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Geography: Port Louis is the capital city of Mauritius, in the Indian Ocean.
Population: 155,226
Currency: The Mauritian rupee; Currency Converter
Cruise Port: Google Map Location
Tender Port: No
Best Time to Visit: October to December
The final stop and disembarkation point of our Norwegian Cruise Line (Dawn) on February 25th, 2024, was Port Louis. We were kept in quarantine on the ship for two days due to a stomach virus and were not permitted to leave until the 27th. This occurred a few days into our voyage, so it's important to pack appropriate medications and maintain good hygiene, especially for this particular itinerary.
Port Louis, situated in the northwest of Mauritius, serves as the capital city. It is a vibrant mix of cultures, blending traditions with modernity. While we were able to dock at the port, it primarily functions as a commercial harbor, offering limited activities for visitors.
Due to our limited time before our flight back home, we decided to book a private tour. Our tour guide, Shafiiq, provided an enjoyable experience in a comfortable car. The tour was customizable, allowing us to choose our destinations and conveniently keep our luggage in the car for a drop-off at the airport. In Mauritius, driving is on the right side, and the well-developed roads made our journey smooth, despite occasional traffic.
Our first destination was Le Caudan waterfront, where we stopped to capture a photo with the iconic umbrellas. It was a pleasant morning stroll, although the shops were not yet open. Nonetheless, you could easily find a nice coffee spot to relax. The area also houses the Blue Penny Museum. On our way, we passed by the Central Market, which offers fruits, vegetables, and crafts, but it was still closed at that time.
During our journey to Trou aux Cerfs, a dormant volcano, we made a brief stop at a rum tasting shop. Among the various rum flavors available, we particularly enjoyed the one containing a "dodo" bird at the bottom, which was the most delicious. Our tour guide assured us that there was no obligation to make a purchase, so we simply sampled the rums and continued on our way.
While visiting Trou aux Cerfs, be cautious of wild monkeys that may be present. Avoid approaching them closely as they are untamed and may become aggressive if they sense danger. Although the volcano is mostly covered in greenery, the view from up there is still quite pleasant. For those with extra time, there is a jogging trail leading to the neighboring town.
Our next stop was at the Aux Vacoas Reservoir. This natural reservoir is truly remarkable in its capacity to hold a large amount of water for various purposes. Due to the frequent rainfall in Mauritius, the reservoir never runs dry. According to the tour guide, the lowest level he has witnessed was at 50% capacity.
During our visit to Takamara vineyard, we had the opportunity to sample Lychee wine, which was a unique experience for me. At the vineyard, you can opt for a tasting menu to try three different wines, although this is a paid option. If you prefer to taste the wine for free, they may offer you just one type, so be sure to specify your preference to avoid any unexpected charges.
Our following destination was the Grand Bassin Hindu Temples. We were fortunate as we arrived just a few days before the Maha Shivarati celebrations. Visitors were already participating in the traditional practice of washing their feet and taking water from the sacred lake back home, as the water is sourced from the Ganges. Additionally, two imposing statues of Shiva stand at the temple's entrance. It is definitely a worthwhile stop to make.
On this trip, Alexandra Falls and Black River Gorges were inaccessible, which gave us an extra an before we had to be at the airport. Since one hour is quite short to do anything else, we opted to visit Tribeca, the largest mall in the Indian Ocean. The mall appeared modern and well-maintained. While some shops on the upper level seemed vacant, the lower level was bustling with activity. Inside, there was a huge grocery store offering a wide range of products. The food court was also noteworthy, but it's important to note that certain vendors only accept cash or their local payment app. It's advisable to have cash on hand if you wish to sample some local cuisine. However, most of the stores and the grocery store accepted credit cards.
We arrived at the airport three hours in advance for our international flight back home. Since we had the Amex platinum credit card, we were able to use the lounge for free. I'll do a separate blog on the benefits of this card and how I utilize it for FREE airfare, hotels, etc...Although not very large, the airport was quite impressive for Mauritius. It features a lounge available for business travelers and Priority Pass holders. The upper level had better lighting and offered a view of departing flights. The bathrooms seemed outdated, but we appreciated the variety of food and coffee choices.
Mauritius is an incredible destination! Imagine a picturesque island about 2,000 square kilometers in size, where you can drive around the entire place in just 4–8 hours. There are countless amazing sights to explore and discover. To truly experience all the wonders of this island, you'll want to spend about 3-10 days (depending on your travel speed) soaking it all in. It's the perfect spot to conclude our NCL cruise. Mauritius is simply stunning, and we are already dreaming of returning someday!
Here are some suggested tours that we didn't have time to do:
Activities you can do on this island:
Feel Free to reach out to us with any questions!
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