Kaleidoscope World

Nature photographers will be mesmerised by the vibrant colours, fabulous views, and greenery of Mauritius. Here’s where to go on this picturesque island.

All sorts of blue

Mauritius’ beaches are all beautiful and picture-worthy. Riviere des Galets and st Felix are two popular beaches for photographers. Riviere des Galets Beach's pebble-covered beachline, contrasting with turquoise water and black sand, offers a captivating photo opportunity, especially at sunset for a dramatic effect. Sir Felix Beach, known as Chemin Grenier Beach, has two parts. The eastern part is more popular with the tourists, but both areas are picturesque, with charming vistas of blue waters and beautiful lagoons with coral reefs. There’s a characterful wooden pier that looks great in photos. Bonus: This beach is home to various food vendors and shacks and is a great place to sample local delicacies.

Underwater tones

For more underwater images, you can indulge in a diving, snorkelling or even Seabob-ing adventure!  It’s an experience not to be missed!

Green and verdant

Mauritius’ botanic garden, formally known as Sir Seewoosagur Botanic Garden, is a picturesque oasis blooming with exotic plants and vibrant flowers. This grand old lady will turn 300 years old in 2029 and has an amazing collection of 85 types of palm trees, including the talipot palm, which blooms every 40 years and then dies. Interesting areas within the garden include the Spice Garden, ponds filled with giant water lilies and exotic flora such as the sausage tree and the fish poison tree, whose seeds can stun and kill a fish. It’s also home to giant tortoises, stags and abundant bird life.

Rare plumage and exotic leaves

A small island southeast off Mauritius, Ile aux Aigrettes, made up of coralline sandstone, is home to the last remnants of dry coastal forest. It is home to a large number of extremely rare and endangered species of plants and animals. For people who want to see what Mauritius must have been like centuries ago, this is the place to go. The result of successful government conservation efforts, this tiny island is thriving and attracts visitors who love to see exotic species in the wild.

Rainbow-coloured

A feast for the eyes is the Terres de 7 Couleurs, which refers to the village and its coloured earth, flaunting the shades of red, brown, violet, green, blue, purple, and yellow. Stretching four kilometres in length, its unique coloration is the result of spontaneous chemical reactions below ground. What’s even more fascinating is that even if the soil is mixed, it separates into its individual colours. Another photogenic site in this area is the Chamarel Falls, flowing over huge rocks and unleveled land. The waterfalls and the rainbow-coloured sand are not to be missed.

Grey cetaceans and deep blue sea

The waters surrounding Mauritius is on the migratory path of Bottlenose and Spinner dolphins, as well as Humpback and Sperm whales. Head to the west coast of the island, at Tamarin Bay, Le Morne Peninsula, Point Moyenne and Black River. You can book a dolphin or whale-watching tour and get a close-up of these magnificent creatures. You may also encounter them while snorkelling or diving, so keep your camera handy underwater!

Rich earth tones

Black River Gorges National Park is where you’ll find species of endangered animals and plants. The largest national park in Mauritius, Black River, can be explored via hiking or other modes of transportation for rugged terrain. Go on a hike and take photos of the area’s flora and fauna. Among the animals found in the park are the pink pigeon, Mauritian kestrel, red and roe deer, flying foxes, wild boars, macaques and butterflies.

The mountainous terrain of Frederica Nature Reserve offers breath-taking views and vast plans, where stags run wild, as well as impressive waterfalls and natural beauty. Explore through quad biking, 4x4 recovery tour, trekking, a kids’ tour and Segway. We suggest a photo safari tour during the golden hours of the morning or the afternoon, at sunrise or sunset.

For more photo-worthy moments, head to Domaine de l’Etoile, the biggest natural and private reserve in Mauritius. It is rich in fauna and protected wild flora. The best way to capture great images and see everything is to hike through the park.

For a one-stop shopping adventure, try Casela World of Adventures, the most visited attraction in Mauritius. The park offers many experiences that provide great photo opportunities — from an African safari to encounters with big cats, riding dry toboggans and scenic ziplines.

Book your direct flight to Mauritius with Air Mauritius.

Find travel inspiration for your next holiday.

Follow Air Mauritius on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest news.