Be the first to know about the latest in luxury lifestyle news and travel, delivered straight to your inbox each week.
Charles Darwin is credited as being the first person to climb the third-highest mountain in Mauritius
By Samantha Coles | May 18 2021
Charles Darwin first visited Mauritius in 1836 and is credited as being the first person to climb the third-highest mountain on the island. The mountain, Le Pouce (named for its thumb-shaped peak), rises 2,665 ft high, so it can be conquered by both families and couples. In this offering from Heritage Resorts, you can follow in Darwin’s footsteps with a professional guide who will share knowledge about the local flora and fauna. Upon reaching the mountain’s peak, you’ll be rewarded with splendid uninterrupted views: To the north, you’ll see the small islands that lie off Mauritius, and to the west you’ll look down over the capital, Port Louis.
Explore the surrounding small islands further with a day trip on board a speed boat with a guide from the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation. Discover the small islands of Ile Aux Aigrettes, with their Nature Reserve and abundances of endemic animals and plants; learn about Ile de la Passe’s geographical and historical role during the colonial period and about Ile Aux Fouquets, which is classified as a historical monument — be sure to check out the lighthouse that dates back to 1864.
Best for: Nature nerds From $815 per night.
Contact Christophe Ramdiane, general manager, resa@heritageresorts.mu, +230 601 5500, heritageresorts.mu