The story of a place
An island where mountains and forests deserve as much attention as beaches.
Mauritius combines volcanic relief, cultivated land, lagoons and remnants of distinctive native forest. Leaving the coast reveals waterfalls, viewpoints and the importance of protecting ecosystems that have changed dramatically.
Its cultural history is equally varied. Le Morne's landscape carries a powerful history connected with slavery and resistance, which deserves understanding beyond its striking silhouette.
The essential experience
Make time for this.
Pair an inland forest or waterfall visit with a carefully interpreted view of Le Morne.
Explore the highlights
Look a little closer.
Le Morne and the inland forests give Mauritius landscapes beyond its sandy shores.
Volcanic relief
Look at the island's sharp mountain profiles.
Native species
Distinguish endemic wildlife from introduced plants and animals.
Le Morne
Read the history associated with the landscape.
For the curious reader
History, landscape
and context.
Mauritius, officially the Republic of Mauritius, is an island country in the Indian Ocean, located about 1,100 nautical miles (2,000 km; 1,300 mi) off the southeastern coast of Africa, east of Madagascar. It includes the main island (also called Mauritius), as well as Rodrigues, Agaléga, and St. Brandon (Cargados Carajos shoals). The 1502 Portuguese Cantino planisphere has led some historians to speculate that Arab sailors were the first to discover the uninhabited island around 975, naming it Dina Arobi. Called Ilha do Cirne or Ilha do Cerne on early Portuguese maps, the island was visited by Portuguese sailors in 1507.
Background reading: an abridged extract from Mauritius, by Wikipedia contributors, under CC BY-SA 4.0. Paragraphs have been selected and shortened for this guide. Retrieved 22 September 2026. Source revision ↗.
Turn curiosity into a visit
Plan your visit.
- Physical demands
- Easy viewpoints to steep mountain routes.
- The practical detail
- A beach-focused base can mean long drives to inland sights; group excursions geographically.
Before you set off.
Your ticks stay in this browser.Through the seasons
A place in the world
Find your bearings.
Select the pin to open a detailed map. Use Closer look to see the surrounding region. Drag to move a zoomed map.
Map: Natural EarthA closer view.
Load the local map to explore the surrounding area. Map tiles require an internet connection.
- 1MauritiusOpen directions ↗ · Location reference ↗
A sense of place
In pictures.
Keep looking.
10 photographs, with full-size views and individual credits.
Go a little further
Sources & further reading.
The UNESCO link names the specific inscribed property. A broad entry in this project can extend beyond that property’s boundaries.
