Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Mauritian Wildlife Foundation
GUIDED TOURS
(MWF; 631 2396;
www.ile-aux-aigrettes.com
; Coastal Rd, Pointe Jerome; short/long tour incl boat transfer Rs 800/
1500; booking office 9am-4pm Mon-Sat, to noon Sun; guided tours 9.30am, 10am, 10.30am, 1.30pm & 2pm Mon-
Fri, 9.30am, 10am & 1.30pm Sat, 9.30am & 10am Sun)
The Mauritian Wildlife Foundation manages the
reserve and conducts tours of Île aux Aigrettes (revenues are ploughed back into its con-
servation efforts). The usual tours take between 1½ and two hours and start from Pointe
Jérome, around 250m southeast of Le Preskîl hotel. Longer tours of two to 2½ hours are
also available which allow you more time on the island and let you meet some members
of the scientific teams working on the island. Day tours that cross the line into volunteer-
ing are also possible. Bookings for either tour should be made a couple of days in advance
by phoning the MWF, via email or in person at the booking office opposite the embarka-
tion point. The tour of the island involves a good deal of walking; wear comfortable shoes
and bring a hat, sunscreen and water. At the end of the tour there is a small museum and
shop.
Sleeping
Pointe d'Esny and Blue Bay are among the epicentres of tourism in the south and there's a
lot to be said for staying here. Close to the airport and to the charms of Mahébourg, the
area also has a good mix of upmarket resorts, apartment complexes and charming
chambres d'hôtes.
And did we mention that the beaches are some of the best in the coun-
try? The area's one slight disadvantage is the rumble of departing planes from the nearby
airport; there aren't many, but they can be awfully grumbly.
EasyRent
( 452 1010;
www.easyrent.mu
)
Manages a variety of high-quality properties in the area,
mostly at the upper end of the market.
BOOKING SERVICE
Chez Henri
( 631 9806;
www.henri-vacances.com
;
Coastal Rd; r incl breakfast Rs 1800; )
Staying at Henri and
Majo's welcoming
chambre d'hôte
feels like a trip to the countryside to visit your long-
lost uncle and aunt. Rooms are lovingly filled with loads of wood and wicker, and each
one sports a useful kitchenette. Don't miss the excellent three-course dinners (Rs 500 to
GUESTHOUSE
€
