Entry #10 - Mauritius - August 8 - 18, 2023

 

Hello from Mauritius,

For the final destination of our three-month trip, we have done a complete 180-degree switch.  After saying goodbye to the (cold) dry, desert climate in Namibia, we touched down in the tropical island setting of Mauritius.  

Mauritius has all the classic charm of a lush, volcanic island.  It features the striking contrast of white sand, black volcanic rock, and turquoise blue water, not to mention the densely forested peaks that protrude around the island.  Miles of pristine coastline encircle this paradise and we were ready to see it all.  We knew this would be a happy place.

A particularly special feature about Mauritius is that it has a unique perimetre; a coastal shelf of coral reef that stretches around the tiny island, causing waves to break far from the shore, leaving calm shallow waters to gently lap the ivory-coloured beaches.  As the shallow shelf topples into a sudden 4000-metre-deep drop, the shifting sands in the water create a mindblowing optical illusion.  On the southern shore of Mauritius, it looks like there is an underwater waterfall!  Since we are not going to drop a grand to gamble on a brief areal view for ourselves, this Google image can best illustrate this magical quality of the island.

Even without splurging for this view, there was plenty to discover and enjoy.

Our first stop was the Blue Bay area where we settled into beach life.  No big plans other than swimming, snorkelling, and relaxing.

We then headed west to the more mountainous area and settled in a small town called La Gaulette.  Unfortunately, the weather wasn’t cooperating, but even rainy days are full of blessings.  Literally.  We stopped in at an impressively tall Hindu temple and came away with all kinds of blessings.

We were instantly hit with some good fortune when we spotted a troop of monkeys!  To amp up the cuteness, many of the mama monkeys were carrying their absolutely adorable baby monkeys!

While exploring our new area we travelled inland to Chamerel, where we checked out a beautiful waterfall and the Seven Coloured Earth geo-park.  Here, we saw the colourful imprint of the volcanic activity that shaped the island.  

It was also nice to hang with giant tortoises who have been making their slow-motion rounds for about 100 years.

This region is full of great hiking trails that traverse the many mountain peaks, from which waterfalls pour down the verdant hills.  

Since we were nursing some minor boo-boos, we weren’t being too ambitious with our hiking. However, we did have a great time sloshing along a muddy path that wound through a forest full of wild guavas.  

Since we were taking it easy, our itinerary was all about beach hopping.  We’d spend our days bouncing from one perfect spot to the next.  Whether we were splashing in crystal clear water, finding our zen lounging in hammocks, watching expert kitesurfers fly through the water at full speed, or searching through tide pools for little ocean critters, we were always enjoying the chance to explore.

Our next move took us to the lively area known as Flic en Flac.  Here we had an extra special day at sea.  An early morning boat ride took us to a spot where a pod of wild bottlenose dolphins come to play.  The best part was being able to jump into the water and swim with them!!!!!

It was so exhilarating to splash into the water, peer down and see these beautiful creatures gliding together through their bubbly blue world, almost within arms reach!  

As if that close encounter wasn’t enough, we were gifted another surprise when we caught a glimpse of humpback whales!!  We couldn’t believe our luck!  We were so happy to sit in the morning sun, scanning the water, focused on a silent and hopeful game of Marco Polo. There was much gasping whenever a fountain of blowhole spray would signal the emergence of the smooth arching back of these immense swimmers.  

We got to celebrate the morning’s sightings with a stop at an island where we would snorkel, have lunch in the sand, and look out at the famous Crystal Coral Rock.

It’s so strange to be in the last couple of weeks after months of being on this journey.  We are acutely aware of how quickly the days are flying by.  We are determined to make the absolute best of these final days.  With incredible beauty in every direction and in every layer of this island, along with the gentle and welcoming nature of the Mauritian people, we feel grateful to have picked this little spec in the ocean as the final stop on our memorable tour. 

Just one more week to go…