Mahebourg is one of the dazzling jewels of Mauritius. Smaller than Grand Baie, this little port, rich in both history and local trade, can hold its own.

Some history of the port…

Mahébourg is a small city on the south-eastern coast of the island of Mauritius. It has as much serenity to it as it does beauty. Being the capital of the Grand Port District, it was named after Betrand-Francois Mahe` de La Bourdonnais. The port has a proud history as the origin of its name suggests.

Mahébourg pays tribute to its rich Dutch and French influences, rooted in the discovery of the port around 1810. The Naval Museum has records of the epic battles which occurred on the island and it is worth a definite stop over. It's an even better experience if you get a local to explain it all to you.

However, if one of the locals hasn’t intrigued you with their stories of the port, then visiting Frederik Hendrik Museum will broaden your background knowledge. This museum bears witness of the Mauritian history, particularly the presence of the Dutch and the French period in Mauritius.

Shopping in Mahébourg…

Mahébourg can definitely be labelled a “must-see” market place in Mauritius. Street peddlers have all sorts of spices and delicacies, making it a trader’s gem.

Monday is market day in the port so finding something different and unique is very possible as their will be a great variety of local crafts and textiles on offer.

The Handicraft Village is reputable for its custom made speciality objects such as figural boxes and vases, denoting quaint significance to the many cultures of Mauritius.

Let Mahébourg entertain you…

The Casino de Maurice has made a permanent mark on this ever-developing tourist destination.

Built in 1970, it is the oldest casino on the island. The casino is located in the centre of the island. It emphasises a mixture of local and international ambiance. Due to the high demand in the market, the casino was rebuilt in 2004 to cater for the growing tourism industry.

A touch of nature…

“La Vallée de Ferney” is a beautiful nature park. A trip through this serene landscape will allow you to acknowledge and appreciate its waters, its ferns and wild flowers. In this oasis of greenery one can also see a lovely varieties of orchid, a whole range of anthuriums and a deer pen.

I’le aux Aigrettes bird sanctuary is indescribable. This beautiful nature reserve is 1km offshore in Mahébourg bay.

Run by the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation (MWF) is a great place to see the critically endangered flora and fauna of Mauritius and to get up close to a giant tortoise.

The guided tours allow you to witness firsthand the ongoing efforts of MWF to restore the island as a habitat for birds.

La Chaux River has the longest bridge on the island, spanning over it, necessary for trade. The river is a major contributor to all the main fishing centres making the city ever-growing in terms of the fishing industry.

Activities done on the river varies from canoeing, to fly fishing and let's not forget the plant life that occupies the river banks.

Check out our Mauritian packages and discover more jewels of the island.

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