Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The turn-off to the 200-hectare reserve is clearly marked along the coastal road, around
2km south of Vieux Grand Port.
Domaine de l'Étoile
Teetering between the east and southeast realms of the island, the popular Domaine de l'Étoile
OFFLINE MAP (TerrOcean; 448 4444, 729 1050; www.terrocean.mu ) forest reserve is set on over 2000
hectares of unspoilt terrain - the perfect hinterland to explore by horse, on foot or by quad
bike. Mountain biking, guided hikes and archery are also on offer. Enjoy a bite at the on-
site restaurant and, if you're lucky, you'll spot several Javanese stags hiding in the forest -
there are over 1000 living in the reserve.
WORTH A TRIP
LION MOUNTAIN
Overlooking Vieux Grand Port and clearly visible from Mahébourg is Lion Mountain (480m), immediately recog-
nisable from its sphinxlike profile. The mountain offers a splendid half-day hike with stunning views over the
coast. It's a challenging but rewarding walk that climbs up the lion's 'back' to finish at an impressive viewpoint
on the 'head'. We recommend hiring a local guide, though if you decide to go it alone you'll find the trailhead be-
side the police station at the north of Vieux Grand Port. Check out www.fitsy.com for detailed GPS information
about the hike, though the main trail is fairly obvious and runs straight along the ridge and up over a rocky area to
the peak. There are a few hairy scrambles over the rocks before you reach the flat area on the lion's head. From
here you can see right across the interior of the island. Return the same way you came up. Allow three to four
hours for the return trip.
Vieux Grand Port
POP 2962
'Old Grand Port' is the cradle of Mauritian history, the place where the first human inhab-
itants of the island landed on 9 September 1598 under the command of Wybrandt Van
Warwyck. The Dutch later built a fort 3km further north in what is now the town of Vieux
Grand Port, although a monument OFFLINE MAP marks the actual landing point further south
as well. It was the local headquarters of the Dutch East India Company until 1710, when
the Dutch abandoned the island. The site was then taken over by the French.
The battered ruins of Fort Frederik Hendrik stand in a park near the church at the northern
end of Vieux Grand Port and include the remains of an old Dutch church, a bakery, a pris-
on, a forge, a powder magazine and a dispensary. A few clay pipes, wine bottles and other
items left behind by both the Dutch and French occupants are now on display in the Frede-
 
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