10 best spots for photographic safaris in Mauritius

Considering planning an exciting photography holiday in Mauritius? This tropical paradise is more than its pristine beaches and azure waters; it’s a hidden gem for photographers and wildlife enthusiasts seeking breathtaking landscapes in one of the most vibrant places on earth. It doesn’t matter if you’re a seasoned photographer or a novice hobbyist – this island nation provides innumerable captivating scenes that you can capture through your lens on a holiday in Africa.

This article reveals ten remarkable locations where photographers can bask in the splendor of nature and reignite the creative spirit. From the northern coast’s tranquil bays to the southern wilderness, you will be guided  through some excellent photogenic opportunities on this mesmerising island. Read on as you  discover some of the best photography locations in Mauritius and some of the most scenic spots in Mauritius!

Wildlife photography in Mauritius

With its diverse ecosystems hosting unique species like the endangered Mauritian kestrel, Mauritius offers ample opportunities for wildlife photographers. With fascinating marine life, lush flora and fauna, and several nature reserves scattered around the island, wildlife enthusiasts are sure to find a wealth of subjects to photograph:

Île aux Aigrettes

A small island nature reserve just off the southeast coast, Île aux Aigrettes is a prime location for wildlife photographers due to its secluded environment and unique inhabitants. It offers the chance to capture rare, endemic species like the giant tortoise, pink pigeons, and Telfair’s skinks. This islet is a biodiversity hotspot, providing ample opportunities to photograph rare and endangered animals.

La Vallée Des Couleurs Nature Park

Like many of the locations in this list, La Vallée Des Couleurs Nature Park is alluring to wildlife photographers because of the vibrant landscapes and rich biodiversity. This park showcases a kaleidoscope of flora and fauna, including deer, monkeys, and rare, colorful birds, allowing photographers to capture glimpses of the island’s immeasurable beauty.

Casela Nature Parks: African Safari

Here, photographers can experience dozens of Africa’s most iconic animals. This park offers encounters with lions, zebras, giraffes, and rhinos – all in a semi-wild setting, which provides incredible opportunities for capturing stunning images of these majestic creatures.

Casela Nature Parks: Predator Kingdom

This is an exceptional location for wildlife photographers seeking close encounters with apex predators. Visitors can photograph big cats like lions and cheetahs within the confines of the park’s controlled environments. This is about as close as you can get aside from experiencing a real big cat in the wild!

Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden

As long as flora also counts as natural wildlife, this botanical garden is a splendid opportunity for photographers. In addition to the ample greenery, photographers can capture vibrant birdlife, butterflies, and other creatures while surrounded by the garden’s serene and picturesque atmosphere.

Landscape Photography in Mauritius

If natural landscapes are more your speed, Mauritius presents a multitude of possibilities for landscape photography with its varied terrain featuring gorgeous beaches, rugged coastlines, cascading waterfalls, lush rainforests, and even dramatic volcanic peaks! The island’s ever-changing light and colors provide photographers with a one-of-a-kind experience to capture the beauty of nature and its diverse landscapes:

Black River Gorges National Park

Practically a landscape photographer’s dream, Black River Gorges National Park offers a vast expanse of unspoiled wilderness, deep ravines, and lush forest terrain. The park also has stunning vistas, including viewpoints like Alexandra Falls, where photographers can capture the island’s vivacious topography and unique blend of verdant greenery.

Tamarind Falls

Also known as ‘Seven Cascades,’ Tamarind Falls is an enchanting location for landscape photographers, featuring a series of picturesque waterfalls nestled amid dense jungle foliage. Photographers can explore the intricate play of light and shadow on the cascades, capture the serene pools beneath, and frame shots with the surrounding jungle, creating breathtaking compositions that showcase Mauritius’ immeasurable beauty.

Savinia Beach

Sparkling white sands, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and stunning coastal vistas – Savinia Beach’s inimitable atmosphere allows photographers to capture Mauritius’ idyllic shoreline. With the striking backdrop of the Indian Ocean, the contrast between the island and the water makes for breathtaking images that you cannot create anywhere else on Earth.

L’îlot Bernache

This small, uninhabited islet off the main island offers stunningly preserved natural beauty, making it an ideal location for landscape photographers. With secluded beaches, bustling coral reefs, and prolific vegetation – all you have to do is to point and shoot. The interplay of the islet’s landscapes with the surrounding aquamarine waters creates a vivid contrast for photographers to skillfully capture.

Chamarel Seven Colored Earth Geopark

This geopark is renowned for its unique natural phenomenon, where the very ground exhibits seven distinct and vibrant colors. This natural wonder, combined with the surrounding lush environs and the nearby Chamarel Waterfall, means photographers have numerous opportunities to capture a surreal and visually striking landscape.

The importance of sustainable eco-tourism and conservation efforts

With its breathtaking landscapes, precious wildlife, and vibrant culture, Mauritius has become increasingly popular for photographers. To avoid environmental degradation that threatens the very assets that make the island unique, sustainable eco-tourism and conservation efforts must be at the forefront of the conversation.

Conservation initiatives are vital to protect the delicate ecosystems and the rich biodiversity therein. Preservation not only safeguards endangered species but also ensures that photographers can continue to capture these rare creatures in their natural habitats and educate the world about their existence.

Mauritius can minimise its carbon footprint, reduce waste, and protect sensitive wilderness areas from abuse by promoting responsible tourism efforts. This approach preserves the landscapes that photographers seek to capture while benefitting local communities through sustainable income and employment opportunities.

In essence, the synergy between photography tourism, conservation, and sustainable eco-tourism is crucial for Mauritius. With eco-friendly photography, Mauritius can ensure  its natural wonders remain safe. This keeps the beautiful scenes on the island as subjects of photographic artistry and organic treasures for future generations to cherish and protect.

Mauritius is a photographer’s playground to explore and capture truly stunning images, from its captivating wildlife to its otherworldly landscapes. Remember to embrace responsible and sustainable practices to preserve these treasures for future generations to enjoy and photograph. These most photogenic gems in Mauritius are waiting for you!