Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
. The museum also
634 4319;
9am-4pm Mon-Sat)
outlines the history of the Dutch in Mauritius.
A FAMOUS BATTLE
The sleepy Mauritian town of Vieux Grand Port may seem a long way from Paris, but this place has history. Not
only is this where the story of human settlement on Mauritius began, the town is even more famous as the site of
the only French naval victory to be inscribed on the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. Relics of the 1810 battle with the
English are on display at the National History Museum (
Click here
) in Mahébourg.
Kestrel Valley
primarily a hunting reserve for Javanese deer. The 950 hectares of forested mountain ter-
rain also act as a reserve for many endemic bird species, including the Mauritius kestrel -
one of the world's rarest birds of prey. A portion of the reserve has been blocked off for
hikers - there are four marked trails (from 2km to 6km long) that wind through the park.
The estate was closed for renovations when we visited, including its well-regarded res-
taurant and thatched bungalows. Call ahead to see if they've reopened.
Note that the reserve used to be known as the Domaine du Chasseur - the park now
called Domaine du Chasseur is near the town of Nouvelle France.
DIVING IN THE EAST & SOUTHEAST
There are very few dive centres in the island's east and south, but most major resorts can put you in touch with
one. Otherwise, check online at
www.msda.mu
for a list of licensed and insured dive operators. The following are
fabulous places to dive. To read more about these and other sites in the area,
Click here
.
»
Colorado, off Pointe d'Esny &
Blue Bay
»
Roches Zozo, off Pointe d'Esny & Blue Bay
»
Passe de Belle Mare, off Belle Mare
