Excursion Ile aux aigrettes nature reserve exploration tour at Port Louis

Imagine visiting Mauritius five centuries ago before the first colonizers, you would encounter a lush and vivid forest inhabited by species native to Mauritius or the Mascarenes like the majestic ebony, the Eugenia bojeri and the Chassalia coriacea along with the Mauritius fody, the Mauritian Flying Fox and the mythic Dodo. While the Dodo is extinct, you can still experience this piece of history on the Ile Aux Aigrettes Island, a nature reserve managed by the Mauritius Wildlife Foundation to protect and conserve the remaining endemic flora and fauna on this half-day nature exploration tour. Top off your experience with authentic Mauritian cuisine at a local table d’hote based on recipes of yesteryear with tastes and flavours reminiscent of the old-fashioned cuisine of our grandmothers.

Ile Aux Aigrettes Nature Reserve, Flora, Fauna, Conservation

Board the coach for the approximately one hour 15-minute transfer to the jetty, located in Pointe Jerome, Mahebourg. Next, board the shuttle boat to reach Ile Aux Aigrettes, a small islet and nature reserve situated in the Mahébourg Bay. It is home to the last remnants of dry coastal forest, once found around most of Mauritius. In 1965 the island was declared a nature reserve and has been managed by an NGO, the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation, with the mission to restore the forest and reintroduction of rare species that had long since disappeared from the island such as the Gunther's gecko, the Cardinal of Mauritius, the Pink Pigeon, orchids as well as endemic plants such as the ebony, the Trochetia Boutoniana, a species peculiar to the island. During the approximately one and a half hours soft hike, see the rare Pink pigeon, the Mauritius Kestrel, endangered skinks and giant tortoises and learn about the multiple conservation programmes done on the island for endangered species. Part of the entrance fee is donated to the NGO for their conservation works.

Beau Vallon, Lunch at Karay Mario

Upon conclusion of your island exploration, re-board the shuttle boat to return to mainland. Next, board your coach and proceed to the old offices of a sugar estate in Beau Vallon, to enjoy a traditional creole lunch at the best table d’hote of the area. Ingredients are sourced from local farmers, fishermen and food producers from the area. These delicious dishes have been inspired from the old days, when natural and fresh ingredients were used; blending history, culture and the passion for good food.

An approximately one-hour transfer takes you back to the pier.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion may include: Ile Aux Aigrettes Nature Reserve, Flora, Fauna, Authentic Lunch at a Mauritian Local Table d'Hote

Note

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking of approximately 1.7 km or 1.05 miles with about two to three steps to negotiate to access the shuttle boat and the jetties of Ile Aux Aigrettes and at the Karay Mario. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility or those who utilise a wheelchair. Flat, sturdy, closed-toe walking shoes are recommended for this tour. Please bring sun protection (high-SPF sunscreen, hat, sunglasses), bottled water to stay hydrated, and local currency or credit cards for any purchases. A light rain jacket or compact umbrella may be useful for occasional tropical showers.