Mauritius Eco Lodges
This is a place to explore Mauritius Eco Lodges! Mauritius is famous for dreamy beaches and coral reefs. It is also a rising star in ecotourism. The island offers a rich mix of biodiversity. You will find stunning landscapes and vibrant culture. Mauritius is a true paradise for nature lovers. You are in the right place for ecotourism.
Mauritius Eco Lodges And Resorts
Mauritius Ecotourism
Many Mauritius hotels now adopt eco-friendly practices. They use solar power and alternative energy, as well as greywater recycling. Some feature permaculture gardens and marine conservation if they’re near the shore.
Mauritius is investing heavily in sustainable tourism. This effort includes several key areas:
- Eco-friendly Activities: Enjoy hiking in beautiful national parks. Try kayaking in mangroves or snorkeling in coral zones. Bird watching in protected areas is also popular.
- Sustainable Resorts: Many lodges invest in alternative energy. They focus on waste reduction and local food.
- Nature Conservation: You can join projects like planting native trees. Help restore the island’s natural beauty.
- Educational Walks: Local guides explain the value of the ecosystem. Learn while you explore the island.
The government and local foundations work together. They raise awareness and protect vulnerable areas. These groups aim to conserve local biodiversity.
Best ecotourism destinations in Mauritius
Here are some highlights for nature lovers and sustainable travelers:
Black River Gorges National Park
• This is the largest protected nature reserve on the island.
• You can go hiking along waterfalls, see rare trees, as well as birds such as the pink pigeon.
• This Park is perfect for bird watching and the use of eco guides.
Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanic Garden
A large collection of indigenous and exotic plants can be found at the Botanic Garden. This includes the giant Victoria Amazonica water lilies. To read more about the Botanic Garden you can go here: Botanic Gardens Conservation on Wikipedia.
Île aux Aigrettes
• Is a small Island, and nature reserve managed by the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation.
• Noted as a conservation site for native animals and plants. You can see rare endemic flora and fauna here, such as the Mauritius fody and giant tortoises.
• Go on guided tours with eco guides.
The Mauritian Wildlife Foundation has spent a lot of time and energy to rebuild Ile aux Aigrettes. Their objective is to “Promote ecotourism, as a means to raise public awareness, generate income and employment and to contribute towards the sustainable development of Mauritius.
Mauritius Map
Chamarel
• Visit the “Seven Coloured Earths”, sustainable rum distillery and eco-parks.
• Learn about the geology of the 7 different colored sands of the Geopark.
• The area is rich in sustainable initiatives.
Blue Bay Marine Park
• Protected marine areas with coral reefs and many tropical fish.
• It is ideal for snorkeling or sustainable diving (practices and principles that promote marine conservation).
• Choose eco-certified tour operators.
La Vanille Nature Park (Heritage Reserve)
• Reintroduction of giant tortoises, beekeeping projects and botanical gardens.
• Supports educational initiatives.
Suggestions for a 2 week Sustainable Itinerary in Mauritius
Week 1 – Southwest and Inland
Day 1–2: arrival and accommodation in an Mauritius eco lodge near Chamarel.
Day 3: visit Chamarel Seven Coloured Earths and Eco-Rum Distillery. See above for more information.
Day 4–5: go to Black River Gorges – hike with an ecoguide.
Day 6: visit La Vanille Nature Park.
Day 7: relax in Bel Ombre and visit Heritage Nature Reserve.
Week 2 – Southeast and Coast of Mauritius
Day 8–9: Île aux Aigrettes tour + Blue Bay snorkeling.
Day 10: Vallée de Ferney walk + lunch with local products on your plate
Day 11–12: (free) leisure days at one of the Mauritius eco lodges on the east coast.
Day 13–14: Local workshops or a day trip to Ile aux Cerfs by solar boat.
For eco-conscious travelers, have a look at our page with more than 40 sustainable travel tips.
Crystal Rock- Chamarel Seven Coloured Earths
Flora and Fauna
The flora of Mauritius is special because the island has many endemic species – plants that are found nowhere else in the world. See endemic species below.
Flora – What Grows In Mauritius?
• Ebony trees (the Diospyros tessellaria): once abundant, now rare. Restoration projects are underway.
• Trochetia boutoniana (the national flower): only found on one mountainside!
• Native palms, such as the Latanier bleu.
• Unique Forest plants: such as the “Bois de Natte” and “Bois de Colophane”, only found in reserves such as the Black River Gorges or Le Vallée de Ferney.
Long tailed Macaque
Boucle d’Oreille
Giant Toirtoise
Bois de Natte
Fody songbird
Black Ebony
Mauritian flying fox
Pink pigeon
Latanier Blue
Zebra Dove
Fauna – What Animals Can You Spot In Mauritius?
The fauna is equally fascinating – many unique species have been saved from extinction through intensive conservation:
• Mauritius kestrel (endangered): once the world’s rarest bird (only 4 left in the wild in the 1970s!), now somewhat restored thanks to projects.
• Aldabra giant tortoises: introduced as an ecological replacement for the extinct Mauritian species.
• Pink pigeon and echo parakeet: endemic birds with successful rescue programs.
• Coral reefs and tropical fish: many places around Mauritius are marine reserves (such as Blue Bay). Note: there are no native mammals except for a few bats, such as the Mauritius flying fox.
Small-Scale Nature Conservation Projects
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Mauritian Wildlife Foundation
• The largest NGO to be only concerned with the conservation of the endemic endangered plants and animals of Mauritius.
• Reintroduction projects for endemic species. They do this via restoration of entire ecosystems.
Vallée de Ferney Conservation Trust
• Reforestation of native forest.
• Educational eco-walks and volunteering.
Lagoon Attitude Hotel – Marine Discovery Centre
• Community project focused on reef and fish conservation.
• Education for tourists on sustainable diving and snorkeling.
Ebony Forest Reserve (Chamarel)
• Private eco-project with reforestation, bird sanctuary and environmental education.
• Visits possible for eco-tours or volunteering.
Environmental Challenges in Mauritius
- Loss of biodiversity
Mauritius is one of the countries with the highest extinction rates in the world.
Causes: habitat destruction, invasive species, urbanization.
Many endemic animal species, such as the dodo, are already extinct. - Pressure from tourism and construction
Increase in hotels along the coast have led to the destruction of mangroves and coral reefs
Overtourism threatens marine ecosystems. - Coral bleaching and climate change
Seawater warming is causing coral bleaching.
Rising sea levels are threatening coastal communities. - Invasive species
Animals such as monkeys (cynomolgus macaque, a macaque species), rats, wild boars and exotic plants are displacing endemic species.
- Mauritius Coastline
- Waterfall Chamarel
- Seven Coloured Earths Geopark
Mauritius Policy on Ecotourism and Sustainability
Mauritius recognizes ecotourism as an essential component of sustainable development. Key policies:
National Ecotourism Policy (2022–2031)
Objective: Position Mauritius as a green tourism destination.
Focus on:
• Protection of nature reserves.
• Support to local communities.
• Promotion of Mauritius eco lodges.
• Environmental education for tourists and residents.
Protected Area Network Expansion
• Protection of additional natural areas (such as Amber Island, Le Morne).
• Reintroduction programs for native species.
Blue Economy and Marine Protection Zones
Blue Economy covers all economic activities related to oceans, seas and coastal areas, with an emphasis on sustainable use and conservation of resources.
• More marine reserves around vulnerable reefs and lagoons.
• Sustainable fishing and ecotourism as alternative sources of income.
Stimulation of sustainable initiatives
• Subsidies for ecolodges, alternative energy and waste management.
• The Mauritius Green Label is a national certification. The Ministry of Environment established this program. it promotes sustainable practices in the tourism sector. This includes hotels, ecolodges, and luxury resorts. Several hotels have earned the Green Label today.
Mauritius Eco Lodges and Travel Safety
Check in advance about the safety in Mauritius and in the places you plan to visit. You can also consult your country’s official government websites. For Canadian citizens and others, see the Government of Canada’s Travel Advisories for Mauritius.
IMAGE CREDITS > Chamarel Colored sand. Image by SeverS74 from Pixabay. > Crystal rock. Image by Stefan from Pixabay.. > Boucle d’Oreille. Image by Ben Dymond. Wikimedia C.C. 4.0. > Bois de Natte a Petites Feuilles. Image by S Molteno. Wikimedia C. C. 1.0. > Black Ebony. Image by S Molteno. Wikimedia C. C. 1.0 . > Latanier Blue. Image by Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz. Wikimedia C.C. 4.0.
> Long tailed macaque. Image by Kev from Pixabay. > Giant Tortoise. Image by bigfoot from Pixabay. > Mauritius Fody. Image by gekkodigitalmedia from Pixabay. > Mauritian zebra dove, Zebra dove. Image by Kev from Pixabay. > Mauritian flying fox (Pteropus niger). Image by Charles J. Sharp. Wikimedia C.C. 4.0. > Pink pigeon (Nesoenas mayeri). Image by Charles J. Sharp. Wikimedia C.C. 4.0. > Waterfall Chamarel image. Image by wurliburli from Pixabay. > Mauritius Coastline. Image by Martina Janochová from Pixabay. > > Seven Coloured Earths Geopark in Chamarel. Image by “dronepicr”. Wikimedia C. C. 2.0.
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