Excursions_Brochure_EN

WELCOME
We welcome you on behalf of your tour operator.
‘Connections DMC’ is the appointed agency to
look after you during your stay in Mauritius and
to ensure you have a memorable holiday on the
island. Our Hosts will visit you at your hotel and
assist you with anything you may need help with.
You can also reach them via email, mobile phone,
Viber and Whatsapp.
This brochure gives you an excellent overview
of all the tours, excursions, cruises and other
activities available. Each activity has been carefully
chosen to ensure you get the best on offer. Our
partners are: responsible, environment conscious
and observe all health and safety regulations.
Please discuss your plans with your host to achieve
the maximum enjoyment from your stay.
We appreciate and value having you as our guest.
KARL BRAUNECKER
CEO

mauritius | history
1512
The Portuguese
seafarer Pedro
Mascarenhas
discovers the
island.
1638-1710
Dutch colonisation.
Deforestation of the
Ebony Forests.
Extinction of the
Dodo.
1735 - 1746
François Mahé de
Labourdonnais
governs the island
and decisively
shapes the future of
the colony.
1794
France abolishes
slavery. Mauritius
experiences a very
strong resistance by
the local sugar
planters.
1835
Slavery is abolished.
Indentured labour
for the sugar
estates is imported
from India.
1864
The first railway
goes into service. It
operates for 100
years - until 1964.
1892
The worst ‘cyclone’
recorded yet
devastates the
island.
1968
Mauritius gains
independence from
Great Britain.
1992
March 12: Mauritius
becomes a republic.
4
1598
First Dutch
Landing. They
name the island
‘Mauritius’ after
their Prince
Mauritz (Maurice)
of Nassau.
1715
The French annex
the island and
rename it
‘Isle de France’.
1767-1772
Pierre Poivre
administrates the
island together with
“Gouverneur
Dumas”.He improves
the infrastructure
and starts the
Botanical Garden of
Pamplemousses.
1810
The British
conquer the island
and rename it
‘Mauritius’.
1847
The ‘Blue Penny’
stamp is printed.
1866-1868
Malaria epidemic
50,000 deaths.
1946
First flights
take off for
Europe and
Africa.
1976
First free elections.
Sir Seewoosagur
Ramgoolam
becomes the first
Prime Minister of
an independent
Mauritius.

mauritius | IMPORTANT information
ORIGIN
GEOGRAPHY
AREA
COASTLINE
HIGHEST PEAKS
CLIMATE
POPULATION
ETHNIC GROUPS
RELIGIONS
LANGUAGES
GOVERNMENT
ECONOMY
Volcanic – about 10 million years
South-western Indian Ocean – just below the Tropic of Capricorn
Latitude 20° south - Longitude 57° east
1,865 km 2
177 km surrounded by coral reefs
330 km of clear, white beaches
Black River Peak (828 m), Pieter Both (823 m), Le Pouce (812 m)
Tropical, modified by the southeast trade winds; warm, dry winter (June to
October); hot, wet, humid summer (November to May)
1,349,000 (2016 estimate)
Indo-Mauritian 68%, Creole 27%, Sino-Mauritian 3%, Franco-Mauritian 2%
Hindu 48.5%, Christian 32.7%, Muslim 17%
English (official), Creole and French more widely used
Parliamentary democracy – elections every 5 years
Since independence in 1968, Mauritius has developed from a low-income,
agriculturally based economy to a middle-income diversified economy with
growing industrial, financial, and tourism sectors. For most of this period,
annual growth has been of the order of 5% to 6%. A stock exchange was
established in 1989 with the aim to finance the increasing investment needs
of the future. The Freeport has become a major gateway between Asia and
Africa. The island is expected to continue its development into a regional
center for tourism and finance.
5

index
7-13
LAND
ACTIVITIES
BY COACH
• Wild South West
• Dodo’s Trail
• The Deep South
• The North Tour
• Endemic Tour
• Mahébourg & Unique Nature Reserves
• Mauritius A La Car
27-31
NATURE
activities
• Casela - World of Adventures
• “Big Foot” Trail
• Domaine de l’Etoile
• Explorer: Spectacular Hiking Trails
• Ile d’Ambre: Sea Kayaking
• Helicopter Flips
• Car Hire
14-25
sea
activities
• Tropical Cruise
• Turquoise Cruise
• Northern Islands Cruise
• Dolphin Discovery
• Ile Des Deux Cocos
• Ile Aux Cerfs
• Swim With Dolphins
• Whale Watching
• West Coast Heritage Cruise
• One Love Speedboat
• Sea Kart
• Blue Safari Submarine & Subscooter
• Deep Sea Fishing: Big Quest & Chillipoint
• Undersea Walk
• Wildwind

SAVANNE
wednesday & friday | full day
1
2
LAND
3
“wild
south west”
4
6
The most popular
tour to the scenic
and panoramic
southwest corner
of the island
5
The scenic drive along the west coast leads to the
beautiful South West corner of Mauritius. Visit the 90m
high Chamarel Waterfalls and the Seven-Coloured
Earth – Visit La Rhumerie de Chamarel, for some of the
finest rums in the world (tasting included) – Lunch –
viewpoint over the Black River Gorges, home to most
of the island’s endemic flora and fauna – the sacred
lake of Grand Bassin (Ganga Talao) – the Trou aux Cerfs
volcanic crater with a 360 o view over the island – Visit of
a ship model factory.
IMAGES
1. Chamarel Seven Coloured Earth
2. Trou Aux Cerfs
3. Grand Bassin
4. Black River Gorges
5. Black River Peak
6. Chamarel Waterfall
7

SAVANNE
LAND
tuesdAY | full day
1
2
“dodo’s trail”
3
5
AN INTERESTING
KALEIDOSCOPE
OF MAURITIUS
4
6
Visit the bustling and exciting capital city of Port Louis
– the notorious Central Market – promenade along the
Caudan Waterfront – visit the Blue Penny Museum to see
the most famous stamp in the world – enjoy an authentic
Creole Lunch in Moka – drive past the Pieter Both Mountain
Range – and descend via Long Mountain to Pamplemousses
Botanical Garden – visit the remarkable Sugar World
Museum (L’Aventure du Sucre).
IMAGES
1. View of Port Louis harbour
2. Moka Range and Pieter Both
3. Port Louis Central Market
4. Creole Lunch
5. Caudan Waterfront
6. Pamplemousses Botanical Garden
8

SAVANNE
monday | full day
1
2
LAND
“the deep
south”
3
4
5
Visit the
enchanting
southern part
of the island –
unique on its own
See the museum at the Bois Chéri Tea Factory and get a
taste of the local teas – La Vanille Nature Reserve (Crocodile
Park) – Colonial estate of Saint Aubin (visit of vanilla and
anthurium plantations, the old sugar factory and the
rum distillery including a tasting followed by lunch) – the
magnificent viewpoint at Gris Gris and a short walk to ‘La
Roche qui Pleure’ (Crying Rock) which faces the powerful
onslaught of the wild Indian Ocean.
6 IMAGES
1. “La Roche Qui Pleure”
2. Bois Chéri tea plantations
3. Colonial Estate of Saint Aubin
4. Gris Gris
5 & 6. La Vanille Nature Reserve
9

SAVANNE
LAND
THURSDAY | full day
1
2
“the north tour”
3
5
See the enchanting
plains of the North;
the rolling sugar cane
fields, picturesque
villages and towns and
its many attractions
4
6
Visit of Chateau de Labourdonnais, the prime of colonial
architecture – ‘Historic Marine’, the famous ship model
factory in Goodlands – Anse La Raie – the red-roofed chapel
at Cap Malheureux – Bain Boeuf – lunch in Grand Baie –
centre of Grand Baie including Sunset Boulevard and the
popular ‘Bazaar’.
IMAGES
1. La Cuvette and Gunner’s Quoin
2. Grand Baie Bazaar
3. Chateau de Labourdonnais
4. Street stalls in Grand Baie
5. Chapel of Cap Malheureux
6. Grand Baie beach
10

SAVANNE
thursday | full day
4
“endemic
tour”
1
LAND
2
5
Speedboat Cruise
along the coast with a
snorkelling stop
IMAGES
1. Riviere Champagne
2 & 3. Valley of Ferney
4. Mauritian Kestrel
5. Lunch at “Falaise Rouge”
Enter the estuary of the ‘Rivière Champagne’ fringed by a wild
and untouched vegetation – guided visit of the ‘Valley of Ferney’
nature reserve either by 4x4 vehicle or on foot - observe some
endemic bird species as well as rare flora and fauna – feeding
of the Mauritian Kestrel – a tasty lunch at ‘Falaise Rouge’
overlooking the bay of ‘Grand Port’, site of a historical Naval
Battle – Cruise back to Jetty.
3
11

SAVANNE
LAND
thursday | full day
2
1
“mahebourg
& unique nature reserves ”
3
4
Visit the oldest and
most characteristic
town and two
protected eco-systems
6
5
Historical Naval Museum – Mahébourg waterfront and
market – Traditional baking of ‘Biscuit Manioc’ (cassava
biscuits), unique in the world – Lunch – Visit of the island
nature reserve ‘Ile aux Aigrettes’ – Glass Bottom Boat in the
Blue Bay Marine Park.
IMAGES
1. Ile Aux Aigrettes
2. Pink Pigeon
3. Blue Bay Marine Park
4. Biscuiterie Rault
5. Tortoise on Ile Aux Aigrettes
6. Mahébourg Naval Museum
12

Daily | full day
1
LAND
4
“MAURITIUS
A LA CAR”
2
5
3
6
Discover Mauritius
with your personal
Driver-Guide
Book one of our comfortable cars
for the day and design your own
itinerary. Your personal driverguide
will advise and plan with
you the itinerary for the day.
Not included: lunch, beverages or entrance fees.
IMAGES
1. “Flamboyant” trees
2. Gunner’s Quoin
3. Bel Ombre
4. Rochester Falls
5. Black River Mountain Range
6. Your personal Driver-Guide
13

SAVANNE
SEA
MONDAY & THURSDAY | FULL DAY CATAMARAN CRUISE
1
“tROPICAL
CRUISE
TO ILE AUX CERFS”
2
3
4
5
The perfect boat-island
combination…
From Grand River South East, discover the famous waterfall –
spend some time at an excellent snorkelling spot - BBQ lunch on
board with unlimited drinks - spend the afternoon at leisure on the
‘Ile aux Cerfs’ island.
IMAGES
1. Catamaran
2. Grand River South East Waterfall
3 & 5. Ile Aux Cerfs
4. BBQ lunch on board
14

SAVANNE
TUESDAY & SATURDAY | FULL DAY CATAMARAN CRUISE
1
SEA
4
“tURQUOISE
CRUISE
TO ILE AUX CERFS”
2
5
6
Cruise on the
magnificent lagoon
of the East
3
Sail within the impressive scenery
of the eastern lagoon. Imposing
mountainranges, clear turquoise waters of the lagoon, up to
8 km wide, fringed by the white waves of the protective reef –
snorkel in the clear and tranquil waters – See the ‘Grand River
South East’ Waterfall - BBQ Lunch served on board (unlimited
drinks) – anchor on the beach at Ile Aux Cerfs - swimming stop
on the island.
IMAGES
1 & 5. Ile Aux Cerfs
2 Grand River South East Waterfall
3 & 6. Catamarans
4. Snorkelling in the lagoon
15

SAVANNE
SEA
daily | FULL DAY CATAMARAN CRUISE
1
“NORTHERN ISLANDS
CRUISE”
4
2
5
Spectacular sceneries
of a postcard…
IMAGES
1 & 4. Gabriel Island
2. Catamaran
3. BBQ lunch on board
5. Gunner’s Quoin
Sail from Grand Baie to Flat Island and Gabriel Island – pass the majestic
‘Gunner’s Quoin rock’ (‘Coin de Mire’) and anchor in the lagoon between
the islands – BBQ lunch on board with unlimited drinks – Leisure time
on one of the islands – Stop at the ‘natural aquarium’ at ‘Gunner’s
Quoin’ for some great snorkelling.
3
16

SAVANNE
WEDNESDAY & SUNDAY | FULL DAY CATAMARAN CRUISE
1
SEA
4
“DOLPHIN
dISCOVERY”
2
5
Explore the waters
of the west coast
3
IMAGES
1. West Coast lagoon and Catamaran
2. Crystal Rock
3. Snorkelling
4. Ile Aux Bénitiers
5. Dolphins
Leave the jetty at Black River and search for ‘Spinner’ and
‘Bottleneck’ Dolphins. Watch these delightful creatures -
Snorkelling along the coral reef - BBQ lunch with unlimited
drinks on board – explore Ile aux Bénitiers – Cruise back in
the afternoon.
17

SAVANNE
SAVANNE
2
SEA
mondAY | full day
1
Chill for the day
on a luxury private
island
“ile des
deux cocos”
3
‘Ile des Deux Cocos’ (Coconut
Island) lies in the clear turquoise
waters of the Blue Bay Marine
Park. Indulge in the luxurious ambience and see the
old refurbished Governor’s villa. Swim, snorkel or
see the wonders of the Marine Park through a glass
bottom boat. The lunch buffet consists of a large
variety of salads and other delicacies; drinks are all
inclusive throughout. A perfect day!
IMAGES
1. Aerial view of Ile des Deux Cocos
2. Beach
3. Snorkelling in Blue Bay Marine Park
mondAY | full day
World
famous
beaches…
2
“ile aux
cerfs”
1
From Point Maurice
(east coast), a quick boat ride across the
expansive lagoon brings you to the worldfamous
‘Ile aux Cerfs’. Magnificent beaches, all
kinds of water sports, a tropical lunch with your
feet in the sand; perfect conditions to enjoy the
real island life.
IMAGES
1 & 2. Ile Aux Cerfs beach
18

SAVANNE
daily | half day / full dAY
1
SEA
2
“swim with
dolphins”
3
4
5
The Experience
of a lifetime!
Leave the jetty at Black River and search for ‘Spinner’ and
‘Bottleneck’ Dolphins. Watch these delightful creatures -
Snorkelling along the coral reef - BBQ lunch – explore Ile
aux Bénitiers – Unlimited drinks on board!
(On the rare occasions when dolphins can’t be seen, you will be invited
for another outing free of charge.)
IMAGES
1 & 5. Swim with Dolphins
2. Crystal Rock
3. Ile Aux Bénitiers
4. Dolphin observation
19

SAVANNE
SAVANNE
SEA
upon request | half day
1
2 3
Observe the gentle giants of the Oceans
“whale
watching”
Whales, so big, so majestic and so amazing can be observed on
the West coast of the island. Humpback whales migrate during the
winter months from July to November. Sperm whales are known to be
residents along the west coast and can be seen all year.
(The chance to see whales is good, but there is no guarantee.)
IMAGES
1 & 2. Humpback whales
3. The “Blue Quest”
2
1
upon request | full day
20
Speedboat
Cruise with
a historical
Character
Early departure from Flic en Flac to see dolphins frolicking
in these waters. Visit the ‘Martello Tower Museum’ at La
Preneuse – snorkelling on the coral reef – cruise along
the magnificent lagoon to the majestic ‘Le Morne’,
home of the runaway slaves – stop at Crystal Rock – a
fabulous seafood lunch on the beach of ‘Benitiers Island’.
Cruise back early afternoon.
3
4
“west coast
heritage cruise”
IMAGES
1. Lagoon and Le Morne
2. Lunch and Cocktails
3. Crystal Rock
4. The “Adrien’s Dream”

SAVANNE
Daily | full day
1
SEA
2
3
“one
love”
SPEEDBOAT
4
Spend a brilliant day
on the east coast
and enjoy the party
ambiance
IMAGES
1 & 3. One Love Speedboat
2. Ile Aux Phares
4. Lobster lunch
Depart from ‘Pointe Jerome’ to the
Blue Bay Marine Park and a super snorkelling experience – cruise
near the islands ‘Ile de la Passe’ & ‘Ile aux Phares’ (short visit) & ‘Ile aux
Flamants’ – Lunch is a seafood grill on a private beach on the wild side
of ‘Ile aux Cerfs’ – visit the impressive waterfall of ‘Grand River South
East’ – stop on the small beach of ‘Ile aux Aigrettes’ – return to jetty –
unlimited drinks on board.
21

SAVANNE
SEA
daily (except on sundays) | half day/full day
1
“seakart”
2
Fun Adventure
on the water
Seakarts are specially designed vessels with jet engines
ideal for cruising in shallow water. Drive your own cart
and explore the magnificent lagoons of the southwest
coast. They can be booked for ½ a day or a full day and
it is exactly what it says – a fun adventure for all. They
operate from Black River.
IMAGES
1. Le Morne
2. Crystal Rock
22

SAVANNE
SAVANNE
DAily | 40 min
SEA
Dive 35m
down into
the Indian
Ocean
“blue safari
submarine”
Enjoy a rare and unforgettable experience
in total safety and comfort. The pilots are
trained in marine biology and will guide you
during the 40-minutes dive. Viewing the
wreck of the ‘Star Hope’ and its numerous
inhabitants is a magical moment.
DAily | 30 min
Drive
your own
underwater
scooter at a
3m depth
Riders sit comfortably one behind the other
and breathe normally under a transparent
dome providing a panoramic view over
the reef and its marine life. This fun and
uncommon activity lasts 30 minutes.
“blue safari
SUBSCOOTER”
23

SEA
upon request | half day/full day
“deep sea
fishing”
Mauritius offers the best for
the sports-fishermen and
holds several world records
Professionally equipped boats with experienced
crew are available for charter (half day or full
day). Catch Blue or Black Marlin, Sharks, Tuna,
Wahoo, Sailfish and Dorado.
“big quest”
16m motor yacht built
for Big Game Fishing.
The boat can be booked
on a sharing basis or full
charter.
24
“chilipoint”
This superb 14m motor yacht has been
designed strictly for the purpose of big
game fishing and has all the best equipment
available on board. The skipper(s) are very
experienced and will make every endeavour
to catch fish. Full Charter only.

SAVANNE
SAVANNE
DAILY | 30 MIN
SEA
“undersea
walk”
Walk at a depth of
2 to 3m underwater
on the East Coast
Experience the real underwater environment. Interact with
the marine environment by feeding the fish. It is fun and
everybody can do it.
DAILY - ADVANCE BOOKING ESSENTIAL
WILDWIND is the
only Sailing
Center in Mauritius
operating in the
lagoon of Mont
Choisy (NORTHWEST)
“wildwind”
Sailing Center in Mauritius
WILDWIND has professionally trained RYA (Royal
Yachting Association) instructors and offers sailing
courses for beginners. Experienced sailors can hire a
boat to enjoy the magnificent lagoon. Beginners can sail
with an instructor. The school provides a wide range of
boats including Laser Pico, Laser one, Hobie 16 and 18 and
offers a wide range of different dinghies and catamarans.
Windsurfing and Stand Up Paddling are also available.
25

PUBLI-REPORTAGE
voiliers de
l’ocean
SHIP MODEL FACTORY
Visit this famous ship model factory and see Mauritian
artisans at work building exquisite replicas of world
famous sailing ships. It takes a few hundred man-hours
to produce these superb works of art.
Voiliers de L’Ocean was created in 1986 and employs
150 locals including 30 handicapped persons.
The factory produces around 25 ships per month and
exports them all over the world. They are valuable
souvenirs for any living room.
Arsenal
Caudan Waterfront
Curepipe
VOILIERS DE L’OCEAN LIMITED
Winston Churchill Street, Curepipe
742 CU 054
Tel: (230) 6746764 / (230) 6766986
Fax: (230) 6766986
Email: voiliers@intnet.mu
www.voiliersocean.intnet.mu

SAVANNE
DAILY
3
2
“casela”
world of adventures
1
NATURE
4
IMAGES
1. Segway and interaction with Zebras
2. Walking with Lions
3. Ziplining
4. Nepalese bridge
5. Camel ride
5
Casela is a 14ha
nature and
activity park on
the West Coast
It offers a large range of facilities for young and old to
spend an exciting day. The Park is divided into 3 ‘kingdoms’:
the Middle Kingdom caters for the young ones and has
mud karting, a petting farm, a kid’s corner and a 4D cinema;
the Mountain Kingdom offers ziplines, canyoning, a
Nepalese bridge and a Via Ferrata;
the Safari Kingdom features the ‘Big Cats’ including a
‘Walk with Lions’, Quad bike rides, buggies, segways, Camel
Riding, drives through the safari park full of African animals.
27

SAVANNE
NATURE
DAILY | full day quad bike tour
1
2
“big
foot”
trail
3
5
The most exciting
way to see the
hidden treasures
of the South
IMAGES
1 & 3. Quad Biking
2. ‘Leon’ Waterfall
4. ‘Gris Gris’ and ‘La Roche Qui Pleure’
5. Rochester Falls
Ride along the steep cliffs of the southern coast past the
scenic ‘Cascade Mamsel’ to ‘Gris Gris’ and ‘La Roche qui
Pleure’ (Crying Rock) - Head on through endless sugarcane
fields past small villages, Hindu temple to the stunning
‘Rochester Falls’ - Drive along rivers and into the hills to the
stunning ‘Leon’ waterfall - Swim in the clear water under
the falls. ‘L’Exil’ is close by - Relax with a tasty picnic lunch
on the lawns overlooking the fall - Stop at the colonial
estate of St Aubin and visit Vanilla & Anthurium plantations
and taste some local rum (not for drivers) - The last stop is
a visit of the Crocodile Park.
4
28

SAVANNE
DAILY
“domaine de
l’etoile”
1
NATURE
2
4
3
L’Etoile means
‘The Star’ and that
is exactly what it is
5
Over 2000 hectares of the finest nature reserve,
magnificent viewpoints over Mauritius, stunning
landscapes, Deer reserves, rare endemic Birds and a
superb lodge overlooking the Deep River South East.
Choose one of many activities: Quad bikes or buggies,
Ziplines, Horse Riding, Archery, Kid’s Fun Village, Local
lunch in the Lodge…
IMAGES
1. Quad Biking
2. Horse Riding
3. Archery
4. Ziplining
5. Kid’s Quad Bike
29

SAVANNE
SAVANNE
NATURE
UPON REQUEST | 3-4 HOURS
Le Morne
Mountain, Unesco
World Heritage
Site
“explorer”
SPECTACULAR HIKING TRAILS
Hike up the iconic ‘Le Morne Brabant’ mountain in the
southwest corner of Mauritius - Cover a steep elevation
of about 500m to reach the ‘V’ pinnacle just below the
top - 360 o views are breath taking.
Other trails are: Black River Gorges – Black River Peak
– Chamarel Waterfalls – La Tourelle – Trois Mamelles
(Minimum age of 13 years old and difficulty level of 2 out of 5)
UPON REQUEST | FULL DAY
Paddle
through the
mangroves of
Ile d`Ambre
“ile
d’ambre”
SEA KAYAKING
Visit the ruins & forest of this tranquil islet
and discover its history. The full day will
continue for a picnic lunch and a swim at
Bernache Island.
30

UPON REQUEST
“helicopter
flips”
NATURE
See the incredible colour palette of the ocean,
gleaming white beaches, a green carpet of sugar
cane, rugged mountains and gorges. Discover
the wilderness and scenic attractions often
inaccessible by vehicle, boat or foot.
UPON REQUEST
Driving in Mauritius is fun (we drive on the left) and our roads are
reasonably good but not always well indicated.
Rent a car from one of the numerous operators; they offer a large
variety of vehicles.
car
hire
31

shopping
1
2
3
Mauritius has numerous shopping centres
and many duty free shops
4
Recommended buys are: jewellery, watches and cashmere textiles.
Your shopping experience in the following malls over Mauritius:
1. Sunset Boulevard
2. Grand Baie La Croisette
3. Super U Grand Baie
4. Caudan Waterfront
5. Bagatelle
6. Trianon Shopping Promenade
7. Phoenix Commercial Center
8. Adamas
9. Voiliers de L’Ocean
10. Cascavelle
11. Ruisseau Créole
11
10
5
6
7
8
9
SO MUCH
MORE TO DO!
• SKYDIVING
• LA VALLÉE DES COULEURS
• HORSE RIDING
• HORSE RACING AT CROWN LODGE
• GOLF
• CANYONING
• MOUNTAIN BIKING
• KARTING
• EXCLUSIVE BOAT CHARTER
• HUNTING
33