The place

A 1,300 hectare domain in the south of Mauritius on mountain slopes, ending at the coast. On an ecosystem standpoint, it is the ideal “Ridge-to-reef” zone counting a variety of ecosystems typical of their respective location and elevation, all interconnected to ensure the sustainability and a profusion of “services”, from food stock to inspiring beauty.

On a touristic standpoint it could be limited to its beauty: of the numerous species of fauna & flora, of the topography and of the stunning views. The activities and excursions at Bel Ombre offer much richer experiences.

The project

Like most of Mauritius, the region of Bel Ombre once counted one of the richest biodiversity in the world, with a very high percentage of endemic and indigenous species. Like for the whole of Mauritius, most of this (endemic) biodiversity is lost or threatened, as a result of ignorance from early settlers, of exploitation (mainly agricultural) of the colonising powers, of mismanagement by the authorities since independence.

Heritage could have limited the Bel Ombre project to a tourist attraction, the exploitation of natural beauty. Instead, through restoration programmes in which Heritage is directly involved and a scientifically driven management, Heritage has taken a sustainable tourism approach, with the scope of not only making sure this beauty lasts but to restore at best the ensemble of ecosystems and the services they provide.

The tours and hikes are therefore centred around the biodiversity, the ecosystems, how they interact and the steps taken and to be taken for their conservation and restoration.

The excursions and activities

The Domaine de Bel Ombre proposes excursions into three distinct parts of the domain:
the Frederica reserve, the Sepoy fortification and the Unesco biosphere. And by a variety of means, of which we retain the least motorised.

Trails:
– 2-hour along the Jacotet river,
– 2-hour waterfalls trek,
– 5-hour guided trek within the Unesco Biosphere,
– 5-hour guided trek to Cascade 500 pieds

Picnics at any of the three spots.

Residents of the Heritage hotels, Heritage Le Chateau and Heritage villas have enlarged possibilities.


    Bel Ombre

    Sightseeing in Mauritius

    Sightseeing

    Hiking in Mauritius

    Hiking

    Birdwatching in Mauritius

    Birdwatching

    Restaurants in Mauritius

    Restaurant

    Hiking Bel Ombre Mauritius

    Other experiences

    The place

    A 1,300 hectare domain in the south of Mauritius on mountain slopes, ending at the coast. On an ecosystem standpoint, it is the ideal “Ridge-to-reef” zone counting a variety of ecosystems typical of their respective location and elevation, all interconnected to ensure the sustainability and a profusion of “services”, from food stock to inspiring beauty.

    On a touristic standpoint it could be limited to its beauty: of the numerous species of fauna & flora, of the topography and of the stunning views. The activities and excursions at Bel Ombre offer much richer experiences.

    The project

    Like most of Mauritius, the region of Bel Ombre once counted one of the richest biodiversity in the world, with a very high percentage of endemic and indigenous species. Like for the whole of Mauritius, most of this (endemic) biodiversity is lost or threatened, as a result of ignorance from early settlers, of exploitation (mainly agricultural) of the colonising powers, of mismanagement by the authorities since independence.

    Heritage could have limited the Bel Ombre project to a tourist attraction, the exploitation of natural beauty. Instead, through restoration programmes in which Heritage is directly involved and a scientifically driven management, Heritage has taken a sustainable tourism approach, with the scope of not only making sure this beauty lasts but to restore at best the ensemble of ecosystems and the services they provide.

    The tours and hikes are therefore centred around the biodiversity, the ecosystems, how they interact and the steps taken and to be taken for their conservation and restoration.

    The excursions and activities

    The Domaine de Bel Ombre proposes excursions into three distinct parts of the domain:
    the Frederica reserve, the Sepoy fortification and the Unesco biosphere. And by a variety of means, of which we retain the least motorised.

    Trails:
    – 2-hour along the Jacotet river,
    – 2-hour waterfalls trek,
    – 5-hour guided trek within the Unesco Biosphere,
    – 5-hour guided trek to Cascade 500 pieds

    Picnics at any of the three spots.

    Residents of the Heritage hotels, Heritage Le Chateau and Heritage villas have enlarged possibilities.

    Other experiences