Green Tourism

Green Tourism

 

There is more to Mauritius than sun, sea and sand… Among the lush vegetation and tropical forests is another world to discover on the island. For those who love nature, there is much to love here. One of the main ‘green’ attractions is the Black River Gorges National Park, which extends over 16,680 acres and provides a haven to endangered native plants and animals. It is home to around 311 species of native and endemic flowering plants and nine species of birds that are only found in Mauritius.

Green tourism is growing rapidly through the number of reserves and “domaines” (estates) that are now beginning to open their doors to tourists. Together, they offer many activities ranging from trekking to canyoning to horse-riding, all offering exceptional panoramic views over the beautiful Mauritian landscape.

 

Mauritius Trails

 

The Dodo Trail

The Dodo Trail is an international Trail Running event taking place in the beautiful Island of Mauritius. Since its 1st edition in 2011, the course has constantly been adapted to the high expectations of international and local trail runners, who throughout the years have discovered and enjoyed the adventurous tracks: a real treasure of the best of Mauritian nature and landscape.

The Dodo Trail is a mountain race that runs through the highest peaks of the South and Western part of the Island for amazing views, running through unique and exclusive private properties.

You would see beautiful colourful lagoons from the mountains and dense tropical forests in the National Park Black River Gorges, which hosts as well amongst the rarest bird on the Island, such the Pink Pigeon or the Eco Parakeet.

Runners love this trail: the Dodo Trail has such a brilliant reputation that not less than 1300 runners turned up this year!

The Dodo Trail offers four unique and challenging trails for experienced enthusiasts runners as well as novices and families:

  • Xtreme Dodo Trail: 50km & 3,500m ascent
  • Ti Dodo Trail: 25km & 1,500m ascent
  • Mini Dodo Trail: 10km & 500m ascent
  • Dodo Fun Run: 5km

 

Ferney Trail

The Ferney Trail, organised by CIEL in partnership with Ilop Sport Reunion, Sun Resorts and RSVP Events is an annual event created in 2008, which count nearly 2,000 enthusiastic participants. The organisers are offering 4 races: a not so easy 35km trail, a 17km trail, a 10km trail and finally a Sun Kids Race of 4km.

This 100% non-profit trail event is a mixture of sport, team spirit, and sharing moments amongst family or with friends, all in a healthy green environment in the midst of the Bambous chain of mountains, with unique and exclusive private domains such as “La Vallée de Ferney” and Domaine de l’Étoile among others.

The Ferney Trail has a unique specificity: offering four races to different categories and types of participants, from 6 years old to 80 years old, while promoting bio-diversity and mountain races / hiking, in a very friendly atmosphere.

To date, the Ferney Trail is the most popular trail event in Mauritius.

For further information visit the official website: www.ferneytrail.com

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Mauritius Marathon

42.195km – 21.1km – 10km

Mauritius Marathon set-up in June 2010 is a unique event because of its claim not only to offer another race, but to create unforgettable experience and magic moments for the runners and their families. The track goes along one of the most beautiful coastal road in Mauritius near crystal clear lagoons, through typical coastal villages with a Finish on the beach! Mauritius Marathon combines sport challenge and discovery of the natural and cultural heritage of Mauritius in a very friendly atmosphere!

Mauritius Marathon and Half-Marathon are AIMS (& IAAF) Certified races.

    For further information visit the official website: www.mauritiusmarathon.com

     

    Royal Raid Mauritius

    LUX* Royal Raid, the first trail run to be set-up in Mauritius is a fantastic mountain run which will lead you inside our Island and makes you discover unforgettable tropical sceneries. Every year, local and international runners and hikers are all enjoying the wonderful friendship atmosphere which prevails, before, all along and after the event! LUX* Royal Raid consists of three races being held simultaneously:

    • LUX* Royal Raid 80 (RR80) a race of 80 kilometers to be covered in less than 20 hours
    • LUX* Royal Raid 35 (RR35) a race of 35 kilometers to be covered in less than 19 hours
    • LUX* Royal Raid 15 (RR15) a race of 15 kilometers

    During your challenge, you will have the exclusive opportunity to discover the following beautiful places of Mauritius:

    • Yemen nature reserve, the largest and the most beautiful nature reserve of the Island
    • The endemic Fauna and Flora and the famous Parakeet Trail of the Black River National Park
    • The nature reserve and sugar cane fields of Frederica - Domaine de Bel Ombre

    For further information visit the official website: www.royalraid.com

     

    Get Muddy

    A world class off-road Triathlon: Swimming, Mountain Biking & Trail Running in the spectacular nature of Mauritius. A real highlight of the Mauritian sporting calendar and part of the XTERRA World Tour.

    This year's 3rd edition will be hosted by presenting sponsor Outrigger Resort & Spa. Following an open water swim in the clear, turquoise lagoon, the race will enter the private estates & nature reserves of Bel Ombre, providing a challenging test to the riders & runners – as well as stunning views towards the south-west coast. Entry is open to pros & amateurs, veterans & first timers, and there is even a special triathlon for kids.

    Beyond the competition, XTERRA is about community, camaraderie and adventure. The beachfront finish line doubles up as the idillic setting for a sunset after-party, capping off a sporting day that will live long in the memory.

    For further information visit the official website: www.get-muddy.com

     

    Ultra Trail Raidlight Beachcomber

    Ultra Trail Raidlight Beachcomber (UTRB) is a truly unique trail running event, set in the tropical paradise island of Mauritius. The third edition, scheduled for the 9th and 10th of July, 2016, will be even more exciting after two very successful ones in 2014 and 2015.

    For further information visit the official website: www.beachcomber-events.com/utrb .

     

    E-biking

    An electric bicycle is not a motorbike: it is primarily a bicycle, whereby one must pedal. But it is a bicycle with an electric motor that makes all the difference. The engine provides assistance that helps you move forward when you need it, while limiting your efforts.

    For further information visit the official website: www.electrobikemauritius.com