Mauricius ve fotkách: Velká zážitková fotogalerie

I traveled the entire island on my own, without a tour guide and with three moms. We have tons of experiences and even more photos. This gallery shows the true face of the island, how we got to know it, and how we fell in love with it.

Azure Romance: Endless Beaches, Wild Lagoons, and Virgin Northern Islands

Let's pour ourselves some pure Mauritian rum – most people fly to this island for them. And I'm not surprised at all. Beaches in Mauritius They are like they were cut out of the most kitschy travel catalog, with the only difference being that here you can see the incredible beauty you are looking at yourself, without filters. From the endless white sand and the beneficial shade of horsetails at our beach base in Flic en Flac, through a picture-perfect idyll in Trou aux Biches, to wild romance in the south under a majestic and energy-filled wall Le Morne. And what if you board a catamaran and head towards the Northern Virgin Islands like Flat Island or Gabriel Island! There, you'll be greeted by such clear water and shallow turquoise lagoons that you'll be speechless.

Pohled z paluby lodi na plochý zelený ostrov Gabriel Island na Mauriciu obklopený sytě modrým oceánem s masivními bílými mraky na obloze — We are approaching our destination! This moment, when the silhouette of Gabriel Island is clearly drawn on the horizon for the first time, was accompanied by an absolutely surreal backdrop of giant clouds on our cruise. The catamaran trip from Grand Baie can sometimes make your stomach churn quite a bit on the waves, but these views will make you forget about any seasickness in an instant.

Azurový Indický oceán u ostrova Flat Island na Mauriciu. V pozadí je vidět Gunners Quoin Island. — The beautiful azure Indian Ocean off Flat Island. Warm water, no waves, sand underfoot, what more could you want?

Písečná pláž na Flat Island na Mauriciu s neuvěřitelně čistou tyrkysovou vodou, koupajícími se lidmi a kotvícími čluny pod jasně modrou oblohou — A view that will take your breath away after arriving by catamaran. The water on Flat Island is so clear that you don't even need a snorkel to see the bottom. The sand as soft as flour and the moored boats complete this Caribbean... actually Mauritian idyll that the three mothers fell in love with immediately!

Písečná pláž na ostrově Gabriel Island na Mauriciu s průzračnou lagunou, vyvráceným kmenem stromu na břehu a ostrovem Coin de Mire na horizontu — Gabriel Island in all its wild beauty. Unlike neighboring Flat Island, the nature here seems a bit more raw. Just walk a few dozen meters away from the place where the excursion catamarans are anchored, and you can enjoy this wonderful peace with a view of the iconic Coin de Mire rock on the horizon.

Pohled z paluby katamaránu na skalnatý ostrov Coin de Mire neboli Gunners Quoin na Mauriciu s tyrkysovou vodou a lodí v dálce — The majestic Gunners Quoin (Coin de Mire). You'll sail past this iconic rock, which looks like a giant wedge driven into the ocean, on every trip to the Northern Isles. My mum and I just glided past it on the waves, but the sheer cliffs are breathtaking even from afar.

Bílá písečná pláž Le Morne beach na Mauriciu s palmami, průzračným mořem a majestátní horou Le Morne Brabant v pozadí — Le Morne Beach has an energy that is completely unique thanks to this giant rock wall behind it. It is one of the best places on the island to wait for the sunset, as the colors of the sand and the calm lagoon begin to change into this perfect spectacle as evening approaches.

Detailní pohled z písečné pláže na osvětlenou horu Le Morne Brabant na Mauriciu během zlaté hodinky s palmami a slaměnými slunečníky — Golden hour in full swing. When the setting sun hits the face of Le Morne and the sand takes on this warm hue, you just stand there and watch. It was at this exact moment that my moms and I captured the most beautiful moments of the day in the sand.

Pohled podél písečného pobřeží pláže Le Morne na Mauriciu těsně po západu slunce s jemnými vlnami, stopami v písku a oranžovo-modrými mraky na obloze — The moment when Le Morne beach becomes empty and quiet. The sun has already disappeared, but the sky still plays with the most beautiful pastel colors for a few minutes. These are exactly the moments that make it worth traveling without a travel guide – you don't rush anywhere and just enjoy the end of the day with your feet in the warm sand.

Dramatický západ slunce na pláži Le Morne beach na Mauriciu sytě oranžovou a růžovou oblohou a siluetami stromů na pobřeží — The ultimate visual finale. As the sky above Le Morne turns the most intense shades of orange and purple, you forget to breathe. This is the exact moment when you put your phone in your pocket (right after that click), sit down with your moms in the sand, and just watch in silence as this incredible day ends.

Dlouhá písečná pláž Flic en Flac na Mauriciu lemovaná zelenými přesličníky s klidným tyrkysovým mořem a horou na obzoru — Flic en Flac in all its beauty and length. The brilliant thing about this beach is that instead of palm trees, there is this giant forest of horsetails. When you've had enough of the tropical sun, you can simply move a few meters away with your blanket to the shade of the green grass. And as a bonus, you still have this great view on the horizon.

Písečné pobřeží pláže Trou aux Biches na Mauriciu s kotvícími čluny v mělké čisté laguně a bílými mraky na modré obloze — Trou aux Biches in its entire length. This place is famous for the fact that the sea here is incredibly calm and shallow thanks to the coral reef. At times, you feel more like you are in a giant azure pool than in the ocean. The boats anchored on the surface also give it a great atmosphere.

Písečná pláž Trou aux Biches na Mauriciu s řadou vysokých palem, slaměnými slunečníky a plážovými lehátky u klidného moře — A pure Mauritian idyll. Tall coconut palms leaning over white sand, straw parasols and shadows that draw gorgeous lines in the sand as evening approaches. This is exactly the view that people fly to Mauritius for.

eřejná písečná pláž Blue Bay beach na Mauriciu s odpočívajícími lidmi, zelenými stromy a loděmi kotvícími v mělké zátoce — Blue Bay beach has a wonderful, lively atmosphere. It is a famous public beach in the southeast, where people from all over the world and local families meet under the trees. This bay is also home to a protected marine park - just grab your goggles and fins and you will find some of the best snorkeling in all of Mauritius just a short distance from the shore.

A drone view of Gabriel Island during a catamaran trip to the three northern islands. A beautiful white beach and warm azure sea, we enjoyed it all here.

Stromy filao a bílý písek na pláži Flic en Flac na Mauriciu — Our beach base Flic en Flac. Kilometres of sand and shade under the filao trees.

Letecký záběr z dronu na Flat Island na Mauriciu s bílou písečnou pláží, loděmi a tyrkysovým korálovým útesem — Flat Island from a bird's eye view. This view best shows why it's worth taking a catamaran trip from the north coast. The contrast of the green island, white sand and incredible coral reef will simply blow you away.

The Green Heart of the Island: Where the Beaches End and the Wild Adrenaline Begins

Do you think Mauritius is all about lazing around in an azure lagoon and sipping drinks? Well, I'll quickly prove you wrong. As soon as you turn the helm inland, you'll be engulfed by the untamed jungle and pure adrenaline will flow through your veins. A tough rope-pulling adventure awaits you to the highest peak Piton de la Petite Rivière Noire, conquering the steep, perpendicular walls of the iconic Le Morne, endless views of monumental canyons Black River Gorges and roaring waterfalls falling from giant rocks directly into the green embrace of the rainforest. This is the true, raw face of the island, which you simply won't see from the windows of luxury resorts. Put on your proper shoes, gather your courage and come see the places where the height and beauty will regularly make your head spin!

Já sedící na skalnatém útesu hory Le Morne Brabant na Mauriciu s výhledem na rozsáhlou tyrkysovou lagunu a zelené kopce pobřeží — The first half of the trek to Le Morne is still completely calm. The trail winds uphill, but the first views of the Mauritian coast will not let you think about fatigue. Here you simply sit on a rock, catch your bronze and think about how beautiful it is. But the real adventure is yet to come!

Pohled ze spodní prašné cesty na monumentální zelenou horu Le Morne Brabant na Mauriciu tyčící se k modré obloze — Up there, shall we go? This is exactly the view you will see at the beginning of the journey. The majestic, 556-meter-high monolith of Le Morne Brabant inspires respect even from afar. The dusty path slowly leads you through dense greenery to the foot of the mountain, and at that moment you have no idea how much this rock will test your physique in just a few dozen minutes.

Detail strmého a náročného skalního stoupání na vrchol hory Le Morne Brabant na Mauriciu s kořeny stromů a kameny — This is where all the fun ends and pure rock scrambling begins. The second part of the trek beyond the green gate is an uncompromising climb on bare rock, where you literally climb on all fours and belay only with your own hands, a firm grip and tree roots. No ropes, no belay, just you, the rock and a good dose of adrenaline. But the goal is worth the effort!

Já na vrcholu hory Le Morne Brabant na Mauriciu, držící mauricijskou vlajku s neuvěřitelným výhledem na korálový útes a oceán — Proven! I'm standing on the top of Le Morne with the Mauritian flag in my hand and the feeling is absolutely indescribable. After that crazy climb without any belay, this is the sweetest reward. The entire Indian Ocean spreads out below you in fifty shades of blue and you know that no travel agency will ever bring this to you on a silver platter.

Výhled z vrcholu Le Morne Brabant na Mauriciu s kovovým křížem v popředí a ikonickým podmořským vodopádem v tyrkysové laguně — A view that will instantly erase all fatigue and burnt calves from your mind. The view from the top of Le Morne next to the iconic metal cross of that famous Mauritian optical illusion – an underwater waterfall. The contrast between the shallow turquoise lagoon and the dark depths of the ocean beyond the edge of the coral reef is absolutely breathtaking from this height.

Divoký makak sedící na tlusté větvi stromu v mauricijské džungli během sestupu z hory Le Morne Brabant — A local native speaker and ticket inspector in one. On the way down from Le Morne, this awesome macaque peeked out of a tree at us. He looked very diplomatic, but in reality he was just discreetly watching to see if a piece of banana or a cookie fell out of my backpack. Meeting wildlife in the wild without zoo bars is simply awesome!

Úzká hliněná stezka tvořící přírodní tunel skrze husté větve stromů v národním parku Black River Gorges na Mauriciu — Welcome to the green tunnel! The journey to the highest peak of the island, Piton de la Petite Rivière Noire, starts magically like this. You walk for kilometers through dense wild guava bushes, which form a perfect natural arch above the path. There is pleasant shade, it smells like real wilderness and you slowly absorb energy before the final, fierce hike along the ropes.

Panoramatický výhled z nejvyššího vrcholu Mauricia na zelené údolí národního parku a tyrkysovou lagunu Indického oceánu na horizontu — The whole of Mauritius is in the palm of your hand. When you finally climb up, you'll be greeted by this incredible view of the southwest coast. The contrast of the endless greenery of the Black River Gorges National Park and the coral reefs playing with all shades of azure will simply knock you off your feet. Up here, you'll only truly understand how incredibly diverse this island is.

Pohled podél zvlněného zeleného horského hřebenu mauricijského vnitrozemí pod modrou oblohou s bílými mraky — The endless green waves of the Mauritian interior. Another breathtaking view from the top, this time along a wild mountain ridge. It is these steep slopes and dense forests that make the interior of the island such a paradise for adventurous trekking. When these photogenic clouds float above it all, it is pure ecstasy for a photographer.

Hliněný plácek obklopený tropickou zelení značící samotný nejvyšší bod hory Piton de la Petite Rivière Noire na Mauriciu — So this is it – the geographical ceiling of the whole of Mauritius! The highest point itself, Piton de la Petite Rivière Noire (828 m above sea level), is actually an inconspicuous dirt patch in the middle of lush vegetation with a few pegs and a wooden bench. No giant concrete monument, just pure nature. But the real experience is the journey here and the views that await you just a few meters away.

ýhled z vyhlídky Gorges Viewpoint do hlubokého zeleného kaňonu národního parku Black River Gorges na Mauriciu pod modrou oblohou s bílými mraky. — Gorges Viewpoint, or the Jurassic Park of Mauritius. This epic valley opens up before you in the Black River Gorges National Park. Endless forests, deep canyons and the distant ocean on the horizon. Standing here and watching the giant green hills, you almost expect a pterodactyl to fly out from behind the clouds. The ideal place for a short break and a breather before exploring further inland.

Letecký pohled z dronu na stupňovitý vodopád Alexandra Falls na Mauriciu padající skrze hustou zelenou džungli s dřevěnou vyhlídkovou platformou vlevo. — Alexandra Falls as you wouldn't see it from a normal vantage point. It was an absolute must to take out a drone at this location. From a bird's eye view, you can really see how this tiered waterfall cuts through the endless green carpet of the rainforest. In the upper left, you can see the official wooden viewpoint, where most tourists look at it - but this distant view from above gives it a completely different dimension!

The Taste and Culture of the Island: From Crazy Markets to Liquid Mauritian Gold

You don't have to perceive Mauritius only with your eyes, but mainly with all senses! As soon as you enter the capital Port Louis, you will immediately be absorbed by the authentic, noisy and colorful fruit market, where the air is filled with authentic offers from local vendors, shouting and the intoxicating aroma of exotic spices. Then you just have to drive to the cooler and rolling interior, where you will be surrounded by endless green carpets in Bois Cheri will be surrounded by the captivating aroma of fresh tea and tradition. And the best, the cheerful finale? That was what awaited us in Chamarel. Local renowned distillery and our legendary tasting of 12 types of premium Mauritian rum! From subtle vanilla notes to fierce pieces that even our moms started laughing all the way through. Come and see the most colorful, fragrant and delicious moments that you simply have to experience for yourself!

Pohled shora do interiéru rušné tržnice Central Market v Port Louis na Mauriciu s lidmi nakupujícími exotické ovoce a zeleninu — A true, unadulterated sensory overload! The view from the top of the famous central market in the capital Port Louis immediately fills you with energy, colors and the scent of exotic spices. The air is saturated with the shouts of local vendors, people are everywhere and pyramids of fresh fruit pass before your eyes. Here you simply want to haggle over the price and experience the real island buzz.

Historický černý průmyslový stroj na zpracování čaje v muzeu továrny Bois Chéri na Mauriciu — A piece of honest history. A visit to Bois Chéri also includes a tour of the old factory and museum, where you can get a close-up look at these giant cast iron machines that crushed and dried tea leaves decades ago. The entire factory is still in operation today, so you can experience the fascinating process of the birth of the Mauritian tea miracle with your own eyes (and nose).

Pohled shora na různé barevné krabičky čajů Bois Chéri rozložené na dřevěném stole — Coconut, vanilla, mint or exotic fruit? At Bois Chéri, they will pour almost every flavor you can think of on your table during the tasting. You sit in the warmth, trying one cup after another, and the most intense aroma wafts through the air. For me personally, this local tea is the best and cheapest souvenir you can bring home from Mauritius!

Zelené řádky čajové plantáže Bois Chéri na Mauriciu vedoucí k velkému jezeru pod zamračenou oblohou — Afternoon tea with this view? You just want it here! A panoramic view of the Bois Chéri tea carpets opens up right from the terrace of the local restaurant. The combination of precisely trimmed bushes, calm water surface and light mist rolling down from the mountains has an absolutely surreal, almost calming charm.

Vstup do palírny rumu Rhumerie de Chamarel na Mauriciu s kamennou bránou, vysokým cihlovým komínem a fontánou mezi palmami — Welcome to rum paradise! Rhumerie de Chamarel will amaze you with its magnificent architecture right from the entrance. This iconic brick chimney, stone gate and reflection on the water surface promise a premium experience. And believe me, the reality is even better than this great first impression. The ideal place to start an afternoon full of flavors.

Průmyslová drtička a zpracování cukrové třtiny uvnitř výrobní haly palírny rumu Rhumerie de Chamarel na Mauriciu — This is where the real Mauritian liquid gold is born. A giant industrial crusher that presses freshly harvested sugar cane brought from the surrounding plantations with uncompromising force. The entire distillery works like a perfectly oiled machine and you can see (and most importantly feel) the raw process from close quarters, how the sweet juice turns into the basis for the future premium rum.

Nablýskané měděné a nerezové destilační kotle pro výrobu rumu v interiéru palírny Rhumerie de Chamarel na Mauriciu — The heart of all rum alchemy. Shiny copper and stainless steel distillation kettles, in which fermented cane juice turns into pure alcohol full of aromatic tones. The guide will enthusiastically explain every technical detail to you, but you will still subconsciously hypnotize the bar at the end of the corridor with your eyes and look forward to the main thing - the tasting!

Řada dvanácti lahví prémiového mauricijského rumu Chamarel v průhledném stojanu připravená na degustaci na dřevěném baru — The legendary Chamarel twelve! The finale that we were all looking forward to the most. You will be presented with a series of 12 samples – from pure white rums, through premium aged pieces, to sweet liqueurs with vanilla, coconut, coffee or mandarin flavors. The tasting had such great flavors that after a few drinks, the moms and I were guaranteed to have an incredibly fun time.

Fauna, flora and unique Mauritian things: From giant turtles to the saddest palm tree in the world

Do you think that after all that adrenaline in the mountains and azure beaches, there is nothing left to surprise you? Wrong! Mauritian nature is full of absolutely unique things that you will not see anywhere else on our planet. In this part, I will take you to the majestic giant tortoises on a protected island Isle of Aigrettes, where you can look these centuries-old, peaceful giants straight in the eye. Then we will stop together at the famous giant water lilies in the botanical garden Pamplemousses, which look like gigantic green baking tins on the water surface. But the absolute biggest, albeit incredibly heartbreaking, unique one awaits you in SSR Botanical Garden in Curepipe. That's where it grows. the loneliest palm tree in the world. It is demonstrably the last living specimen of its kind on Earth – it is completely alone, scientists cannot clone it, and it has been quietly waiting for its inevitable end for decades. Come and see the most beautiful, interesting and sometimes even a little touching wonders of Mauritian nature that you simply have to see.

Poslední žijící osamělá palma druhu Hyophorbe amaricaulis podepřená kovovým lešením v SSR Botanical Garden of Curepipe na Mauriciu — The loneliest palm tree in the world. This is arguably the last living specimen of its species (Hyophorbe amaricaulis) on our entire planet. It grows in the SSR Botanical Garden in Curepipe, is strictly fenced and protected from cyclones by metal scaffolding. Scientists have been trying in vain to clone it for decades, but its seeds are infertile. This palm tree is simply doomed to extinction – when it dies, its species will disappear from the face of the Earth forever.

Zelená stromová kapradina obklopená vysokými kmeny borovic na mechovém trávníku v botanické zahradě v Curepipe na Mauriciu — But Curepipe is not just about that one famous palm tree. This entire botanical garden has a completely different, cooler and wetter atmosphere than the rest of the island. You walk among beautiful giant ferns and tall trunks that look more like they come from a mysterious Nordic forest than a tropical island. For me, it's the perfect escape from the scorching heat of the coast.

Upravený zelený trávník s palmami a protékajícím vodním kanálem pod polojasnou oblohou v botanické zahradě Curepipe na Mauriciu — A perfect oasis of peace in the interior. Precisely cut lawns, winding waterways and a wall of exotic palm trees. The botanical garden in Curepipe is much smaller than the commercial Pamplemousses, but it has a huge advantage - you will meet a minimum of tourists. You can walk through this entire green valley in complete peace and enjoy the Mauritian flora without the crowds at your back.

Obří želva aldabra kráčející po kamenité lesní půdě na chráněném ostrově Ile aux Aigrettes na Mauriciu — Meeting the true eyewitnesses of the island. On the protected island of Île aux Aigrettes, you will meet these giant Aldabra tortoises, walking completely freely and lazily through the rainforest. No cages, no fences, just free nature. When you stand next to this century-old giant and watch how he ignores you with icy calm, you will realize who is the real master here on the island.

Vzácný růžový holub mauricijský sedící na větvi stromu v hustém lese na ostrově Ile aux Aigrettes na Mauriciu — One of the rarest birds on our planet – the Pink Pigeon. It is a purebred Mauritian endemic that almost went extinct in the 1990s, when there were only about 10 left in the world. Thanks to a rescue program on Île aux Aigrettes, it was able to be returned to the wild. It took a lot of effort for me and my camera to catch it so nicely in focus amidst the branches!

Hustý původní mauricijský pobřežní les s mechem obrostlými kmeny a zelenými kapradinami na ostrově Ile aux Aigrettes — This is what Mauritius looked like before humans arrived. Île aux Aigrettes is a fantastic nature reserve and showcase of the original dry coastal forest that once covered most of Mauritius before it was brutally cleared by humans to grow sugar cane. Walking among these ancient, moss-covered trees is like taking a perfect time machine back in time a few centuries.

Bronzová socha vyhynulého ptáka dodo neboli blbouna nejapného na kamenném podstavci uprostřed lesa na ostrově Ile aux Aigrettes — The legendary Dodo (the dodo) in life-size. It may be just a bronze model hidden in the dense forest of Île aux Aigrettes, but it embodies the most famous and saddest symbol of the entire island. This giant flightless bird paid the price for its 100% trust in humans and became completely extinct in just a few decades. Standing next to its model in its native forest is immensely powerful.

Detailní pohled na obří kulaté listy leknínu Viktorie amazonská s jedním růžovým květem na hladině jezírka v botanické zahradě Pamplemousses na Mauriciu — These aren't giant cake pans, but the famous Victoria amazonica water lilies! The leaves are so gigantic and strong that they could supposedly hold a small child (but we'd rather not try). If you're lucky like us, you'll catch them in bloom - their flowers only bloom for two days, with the first night being snow-white and the second night turning this beautiful pink.

Široký záběr na dlouhé podélné jezírko plné obřích kulatých leknínů lemované vysokými palmami a exotickými stromy v parku Pamplemousses — An iconic sight that you can't miss in Pamplemousses. A long rectangular pond filled with gigantic water lilies surrounded by a wall of ancient palms and tropical trees. This entire garden was founded by French botanist Pierre Poivre in the 18th century and making a trip here on your own is a must for anyone who wants to see Mauritian flora in the most beautiful historical setting.

Mohutný vrásčitý kmen starého baobabu obklopeného menšími palmami a zeleným trávníkem v parku Pamplemousses na Mauriciu — A true ancient giant of the rainforest. This massive, wrinkled trunk belongs to a majestic baobab tree that immediately catches the eye in the Pamplemousses garden. Compared to the slender palm trees surrounding it, it seems to be from a completely different world. Touching its thick bark and imagining all that this tree already remembers on the island is pure travel magic.

Pohled podél asfaltového chodníku lemovaného vysokými palmami Talipot s obřími vějířovitými listy v botanické zahradě Pamplemousses — The fascinating and somewhat tragic Talipot palm. This Mauritian unique tree lives for 60 to 80 years without ever blooming. Then, at its absolute peak, it produces the largest inflorescence in the world with millions of tiny flowers – and once the fruits ripen, the entire palm dies of exhaustion. Walking under its giant fan-shaped leaves has an unreal, almost sacred atmosphere.

Klidná vodní hladina s kulatými listy a rozkvetlými fialovými a růžovými květy leknínů s odrazem modré oblohy ve vodě — Pamplemousses is not just about the famous giant „plates“. A little further into the park you will also find these smaller, incredibly photogenic lakes. The dark water surface acts as a perfect mirror for the blue sky and clouds, from which these beautiful purple and pink water lilies emerge. The perfect place to stop for a moment and simply soak up the incredible colors of the island.

Epic Finale: The Seven Colors of the Earth, Feeding the Giants, and the Sacred Grand Bassin

Do you think this island has nothing left to offer you? Then hold on tight, because in this final fifth part, we're going to give you the most the greatest Mauritian icons, without which your trip would not be complete. First, let's take a look at an absolute geological wonder – The seven-colored land in Chamarel, where the rolling sand dunes play with incredible shades of purple, red and brown, and right next to it we catch a glimpse of the roaring hundred-meter-high Chamarel waterfall falling into the deep jungle. Then we move south to La Vanille Nature Park, where you can have the best contact experience: feeding and scratching the necks of giant turtles, which funny stretch their legs like ballerinas for a piece of leaf. And we will end this whole Mauritian journey at the most mystical place on the island – at the sacred crater lake Grand Bassin. A place scented with incense smoke, surrounded by colorful Hindu temples and guarded by giant statues of gods will captivate you with its unique spiritual energy. Come and enjoy this spectacular finale!

Zvlněné písečné duny Sedmibarevné země Chamarel na Mauriciu hrající odstíny hnědé a fialové s vyhlídkovou platformou vlevo — A geological wonder that will totally blow your mind. The Seven Colored Earth in Chamarel is a unique place in the world. These rolling dunes were formed by the weathering of volcanic lava and, thanks to the iron and aluminum content, they play with incredible shades from red to purple to brown. The funniest thing is that even if you deliberately mix the colors, they will naturally separate after the first rain.

Obří želva obrovská pijící vodu z malého jezírka na travnaté ploše v geoparku Seven Colored Earth v Chamarelu na Mauriciu — Local resident turtles! You will meet these giant beauties right in the Seven Coloured Land area, who have their own wonderful grassy enclosure. Watching one of these centuries-old giants taking a break by the water with complete peace is a great bonus to the whole trip. These turtles are simply a living icon of Mauritius and you simply won't get tired of seeing them in such a beautiful environment.

Pohled na barevné zvlněné duny Sedmibarevné země v Chamarelu se zelenými mauricijskými horami a modrou oblohou v pozadí — A view that will blow your mind. From this perspective, the Land of Seven Colours stands out even more, especially when these beautifully green Mauritian hills rise in the background under the azure blue sky. The sun plays incredibly with the colorful waves of sand here – just wait a moment to see the shadows changing under the clouds, and the entire lunar landscape in front of you changes shades as you go.

Detailní pohled na zvlněné vrstvy barevné země v geoparku Chamarel na Mauriciu s dřevěným zábradlím na horizontu — The visual highlight of your Mauritian adventure. These rich, red-purple hues of the dunes in Chamarel will make you want to press the shutter button again and again until you run out of space on your card. It's the best proof that Mauritius has a thousand different faces, each of which is worth exploring on your own, without a tour guide!

Monumentální stometrový vodopád Chamarel padající ze skalního převisu do hluboké zelené džungle na Mauriciu — Hundreds of meters of pure awe. Chamarel Falls is the highest on the island and the view from the lookout will definitely take your breath away. The huge mass of water here uncompromisingly rolls over the edge of an ancient lava flow and falls straight into the impenetrable green jungle. Standing here huddled together and listening to the roar, you fully realize the raw power of Mauritian nature.

Skupina obřích želv obrovských odpočívajících na zemi ve stínu stromů v přírodním parku La Vanille Nature Park na Mauriciu — Encountering giants in La Vanille Park. Unlike Île aux Aigrettes, where you see turtles scattered randomly in the forest, here in La Vanille you can see dozens of them in one place. They are giant tortoises (Aldabra) imported from the Seychelles, some of which weigh over 250 kilograms and still remember the century before last. At times, you feel like you are visiting a real Jurassic Park!

Detailní pohled na obří želvu natahující krk a otevírající tlamu pro zelené listy v parku La Vanille na Mauriciu — The highlight of the day – feeding the turtles! As soon as you buy a sprig of green branches at the entrance, you will immediately become the center of the universe for these giants. Because of the juicy leaf, these seemingly lazy creatures can stretch their necks incredibly and open their mouths funny. Rubbing their necks is pure therapy that will make you and your mom laugh the whole time.

Krokodýli nilští plovoucí v kalné vodě a odpočívající na kamenitém břehu v expozici parku La Vanille na Mauriciu — Don't dip your toes in the water here. Originally built as a crocodile farm, La Vanille Park is home to hundreds of Nile crocodiles of all sizes in large breeding tanks. Watching these giant, motionless predators, their mouths half-open and full of sharp teeth, lazily waiting on the shore, is sure to give you goosebumps.

Lemur kata s dlouhým pruhovaným ocasem sedící na tlusté zakroucené liáně v parku La Vanille Nature Park na Mauriciu — This handsome creature with the iconic black and white striped tail is a ring-tailed lemur. In the La Vanille Nature Park, you can observe these agile and incredibly curious creatures up close, as they deftly rest or jump on thick, twisted vines. Their piercing orange gaze will immediately captivate you. Catching them for a photo like this, calmly amidst the branches, is a great catch that simply cannot be missed in this animal gallery!

Výhled na posvátné kráterové jezero Grand Bassin Ganga Talao na Mauriciu s odrazem zlatého chrámu na vodní hladině pod mraky — The sacred Grand Bassin Lake (Ganga Talao) in all its mysterious beauty. This crater lake surrounded by wildlife in the heart of the island is the most sacred place for Mauritian Hindus. The air is intensely fragrant with incense sticks and gigantic statues of deities rise on the horizon. When the water calms down and these golden temples are reflected in it, the place has an incredible spiritual energy.

Bílá socha indického duchovního učitele Sai Baba v oranžovém oděvu na břehu jezera Grand Bassin na Mauriciu — Fascinating details on the shores of Grand Bassin. The statue in the foreground, draped in a bright orange, depicts the famous Indian spiritual teacher Sai Baba. Just behind him, on a pedestal, stands the three-headed Hindu deity Dattatreya, accompanied by a sacred cow. The entire shore of the sacred lake is literally dotted with these shrines, where you can quietly watch local believers leave offerings of flowers, fruit, or burning incense sticks. An amazing sight that will immediately immerse you in the local culture.

Bílá mramorová socha sedícího Buddhy v meditační póze na podstavci v posvátném areálu Grand Bassin na Mauriciu — a beautiful white marble statue of Lord Buddha, which you will find just above the lake itself. In Hindu tradition, Buddha is worshipped as one of the reincarnations of the god Vishnu, so he has his place of honor in this sacred complex. The purity of the white stone and the absolute peace that radiates from this statue perfectly describe the atmosphere of the entire Grand Bassin.

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