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Pamplemousses botanical gardens A veritable oasis of flora and fauna WORDS: PETER HOLTHUSEN
T
he first view the air traveller has of Mauritius is of an emerald-green island
set like a gemstone in the cobalt blue of the vast Indian Ocean. Situated just north of the Tropic of Capricorn, this small pear-shaped island was once an active volcano that formed part of a long chain stretching from La Réunion in the south to Seychelles in the north. Over time the original volcano has been severely eroded so that Mauritius today bears little resemblance to the cone shape so typically associated with most volcanoes. Boasting some of the most beautiful scenery in the world, a wonderfully diverse culture, unspoilt white sand beaches, exhilarating water sports, exotic menus and excellent shopping opportunities, Mauritius is far more than just a tropical beach destination. In fact, it is difficult to believe there is so much to see and do on an island that covers just 787 square miles. Port Louis, which the locals pronounce either as ‘Paulwee’ or ‘Port Loo-is’, is the bustling capital and commercial centre of Mauritius and nestles in a basin with the Moka mountain range’s
56 /Silhouette/april-june 2020
