MAURITIUS

Travel Dates: September 16 – 19, 2024

Duration: 4 days / 3 nights

Number of participants: 7–12

EXPEDITION COMPLETED



TRAVEL PROGRAM: tour to Mauritius

Day 1. September 16, 2024, Monday. MADAGASCAR – MAURITIUS

Arrival in Mauritius from Antananarivo at 19:20 (or another flight). Transfer from the airport to the hotel. Check-in and dinner at the hotel.

Meals: No
Accommodation: Anelia Resort & Spa

*Recommended Flight:
- Air Mauritius, Flight MK-289, departure from Antananarivo (Madagascar) at 17:00, arrival in Mauritius at 19:50 - or any other flight arriving in Mauritius on September 16.


Day 2. September 17, 2024, Tuesday. SPERM WHALES — CRYSTAL ROCK — BEACH BARBECUE

After breakfast, we set out on a marine excursion with the primary objective of encountering sperm whales and swimming alongside them. These colossal marine mammals boast phenomenal physiology, where the head of the animal constitutes one-third of its entire body. Adult males can reach an impressive length of 20 meters with a weight of up to 40 tons, and in rare cases, 50 tons or more. Females, on the other hand, exhibit more modest dimensions, but their food consumption is significantly lower. The extraordinary coexistence of these marine predators creates a captivating seascape, revealing the beauty of nature right before your eyes, within arm's reach.
Following this, we enjoy swimming with dolphins and snorkeling around the "Aquarium" - a coral reef. Next, we head to lle aux Bénitiers island. En route to the beach barbecue, we make a stop at Crystal Rock, a famous geological wonder. After lunch, we return to the shore. Back to the hotel around 4:00 PM. Free time. Relax at the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Anelia Resort & Spa


Day 3. September 18, 2024, Wednesday. UNDERWATER WATERFALL ON LE MORNE MOUNTAIN (trekking 3 – 4 hours) — CASELA PARK

After breakfast, we set out for the beginning of our trek to Le Morne Mountain. This expedition takes us to the summit of the mountain, where we will witness an extraordinary spectacle – the underwater waterfall. During this excursion, we will stroll through Le Morne Brabant. This mountain has been declared a UNESCO "World Heritage Site." Our guide will delve into the reasons behind the cross placed there, the origin of the mountain's name, and the historical ways people took to reach this point. As you ascend, breathtaking views of both the coastal and inland areas of the island will unfold. Following the trek, a seafood lunch awaits us at a local restaurant.
But that's not all for today! Just 15 km away lies the amazing Casela Nature and Leisure Park (Casela Park). Stretching across 250 hectares on the western coast of Mauritius, just a few steps from Flic-en-Flac resort, this park was established in 1979 in response to the need to preserve unique vegetation and protect rare bird species from agricultural development. Over time, the park's collection of animals and plants has grown richer, making it one of the most visited places in Mauritius.
Opinions on what makes the park so fascinating vary. For some, the most memorable experience may be walking with lions, while others might find the extreme thrill of ziplining more appealing. Undoubtedly, ziplining is an activity found in many places, but the opportunity to stroll with lions is truly unique. Additionally, we will have the chance to feed giraffes and turtles.
Casela Park in Mauritius offers a unique blend of a zoo, safari park, and wilderness experience. It is divided into two sections: the "park" and the "wild." In the "park" section, animals and birds inhabit enclosures, observable through grids, while in the "wild" section, they roam freely. The size of Casela Park's territory is impressive, and exploring it thoroughly may take several hours.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Anelia Resort & Spa


Day 4. September 19, 2024, Thursday. SEVEN-COLORED DUNES – SACRED LAKE – GANESHA STATUE – RETURN FLIGHT

Today, we delve into the island's main attraction – the sandy dunes with seven-hued sands. Over millions of years, chemical processes within the rock formations have infused the sand with shades of red, brown, purple, green, blue, magenta, and yellow. Geologists continue to unravel the mystery of these dunes as the Shamaral sand formations boast unique layering characteristics. Even a slight mix of sand of various hues results in the formation of seven multicolored layers.
The next highlight of our captivating journey involves a visit to the Sacred Lake and the Ganesha Statue. This small symbolic lake on the island of Mauritius serves as an ideal pilgrimage site and an essential stop on our unforgettable journey in this little paradise. Nestled in the heart of the Savanna crater, it attracts tourists from all corners of the globe. Also known as Ganga Talao, the Grand Bassin serves as a Hinduism propagation center, being the predominant religion on the island.
According to legend, Shiva poured water from the Ganges River into the extinguished crater, transforming it into this sacred lake, imbuing it with special significance for pilgrims. Furthermore, the lake's water color resembles the shade of the Ganges. Perhaps we will be fortunate enough to catch sight of small monkeys grazing along the road and even savor local delicacies such as Creole-style pineapple with pepper.
Before heading to the airport, we'll savor one last taste of local cuisine – spiced and including hot delicacies. Transfer to the airport. International flight back home.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: No

*Recommended flights:Turkish Airlines Flight TK-161, departure on September 19 at 20:05, with a two-hour layover in Istanbul, arriving in Moscow on September 20 at 7:10 am, or

• Air Mauritius Flight, departure on September 19 at 16:15 with a three-hour layover in Dubai, then Emirates, arriving in Moscow on September 20 at 6:05 am, or
• any convenient flight departing from Mauritius not earlier than 4:00 pm on September 19.

*The tour operator does not assume responsibility for any changes in airline schedules that may occur after booking. We will make every effort to minimize potential disruptions to the pre-approved itinerary.