Côté Sud also operates in the west of the island, but it’s in the wild and authentic south of Mauritius that our agency was born. Based in Baie du Cap, we are very attached to its quality of life and to our roots.
There are many opportunities to acquire property in the south of Mauritius. Several real estate programs are being developed, enabling foreigners to invest and obtain a resident’s permit (Domaine d’Anbalaba, Heritage Villas Valriche, Pointe d’Esny, Belle Rivière, etc.). Ils sont d’ailleurs de plus en nombreux à souhaiter y réaliser un investissement locatif ou tout simplement à venir y vivre.
Between mountains and lagoons, typical villages and tourist activities, all the wonders of the wild south are revealed in our article. There’s no doubt that once you’ve finished reading, you’ll want to (re)discover it or settle here!
DISCOVER THE SOUTH OF MAURITIUS
The southern region of Mauritius boasts some of the most beautiful natural scenery in the world, with its translucent lagoon, hidden coves and beaches, waterfalls, mountains, imposing cliffs, vast ocean, typical villages and sugarcane fields as far as the eye can see.
Its unspoilt nature and peaceful atmosphere, far from the hustle and bustle, have earned it its nickname: “The Wild South”. Overflowing with treasures and activities, it is a delight for lovers of hiking, water sports, peace and authenticity. The landscapes of southern Mauritius are sublime and stand out for their singular character: waterfalls, a peaceful lagoon and a rough ocean, wild virgin beaches, mountains, cliffs, fishing villages, nature reserves, colorful dunes… Its fauna and flora are priceless and can easily be observed everywhere.
In addition to its exceptional natural beauty, Mauritius’s south is also home to a number of notable sites that bear witness to its history, such as temples and old colonial houses.
MUST-SEE SPOTS IN SOUTHERN MAURITIUS
Sheltered from the tourist hustle and bustle of other parts of the island, the south of Mauritius is no less attractive for all that. It’s packed with places as sublime as each other:
Magnificent natural sites
Morne Brabant
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is one of the highlights of southern Mauritius. Rising to an altitude of 555 metres, the mountain is known as a memorial to Mauritius’s slave-owning past. It can be discovered on foot (allow 3 hours for the ascent) and offers a sublime panorama over a turquoise lagoon. Its beach is considered one of the most beautiful on the island.
Baie du Cap road
Baie du Cap, where Domaine d’Anbalaba is located, is a charming fishing village. It’s a great place to stroll and soak up the serene atmosphere. Baie du Cap is home to the Macondé promontory, one of the most photographed spots in Mauritius, on one of the most beautiful roads in the world! The famous Macondé rock offers a breathtaking view of the ocean.
Rochester Falls
This intimate, uncrowded site is one of a kind: you have to cross fields of sugar cane to get there, then you can jump over the 10-metre waterfall or swim in the translucent water, surrounded by cliffs.
Chamarel
A typical village, Chamarel is home to one of Mauritius’s star attractions: the Land of 7 Colors. This fabulous site is made up of multicolored dunes and a waterfall nestled in the heart of a tropical forest.
The sacred lake of Grand Bassin
Grand Bassin is the largest Hindu site in Mauritius, set in the heart of an abundance of nature. Colonies of monkeys living around the lake in the forests are a common sight. A huge statue of Shiva (33 metres high) stands at the entrance to the site. Hindu temples are open to pilgrims and visitors alike.
Villages that exude a gentle way of life and authenticity
Mahébourg
A historic town, Mahébourg is well worth a visit. It’s home to a manioc cookie factory, which you can visit, museums (such as the Musée Naval), a renowned market and a lively fair (every Monday). Its atmosphere is ideal for relaxation and idleness.
Bel Ombre
A peaceful, tranquil village, Bel Ombre is bordered by forest and a golden beach with turquoise waters. You’ll also find charming hotels and luxury villas.
Protected nature reserves
Black River Gorges National Park
The Gorges de la Rivière-Noire National Park will delight lovers of lush vegetation and hiking. With its waterfalls and forest of exceptional flora and fauna (over 300 species), this site is well worth a visit.
Vanilla Nature Park
This magnificent park is home to turtles, crocodiles, monkeys, geckos, iguanas, wild boars and a multitude of butterflies…
Aigrettes island
Located 800 meters from Mahébourg, Ile aux Aigrettes is a nature reserve home to endemic animals and plants not found on the main island, such as giant tortoises and the Telfair skink. This islet can be reached in just a few minutes by boat.
Museums
Domaine Saint-Aubin and Domaine des Aubineaux
On one side, the Domaine Saint-Aubin, a former colonial home transformed into a museum dedicated to sugar cane and vanilla. On the other, the Domaine des Aubineaux, a former colonial residence converted into a museum. It recounts the history of its inhabitants, with rum and tea tastings. Museums as beautiful as they are fascinating.
Mahébourg Naval and History Museum
This museum plunges you into the history of Mauritius, from its discovery by the Portuguese in the 16th century. It is housed in the Château Gheude, a national historic building dating from 1772.
Robert Edward Hart Museum
Nestled in the narrow streets of Souillac, this house museum houses the works and personal memorabilia of the famous Mauritian poet Robert Edward Hart. The artist’s former home, built of coral stone, La Nef has been open to the public since 1967.
SPORTING ACTIVITIES IN THE SOUTH OF MAURITIUS
The south of Mauritius is a fantastic playground for thrill-seekers, hikers and colorful seafarers.
Water sports
Kitesurfing is king in Mauritius. It has to be said that all the ingredients are in place for a serene ride: steady winds, a shallow, warm lagoon…
The south of Mauritius boasts some of the most beautiful and trendiest kitesurfing spots on the island:
- Le Morne: this kitesurfing spot is considered the most beautiful in Mauritius. It caters for all levels: beginners can ride on the peaceful lagoon, while expert riders can have a blast on the ocean side with waves and views of Morne Brabant.
- Riambel: a magnificent kitesurfing spot in the village of Riambel. Beware, however: due to a strong current, this spot is not recommended for beginner kitesurfers.
- Baie du Cap/Bel Ombre: with a large, shallow and calm lagoon, this spot is perfect for intermediate to expert levels.
- Pointe d’Esny: whether you’re a novice or a seasoned kitesurfer, this spot offers optimal conditions in the heart of a lagoon protected by a coral reef.
- In addition to kitesurfing, you can also go stand-up paddling, surfing, windsurfing, kayaking, water skiing or wakeboarding.
Hiking
With its natural landscapes as grandiose as they are varied, the south of Mauritius boasts sublime hiking trails.
Vallée de Ferney
The Vallée de Ferney is densely vegetated, with endemic trees and numerous animal species. It is ideal for hiking, alone or with a guide.
Gris-Gris and Roche-qui-pleure
Along the Gris-Gris beach, this beautiful marine hike takes you along several kilometers of coastline. The setting is stunning, reminiscent of Brittany: towering black cliffs, wave-splashing rocks (hence the name “La Roche-qui-pleure”) and a rough ocean (due to the absence of a reef).
Lion mountain
Culminating at an altitude of 480 metres, Lion Mountain (whose shape is reminiscent of an elongated lion) offers an 8 km hike. It combines walking and climbing, in the heart of lush natural surroundings. At the summit, a magnificent panorama of the southern islets, lagoon and sugarcane fields awaits you.
Scuba diving ans snorkelling
The south of Mauritius boasts a fabulous seabed. You can admire them with a mask and snorkel or by scuba diving.
Blue Bay Marine Park
This lagoon, considered one of the island’s finest snorkeling spots and still unspoiled by fishing, is home to an unspoilt seabed. It abounds in sublime aquatic species and unique coral gardens. Thanks to its translucent, calm, shallow waters, the Blue Bay lagoon is a great place to snorkel and watch butterfly fish, turtles and dolphins further offshore.
Morne Brabant
Le Morne boasts several excellent scuba diving sites. On the program: a dive outside the coral reef, encountering a wealth of tropical marine fauna.
Golf
The south of Mauritius boasts some superb golf courses, including :
Heritage Golf Club
In Bel Ombre, on a former sugarcane field, the Heritage Golf Club boasts 2 golf courses covering 100 hectares. The beauty and uniqueness of the setting are captivating: rolling slopes, the Citronniers and Saint-Martin rivers, century-old trees and the nearby Château de Bel Ombre. It ranks among the world’s “Top 100 Luxury Golf Resorts”.
Paradis Golf Club
Less technical than its predecessor, this golf course boasts lush natural surroundings and breathtaking views over the lagoon.
RELAXATION, CALM AND SERENITY ON THE MOST BEAUTIFUL BEACHES OF SOUTHERN MAURITIUS
The beaches of Mauritius are world-renowned. The south of Mauritius is no exception to the rule, with its sublime beaches. These are distinguished by their wilder charm and more peaceful atmosphere than beaches in other regions.
Beaches of Le Morne
With the Morne Brabant mountain as a backdrop, Morne beach offers an exceptional setting. Its warm, crystal-clear waters, water sports and unique sunsets make it particularly attractive.
La Prairie
La Prairie beach is less popular than Le Morne, but just as beautiful. Its stunning seabed makes it an ideal snorkeling spot.
Gris-Gris beach
Unlike its predecessors, this beach is not suitable for swimming or snorkeling. Indeed, here the ocean is rough, as there is no coral reef. Nevertheless, it offers a superb spectacle with its pretty coves and black cliffs on which powerful waves break.
Blue Bay
Its emerald-blue lagoon (hence the name) is perfect for swimming, snorkeling or taking a glass-bottomed boat out to explore the seabed.
Pointe d’Esny
Intimate and hidden, this beautiful beach is one of the wildest in Mauritius. Little known, its access is less easy than the others. You’ll have to follow a 150-metre path, accessible from the road. Nevertheless, it’s well worth spending a morning or afternoon here (no shady areas in sight!). Its gentle tranquility and turquoise lagoon contribute to its enchanting setting.
LIVING IN THE SOUTH OF MAURITIUS
As a result, the south of Mauritius offers many natural and wild gems, as well as a variety of activities and beautiful beaches. Don’t miss your chance to invest in a booming region! Contact Roxane and Guendoline to discuss real estate opportunities in this beautiful Mauritian south.
