1. For a spectacular and breathtaking view of Port Louis and the north of the island, climb Le Pouce or ?the thumb? as its known. At 812m (2,664ft) it is a two hour climb from La Laura village and is then a two hour walk back into Port Louis. A truly invigorating experience!



2. A wild expanse of thick dense forest, the black river gorges national park covers over 3.5% of the island's surface there are over 300 species of flowering plants and 9 species of birds unique to Mauritius. The famous pink pigeon is one such species that has impressively made a comeback from the edge of extinction. Hike the black river peak trail which will take you to Mauritius? highest mountain whilst the Maccabee trail starts nearby and plunges into the gorge to the Black River.

3. Festivals are celebrated in the spirit of peace and harmony throughout the year in Mauritius. The festival of Cavadi is celebrated in January/February and features body piercing. Devotees carry the ?cavadi? in a trance like state as penitence. The ?cavadi? is a wooden arch covered with flowers with a pot of milk at either end. Divali the festival of lights is celebrated in the month of October or November in a spirit of pure joy and happiness and for many Mauritians it is a time for sharing. Small clay lamps line all walls, balconies and yards at sunset and their golden light is believed to guide the Goddess of wealth and good fortune and can be seen everywhere. The victory and celebration is truth and light over ignorance and darkness.

4. Visit L'Aventure Du Sucre museum home to the former Beau Plan sugar factory. Great for a family day out the museum tells the story of the history of Mauritius from slavery, the rum trade and much more. Founded in 1797 the factory ceased trade in 1999. You will still find the machinery in place and some of the factory former workers. For kids there are interactive displays, videos and quizzes to keep them amused. At the end of the visit you will get the opportunity to satisfy your sweet tooth and get to taste up to 15 varieties of unrefined sugar.

5. Tamarin falls is awkward to reach and you may have to travel there by bus but it is definitely worth the effort. Accessible via a challenging trail which begins near the Tamarin falls reservoir you nay have to invest in a local guide from Henrietta to find it. Once you reach the falls t you will be dazzled by a series of seven spectacular waterfalls and can enjoy a bathe in the cool deep water.

Generally speaking Mauritian buses are good and can take you anywhere you need to go on the island. Port Louis and Curepipe are the main bustling hubs on the island but if you have an itinerary planned there is no reason why you cannot explore everything that Mauritius has to offer you on luxury holidays in Mauritius.