The climate on the west coast is relatively dry and hot. In summer, the heat often becomes so unbearable that a walk of 100 meters under the sun or not represents a major decision to take.
It is therefore recommended, to visit the west coast outside the peak season. A t-shirt (or less) is all you need to wear from November to March. A sweatshirt or something warmer may be necessary for the cooler winter evenings (June to August).
The southern part of the west differs dramatically from the rest of the island with desert-like stretches of landscape, the West definitely feels like Africa.
Blessed with sunniest and driest of climates, the West coast of Mauritius has always been, with Grand Bay in the north, the most affluent and popular region of our touristic regions. It not only has dramatic scenery but can boast to have the most beautiful sunsets of the Indian Ocean. Set at the foot of Rempart Mountain that a poet described as having been carved by the Gods, the western villages, private clubs and hotel developments offer the best of deep-sea fishing, excellent scuba diving and immaculate beaches to the discerning traveller.
Furthermore, an excellent road link places the main highland towns just
30 minutes away from the whole western coastline. The Western region we
describe here extends from Le Morne peninsula right up the west coast to
Pointe aux Caves (Albion), where one of the oldest Lighthouses of the
island still beams its guiding light towards the crossing vessels at
sea.
Facing full west, the Flic en Flac public beach is one of the
most popular spots for Mauritians and visitors alike. Many come here to
enjoy a safe and warm swim or just to sit on the beach to watch the most
spectacular sunsets all year round.
A typical drive along the western coastline would ideally take you from Albion, to Casela, itself part of the larger domain of Yemen, a safari like, dry and bush land scenic domain, down to La Preneuse in Black River and the fishing village of La Gaulette, near Chamarel. The trip would normally end at Le Morne Brabant, where Le Morne Moutain stands as a proud sentinel, witness to the memory of the slaves who used it to escape the ferocity of their colonial masters.
A few kilometres inland from La Gaulette, the entrance to a vast and rich ridethrough Chamarel leading up to the gorges of Black River and the coloured earths of Chamarel. This route also serves as an alternative short cut to the Highlands of Curepipe. The features below easily explain why the west has always retained its leading position as a touristic region of Mauritius. After all, in what other area can you lie on the beach for a perfect suntan with the most beautiful sunsets of the world, go deep sea fishing in world record breaking Championship vessels, enjoy the best scuba diving spots, go hunting for bats, wild hare or wild boar and stags, and enlist for adventure sports and quad biking in the Yemen domain or go for a world class round of Golf at Tamarina estate?