The south is the last region to have obtained the favours of national
development policies. A visit to the South is always described as being
a refreshingly soothing outing.
Perhaps it has to do with the
prevailing south east trade winds blowing 10 months of the year. The
barrier reefs in that area are only 20 metres away from the beach and
swimming is strictly prohibited.
TOPOGRAPHY
The South of Mauritius stretches from Blue Bay to the east and Le
Morne Peninsula to the west, with Souillac, its most famous stopover
village, halfway in between. This is a land of natural splendour with
wild and undeveloped landscapes, empty beaches and dramatic cliffs
dropping 50 meters into the surging, untamed and treacherous tides of
the South Seas.
This rugged stretch of coastline is in complete
contrast with the lush and green landscape as one drives inland towards
the central plateau where Plaine Champagne offers the visitor a
spectacular view over the Black River Gorges. A few kilometres away the
immaculate mansions of Bois Cheri and St. Aubin announce the visit to
the tea plantations of the island. Further to the West, inland the
Savane range stretches south-westerly from the Central plateau, right
down to the Le Morne Mountain overlooking the peninsula, where the
crystal clear waters are home to a range of four and five star luxury
hotels built directly on the beachfront. The peninsula also boasts one
to the best Golf ranges in Mauritius – a world-renowned 18 hole
72-par golf course.
The obvious attraction in the area is undoubtedly the Chamarel
coloured earths nestled in the very heart of Chamarel village, by far
one of the most typical villages in Mauritius. As you drive east along
the coastline, take a few minutes to stop at Riambel and further away at
Souillac. This village seems to have stopped in time and its natural
charm gives it an atmosphere of tranquillity. Next to the Telfair
Gardens, overlooking the cliffs is the Robert Edward Hart museum called
Le NEF, where the Mauritian poet lived and died.
The coast road from the Telfair Gardens will then take you to Gris
Gris where a breathtaking view over the southern cliffs and lashing
tides awaits you. Despite the inviting shallow lagoon and clear waters
below, take heed, swimming here can be deadly!
Looking west from the Gris Gris viewpoint, a large boulder
stretches out at sea. Hiking down the steps or taking the trekking paths
from there, take the walk to La Roche Qui Pleure (Crying Rock)– a
basaltic promontory which will take you even further out at sea. When
riding this rock make sure you have a steady step as any fall from this
75 meters high rock would be fatal.
From there the next place of interest is the famous Vanilla
Crocodile Park – a real life reserve for exporting crocodile skins
whilst the owners offer the visitors an array of reptiles, birds and
monkeys in their mini-zoo. The insectarium boasts more than 20,000
species of butterflies, beetles and insects. Guided tours take visitors
around the “croc” farm, explaining in detail the whole
process of raising and curing these wild reptiles.