Some 560 kilometres north-east of Mauritius lies Rodrigues: the jewel in the crown of the Mascarene Islands – a 18 kilometre by 8 kilometre pearl surrounded by a crystalline blue lagoon twice its size.
The secure waters of the lagoon and the trade winds that gently buffer the island provide many opportunities for the adventurous. Rodrigues is a wonderful playground for scuba divers who quickly fall in love with the diverse coral reef eco-system and its colourful assortment of sub-aquatic flora and fauna. Equally, the island appeals to those with a love of windsurfing, kite-surfing, sailing and fishing. Thanks to its outer reef edges sitting nearly ten kilometres away from the coastline, Rodriguan waters are rich in fish. In fact, no fewer than three world record catches have been hooked here since 2005.
It isn’t only those who like the ocean that will be swayed by Rodrigues’ charms. Yellows, greens and blues: nature on Rodrigues throbs with a palette of colours. Rarely will visitors encounter such a variety of landscapes in such a small area.
There are only two ways to reach Rodrigues Island from the outside world. One is by the passenger and cargo vessel Mauritius Trochetia, which runs between Port Louis and Rodrigues on a bimonthly basis and takes 36-48 hours to reach depending on sea conditions.
Another way is to fly from SSR airport, Mauritius to Rodrigues Airport via Air Mauritius flights. There are 2-5 flights to Rodrigues Island per day depending on the time of the year and takes an hour and thirty minutes to reach. Another way in is from Reunion Island by Air Austral flights on Fridays and Sundays. The frequency is moderated as per the season demands.
The best time to visit is from May to December when the weather is cool, dry and sunny. Expect some of Africa's best beaches, fresh seafood and long, sundrenched days on a Mauritius holiday. The island has a classic tropical climate with warm weather year-round.
Despite its small size, Rodrigues has so much to offer you; its captivating geological relief, enchanting valleys, mesmerising islets in the splendid turquoise ocean, and its very serene environment, Rodrigues will leave you breathless.
So you don’t know where to start exploring, then consider this list of fantastic places to visit in Rodrigues.
Port Mathurin
Located in the North Eastern side of the island, Port Mathurin, the capital which is also the regional administrative centre of Rodrigues, offers you all the necessary facilities which are not likely to be found in other parts of the island.
The chief town is named after the French settler, Mathurin Bréhinier, who was one of the first inhabitants of this region. The capital features facilities such as the banks, ATMs, travel agencies, well equipped library with free wifi access, the market, craft shops, casino, restaurants and supermarkets, along with other developments.
Port Mathurin holds no similarities with the other capitals of the Indian Ocean, be it Port Louis (Mauritius) or St-Denis (Reunion Island). Owing to its small size, it stays calm and half immersed in its own torpor; there’s no traffic jam, no traffic lights, and no rush.
Much is happening at its central market, here the stage is set to begin play at dawn itself: as from 5 in the morning, the small world flocks to the market, the packed buses set down vendors from all over the island with their baskets overflowing with provisions. It is open on a daily basis, however, on Saturdays, the town is taken over by a particular atmosphere, where many people go to the market to buy fresh vegetables, fruits and seafood, partly brought by the Trochetia ship from Mauritius sail to the nearby port. Here, you will spot many local women selling artisanal products such as handicraft bags, accessories, hats, mat, including food stuffs such as the pickles, coffee, and salted seafood.
While strolling along the streets you will find the magnificent mosque and church that add to the highlights of the capital. Roaming further, you will find the local handicraft shops selling articles that have been skilfully woven in raffia or in vacoas (hats, baskets, jewellery boxes)
You can also visit the workshop of the Craft Aid, a small enterprise that employ handicapped people who are assigned with the task of designing a multitude of jewelleries from the shell of coconuts and who are also specialised in apiculture. The Craft Aid had won an Excellence Award in 2000 during an international contest, along with the honey of Rodrigues which has acquired much fame.
Despite its elevated temperature, here you can chill at the many restaurants offering succulents dishes. In the late afternoon, the bustling town becomes quiet place, and all you can hear is the chirping of the birds!
Mont Limon
If you fancy for a panoramic 360° view over the island, then Mont Limon is where you need to go. The mountain has the highest point at 1,300 ft (398m) above sea level, and is situated at the heart of the island.
Mont Limon offers you magnificent views of the island, the gorgeous geological relief, agricultural terraces, and the azure blue ocean. The temperature there is slightly elevated, and due to this, there are plenty of lush green vegetations.
Spent half day strolling to the peak of the mountain, and enjoy the fresh air in the soothing green milieu, and feast your eyes with the authentic beauty of Rodrigues.
Rodrigues Island Beaches
If you are looking for some quiet yet picturesque beaches, then Rodrigues will not disappoint you. Let yourself savour each minute of pure bliss in a completely relaxing unspoiled beaches fringed with casuarina trees, and sometimes adorned with exotic flowers.
If you want to get up close with the natural surroundings of this volcanic island, then you can set off on a hike to explore the flora and fauna while reaching the gorgeous eastern beaches of the island, notably Anse Ali, Saint Francois and Trou d’Argent, which is in fact best done by walking.
Enjoy the stunning geological features at Trou d’Argent which is accessible on foot from Graviers, Pointe Canon or Saint François. It can be reached with moderate effort by walking along the coastline and preserved narrow creek-like coves. Trou d’Argent has recently been ranked among the 30 best preserved beaches in the world!
Ile Aux Cocos – The Bird Sanctuary
Very popular among the tourists, the Ile aux Cocos islet which is also known for its sandy necklace beach encircling its shores, is located at 4 km to the west of Rodrigues. It is one and a half kilometre long and 250 metres wide.
Bird watchers will feast their eyes with the most elegant bird species, the white tern (Gygis Alba), quite rare in Rodrigues. It is nicknamed “the Virgin Bird” due to its immaculately white colour. The noddy, nicknamed “mandarin“, is found in greater numbers than the other species. Two species, not easily discernible, live together: the brown noddy (Anous stolidus) and the lesser noddy (Anous tenuirostris). Some of the species are migratory birds, like the sooty terns, which the people of Rodrigues have nicknamed “yéyé” due to their thundering cheeping. They come and stay on the island during the summer, and at this particular period, up to 4500 birds can be seen on the island!
Ile aux Cocos can be accessed by pirogue only with an authorization delivered by Discovery Rodrigues Company Limited. Duly registered operators have access to the island for the day. It is however forbidden to light fires on the island and only partial access is allowed to ensure the tranquillity of the birds and their nestlings.
The neighbouring island, île aux Sables, which provides shelter to thousands of birds, is completely shut off to the public. In addition, fishing in the islets’ surroundings is not authorized so as to preserve the food resources of the occupants that are fond of squids and small fishes.
Two guardians, staying permanently on the island, share between themselves the task of keeping an eye over the island. Thanks to these controls, the island remains a reproduction site for the species: a proof of a successful cohabitation between the birds and the tourists.
François Leguat Giant Tortoise Reserve
Located in the Southern coast of the island, just some minutes away from the airport, discover this 20-hectares of nature reserve of the rich flora and fauna, including spectacular caves that make up for a unique place to visit.
Here with the introduction of endemic plants, shrubs and trees, along with protected animal species, you will experience the pristine nature of the island as it used to be some 300 years back.
Enjoy a nice stroll and close interaction with the giant tortoises which were once present in large numbers.
As you walk 2km-long through the reserve, surrounded by emerging forest and some very rare plants, with the luxuriant greenery, a stark contrast to the rest of the island, a reminder of man’s destructive impact on his environment.
Over-exploitation has led to a massive decrease of animal species in the island dated back to the colonial period. Reports by human predators on this once lucrative trade are edifying: tortoises were transported by thousands during multiple voyages to Mauritius upon order of the British East India Company.
Since then, tortoises are given all the attention they deserve at the reserve. They are well protected and are under careful surveillance.
Caverne Patate
The renowned Caverne Patate is an interesting site visit that are recommended for tourists, due to its outstanding discovery of 2,000 ft (600 m) of stalactites and stalagmites, which decorate the cave of more than 1000 meters long.
Embedded underneath a coral plain resulting from the movement of tectonic plates, Caverne Patate is one of the places you don’t want to miss. There are usually guides that will accompany you and will give some interesting insights about the cave.
In the light of an electric torch, you will discover stunning shapes sculpted in the rocks, blackened by the torches used long ago. Their interpretation varies from person to person; the guide is making out a fish, a witch, a boat and so on. But, the relief and the tints of the vault are the principal charms that fill us with wonder. Note that there is a very minimal fee that you must pay for the entrance.
Rodrigues Jardin des 5 Sens
Explore this enchanting botanical garden, located in the centre of the island. Rodrigues, “Jardin 5 Sens” offers an immersion in the Rodriguan flora with endemic fruit trees, aromatic and medicinal plants and flowers, which are unique in the world. Through commented guided tours of an hour each, which are completely interactive and educational, it is possible to learn about the legends, medicinal virtues and culinary benefits of plants that grow up in the Rodriguan fertile soil.