Nature is the biggest attraction in Mauritius during the whole year. Still you haven’t seen anything if you didn’t visit the island during December and January. Being the second-largest supplier of plants and cut flowers in the world, Mauritius offers spellbinding views of richly coloured flowers blossoming all over the island.
Among others, look for bright crimson bottle brushes (a flower literally resembling bottle brush), majestic purple lilies, diverse blossoming cactuses, delicate Plumeria flowers, and more than 60 species of orchids.
Exotic beauty ornates the entire island, but you should know about some of the unmissable locations. The top place is the Black River Gorges National Park area in La Preneuse. The vast rainforest park in the south-west offers picnic areas and 37 mi (60 km) of hiking trails.
Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden in Pamplemousses in the north of the island, boasts 500 species of plants. It's particularly famous for the giant water lilies pond and Talipot palm. Another thing which makes it special is its age. This botanical garden dates back to the 18th century being one of the oldest of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere.
The final spot to check-in is Ile aux Aigrettes Nature Reserve located on the Aigrette Island, an islet off Mauritius' south-east coast. This reserve stands out with its orchid conservations.
Practical info
When is the optimal time to visit Mauritius if one wants to witness the blooming of flowers?
Witnessing Mauritius emerging as a colourful flowerbed is best experienced in December and January. During these months, the island is filled with an abundance of richly coloured flowers. Mauritius is the second-largest supplier of cut flowers and plants in the world. Throughout the island, during these two months, tourists can witness exotic flowers blossoming in numerous locations. Show more
What are some of the most recommended sites in Mauritius when it comes to seeing exotic flowers?
To witness exotic flowers in Mauritius, three of the most recommended sites would be: Black River Gorges National Park located in La Preneuse, Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden in Pamplemousses, and Ile aux Aigrettes Nature Reserve found on Aigrette Island. Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden, with its 500 plant species, is considered one of the oldest of its kind in the South Hemisphere. On the other hand, Ile aux Aigrettes Nature Reserve stands out because of its orchid conservation efforts. Show more
What is the number of plant species that can be found at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden?
Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden boasts 500 plant species, both indigenous and exotic ornamental plants from different tropical regions. Located in Pamplemousses, the garden is home to attractions such as the giant water lilies pond, and the Talipot palm, and it is regarded as one of the oldest of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere, founded in the 18th century. Show more
What distinguishes Ile aux Aigrettes Nature Reserve from the other available reserves on the island?
Ile aux Aigrettes Nature Reserve is located on the islet of Aigrette Island, off the southeast coast of Mauritius, and offers the remarkable preservation of orchids and endemic species of both animals and plants. The reserve is an excellent eco-tourism site and can only be reached after a boat trip from the Blue Bay Marine Park, which in itself is an added benefit of the excursion. Show more
What are some unique blossoms one might observe in Mauritius during December and January?
December and January are prime months to observe the fascinating and distinctive flowers in Mauritius. Tourists might witness various blooms, which include the bright crimson bottle brushes, diverse blossoming cactuses, majestic purple lilies, and delicate Plumeria flowers. With over 60 species of orchids, visitors are guaranteed a beautiful and enchanting experience on the island during these months. Show more
