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Travel report – Mauritius

Raffle-winner Nico Gaida & Friends

I were in the middle of my winter term examens when the online raffle of Chiemsee and Stehsegelrevue offered a little ray of hope in Kiel’s dark and sad sky. A few months later when I got the information that I won the raffle I could not believe my eyes. The lasting streak of bad luck that I was undergoing seemed to be over.

After all endorphins were bared out, I immediately started organizing the journey. An one week all-inclusive holiday in the luxury hotel “La Pirogue”, Flic en Flac. Wow! I mobilized four of my best surfing friends four Mauritius and talked with Chiemsee and the travel agency about all the remaining settings. Everything was going well and so we started our six week trip to Mauritius at the end of the summer term on schedule. During the winter months July and August the temperature is very kindly, 20 to 26 degrees, but what is more important, you find wind and waves that are tremendous.

In the first days the wind was a long time coming. Therefore we used the time to discover the island: white beaches, blue water and a stunning landscape go hand in hand with very friendly people who consist of peaceful living Christians, Hindus and Muslims. Anytime you have the feeling, you belong to the family – many invitations for dinner therefore gave us the possibility to get to know the Mauritian life and conventions. 

Mauritius is of volcanic origin and so is surrounded by a coral riff structure. Exactly these riffs offer best conditions for surfers, especially the spots Manawa, One Eye and Chameaux that are located in the southwest of the island and usually are visited with heavy wind trades this time of the year. Unfortunately the wind was unsteady and by times we could not listen anymore to the others saying: “Last year we had unforgettable days.” But then the weather changed and the wind was coming up. Under spectacular conditions with big waves, we finally had two magnificent days in Manawa and One Eye.

By the way, the protected lagune around Le Morne is suited perfectly for surf rookies and freestyle enthusiasts. But the strong current in combination with the quite expensive salvation by the boats of the Club Mistral has to be taken with a pinch of salt. On the other hand, you can feel safe if the eyes are always fixed on the water and if in case the boat is coming to save your life.

Thus, Mauritius has more to offer. If you go skin-diving or cliff-diving, visit the big water-falls or go for a party to the Grande Baie, you get your money worth. But in the end the best part of the trip was having fun with your friends – on and next to the water. And I am sure: the next summer term holidays will come and again, the sea will play an essential role.