The South of Mauritius

The South of Mauritius equals history of Mauritius. It is in the South that the island's history started. The "Vieux Grand Port" bay being the first port of Mauritius, the region received the first Dutch explorers’ camps in 1638. When in 1735, the well-known French Governor Francois Mahé de Labourdonnais decided to develop the

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actual port (Port-Louis) right on the opposite side of the island, as main harbour and administration centre, the South / Southeast did not lose any of its importance.The village of Mahebourg nearby, named after him is a great landmark of this part of the history of Mauritius. It was much later, under the British Empire that this region wasgradually left behind. As at today, the South is the most authentic region of Mauritius.

Climate
The South and Southeast coasts face the Southeast trade winds, which prevails almost all year round. The region often gets windy especially in winter where high-pressure cells pass by. On the other hand, this part of the island remains relatively fresh in summer. The beach of Pointe d'Esny is said to be the best spot for lazy summer days. Beware of sunburns as the fresh breeze may lead you to think that you are not getting burnt until it's too late.
A T-Shirt or bathing suits is all you need in summer (November to March.) A sweatshirt is welcome in the evenings during the months of September, October, April and May. During winter, (June to August) it can get cool as early as 5 p.m. and warm clothes are necessary after sunset.

Topography
The extreme South coast is not typical to the postcard illustrations of Mauritius. Except for the idyllic beach and lagoon of Pointe-D’esny and a few shallow lagoons with crystal clear water, the South counts few beaches and resorts as most of the coastline consists of rocky cliffs with shore breaks.
Driving along the South coast offers the possibility to alternate between sea and hill views; between sun bathing and trekking. The vegetation in the South / Southeast is the richest due to the high humidity prevailing all year round, and contains many indigenous trees and plants.

Focus: Souillac
Souillac is one of the most important villages of the south spread into scattered settlements along the coastal road. Named after French Governor François de Souillac, this village played a crucial role in the development of the south of Mauritius as it used to be the place where the sugar from the mills of the South was embarked on coaster sailing boats to reach Port Louis. This activity stopped only in the early 1900"s when the railway network was stretched to Souillac. Today Souillac offers to the visitors of the 21st century several historical remains such as the "Batelage quay" the ancient railway station, the courthouse, the police station, the basaltic church and the coral-built "La Nef"; house of famous Mauritian poet Robert Edward Hart.

Focus: Mahebourg
The atmosphere of Mahebourg is lively, cheerful and friendly. It is one of the few places where, whether you are a tourist from Germany, France, or simply from another region of the island, it makes no difference to the people.

The majority of its inhabitants being fishermen or field workers, the animation in Mahebourg start at daybreak to slowly fade out at dusk. Preserved from an excessive development, smiles are still free of charge.

Relaxed, respectful, open-minded, quiet and fascinating, the people of Mahebourg and its surroundings are what we can call true Mauritians.
The Bazaar, open Monday to Saturday, is far more authentic than the one of Port Louis; and less of a hassle to reach too. It is an excellent occasion to experience our description above. It is better to visit it on Mondays, when the Mahebourg fair is on. The atmosphere is unique and bargaining is part of the game.

To visit
Mahebourg hosts the Naval museum of Mauritius. Its interest rests not only in its collection of exhibits, but also in the history of its building. Erected in the 1760's, the building hosting the museum was built by Mr. Jean De Robillard in architecture typical of those times. The place was permanently adapted to the necessities of each period. It is in one of its rooms that rival commanders from the French army and the Royal Navy received first aid, side by side, during the famous "Vieux Grand Port" battle in 1810.

The H. Rault biscuit factory; one of the oldest factories of Mauritius still in operation in its original state. It can be described as a "live museum".

Ile Aux Aigrettes is the only accessible islet of Mauritius where the vegetation is 100 % Endemic. Managed by the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation, Ile aux Aigrettes is a genuine eco-tourism trip.

Updated : November 2008