NATURE. West & South-West Of Mauritius.

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1 West & South-West Of Mauritius. Off Tamarin Bay or Flic en Flac, heading in the direction of Île aux Benitiers, you can see the dolphins that come to these waters to rest and breed. The Morne Mountain, with its historical links to slavery, can also be found in this region as well as some fine hotels known for their wide choice of water sports. Slightly inland, in the hills around Chamarel, is the rum distillery that bears the name of the village. Here, you can learn about rum production and taste some of the delightful produce. The West - What to See? NATURE Black River Gorges National Park O B G N P acres and provides a haven to highly endangered native plants and animals. It plays home to around 311 species of native and endemic flowering plants and nine species of birds that can only be found in Mauritius.

2 Chamarel Colored Earths No one can categorically state why these undulating, dune-like knolls vary so wildly in colour. Some say the seven shades of earth were formed from volcanic ash deposits that cooled at different temperatures. Others believe that the colours of the mounds can be attributed to the differing quantity of metal oxide they each contain. However people choose to interpret them, the Colored Earths at Chamarel just west of the Black River Gorges are worth investigating. Note that they are especially breathtaking first thing in the morning, when the sun is at its brightest and the colours at their deepest. Salt Pans, Tamarin CULTURE Owing to the exceptionally high level of sunshine over the district, Tamarin has become the heart of salt production in Mauritius. The Salt Pans make an interesting diversion if you happen to be in the area. HERITAGE Martello Tower, La Preuneuse

3 The Martello Tower at La Preuneuse was built by the British between 1810 and 1846 to protect them against their sworn enemy, the French navy. Since being restored in 1999, the tower is now accessible for guided tours. Le Morne In centuries past, the fissures of the eponymous basaltic rock that towers 556 metres above the Le Morne peninsula were famously used as a refuge by runaway slaves. Today, people come to Le Morne not only to witness the iconic rock now listed as a World Heritage Site on account of its chequered past but also to take advantage of the immaculate three-mile beach that stretches beneath it. BEACHES Enjoy magnificent sunsets or a dip in the calm, clear lagoon that surrounds Flic en Flac. Those looking for a more dramatic seascape should head for Tamarin or Le Morne further south. The West - What to Do? SHOPPING

4 Rivière Noire and Flic en Flac Take some time out to go shopping at Ruisseau Creole in Rivière Noire or in Flic en Flac village. Deep Sea Fishing SPORTS This exhilarating sport can be undertaken between November and April. The main species that can be found in Mauritian waters are blue and black marlins, sharks, tuna and bonito. Fishing boats can be hired from most hotels and resorts. A number of deep-sea fishing competitions have become regular events over recent years. The most prestigious of these is the Marlin World Cup, which takes place every December. The main fishing centres are around Rivière Noire, Le Morne, Flic en Flac, Trou aux Biches and Grand Baie. Kite-Surfing Mauritius is now renowned among kite-surfing enthusiasts for its quality and variety of kite-surfing locations. Arguably, one of the very best places to do a spot of kite-surfing is Le Morne on the west coast, which is renowned for its blustery shoreline. Surfing

5 Tamarin is the surf centre of Mauritius, and benefits from a high-quality surf school that will help beginners grasp the basics of this challenging sport. ZOOLOGICAL EXCURSIONS Located a few miles inland from Flic en Flac, Casela provides a fantastic zoological day out for the entire family. If the younger kids tire of the menagerie including tigers, monkeys, giant tortoises and 140 species of bird in the fishing competition, play a hole on the crazy golf course, or enjoy the thrill of a mini quad-bike tour. The park has also recently introduced a new zip-line course to its burgeoning collection of childfriendly activities, as well as segways for the over-12s and two-seater buggies for those over 16.