Experience the indigenous yet diverse and beautiful natural heritage of Mauritius in its most pristine state – the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve – Bel Ombre. Watch your steps and keep your eyes wide open as you wander a truly unique site with a distinctly Jurassic feel to it. A worthy and memorable foray back in time to when the island was an immaculate natural sanctuary still unknown to man.
The Macchabée-Bel Ombre area in the South-West of Mauritius has been recognised as a Biosphere Reserve under UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Programme (MAB) since 1977. Covering 3,594 hectares on the outskirts of Plaine Champagne, it is a protected and preserved site that is home to the last remnants of the island’s endemic vegetation.
The UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is accessible with a four-wheel drive safari vehicle or through trekking on foot and experienced guides from the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation will introduce you to some wonderful marshlands, heath, tropical evergreen forest and mid-latitude forest. They will also help you identify the rare endemic bird species with exotic names such as the Echo Parakeet, the Mauritius Kestrel, the Pink Pigeon, the Cuckoo Shrike, the Olive White-eye and the Mauritius Fody.
Each participant contributes to the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation by taking this fun and enlightening adventure into the wild!
Activities available include:
Guided Trek with Ranger
Explore the spectacular Biosphere Reserve on a 5-hour guided trek with a knowledgeable and passionate local ranger who will lead you along scenic trails and introduce you to the unique natural features and creatures of the area.
Biosphere 4×4 Adventure
Embark with our expert guides on a fascinating 2-hour four-wheel-drive tour that will immerse you into the heart of a rich biodiversity hotspot supporting a diverse range of endemic flora and fauna. Duration : 2h / Min. Pers. : 2 and Max. Pers. : 6 / Sessions : 9h30am and 01h30pm.
Roving picnic
A premium guided outing in our Land Rover, along the scenic routes in the south west, finishing with a light picnic near the Pink Pigeon conservation station, next to the UNESCO Biosphere. Duration : 6 h / Min. Pers. : 2 and Max. Pers. : 4 / Session : 9h00am
