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Tourist Attraction of South

The South of Mauritius is where the island's history started. The "Vieux Grand Port" bay being the first port of Mauritius, the region received the first Dutch explorers" camps in 1638. When in 1735, the well-known French Governor Francois Mahé de Labourdonnais decided to develop the actual port (Port-Louis) right on the opposite side of the island, as main harbor and administration centre, the South / Southeast did not lose any of its importance. The village of Mahebourg nearby, named after him is a great landmark of this part of the history of Mauritius. It was much later, under the British Empire that this region was gradually left behind

The main attractions of Southern parts are

Domaine Du Chasseur

At Anse Jonchée in the south-east, high in the hills overlooking Vieux Grand Port Bay, lies the private land of the Domaine du Chasseur. It consists of 3000 acres of tropical forest inhabited by hundrets of javanese stags, wild boars, monkeys and thousands of birds, among which is the nearly extinct Mauritian kestrel. This enchanting place is a must for hunters and nature lovers.

Ile Aux Aigrettes

Île aux Aigrettes is a a 25-hectare island nature reserve managed by the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation,a non-profit conservation organisation.

The island harbours the only surviving area of the coastal ebony forest of Mauritius, long gone from the mainland and once the home of the Dodo.

Professional guides will accompany you in your discovery of plants and animals, treasures unique to Mauritius and part of the Mauritian heritage, that which have come close to extinction.

In addition to the Ebonies, see beautiful trees with strange names like Ox wood, Pipe wood, Rat wood and Bottle palm. Encounter the Rare Pink Pigeon, Stunning Ornate Day Geckos, and the Giant Aldabra Tortoise all living free. Also see perhaps, a rare orchid in full bloom. Learn how a world famous conservation programme is securing the survival of these species for future generations.

Mahebourg

The atmosphere of Mahebourg is lively, cheerful and friendly. It is one of the few places where, whether you are a tourist from Germany, France, or simply from another region of the island, it makes no difference to the people.

The majority of its inhabitants being fishermen or field workers, the animation in Mahebourg start at daybreak to slowly fade out at dusk. Preserved from an excessive development, smiles are still free of charge.