Day 20 – Thursday 4 February

Mauritius.

We had an early morning start from Port Louis, the capital, on the north-west of this independent island, with our driver, Bhugloo, as we headed south an inland.

Our first stop was at Floreal, where we looked through a factory shop of model ships.

Next stop at Curepipe, where we looked at the Trou aux Cerfs crater, and spectacular views of the Port Louis, Trois Mamelles and the west coast.

We passed by Mare aux Vacoas, the island’s major reservoir.

We then visited the Hindu sacred lake at the Grand Bassin.

We then drove through the Plante Champagne, with a stop at Alexandra Falls, with its spectacular views of the south coast, and a large snail.

The next stop was at the Black River (Riviere Noir) Gorges National Park, for more spectacular views, including some monkeys.

The next stop was at Chammerel to see the 7-coloured earth, and some tortoises.

We then had an enjoyable Indian lunch at Les Palmiers restaurant nearby.

We descended down to the south-western coast, and stopped at Tamarin Beach and another view of Trois Mamelles.

We passed by salt pans.

We returned to Port Louis for some sightseeing:

Chinese Pagoda

Fort Adelaide

Racecourse

The Central Market

The main esplanade, with the Parliament Building

We then returned to the Queen Elizabeth for dinner and entertainment from the magician, Philip Hitchcock.

 Now for 7 sea days across the Indian Ocean until we arrive in Fremantle.