Trou aux Cerfs — The Volcanic Crater

In the middle of the city of Curepipe — Mauritius' highest city at 560 meters — lies a dormant volcanic crater, reminding of the island's fiery past: Trou aux Cerfs (literally: "Deer Hole"). The almost perfectly circular crater has a diameter of 300 meters and is 80 meters deep — filled with dense tropical forest and a small lake at the bottom.

The Crater Rim Walk

A paved path leads around the entire crater rim in 30–45 minutes. The walk is easy and family-friendly, and the views are spectacular: In clear weather, the view extends from here over almost the entire island — the Moka mountain range to the north, Le Morne to the southwest, the coastline to the east, and the city of Curepipe directly below. In the morning, before the clouds gather, the visibility is best.

Volcanism in Mauritius

Mauritius is of volcanic origin — the island was formed about 8–10 million years ago by volcanic eruptions over a hotspot in the Indian Ocean (the same hotspot that still feeds the island of Réunion with the active Piton de la Fournaise). The last volcanic activity on Mauritius was about 25,000 years ago. Trou aux Cerfs is one of several recognizable craters, but the best preserved and most accessible.

Curepipe — The "City of Rain"

The city of Curepipe (approx. 80,000 inhabitants) is significantly cooler and rainier than the coast due to its altitude — the Mauritians jokingly call it "Curepipe: deux saisons — la saison des pluies et la saison où il pleut" (two seasons: the rainy season and the season when it rains). Nevertheless, a stroll is worthwhile: The colonial-style town hall, the botanical garden (smaller than Pamplemousses but charming), and the model ship workshops are worth seeing. Mauritius is world-famous for its handcrafted model ships made from camphor wood — in the workshops of Curepipe and Floréal, you can watch the craftsmen at work and buy ships.