tenacious roots are among the island’s main lines of defence, along with the coral reef and seagrass beds, against rising tides that are eroding its silvery beaches, gobbling up 20 metres of coastline over the past decade.

It’s a predicament that weighs heavily upon Haberland, who runs Yemaya Adventures, a small company taking tourists on canoeing trips through the mangroves. He is one of a growing number of locals advocating a back-to-nature approach to tourism. “The environment provides us with our livelihood. If we don’t respect it, we won’t have work,” he says.

‘Killing the golden goose’

As tourists flock here in ever greater numbers – up by nearly 60 percent during the first half of this year – the island finds itself in a quandary. How can it sustain an industry that has not only strained its fragile ecosystems but also contributed to global climate change that is in turn bleaching its reefs and causing sea levels to rise by an alarming 5.6mm a year?

“It’s killing the golden goose, destroying the environment,” says activist Yan Hookoomsing, of the nonprofit Mru2025. As Hookoomsing points out, the hotel industry is still expanding. Back in 1997, the government’s “Vision 2020” plan for the industry set a “green ceiling” of 9,000 hotel rooms for the entire country. Recently, tourism minister Steven Obeegadoo announced 19 new hotel builds that will bring that total close to 16,000.

With tourism numbers on the rise, Hookoomsing and his partner, Carina Gounden, are campaigning to fence off the country’s southern coast, proposing a geopark on the stunning stretch of coastline, which features sand dunes, sea cliffs, lava caves, pools, waterfalls, estuaries, lagoons and open ocean.

Currently awaiting government approval, the “green lung” project would be a logical move for a country trying to offset its dependence on tourism with sustainable land use policies – only four percent of native forest is left, the result of extensive cane cultivation going back to the mid-19th century.

Hookoomsing and Gounden fell in love while campaigning to kick hotel developers off Pomponette, a public beach in the south – a battle they finally won in 2020. Like so many other hotel projects, it would have seen locals excluded from their shores. “We need to think about how we share these spaces,” says Gounden. “You can’t just tell the public to move away.”

“Mauritians feel like second-class citizens,” she adds. “There’s a feeling of losing something that made them happy, the beauty of their country. This affects the way we welcome tourists.”

No more greenwashing

“The baseline of what is acceptable is changing,” says Vikash Tatayah, conservation director at the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation.

He’s banking on tourists helping to drive the move towards sustainability. Right now, the foundation is developing niche ecotourism activities that will allow visitors to spend time with local researchers. Eco-volunteerism is another potential growth area, enabling tourists to participate in conservation.

Nature is one of the island’s main draws, he says. “People come from the four corners of the globe to see the kestrels and the pink pigeons. Some come to see rare reptiles. Others come for the rare plants like the tambalacoque (dodo tree) or the mandrinette hibiscus.”

“One thing hotels and companies won’t be able to do in the future is greenwashing – we got rid of all our plastic cups, so we’re ecological,” he adds. “Tourists will want to know the environmental policy of the countries they visit. They will want to know hotels are working on conservation and that staff are locally employed.”

Aware of the changing mood, the luxury market is also getting in on the act. Local group Rogers has repurposed the former sugar estate Bel-Ombre, relaunching the area as a kind of ecotourism mecca. Its three hotels offer carbon-neutral packages integrating solar power and water repurposing initiatives, offsetting emissions through the African carbon credits scheme Aera.

The hotels are located in a buffer zone on the UNESCO-recognised Black River Gorges National Park-Bel Ombre Biosphere Reserve. Covering more than 8,500 hectares (32.8sq miles), the reserve is viewed as a model for eco-friendly development, bringing back endemic trees such as the black ebony and providing a home for rare native species like the Mauritian flying fox and the pink pigeon.

Equitable change

Change seems inevitable, but it will have to be equitable if it is to be truly sustainable, analysts say.

“We need to change sea, sand and sun to restoration, recycling and respect,” says oceanographer Vassen Kauppaymuthoo. “The environment can be used as a transformative tool for tourism. If eco-tourism is presented as an opportunity where people can participate, giving them back confidence, then we can have this spark.”

To a certain extent, he thinks this transformation will require a long, hard think about the nation’s identity, reversing recent trends that have seen it copying glitzy destinations like Dubai and Singapore. Failure to do this properly could see the sector, which represents a quarter of gross domestic product (GDP), going the way of the dodo, he says.

But if there’s anything this small nation excels at, it’s survival. Back in 1968, when Mauritius took its first steps as an independent nation, with only sugarcane mono-crops to its name, it was predicted to fail. By the 90s, it was being hailed as a model for the African continent.

“At the end of the day, we are resilient,” says Kauppaymuthoo. “We’re used to radical change.”

The five best eco hotels in Mauritius

Table of contents.

Despite being a unique tropical island full of endemic fauna and flora (some of which are famously extinct, like the dodo bird), Mauritius has unfortunately not done enough regarding sustainability matters, particularly regarding its hotels and water activities. 

Thankfully this is starting to change, and there are a few eco hotels in Mauritius that make a genuine effort to minimise their impact and are eco certified. 

Our roundup of the best eco hotels and resorts in Mauritius:

Salt of palmar.

One of our favourite eco hotels in Mauritius is SALT of Palmar . Located along the east coast of Mauritius on the gorgeous beach of – you guessed it – Palmar, SALT is a great example of sustainability and luxury working perfectly well together.

We really enjoyed that SALT was a small hotel, as everything was within reach, instead of having to walk 10 minutes to reach one end of the hotel. Small also means the atmosphere is cosier, the customer experience is more personalised,  and the hotel can be more sustainable.

What makes SALT special?

SALT has a minimalist but elegant and welcoming style. It is an adults-only, small boutique hotel with its own bakery on site for daily fresh pastries and bread, as well as fresh roasted coffee, 24/7.

This eco hotel offers yoga mats in each room, a library, a craft workshop, and no TV in the rooms. It has its own guidebook, and a rooftop bar overlooking the ocean. 

There’s also a pool bar where you can sample locally brewed beer and cocktails inspired by local ingredients from Mauritius.

SALT’s eco features:

• Unlike most hotels, SALT does not offer a buffet. This means no unnecessary food waste (not to mention less issues with hygiene and potential contamination).
• Any excess food is donated to those in need.
• They either grow their own produce, or source locally.
• They only source produce from farmers and suppliers that offer organic options (no chemicals).
• SALT does not allow for single-use plastic at the hotel. 
• The bathroom toiletries are in ceramic containers.
• Bathroom amenities are made of biodegradable cornstarch.
• Bamboo toothbrush are offered.
• They recycle their beach baskets.
• SALT allows opportunities to take cooking classes with locals.
• They provide all kinds of work to locals in order to ensure a genuine Mauritian experience to their guests, whether it’s a basket weaver or a tour guide.
• They acknowledge the hard work of their staff and partners in their booklet .
• The music they play is native: only from Mauritian artists.
• They offer electric bikes to discover the island.
• They support various global sustainable development initiatives.

Want to check it out for yourself? Book your stay at SALT here .

Attitude hotels

Attitude is a collection of hotels that offer 3* and 4* accommodations with a genuine Mauritian experience, and is committed to having a positive impact.

We usually avoid chain hotels or group hotels. But the Attitude hotels are different. They are actually our favourite hotel groups to stay at in Mauritius. 

What makes the Attitude hotels special?

According to local Mauritians in the hotel industry, the staff at the Attitude hotels are some of the happiest and most empowered. And what happens when you have a happy staff in the hospitality industry? They create a positive vibe and provide the best experience to the guests.

There are a few Attitude hotels all over the island, and most of them are located right on the beach. At all the hotels, the decor is a creole style design – genuinely Mauritian, elegant, and simple. You can try all the typical Mauritian street foods at tea time at the “Taba-J” stalls on site, with guaranteed real taste but without the concern over hygiene.  

Attitude hotels’ eco features

The Attitude hotels focus on all the sustainable aspects: social, environmental, and economy. 

• They promote the local culture by showcasing local art and buying furniture made by locals, as well as organising a music competition via their Konpoz to Lamizik program.
• They were awarded the Travelife Gold certification which recognises their effort in reducing their water and energy consumption, their waste production, and their use of chemical products.
• The Attitude hotels banned single use plastic.
• The hotel offers a reusable water bottle and free water fountain (this is rare in Mauritius – at most hotels you get single-use plastic water bottles).
• Their ingredients are locally grown and sourced, which cuts down on transportation and empower farmers.
• The spa products are locally made, are cruelty-free, plant-based, and in recyclable packaging.
• 5% of their spa bookings go to their Green Attitude Foundation which funds sustainable projects.
• Their Marine Discovery centre supports lagoon ecological projects.

PS: Our favourite Attitude hotels in the north are Ravenala Attitude , Zilwa Attitude , Lagoon Attitude , and Coin de Mire Attitude , though Zilwa is top 1. 

If you’re staying on the east side of the island, check out Sunrise Attitude , Tropical Attitude , or Friday Attitude . 

Otentic Eco Tent Experience

For a more outdoorsy, adventurous stay, Otentic Eco Tent Experience is a great option. The accommodation is located in a small village called Deux Frères (meaning “Two Brothers”) on the east coast of Mauritius. 

What makes Otentic Eco Tent Experience special?

It’s the perfect place to disconnect from the world. Otentic Eco Tent Experience is a permanent structure along the river bank of Grand River South East, near the GRSE waterfall, on top of a hill.

It offers casual but beautiful decor, has a pool overlooking the river, an outdoor lounge, and a dining area, and offers gorgeous views of the Indian Ocean. The tent is made of canvas and has a fly-sheet, meaning that the tent easily provides protection from heat, humidity, but also from the cold.

The hotel provides trips via a small boat to the renowned Iles aux Cerfs in the morning, before the crowds get there, as well as hikes to the neighbouring mountains, and snorkelling opportunities.    

Otentic Eco Tent Experience’s eco features

The eco lodge offers a genuine experience of Mauritian culture, through its music and cuisine, while ensuring the protection of the natural surrounding environment and also empowering the locals.

• The structures were built from recycled materials and wood.
• With a kayak and SUP, you can explore areas that boats can’t reach (e.g. mangrove, waterfall, river).
• There are bikes to explore the surrounding villages in a sustainable way. You can also easily explore on foot.
• The produce is locally sourced, and they also have a vegetable garden growing spices and fruits and vegetables.
• They harvest rainwater.
• Solar panels are used for energy.

Lux Le Morne

Lux Le Morne is a high-end, 5-star resort with the iconic Le Morne Brabant mountain (a major landmark of Mauritius) as its backdrop, and a turquoise lagoon at its doorstep. Those features in itself would be enough to entice anyone to book a stay there. 

But there’s more to this hotel than its location or luxurious decor. They have been awarded the Travelife award, an international sustainability certification, that specifically focuses on social and environmental impact.

They are also Green Globe’s International Standard for Sustainable Tourism certified, which holds them accountable through regular reports about their sustainability performance.  

What makes Lux Le Morne special?

Lux Le Morne offers personalised service where you can already pre-order your favourite snacks, drinks, sunscreen, and customise your picnic basket, before you even check in. This child-friendly hotel also allows pets upon request, which is uncommon in Mauritius. 

The tree house onsite allows you to feel like a child again, but this time with a view of the Indian Ocean, and drinks service that will come to you at the ring of a bell. The tree house is also the best place to watch the sunset, or even potentially see dolphins in the early morning.

Other notable features, aside from the excellent service and decor, that guests love: a tree swing, hanging beds, and the hammock in the lagoon.

Lux Le Morne’s eco features

• Lux Le Morne tries to achieve carbon neutrality by offsetting their carbon footprint.
• They invest in programs and initiatives to improve their processes and become more energy efficient.
• They bottle their own water onsite.
• No chemicals in their cleaning agents.
• They recycle everything from their water to their cooking oil.
• Less paper waste: they use tablets to communicate services and activities to guests.
• Locally sourced ingredients and herb garden.
• They have a zero food waste policy (food is donated to children from nearby villages, and leftover food is composted or fed to animals).

Find the best rate for Lux Le Morne here, but if you prefer to stay in the north, check out Lux Grand Baie and Lux Grand Gaube , which follow the same sustainability principles. 

Bubble Lodge at Bois Chéri

The Bubble Lodge at Bois Chéri is definitely a unique accommodation: a transparent bubble surrounded by tea plantations in the region of Bois Chéri, the namesake of the most famous tea in Mauritius. Yet, despite the transparent bubble, it still somehow offers  the utmost privacy and luxury. 

The lodge is family-friendly, so children are welcome. There is one staff dedicated to each lodge and its guests. Each lodge is distant from each other, so you have plenty of personal space and privacy. The air inside the tent is also renewed every 10 minutes. 

What makes Bois Chéri special?

The Bubble Lodge allows you to be immersed in nature in complete comfort and privacy. The lodge faces a crater lake, and rarely gets hot, due to its location in Mauritius.

You can watch birds and trees without even leaving your bed, though the surrounding tea fields are best explored on foot.

Bubble Lodge is the ideal location to do a digital detox. The rustic but elegant decor transports you to a moment of tranquil simplicity, and the transparent bubble lets you stargaze at night and wake up to the sunrise, but without the mosquitoes. 

You’re outside without having to really be outside, and it’s more glamorous than even the best glamping experience. 

Free activities include hiking, kayaking, stand up paddling, and tea tasting, but you can also request other types of activities (such as golfing) for a fee. You can walk around the area to discover wildlife such as deer, black swans, ducks, and guinea fowls. 

Here are Bois Chéri’s eco features

• Renewable materials were used to build the lodges.
• No carbon footprint.
• They lower their energy and water consumption as much as possible.
• The toilets are dry ecological toilets which means no water is used and the waste is composted (it’s not as bad as it sounds).
• Bikes, kayaks, and SUPs are provided to discover the area in an ecological way.

Book your stay at Bubble Lodge at Bois Chéri here .

Our final thoughts on the best eco hotels in Mauritius

Our list above easily showcases why these hotels are eco friendly. But be wary of hotels that claim to be sustainable but in reality are not.

For instance, despite their labels, there are hotels that still use single-use plastic, offer individualised bathroom toiletries in plastic containers, do not recycle, let a lot of buffet food go to waste, etc. 

If you ask a hotel to explain their sustainability efforts, a genuine eco hotel would be able to do so easily, and most of the time, proudly. 

Check out more sustainable travel tips and guidelines in our free pdf guide . 

More Articles

Fun facts about portugal to read before your trip, fun facts about italy (plus cultural etiquette), the best eco hotels in new zealand (north island), discover south korean culture, facts, and etiquette, discover the top 11 sustainable cities around the world, which are the best eco hotels in rome and why, cultural things to do in rome for an eco-friendly trip, sustainable things to do in mauritius + local tips, get your free comprehensive sustainable travel guide, what is a work exchange and is it right for you, 3 weeks in vietnam: an eco-friendly itinerary from north to south, elephant rescue in thailand: meet unchained elephants and kanoon, privacy policy, cookies & privacy.

+230 203 1000

• Board Members
• Organisational Structure
• Tourist Accommodation Certificate
• Tourist Enterprise Licence
• Pleasure Craft Licence
• Skipper’s Licence
• Sustainable Tourism Unit
• Sustainable Tourism Mauritius Awards
• Horizon.eco
• Star Rating
• Annual Reports
• Press & News
• Training Calender
• Annual Procurement Plan
• Contact Information
• Suggestion & Complaint Form

Sustainability - Mauritius Tourism Authority

• Home  
• Sustainability

Sustainable Island Mauritius (SIM)

Establishment:.

Do you want to know how tourism can deliver higher value to you, to Mauritius and to customers at a lower footprint? That's what the SIM project is about.

Quick Links

• Sustainable Island Mauritius
• Press & News
• Skipper's Licence

Because We Care

Sustainable tourism in Mauritius: Measures in place

 Posted on April 15, 2020 by Yonature

  8 Comments

Mauritius is a small island located in the subtropics. It has a mild, tropical, maritime climate and attracts tourists from various parts of the world throughout the year. In fact, the tourism sector is a fundamental economic pillar of the island, with gross earnings amounting to Rs 67.5 billion for the year 2019 .

Generally, tourists from Europe, India and China come to the island because of its clear, warm water, white sandy beaches and sunny weather. Hotels are also well-designed and run with reliable and operational infrastructure and services.

With the global trend to engage in sustainable tourism , Mauritius also reviewed its strategy. Besides diversifying eco-activities, many stakeholders have implemented sustainable practices.

Tourism in Mauritius

Historians assert that the first tourists, who were French, visited the island during the 1800s. At that time, there was no tourist facility as such. Mauritius was a lost island in the middle of the ocean and very few people knew of its existence.

Eventually, with the progress made in aviation, Mauritius became a transit point between Australia and South Africa. The first hotel was built and the concept of beach tourism developed. At that time, it was mainly the private entrepreneurs in the sugar industry who invested in tourism.

Following the global tourism trend, the tourism sector of Mauritius also boomed from the 1950s onwards. In 1954, around 1800 tourists visited the island and by 1970, it reached 27,650.

After the independence of Mauritius in 1968, the government actively developed it. Tourism became and is still the third pillar of the economy along with textile and financial services. In 2018, there were 1.4 million tourist arrivals!

Sustainable tourism in Mauritius

With today’s focus being on sustainable tourism, Mauritius proudly boasts of achieving the Global Sustainable Tourism Council Recognized Standard Status. The Mauritian Standard on Sustainable Tourism (MS 165:2019) guides the sustainable development of the tourism industry in Mauritius. It addresses socio-cultural effects on the local community, economic development and environmental impacts .

As one of the top beach destinations in the world, this status brands Mauritius as a destination with a high sustainability performance. With this international recognition, stakeholders can play an active role in ensuring the sustainability of the industry.

Sustainable measures in place

So, to date, many tourism stakeholders have put a number of sustainable measures in place. Tour operators rent light and modern cars that are fuel-efficient and also promote the use of public transport. The government has even invested in eco-friendly outboard engines for crafts at sea [2] in order to reduce carbon emissions from vehicles.

Furthermore, according to the UNEP, the accommodation sector of the tourism industry contributes to 21% of total carbon emissions. Thus, it is one area within the industry that can substantially promote sustainable actions. In Mauritius, the following measures are in place:

• Using renewable energy sources like solar panels ,
• Recycling including composting of waste materials,
• Rainwater and stormwater harvesting to irrigate lawns and golf courses,
• Designing building codes for better air circulation and light penetration,
• Using sensors to decrease water and light wastage,
• Growing local vegetables and fruits and
• Buying local products such as seafood.
• Some hotels such as the Lux Resorts and Constance Belle Mare even have the Green Globe certification for their sustainability strategies and devotion in supporting eco-friendly gestures.

Managing sustainable tourism

Likewise, in order to promote Mauritius as a sustainable destination, the government took important steps to achieve that goal. Travel and tourism now form part of the educational curriculum as the quality of the sector depends on the education of the employed personnel . They are at the forefront and tail of the management chain and consequently the best advocates of sustainable management.

In addition to that, research in tourism is highly encouraged in Mauritius. It is basically a dynamic sector and we need updates to adjust to physical and behavioural patterns.

Similarly, hotel and associated personnel are also regularly trained in sustainable practices. At the same time, they are motivated to find new ways to market the island as a green destination.

Operators also regularly develop eco-activities and showcase these at the regional or international level. For instance, eco-friendly events such as the International Dodo Trail Running competition and the XTERRA World Tour Triathlon attract enthusiastic tourists every year.

Also, the Climate Change Division of the Ministry of Environment actively works on protecting the coast of Mauritius against the effects of climate change . As Mauritius typically depends on its beautiful beaches and lagoons, issues like sea-level rise and storm surge undoubtedly affect tourism.

Tourists’ attitude towards sustainability

Needless to say that tourists lead the way in sustainable tourism. Their choice of destination, practices and consumption influence businesses. They exert a natural pressure on tourism service providers to become more sustainable .

Today, tourists are now becoming eco-conscious, independent and organize their own journeys. They create their own experiences according to what they think would make their journey memorable. In this way, they can make better eco-friendly choices. At the same time, tour operators and hotel managers attract more clients by branding green practices. This then influences the behaviour of tourists to become more environmentally alert.

• Bhujun, V. and Bahadoor, D. (2016). Benchmarking water and electricity consumption in hotels in Mauritius. Prodesign. [Online] Available at https://prodesign.mu/documents/benchmarking-water-electricity-consumption-hotels-mauritius-2/ [Accessed 10/10/2019]
• Aslan, S. (2015). Prison tourism as a form of dark tourism. Journal of International Social Research , 8 (40).

 Category: Human activities      Tags: Eco-friendly activities Mauritius , eco-tourism Mauritius , hiking Mauritius , promoting green tourism , sustainable practices tourism sector , sustainable tourism , tourism Mauritius , trekking Mauritius , undersea walks

8 Comments on “ Sustainable tourism in Mauritius: Measures in place ”

Pingback: Negative impacts of tourism on the environment - Yo Nature

Pingback: COVID-19 in Mauritius – A success Story? - Yo Nature

Pingback: Monkey Trade in Mauritius: Controversies and Benefits - Yo Nature

Pingback: How Mauritius, a Small Island Developing State, is adapting to sea level rise - Yo Nature

Pingback: 5 reasons why ecotourism is better than traditional tourism - Yo Nature

Pingback: Underwater waterfall of Mauritius - Yo Nature

Pingback: Positive impacts of tourism on the environment - Yo Nature

Pingback: The negative impacts of humans on the environment - Yo Nature

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Get News by Email!

• Environment
• Human activities
• Uncategorized

contact[at]yonature[dot]com

Recent Posts

• The Hidden Threat: Tree Diseases – Causes, Types, and Ways of Dealing with Them
• Positive and Negative Impacts of COVID-19
• Volcanic Eruptions: Positive and Negative Effects
• Volcanic Eruptions Explained: Types and Examples
• Effects of Droughts: Positive, Negative, Examples
• Privacy Policy
• Terms and Conditions

Secure Site

Copyright © 2024 · All Rights Reserved · Yo Nature

Theme: Natural Lite by Organic Themes · RSS Feed

Glamping in an eco lodge in Mauritius

Book your individual trip , stress-free with local travel experts

• roughguides.com
• glamping-in-an-eco-lodge-in-mauritius

Plan your tailor-made trip with a local expert

Book securely with money-back guarantee

Travel stress-free with local assistance and 24/7 support

written by Rough Guides Editors

updated 23.11.2021

Nicki Grihault , former resident of Mauritius and author of The Rough Guide to Mauritius , experiences an authentic taste of Mauritius when she checks into an eco lodge on an island that's renowned for its natural beauty, and a diverse range of travel experiences , including outdoor activities .

A sunset kayak to the pretty waterfall on Grand Rivière Sud Est , in Mauritius’ sleepy southeast, has become my evening ritual. By day, oystercatchers perch on the basalt boulders and stringy local lads leap from the waterfall to impress boatloads of tourists. But as twilight falls, Mauritian fruit bats feast on the giant fruit trees, Macaque monkey families search for Badamier (Indian Almond) nuts among the mangrove and fishermen haul their catch into wooden pirogues.

Monkeying around - a Mauritian macaque © Martin Prochazkacz/Shutterstock

It was when researching The Rough Guide to Mauritius , that I first stumbled upon Otentic Eco Tent Experience . Created by Franco-Mauritian father-of-three Julien Gufflet, who followed his dream to open the island’s first eco-camp in 2013, Otentic – which means ‘authentic’ in the local creole language – offers independent travellers a taste of the ‘real Mauritius’.

In October 2021, almost a decade later, I follow Julien up the familiar white stone path lined with vetiver, past herb and vegetable patches created during lockdown, to ‘Ile Ronde’ (Round Island), one of 12 safari-style solar-powered khaki eco-tents on a tropical hillside.

Set on wooden platforms, and big enough to sleep a family of five on beds made from wooden pallets, the tents are comfortable, with a bathroom (with homemade scrub) open to the skies, shelves made out of recycled packing crates, and canvas chairs on a balcony overlooking the river.

Room with an awe-inspiring view - Otentic Eco Tent Experience, Mauritius © Otentic Eco Tent Experience

The cosy communal area has a swimming pool fed by rainwater, an honesty bar (and fresh coconut corner) and Lakaz Manze restaurant – an old shipping container covered with naturally-distressed planks salvaged from old Creole houses.

Scribbled on the blackboard are traditional Mauritian specialities such as octopus and green papaya curry, breadfruit gratin, seafood vindaye and jackfruit with smoked pork.

Otentic Eco’s Head Chef Christelle uses her grandma’s recipes, with plenty of local and organic garden produce, to create the best local buffet on the island. I tuck into a plateful at lunchtime on a wooden deck by the river. ‘My secret ingredient is patience and love, which I put in all my dishes,’ she tells me proudly. Her cooking is also enjoyed by the camp dog, Timoune, which means ‘little guy’ in Reunion Island creole, but who gets fatter by the year.

Planning a trip to Mauritius? Don't miss our guide to the best things to do in Mauritius .

Wild waterfall in the Grand River South East estuary, Mauritius © Thomas Marchhart/Shutterstock

The next morning I take the shuttle boat out of the river’s mouth to the popular island playground, Île aux Cerfs . It’s named after the stags which once roamed its forested interior and sandy tendrils stretch prettily into the vast limpid east coast lagoon. I swim in the translucent water and meander the paths through the filao (casuarina) trees. Watersports and a championship golf course are also on offer.

Otentic River is one of few places on Mauritius to offer kayak adventures and I smile at the memory of a previous visit, when I joined a guided family-friendly paddle to nearby Ilot Mangénie’s unspoiled shore. Trekking past giant holes made by carnivorous crabs scattered with snail shells in the mangrove, we stopped to swim at a wild beach and swing like children on the Tarzan-like vines of a giant banyan tree.

Although there are no guided tours from Otentic at the moment, you can hook a kayak to the shuttle and paddle back from Île aux Cerfs.

Kayaking in Mauritius © Otentic Eco Tent Experience

The days fly by with hikes up Mount Beau Champ (Otentic’s backdrop), mountain bike rides through the sugar cane fields, cookery classes with Christelle and paddle boarding and kayaking on the river. In the evenings, we swap stories over sundowners from Lakaz Bois before a lantern-lit buffet, and a homemade rum arrangé around the firepit.

It’s there I bump into resident physiotherapist and sports masseur, Sanjit Naiko, who offers me a free neck and shoulder massage, and I sign up for a session the next morning.

This place has the five elements, the mountains, water, air, earth and fire, in the warmth of the staff’s love,’ he explains, as his healing hands resolve a thorny neck problem in the thatched cabin overlooking the mangrove-fringed river. Otentic is full of surprises. This is arguably the best massage I’ve had on the island.

The southeast region is the island’s most historic, so it’s time to go exploring. although most people have their own wheels, the public bus stops at the end of Otentics’ drive. The scent of spices drift from crumbling Creole houses, as I ride down the backstreets of the characterful ancient port capital of Mahébourg on an electric bike tour of Grand Port led by eighth-generation Franco-Mauritian Laurent D’Unienville of Explore Nou Zil .

Biking in Mauritius © Macca Sherifi/Shutterstock

In the peaceful Ferney Valley, we stop at a monument in the mangrove, which marks the spot where the island’s first inhabitants, the Dutch, set foot on Mauritius some 400 years ago. At the fort ruins in Vieux Grand Port, Laurent regales us with tales of slave raids, ships stacked with ebony bound for Europe, and duels to the death.

The morning includes a visit to Pop, a pirogue (traditional wooden boat) builder, where we admire his work over a Tamarind juice. Lunch is a deer curry, fresh from the estate, at Falaise Rouge (Red Cliff), where a cannon, recovered from the sea, points at Île de la Passe in the vast Bay of Grand Port.

The 30-kilometre journey ends (without breaking a sweat) at the Natural History Museum in Mahébourg, where we examine relics from the naval battle, and other eclectic exhibits: a stuffed dodo, governor Mahé Labourdonnais’ tiny bed and legendary Corsair Robert Surcouf’s sword.

Fresh, refreshing coconuts © Mahebourg Eco Adventure

Keen to get under the skin of this town, I join a new insider tour by local resident, Lionel Atlion from Mahébourg Eco Adventure , a statuesque Creole man with dreadlocks, and a winning smile. As we stroll along its waterfront promenade, he greets the fishermen mending their nets under the banyan trees, and points out the Virgin Mary shrine where his seafaring grandfather prayed each morning.

We stop at Sunita’s stall near the waterfront for a coconut - sliced open to drink on the spot - and the town’s specialty , merveilles (marvels), a deep-fried cracker topped with tomato and coriander chutney and sweet tamarind sauce - which surprisingly, works.

Classic Mauritian cuisine © Nicki Grihault

Gazing at the impressive view over Lion Mountain across the Bay, Lionel tells us the swashbuckling tale of the Battle of Grand Port where in 1810, the British fought the French for sovereignty of the island (they lost, but won later that year).

For elevenses we sample the nation’s favourite street food , dholl puri (griddled pancakes stuffed with yellow split peas, wrapped around curries, spiced tomato sauce and pickles) at the colourful local market - impossible to eat without it dribbling down your chin.

Lunch is on far flung Île aux Fouquets, known locally as Île Phares (Lighthouse Island), where across a choppy channel, Lionel points out the French fortifications on Île de la Passe, which played a pivotal role in the Battle of Grand Port.

Speedboats come and go as our fish slowly sizzles on the BBQ, and we wander around the ruined lighthouse, looking for skinks, and watch white-tailed tropic birds shoot the breeze.

We are travelling with a local fisherman in his pirogue, and as its red and white sail unfurls, we sink into a soothing satisfied silence on the slow glide home. I arrive back at Otentic three hours later than expected, and over a poolside rosé, Julien just laughs, ‘Welcome to ‘Mahebourg time’.

Fouquet Island in the bay of Grand-Port, Mauritius © Natoe/Shutterstock

Just beyond Mahébourg, I take a short boat hop for a Behind the Scenes tour of the tiny forested nature reserve of Île aux Aigrettes , with the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation (MWF). I tickle the neck of a giant century-old Aldabra tortoise we encounter lumbering under the spindly canopy, as a ranger points out ebony saplings growing happily in tortoise droppings.

The islands’ star attraction is the endemic pink pigeon, but during the Wakashio oil spill last summer, other rare species the olive white eye, and Mauritius fody, endemic skinks and plants were airlifted to ensure their preservation. They are now back, and it’s safe to go into the water.

The tour gives me an insight into their rewilding project, as I witness the hand-pollination of a rare palm, visit labourers digging out the invasive guava, and learn about projects to reintroduce orchids and to lure seabirds (discovered in fossil remains) back to the island.

Mighty Mauritian tortoises © KKulikova/Shutterstock

On my last day, I take the 20 minutes road shuttle from the river camp to Otentic Mountain. Although currently only available for hire by private groups, this second, more remote eco-camp, which opened in 2016, has five solar-powered thatched mountain lodges overlooking the lagoon, a freshwater rock pool, vegetarian food and a yoga and meditation platform wrapped around a tree.

For those in the river camp, Otentic Mountain is the jumping off point for a hike in the Bambous Mountains. This is one of the few places on the island to see the Mauritius kestrel, the island’s only bird of prey, and following a successful MWF translocation project, the pink pigeon and echo parakeet are now breeding in the wild for the first time in a century. 

Trekking up a red-earthed, jungle-like path through centuries-old mango trees, it’s a challenge to reach the highest point ‘The Praying Virgin’ at 630 metres, so I stop and sit with Julien on a basalt boulder. There are no birds in sight, but as we watch a yacht drift lazily across hues of ocean blue in the distant lagoon, the silence punctuated only by the screech of monkeys from the forest below, I feel wild, and free.  

Ile aux Cerfs, Mauritius, with the magnificent Montagne Bambous rearing in the distance © Bekker Stefan/Shutterstock

Tailor-made travel itineraries for Mauritius, created by local experts

18 days  / from 5200 USD

Delightful Mauritius

Stay in four different areas on this trip - first the South Coast, then the West Coast, then Chamarel in the center of the island, before spending the last few days relaxing on the beach of the popular North Coast. Mauritius has so much more to offer than just gorgeous beaches!

Tailor-made trips for   Mauritius

Tents at Otentic Eco Tent Experience typically cost £101 for one night and £85 for three nights or more on a B&B basis, including all on-site activities (kayaks, stand-up paddles, mountain bikes, hiking, tennis volley, petanque, darts) and a daily shuttle boat to Ile aux Cerfs every morning, returning for lunch.

Lunch and dinner cost £12.60 for adults.

A massage from Sanjit costs approx. £35 an hour.

An Otentic day package costs £25, on reservation.

Top image and above © Mahebourg Eco Adventure

At Rough Guides we’ve always taken pride in telling it like it is - whether we’re updating details in our guide books, or researching emerging destinations. With that in mind, we want you to know that when you click on links that lead to our affiliate partners’ sites, we can earn a small commission (at no cost to you). This is one of the ways we’re able to keep doing what we do best - provide you with travel advice and inspiration you can trust. Speaking of which, you can trust what we link to - our travel writer experts are exactly that (experts) and have highlighted them to share ideas that might make your trips all the more satisfying.

Related articles from the blog

• Authentic Experiences
• Eco-Tourism
• Inspiration
• Travel Tips
• Where to stay

Planning your own trip? Prepare for your trip

Use Rough Guides' trusted partners for great rates

Travel advice for Mauritius

From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to Mauritius

• Eating and drinking in Mauritius
• Shopping tips for Mauritius
• Sports and Outdoor activities in Mauritius
• Travel Tips Mauritius for planning and on the go
• Culture and Etiquette in Mauritius
• How to get to Mauritius
• Getting around Mauritius: Transportation Tips
• Travelling with children in Mauritius
• Best time to visit Mauritius

Find even more inspiration for 86 here

Ready to travel and discover mauritius, get support from our local experts for stress-free planning & worry-free travels.

• Travel advice
• Itineraries

Guide to Eco Hotels in Mauritius ( 2024 Updated)

An eco hotel, or a green hotel, is an environmentally sustainable hotel or accommodation that has made important environmental improvements to its structure in order to minimize its impact on the natural environment and eco friendly hotels Mauritius are considered excellent place to hang out for a couple of nights in Port Louis and then beyond in Mauritius.

 Best Eco Tours in Mauritius

Table of Contents

• Private Full Day Customizable Mauritius Tour with Chauffeur
• Beach Hopping In The North: Trou aux Biches, Mont Choisy, La Cuvette, Pereybere
• Ile aux Aigrettes Nature Reserve Tour, Including Blue Bay Beach & Mahébourg
• Exotic South: A Journey into the Nature (Full Day Tour including Lunch)
• The Wild South: Full Day tour including Rhumerie St Aubin & Bois cheri Tea route

See all Eco Tours in Mauritius on Viator.

1. Otentic, Eco Tent Experience 3* – Eco Hotels Mauritius

Set on the banks of the Grande Riviere South East river, Otentic, Eco Tent Experience offers a glamping experience featuring a swimming pool and a variety of outdoor activities.

The tents are built on raised wooden decks and offer views of the palm tree garden. They also come with private bathrooms with a shower.

Guests at Otentic can enjoy canoeing, biking and darts for free, as well as scuba diving, snorkeling and fishing at a surcharge. There is also a restaurant offering local dishes and a bar area.

The nearest beach to Otentic is Ile aux Cerfs. There is a free shuttle boat leaving from Otentic every morning and returning for lunch time . The shuttle transfer takes about 20 minutes.

On a hillside with views of both the Grand River South East and the Indian Ocean, this laid-back ecolodge is 4 km from Île aux Cerfs and 32 km from Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International  Airport.

Rustic permanent tents are set on stilts, and come with fans, wood floors and en suite bathrooms, as well as river or ocean views. Air-conditioning and TVs aren’t available.

Continental breakfast is complimentary, as is a boat shuttle to Île aux Cerfs. Other amenities include a simple restaurant, an outdoor pool, water sports and loaner mountain bikes.

We are based on the east coast of Mauritius in a small village called ‘Deux Freres’ on the bank of Grand River South East, the longest river of Mauritius. The lodge is ideally located at canoeing distance halfway between the waterfall and the crystal lagoon of ile aux cerfs. At Otentic, we try to give a truly Mauritian experience to our guests.

Our friendly staff, who all live nearby the lodge, will make sure that you discover their region, the east coast of Mauritius, probably the most beautiful coast of the island. Simplicity and conviviality are two key values for us. Our objective is to share with our guests the Mauritian way of life, our culinary habits, our diverse communities, traditions and religious beliefs while enhancing the natural environment and improving the livelihood of surrounding communities.

Near thought I would go glamping or to an  eco -retreat, but this experience has changed my opinions. Otentic is full self-efficient and  eco -friendly, attempting to leave as small an impact on the natural surroundings as possible. Otentic is on a lush jungle like plot right on the Grande Riviere South East river. All the tents are shaded and tucked away under or near amazing palm trees.

The accommodations are sparse yet comfortable and every tent has its own private bathrooms w/ showers. You have the option to raise/ lower the tent flaps to your liking varying the awesome views from within or from the relaxing front deck. Everywhere on the property feels as if you are enjoying your own hiding tropical camp.

There are breathtaking views thru the trees down to the water and up to the lush green mountains off in the distance. The staff took care of all our needs, cooks prepared fabulous local cuisine and the honor bar was a hit. Ever trip to Mauritius should include a few days unplugged at Otentic Eco Tent Experience.

Everything is  Eco , so you kind of also carry your own bags ;), which was not a bad thing, if only we had traveled a bit light, but it was alright!

The tent was absolutely fantastic, nice outdoor deck, very  eco -fitted bathroom/toilet, overall a very memorable experience, and not uncomfortable at all in any sense.

Fantastic food which was really delicious and authentic plus they kindly adapted to our needs (one vegetarian and one vegan). The tent and eco  village concept worked really well and the communal area was welcoming and relaxed.

Out of the world experience. Guys, if you wanna get a break from your busy monotonous hectic professional life, if you wanna experience what’s like to be a #MorisienTipik(typical Mauritian), if you want to live like an  Eco  tourist, if you want to live on a mountain with #NO electricity, #NO WIFI BUT only NATURE, YOU & that feeling of being truly alive… Then, otentic  eco  tent experience is definitely the place to be.

Commune with nature like never before, take a dip into the the natural pool, trek to the summit of Bambous Mountain to reach beautiful destinations with mesmerizing landscapes, kayak & stand up paddle experiences in Grand River South East. Support locals. Support sustainability.

The Best  eco  tourist experience ever is at Otentic  Eco Tent. Super friendly Mauritian staffs, tasty typical Mauritian food, mesmerizing sceneries, unlimited non-alcoholic drinks and the motto at Otentic is “Faire coumadin lakaz- Make as if you’re at home.” Highly recommended place to live an  eco tourism experience.

How much does a room costs at Otentic, Eco Tent Experience ?

Prices start 104$ /night for Tent.

This tent is built on a raised wooden deck with outdoor seating and views of the palm tree garden. It includes a private bathroom with a shower.

The tent can accommodate up to 2 adults and 3 children.

Where to book online – Otentic, Eco Tent Experience – Eco Hotels Mauritius   – you can find the best eco friendly hotels deals in Mauritius during Thaipoosam Cavadee  which  is celebrated with much enthusiasm in Mauritius on Booking.com or Agoda.com or Agoda.com and see more reviews on TripAdvisor .

2. La Giraudière Lodge 3* – Eco Lodges Mauritius

Offering views of the ocean and the sunset, La Giraudière is an eco-lodge in Montagne Charlot, a 7-minute drive from Port Mathurin. The lodge has a year-round outdoor pool, and you can enjoy a drink at the bar. Free private parking is available on site.

All rooms at La Giraudière have ocean view and include a balcony with a seating area where you can relax. Every room has a private bathroom with shower and free toiletries.

The restaurant offers a variety of local dishes, prepared with fresh ingredients from the lodge’s garden.

My room was spacious and clean with a terrace with sea view and ensuite shower and toilet. Rodrigues suffers from water shortages but La Giraudiere has an ingenious rain water catching system and the coupe work hard to ensure water is brought in if need be for their guests, so there was never a problem with the water supply.

The lodge has a WIFI router which you can access in the central space near the kitchen. Rodrigues is remote and the WIFI is therefore not superfast island wide but it is perfectly fine for checking e-mails.

How much does a room costs at La Giraudière Lodge ?

Prices start 134$ /night for Double Room with Sea View.

This double room has a sea view and tile/marble floor

Where to book online – La Giraudière Lodge – Eco Lodges Mauritius   – you can find the best eco friendly hotels deals in Mauritius during Thaipoosam Cavadee  which  is celebrated with much enthusiasm in Mauritius on Booking.com or Agoda.com or Hotels.com and see more reviews on TripAdvisor .

3. LUX* Le Morne Resort 3* – Eco Friendly Hotels Mauritius

Situated on a white, sandy Mauritius beach, LUX* Le Morne features 5 pools, a spa and 3 restaurants. Activities offered include kite surfing and snorkelling.

Guests can relax in LUX* Me Spa’s Turkish hammam, enjoy a massage or play tennis. Hotel staff can schedule diving and windsurfing excursions, or arrange bicycle rental.

Guest rooms feature dark wood furniture and furnished outdoor living space. WiFi access is free, and some rooms include 55” LED Interactive TV, IPTV channels and video on demand.

On an Indian Ocean beach, this high-end all-inclusive resort with thatched-roof buildings is 8 km from Seven Colored Earth geological formation and 17 km from Heritage Golf Club.

Chic rooms feature terraces and marble bathrooms. They also have flat-screen TVs and minibars. Suites add 4-poster beds, sitting areas, whirlpool tubs and minibars. Some have furnished balconies, outdoor showers and ocean views.

Amenities include several restaurants, including Thai and beachfront options. There are also 4 pools, a spa, a fitness center and tropical gardens. Kitesurfing, yoga classes, and swimming with dolphins are available.

How much does a room costs at LUX* Le Morne Resort ?

Prices start 302$ /night for Double Room with Sea View . The Junior Suite with Ocean View is 451 $/room per night with breakfast included – if coming on a honeymoon this is the perfect choice for couples.

Offers direct sea views from its furnished outdoor terrace and a large rosewood wardrobe. The marble bathroom features a separate shower and a bath.

Where to book online – LUX* Le Morne Resort – Eco Friendly Hotels Mauritius   – you can find the best eco friendly hotels deals in Mauritius during Thaipoosam Cavadee  which  is celebrated with much enthusiasm in Mauritius on Booking.com or Agoda.com or Hotels.com and see more reviews on TripAdvisor .

4. Tree Lodge Mauritius – Eco Friendly Lodges Mauritius

Featuring a swimming pool and a tropical garden, Tree Lodge Mauritius offers tree top and villa accommodation in the countryside of Centre de Flacq, Belle Mare.

The unique tree-top bungalow is perched on wooden stilts and overlooks the garden and swimming pool. The rooms inside the villa feature a terrace and a shared bathroom.

Breakfast is served in the garden and dinner can be arranged on request for a surcharge.

How much does a room costs at Tree Lodge Mauritius ?

Prices start 145$ /night for Explorer Room . The Tree Hut   is 176 $/room per night with breakfast included – if coming on a honeymoon this is the perfect choice for couples.

Accessible by stairs, this unique tree-top cabin overlooks the garden and swimming pool. It offers a balcony and a bathroom with shower.

Where to book online –Tree Lodge Mauritius – Eco Friendly Lodges Mauritius   – you can find the best eco friendly hotels deals in Mauritius during Thaipoosam Cavadee  which  is celebrated with much enthusiasm in Mauritius on Booking.com or Agoda.com or Trip.com and see more reviews on TripAdvisor .

5. SALT of Palmar 5* – Eco Friendly Hotels Mauritius

Salt of Palmar is set on the white sandy beach of Palmar on the east coast of the island, 1.7 km from Belle Mare. The hotel features an on-site restaurant and 3 bars .

Each room has a modern design with local features. Free toiletries are provided in the private bathrooms at SALT of Palmar.

The selection of onsite bars and restaurants which focuses on homemade dishes.

Set on a beach along the Indian Ocean coast, this chic hotel is 13 km from Bras D’Eau National Park and 48 km from Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport.

The minimalist rooms come with complimentary Wi-Fi, furnished balconies, rainfall showers and yoga mats; some add ocean views. Upgraded rooms provide sofas, and/or tablets with Netflix.

A relaxed restaurant has a terrace. There’s a cafe, as well as beach and rooftop bars. Other amenities include an outdoor pool, a poolside bar, a spa and a library. Craft workshops are offered. Breakfast is available for a fee.

No TV in the bedroom – at first I was perplexed! But to be honest, it did A LOT of good not, as we could really rest and relax. Besides we had a huge panoramic view of the ocean so nothing could beat that.

The fact that everything is  eco -friendly is truly appreciative you feel that you are really caring for the environment. No plastic toiletries but all in ceramic containers – superb!

How much does a room costs at SALT of Palmar ?

Prices start 150$ /night for Garden View Room . The Best on Beach Room  is 265 $/room per night with breakfast included – if coming on a honeymoon this is the perfect choice for couples.

This quadruple room features air conditioning and bathrobe.

Where to book online – SALT of Palmar – Eco Friendly Hotels Mauritius   – you can find the best eco friendly hotels deals in Mauritius during Thaipoosam Cavadee  which  is celebrated with much enthusiasm in Mauritius on Booking.com or Agoda.com or Trip.com and see more reviews on TripAdvisor .

Sorin is a freelance travel writer. He is an experienced travel writer and traveller. Since 2012 he explored more than 60 countries on 4 continents: Asia, Europe, Africa and North America. Currently is based in Romania after spending the last 7 years in Myanmar.

Related articles

Guide to Eco Resorts in Hoi An (2024 Updated)

Guide to Eco Hotel in Hanoi (2024 Updated)

Guide to Eco Friendly Lodges in Africa ( 2024 ): A Selection of 9 Green...

• Africa Tours
• Mauritius Tours
• Eco Tours in Mauritius

Mauritius Eco Tours 2024/2025

The best eco tours in Mauritius. Below you will see 9 eco tours through Mauritius that are all carbon offset. Bookmundi offsets the CO2 footprint on behalf of all the multiday tour companies that we work in Mauritius by amongst others investing in wind, solar and tree planting projects around the world. In the future, we will continue to make our tours in Mauritius more sustainable and climate-friendly.

9 Eco trips in Mauritius

• Starts Grand Baie, Mauritius
• Ends Grand Baie, Mauritius

Mauritian Wonders (3* Hotel)

• Best price guaranteed
• No booking fees
• Tour Type Group Tour
• Activities Beach
• Accommodation Hotel & Resort
• Transport Bus & Flight
• Age Range 10-99 yrs
• Operated in English, French
• Brochure Price: US$ 1,161
• Special Deal (15%): - US$ 174
• Total Price from: US$ 987
• May 19 Only 4 seats left
• May 26 Only 4 seats left
• View More Jan 1, 2019 Jan 2, 2019 Jan 3, 2019

• Starts Balaclava, Mauritius
• Ends Balaclava, Mauritius

Simply Mauritius (4* Hotel)

• Accommodation Hotel
• Transport Bus
• Age Range 18-99 yrs
• Brochure Price: US$ 976
• Special Deal (15%): - US$ 146
• Total Price from: US$ 830
• Jun 16 10+ seats left
• Jun 17 10+ seats left

Simply Mauritius (5* Hotel Adults Only)

• Brochure Price: US$ 1,583
• Special Deal (15%): - US$ 237
• Total Price from: US$ 1,346
• Jun 28 10+ seats left
• Jun 29 10+ seats left

Mauritian Wonders (4* Hotel)

• Brochure Price: US$ 1,279
• Special Deal (15%): - US$ 192
• Total Price from: US$ 1,087
• Jun 16 Only 4 seats left
• Aug 18 Only 4 seats left

Mauritian Wonders, Private Tour (3* Hotel)

• Tour Type Private Tour
• Transport Private Vehicle & Flight
• Brochure Price: US$ 1,345
• Special Deal (15%): - US$ 202
• Total Price from: US$ 1,143
• May 20 10+ seats left
• May 21 10+ seats left

Simply Mauritius, Private Tour (4* Hotel)

• Transport Private Vehicle
• Brochure Price: US$ 1,160
• Total Price from: US$ 986

• Starts Port Louis, Mauritius
• Ends Port Louis, Mauritius

Marvelous Mauritius

• Trip customizable
• Tour Type Independent Tour
• Transport Boat
• Age Range 8-95 yrs
• Operated in English
• May 02 10+ seats left
• May 16 10+ seats left

Simply Mauritius, Private Tour (5* Hotel Adults Only)

• Brochure Price: US$ 1,766
• Special Deal (15%): - US$ 265
• Total Price from: US$ 1,501

North and South Island Explorer Package

• Activities Active and outdoor & Wildlife safaris and game drives Active and outdoor , Wildlife safaris and game drives & Sightseeing Tours 'data-more-tripid='40054'>+1 more
• Transport Boat, Coach, Minibus, Private Vehicle & Taxi
• Age Range 12-70 yrs

Mauritius Eco Tour Reviews

Eco tours and trips.

• Eco tours in Africa
• Eco tours in East Africa
• Eco tours in Mediterranean
• Eco tours in Middle East
• Eco tours in Southern Africa
• Eco tours in Tanzania
• Eco tours in Morocco
• Eco tours in Egypt
• Mauritius trips
• Mauritius budget tours
• Mauritius solo trips
• Mauritius tours for senior citizens
• Mauritius tours for young adults
• Mauritius travel deals

Mauritius upcoming departures

• Spring 2024/2025
• Summer 2024/2025
• Winter 2024/2025
• August 2024
• September 2024
• October 2024
• November 2024

Sign-in to unlock instant trip discounts. Create wish lists and save up to USD 1,500.

• Cookie Policy

• Philippines
• United Arab Emirates
• South Africa
• Czech Republic
• Netherlands
• Switzerland
• United Kingdom
• Cayman Islands
• Dominican Republic
• Puerto Rico
• United States of America
• Trinidad and Tobago
• French Polynesia
• New Zealand
• Cheap Flights
• Cheap Hotels
• Tours & Activities

Most Viewed

Ecotourism in Mauritius: How to Have an Eco-Friendly Holiday

Uncovering the Hidden Gems of Stunning Nungwi in Zanzibar

The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park: What You Need to Know

Kerala travel guide | The Ultimate Kerala Travel Guide | Kerala tourist places

Chobe River Cruise: Life Aboard a Luxury Houseboat

Rodrigues Island: When I Found a Paradise Next to Paradise

Best Hotels in Dubai: Best Places To Stay In Dubai

Facts About Ethiopia That You Probably Didn’t Know

La Bombonera: The Best Breakfast in Old San Juan

Okavango Delta Safari: One of the World’s Great Inland Waterways

Social widget.

Located off the east coast of Africa, Mauritius is a small island nation that’s known for its pristine beaches and luxury 5-star resorts. 

It’s not all about the sand and sunbeds though. Mauritius also offers a rich cultural heritage and incredible food scene – partly to do with its diverse mix of Indian, Creole, Chinese and French ethnic groups. 

What’s more, the island’s pristine landscapes have made it a bucket list destination for nature lovers. So, if you want to experience the island in a more mindful way, here’s your guide to ecotourism in Mauritius. 

Ecotourism in Mauritius: Why it’s important 

Mauritius’ position as a small island makes it perhaps more vulnerable than most to the effects of climate change.

Rising sea levels have already impacted the island and the pristine beaches it’s known for are under threat. In fact, some beaches have shrunk by more than 10 metres over the last decade!

The island’s location in the Indian Ocean puts it in the cyclone belt. Thanks to climate change, flash floods and tropical storms are becoming increasingly deadly. 

Despite these threats, tourism is a vital part of the island nation’s economy as it helps fund many of its economic and sustainable developments. 

Just like many African small states, the arrival of the pandemic caused conservation and sustainability efforts to suffer. 

Many nature reserves and wildlife parks had prolonged closures and the decreased income resulted in shrinking budgets for conservation, according to a Commonwealth report. 

As a sustainable traveller, seeking out activities and accommodation that benefit the environment and local people is a way to support and strengthen conservation efforts for generations to come. 

Ecotourism in Mauritius 

View of Mauritius from Sublime Point Lookout

The best ecotourism activities in Mauritius 

Here’s a quick guide to the best ecotourism activities to help you enjoy Mauritius responsibly.

Meet giant tortoises 

Did you know Mauritius is home to giant tortoises? Sadly the native species suffered the same fate as the dodo and went extinct sometime in the 1700s. 

In an effort to restore the island’s natural ecosystem, the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation introduced the Aldabra Giant Tortoise from the Seychelles in 2000. The best place to see them is on a tiny islet called Ile aux Aigrettes which is a protected nature reserve. 

Here you can see babies and full-grown tortoises eating and dozing across the land. It’s a fantastic spot for seeing rare birds and plants too. What’s more, your money goes directly to supporting giant tortoise conservation. 

Go hiking in Chamarel 

See a different side to Mauritius beyond the beaches and lagoons. Head inland to Chamarel’s Ebony Forest Reserve where you can go hiking and support rewilding projects. 

Best Hotels In Mauritius

Join guided or self-guided tours up the 300m raised walkway through native bush to Sublime Point Lookout. Here you can get phenomenal views across the island to the coast. 

Stop for refreshments at the tiny cafe or continue up for another hour or so to the summit of Piton Canot for even more views. 

Chamarel also has a small number of giant tortoises and a stunning natural spectacle called the Seven Coloured Earth. The small area of sand dunes is streaked with different colours just like Rainbow Mountain in Peru! 

Visit a nature reserve 

Head to the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in Bel-Hombre to experience one of the last strongholds of the island’s endemic flora and fauna. 

Featuring 3,500 hectares of protected land, the reserve is vital to the survival of rare endemic birds such as the Pink Pigeon and Mauritian Fody. 

Look out for giant fruit bats too (don’t worry, despite having a wingspan of up to 5ft long, they’re fruitarians and completely harmless)!

You can support the conservation work by doing tours of the reserve. Do a 5-hour trek with a ranger which takes you deep into the island’s unspoilt nature. 

Alternatively, opt for the 2-hour 4×4 drive or quad bike tour with an experienced guide from the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation. 

UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in Bel-Hombre

Go snorkeling in a protected reserve 

Meet the local marine life the eco-friendly way by snorkelling in a protected marine reserve. 

Anse la Raie lagoon in the north of Mauritius is home to a Voluntary Marine Conservation Area (VMCA) which means no fishing or other destructive activities are permitted. 

The best snorkelling tour you can do here is through Lagoon Attitude resort on the shores of the lagoon, a key supporter of the VMCA project. 

The guided tour takes you on a glass-bottomed boat to the marine reserve where you can spend a few hours enjoying the local marine life.

Do an eco tour 

One of the easiest ways to support ecotourism in Mauritius is to plan your trip with a tour operator that’s done all the research for you. 

Pure Breaks offers tailor-made responsible holidays that are personalised to your interests. 

The self-guided tour operator has partnered with certified eco-resorts and activities that help you explore the island in an authentic and eco-friendly way. 

Eco-friendly places to stay in Mauritius

These eco-friendly resorts and lodges offer places to stay that harmonise with nature. There’s enough to suit a range of budgets too! Check out these top three eco resorts:

Otentic Eco Tents 

For those on a budget, Otentic Eco Tents offers an eco-friendly escape in the arms of nature. Accommodation is in the form of safari tents, complete with cosy beds and a shower at the back. Furnishings are rustic and cleverly fashioned from upcycled materials. No plastic here. 

There are two Otentic glamping sites to choose from: one by the Grand River and the other at the foot of Bambous Mountain. Both sites are small and intimate, which puts them in high demand for tourists. 

They have gardens where they grow their own food. Home cooking is a speciality here with local people from the village cooking coming every day to cook some of the best food around! 

Lagoon Attitude

Lagoon Attitude is a chain resort that’s committed to making a difference. A great mid-range option, the resort has taken huge steps to mitigate its environmental footprint. 

All rooms are free of single-use plastic and they have safe water refill stations all over the grounds. 

There’s a marine on-site discovery centre where scientists, schools and local tour operators can work and learn about marine conservation. It even sells its own reef-safe sunscreen too.

Perhaps the most impressive of all is the free on-site zero-waste refill station for tea and coffee. Simply fill up glass pots of what you need and take them back to your room! 

Heritage Le Telfair 

Heritage Le Telfair is a luxury 5-star resort that’s part of the Heritage Resorts chain. It’s Green Key certified and regularly trains staff on sustainable development initiatives. 

The resort works with local NGOs to donate surplus food to those in need. It also has its own recycling plant for paper, glass and plastic packaging. Even excess oil is turned into biofuel. 

It also owns a 1300-hectare nature reserve which is a protected area of conservation. Anyone can visit and activities here have a strong focus on education and protecting the environment. 

Mauritius eco-friendly travel tips 

Check out these eco-friendly tips to help you travel better and support ecotourism in Mauritius.

Offset your carbon footprint

Mauritius is not an easy place to get to as it’s a small island in the Indian Ocean. This means you’ll likely have to fly which isn’t the most eco-friendly way to travel. 

However, tourism is a vital part of the country’s economy. So, offset the carbon footprint of your travels by supporting ethical and sustainable businesses while you’re there. 

You can also donate to carbon offsetting projects, but make sure they’re Gold Standard certified as it’s the best way to guarantee that they’re legitimate. 

Have a plastic-free packing list 

If you’re travelling sustainably, it’s good practice to keep single-use plastic out of your backing list. This helps you avoid bringing excess waste for this small island to deal with. 

Removing plastic is as easy as doing a few eco-friendly swaps. For example, swap out plastic bottles for a reusable water filter bottle. 

Take zero waste solid toiletries instead of mini travel toiletries. If you can, try to take any plastic waste home with you at the end of your trip. 

Wear reef-safe sunscreen 

Keep yourself and the environment safe by wearing eco-friendly sunscreen. 

Chemical-based sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate have been found to kill or bleach coral at a very low concentration. 

Choose a reef-safe mineral-based sunscreen with non-nano titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. It’s just as effective and better for marine life and your health! 

Leave your resort 

Resorts are well-known for having everything you need all in one place. You don’t ever have to leave, right? But if you do leave your resort, you’ll have a much richer and more authentic experience. 

For one thing, you’ll see the real Mauritius beyond the beaches and sunbeds! 

And another reason? You’re supporting local businesses and giving back to the economy rather than allowing big chain resorts to horde all your tourist money for themselves. 

So, leave your resort even if it’s for a day or as part of a tour. 

Best Things To Do In Mauritius

The Seven Coloured Earth Geopark in Chamarel 

The Seven Coloured Earth Geopark in Chamarel

Do ethical, eco-friendly activities 

As you start to plan your Mauritius itinerary, think about the type of activities you want to do. 

Many resorts and hotels offer experiences you can book directly through them. Some of the most common ones are marine and wildlife activities – particularly if the resorts are on the beach. 

Before booking anything, interrogate how these activities are operated and who runs them. Look at how many tourists they take on the experience, how they portray and interact with the wildlife and whether or not they make an effort to reduce their impact. 

If it’s whale or dolphin watching, do they have boats that minimise noise pollution? If you’re snorkelling, do they tell you not to touch or step on coral reefs? 

Avoid activities that invite you to touch or hold animals. Even though the tour operator might deny it, there’s no guarantee that the animal isn’t stressed or suffering. 

If none of these issues above are overtly addressed, don’t be afraid to ask questions directly and let them know it’s important to you. 

Support local businesses 

Where possible, support local businesses. This is a guaranteed way to make sure that your money is going directly into the local economy and strengthening the local community. 

This could be staying in homestays or small, family-run accommodation. You could also check out the local markets, eat at local restaurants or book with small tour operators. 

Final thoughts on ecotourism in Mauritius 

The island nation of Mauritius knows perhaps more than most the value of ecotourism in preserving its fragile ecosystem. Travellers that make sure to support it are guaranteed an authentic and enriching experience. 

The small island in the Indian Ocean is fast becoming a bucket list ecotourism destination for nature lovers, adventurers, foodies and luxury travellers who are mindful of their footprint. 

So, if you’re planning a trip to Mauritius, put your money into initiatives that have a positive impact on the environment and community.

MANAGE YOUR SUSTAINABILITY

Your dedicated platform to manage your goals., together towards our sustainable goals, continuing towards making our planet better, together., this is your platform to assess, manage and achieve your sustainable goals and actions on a monthly basis..

Purpose and objective

Create, assess & manage your Global Goals.

We provide a sustainable platform for over 6000 operators in Mauritius, in collaboration with the Tourism Authority Mauritius. Our platform empowers individuals to manage their Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and work towards global sustainability, as well as recognise their achievements, awards, certifications and promote your brand and product.

Monthly Reports

International recognition, collaborative platform.

Highlighting exceptional individuals & entities taking bold sustainability actions.

Signing of a conservation agreement between medine and the mauritian wildlife foundation.

Medine is pleased to announce the signing of a conservation agreement with the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation (MWF) for the Mondrain Reserve located on Medine's land. 

Constance Hotels & Resorts' Sustainable September

Throughout the entire month of September, all their hotels in the Indian Ocean will be dedicated to green and sustainable actions. From sustainable stays, farm-to-table delights, workshops, waste reduction initiatives and corporate sustainability policies.

Beachcomber is EarthCheck certified!

Dinarobin Beachcomber, Paradis Beachcomber and Beachcomber House achieve EarthCheck Gold certification. This makes Beachcomber the very first hotel group in Mauritius to achieve EarthCheck Gold status.

How it works

Continue your sustainable journey.

Our platform operates through a simple and user-friendly process. Operators have access to a range of tools and resources to create, manage, and assess their sustainability goals. The platform collects valuable data on operators' progress, enabling them to make data-driven decisions for continuous improvement. Additionally, operators can engage in knowledge sharing, collaboration, and networking opportunities to amplify their impact.

Sign in with your Tourism Authority credentials.

Get Started

Fill in Get Started & Profile sections

Select your SDGs

Fill in your Sustainability Reports on a monthly basis. You may change/add

Manage your progress

Use your Dashboard to track and manage your progress

Your benefits.

Gain access to a user-friendly and practical tool to create, manage, and assess your sustainability goals, empowering you to make a positive impact. You are also joining a vibrant community of like-minded individuals and organizations, providing networking and collaboration opportunities. By showcasing your achievements on our platform, you enhance your visibility and credibility, attracting eco-conscious consumers and business opportunities.

©2023 Horizon.eco All rights reserved.

Terms & Conditions Privacy Policy FAQ

Protocol to India-Mauritius DTAA signed to include Principal Purpose Test

• Link copied

This Tax Alert summarizes the amendments to India-Mauritius Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA or treaty) vide Protocol  signed on 7 March 2024 (2024 Protocol) by India and Mauritius to incorporate the Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) related anti-abuse provisions. 

The 2024 Protocol proposes to incorporate the minimum standards of anti-abuse provisions, i.e., the Preamble and the Principal Purpose Test (PPT), which will act as a means to deny treaty benefits if one of the principal purposes of the arrangement or transaction is to obtain the DTAA benefit. 

The 2024 Protocol will be effective from the date of entry into force, without regard to the date on which the taxes are levied or the taxable years to which taxes relate.

Show resources

Download the alert pdf.

Connect with us

Our locations

Legal and privacy

EY refers to the global organization, and may refer to one or more, of the member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients.

EY | Assurance | Consulting | Strategy and Transactions | Tax

EY is a global leader in assurance, consulting, strategy and transactions, and tax services. The insights and quality services we deliver help build trust and confidence in the capital markets and in economies the world over. We develop outstanding leaders who team to deliver on our promises to all of our stakeholders. In so doing, we play a critical role in building a better working world for our people, for our clients and for our communities.

EY refers to the global organization, and may refer to one or more, of the member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients. For more information about our organization, please visit ey.com.

© 2020 EYGM Limited. All Rights Reserved.

EYG/OC/FEA no.

This material has been prepared for general informational purposes only and is not intended to be relied upon as accounting, tax, or other professional advice. Please refer to your advisors for specific advice.

Welcome to EY.com

In addition to cookies that are strictly necessary to operate this website, we use the following types of cookies to improve your experience and our services: Functional cookies to enhance your experience (e.g. remember settings), and  Performance cookies to measure the website's performance and improve your experience . , and Marketing/Targeting cookies , which are set by third parties with whom we execute marketing campaigns and allow us to provide you with content relevant to you.

We have detected that Do Not Track/Global Privacy Control is enabled in your browser; as a result, Marketing/Targeting cookies , which are set by third parties with whom we execute marketing campaigns and allow us to provide you with content relevant to you, are automatically disabled.

You may withdraw your consent to cookies at any time once you have entered the website through a link in the privacy policy, which you can find at the bottom of each page on the website.

Review our  cookie policy  for more information.

Customize cookies

I decline optional cookies