Moka is a village in Mauritius located in the Moka District, the western part of the village also lies in the Plaines Wilhems District. Réduit is a suburb of the village where the State House and University of Mauritius is situated. The village is also home to the Mauritius Broadcasting Corporation and the Mahatma Gandhi Institute.
The Mahatma Gandhi Institute is an educational institution focused of secondary, tertiary and pre-vocational education. It also promotes and facilitates research and preservation of cultural heritage and arts.
The State House is the official residence of the President of Mauritius. Originally it was built as a defence fortress and was called Le Réduit. It used to serve as the residence for former governors of Mauritius, but now it is the residence of the President. It is built on 240 acres of land. The château is open to the public two days a year, in October and March.
The house has persisted through history; it was destroyed by a cyclone, rebuilt, and has been renovated since.
Moka Range
Schools in Moka include Le Bocage International School, Mahatma Gandhi Institute, Mahatma Gandhi Secondary School, St. Mary Roman Catholic School, and Ecole du Centre. There are two universities. The University of Mauritius is the national university of Mauritius. It is the oldest and largest university in the country in terms of student enrollment and curriculum offered. Charles Telfair Institute is an international university campus of Curtin University (Perth, Western Australia). It offers certificate, diploma, undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes.
Mauritius has an intrinsically limited surface area and one of the highest geographical densities in Africa. There was a need for a sustainable and healthy development to maximise the land use. This led to the birth in 2015 of the Smart City Scheme, designed by the Economic Development Board with the support of the Government of Mauritius. The objective was to develop well-thought-out and qualitative urban environments that use innovation and urban planning to maximise benefits for all users and residents. The need to reduce the amount of travel time and traffic congestion was recognised. The model so developed was called smart city. Smart cities need to provide “live, work & play” opportunities within close vicinity.
Moka took the smart city concept as the major guiding principle in its own development. That meant that they had to provide a living environment comprising offices, common green areas and sport facilities as well as dedicated areas for commercial, residential, educational or healthcare purposes. For example Les Allées d’Helvétia is a family-friendly village designed to offer a pleasant and convenient everyday life. The residential area sits next to a fully equipped sports centre, three schools (from kindergarten to secondary level), a shopping centre and a wellness area with 15 therapists. This cosmopolitan neighbourhood with a human soul thus offers a qualitative and comprehensive living.
Moka Business Park
Moka encouraged their residents to leave their cars at home and use public transport or use La Promenade to walk or ride a bike to get to their workplace.
The Champ de Mars Racecourse is a thoroughbred horse race track in Port Louis, Mauritius. The Racecourse was inaugurated on 25 June 1812, by The Mauritius Turf Club (MTC). Turf Club is the second oldest horse-racing club in the world. The racing season is from late March to early December. The Champ de Mars attracts tens of thousands of people on each racing day.
Within the premises of the racecourse stands a statue of King Edward VII, and the Malartic Tomb, an obelisk to a French governor.
On a racing day.
When Mauritius gained independence on 12 March 1968, the event including the flag hoisting ceremony was held here. Since then and for many years, the racecourse has seen the annual celebration of the accession to independence.
When he came to Mauritius, Colonel Edward Draper enthusiastically promoted horse racing at the Champ de Mars for some twenty years, racing his own thoroughbreds, often riding them in competition, to the point that he became known as the “Father” of the Mauritius Turf Club.
Race Horses
Mauritius’ big horse races include the Duchess of York Cup, Barbé Cup, Maiden Cup, and the Duke of York Cup. The horses and jockeys come mostly from South Africa and Australia. The races are held on weekends.
Notable royal visits include those of Queen Elizabeth II; Princess Margaret, Countess of Snowdon; and Prince William, Duke of Cambridge.
Mauritius is home to many markets where buyers get a wide variety of handicrafts and local goods. Located in the heart of Grand Baie, the Grand Baie Bazaar is where you will get a variety of stalls with souvenirs such as colorful bags, fabrics, handicrafts and gift items on offer. Stones, silver or gold jewelry can also be bought in several shops.
While you are at the Grand Baie Bazaar, check around the market to see if you can get a cheaper deal at another store. The quality of the mock-designer clothing is average, so do not be disappointed if your dress looks worn out after a couple of washes. The market is usually crowded on weekends and therefore beware of pickpockets.
Grand Baie Bazaar
Grand Baie Bazaar is located away from the Royal Road in what may look like a hidden inland street. The street at the Grand Baie has shops lined at both sides of the alley.
Grand Baie Bazaar is the right place to buy Malagasy and Mauritian Crafts.
A wide variety of street food and snacks are also available in the food stalls in the market.
In Super U Hypermarket, which is located in Grand Baie, a self-caterer gets almost everything he can imagine. Baguette, jam, chocolate, mixed pickles, Indian masala – there is nothing you can not find here. Super U also has a wide choice of fresh foods like cheese, meat and fish, vegetables and fruits. Not only ingredients for a decent meal can be bought in the big supermarket, but also things like souvenirs, snorkeling equipment, clothes, shoes, books, magazines and newspapers.
‘Bluesteel‘, ‘Roxy‘, ‘IV Play‘, ‘Red Snapper‘ are clothing stores for the younger people. ‘Une histoire d´amour‘ provides lovely lingerie. Beachwear can be found at the same-named shop. ‘Lemon Yellow‘ has a wide choice of man´s shirts. If you are looking for jewelry, ‘Mikado‘ is the right spot. For evening dresses you go to the store ‘Tendances’. Even a pharmacy is also to be found.
Shopping in Grand Baie
If you go outside this area you will find even more shops on two floors. ‘Island Haze‘, ‘Fashion House‘, ‘Mr. Price‘, ‘Peace Angels‘ and ‘O`Neill‘ provide you with the latest fashion. Shops like Courts Home2Office and Happy World offer housewares, electrical and electronic devices. Of course you will also find jewelers, perfumeries like Mado or shops with accessories like Gurlz. Also a craft market is to be found which is decorated in an Asian style, where you can bargain not like in other shops. There are shoe shops, a wellness centre, a florist and also an optician.
The Domaine de Labourdonnais is a historic destination in Mauritius. It has multiple activities revolving around its exceptional natural and cultural heritage. It has become a diversified business comprising four core activities: Leisure, Sports & Wellness, Agriculture & Processing and Real Estate.
Domaine de Labourdonnais is famous for its Château, a real jewel of the Mauritian heritage. Built in 1856, the Château de Labourdonnais was inhabited by a Mauritian family for over 150 years. In 2006 Château de Labourdonnais underwent major restoration works to be restored to its former glory. Today, Domaine de Labourdonnais has become one of the most attractive cultural places to visit in Mauritius. The whole estate, especially the Château, reflects the 19th-century art of living in Mauritius.
Château de Labourdonnais
The path leading up to the Château is lined on both sides by Intendance trees (Ficus Retusa). Not only is the Domaine de Labourdonnais more than a simple tourist attraction but it has become a highly coveted place to live and work in the North of Mauritius.
The visit to the Château ends at the tasting bar, where visitors can taste the 100% Mauritian products manufactured at Les Vergers de Labourdonnais and La Distillerie de Labourdonnais. After tasting the in-house rum, the visitors can then bring home in a souvenir bottle. Visitors can also enjoy the experience aboard the Labourdonnais Express, a little train that travels through the estate.
Labourdonnais Express
The visitors can have breakfast and lunch at La Terrasse, a café offering both Mauritian and European dishes. Alternatively, taste the gastronomic cuisine prepared by Italian chef at La Table du Château. This restaurant also offers catering services comprising refined and personalized menus for all types of receptions, including a wide selection of appetizers and more gastronomic dishes.
Visitors can also stock up on Domaine de Labourdonnais products, available at La Corbeille, a delicatessen offering a large selection of local, artisanal and organic products.
Domaine de Labourdonnais also offers Château’s gardens or restaurant for weddings, corporate events and other receptions. The Ernest Wiehe conference room is ideal for professional events like conventions, exhibitions, seminars or training courses. Old houses have also been renovated into offices, available for rent to all kinds of businesses.
There are several zip lines suitable for adventure seekers in Mauritius. CHAZAL ecotourisme In the middle of the green hills of the south of Mauritius, there is a marvelous garden called CHAZAL. Here you will find the long zip line of 400 meters, followed by two shorter ones at 180 and 110 meters respectively. The zip line is managed by a company called Rodrig Adventure (commonly known as Tyrodrig). While you are riding the zip line you will get stunning views of the green valleys, along with the stunning ocean at Montagne Malgache.
In addition to zip-lines trekking, you can enjoy walks in the hunting reserve, walks along a suspension bridge (at Cascade Pistache), bungee jumping (at Cascade Pistache) and Via Ferrata (at Montagne Tonnerre).
Chazal Ecotourism
Chamouny Zip line Located somewhere in the Mauritian outback, in the middle of sugar cane and close to the woods, the zip line is suitable for even the kids (7 and 9) to master the thrilling zip lines from one side of the river to the other. Swimming below the cascade is also great, but don’t forget your insect repellent.
Ferney Valley Ferney Valley consists of 7 zip lines of different lengths, heights, and speed. These zip lines were originally created for biologists who were trying to observe animal life without disturbing it and making it too obvious. Children from the age of 12 can enjoy these zip line rides.
hazal Ecotourism
Vallée des Couleurs From the zip lines you will get to discover the beautiful scenery of the South Coast of Mauritius, including the entire nature park, its waterfalls and canyons from high above.
There are several zip lines of different length (500m, 1.5 km (single line), 1.6 km (7 lines) or 3.1 km) with professional guides to help you. You will also get a chance to view a fantastic land of 23 Coloured Earths, the canyon, and the forest from high above.
The park’s restaurant La Citronnelle offers a 3 course set lunch menu (Starter, Main Course, Side Dish, Dessert and a Drink).
Nepalese Bridge Zip line
You have a choice of 1 zip line or a combo of 3. The 3 zip lines feature a 240 m Zip-Line, a 300 m Zip-Line and a 260 m Zip-Line. From these zip lines you will enjoy remarkable views of the entire canyon, landscapes, waterfalls and forest from high above.
Nepalese Bridge is wooden platforms suspended by solid ropes high above the lush tropical green forests. The zip lines will take you close to wildlife and nature as you cross the outstanding 220-metre long Nepalese Bridge. You can also take a free visit of the endemic forest surrounded by ebony trees aged over 300 years.
St Francois Beach is one of the best beaches in Rodrigues, and also the longest. It is located off the east coast of Rodrigues Island.
Stretching over 700 meters of soft white sand and peaceful waters, the beach is empty most of the time and visited only by a handful of people mainly on Sundays.
St Francois beach is also one of the main starting points for hiking to Trou D’Argent. There are a couple of restaurants serving delicious local dishes, a few budget guesthouses, and a 4-star resort close by. The octopus curry is a classic Rodriguan dish.
Traditional Net Fishing
Auberge St Francois is a budget guesthouse located right across St Francois Beach. Some rooms can accommodate up to 6 people and are equipped with a private bathroom, kettle, and mini-fridge. Cheaper rooms have a fan while others have air-conditioning and a private balcony. There are only two restaurants nearby but you can order breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the guesthouse.
This is an enchanting botanical garden, located in the center of Rodrigues island. The garden is filled with Rodriguan flora with endemic fruit trees, aromatic and medicinal plants and flowers, which are unique in the world.
The small botanical garden appeals to all five senses: you’ll see vivid colors, hear the local birds singing, smell the sweet fragrances of exotic flowers, get in touch with nature (literally), and even taste some of the natural spices growing in the garden.
Jardin des 5 Sens
The guided tour takes about an hour, which is interactive and educational. You will learn about the legends, medicinal virtues and culinary benefits of plants that grow up in the Rodriguan fertile soil.
