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Savanne
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Explore Savanne, Mauritius, for dramatic southern cliffs, tea plantations, forest trails, waterfalls, plantation heritage and coastal villages.

Savanne occupies the southern part of Mauritius, extending from the island’s rugged south coast inland towards forested uplands and sugar-growing country. It is a region of marked contrasts: fishing villages and surf-battered cliffs meet cane fields, volcanic escarpments, waterfalls and the highland forests of the Black River Gorges. Compared with the more developed north and west, the south retains a quieter, more rural character, although its roads connect a varied collection of natural and cultural sights.
Read more about Savanne
The coastal settlements of Souillac, Surinam and Riambel provide access to a dramatic shoreline shaped by basalt cliffs, strong currents and broad stretches of beach. At Gris Gris, waves break below steep headlands and the famous Roche Qui Pleure, where water surges against the rock. Inland, Rivière des Anguilles is associated with the Bois Cheri tea estate and La Vanille Nature Park, while Chemin Grenier serves as one of the principal local centres. The Macondé viewpoint, near the southern coast, offers a memorable view of the road curving around a rocky promontory between the ocean and steep green slopes.
Savanne also contains some of Mauritius’s most accessible examples of plantation history. Bois Cheri illustrates the island’s tea industry, with plantations, factory heritage and a museum explaining how tea production developed in Mauritius. At Saint Aubin, preserved colonial-era buildings and gardens provide another perspective on the estate economy, while sugar remains an important influence on the surrounding landscape. The region’s history is inseparable from slavery, indentured labour, migration and the evolution of large agricultural estates during French and British rule.
The highlands bring a different experience. Trails and viewpoints in the Savanne portion of Black River Gorges National Park lead through native forest, ravines and habitats associated with Mauritius’s endemic birds and plants. Conditions can be cooler and wetter than on the coast, with mist and sudden rain possible even when the lowlands are sunny. Outdoor visits therefore benefit from sensible footwear, water and flexible planning.
Food in Savanne reflects the wider multi-ethnic culture of Mauritius, with Creole, Indian, Chinese and European influences evident in street food, family-run restaurants, market produce and hotel dining. Seafood is prominent along the coast, while tea, sugar and tropical fruit connect the region’s table to its agricultural landscape. Savanne is best approached as a region of linked journeys rather than a single resort base: allow time for coastal viewpoints, plantation sites, forest walks and the slower rhythms of its villages.

When is the best time to visit Savanne?

Best: August–October · 23–25°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January29200
February29190
March28180
April27170
May25160
June24150
July23140
August (best)23130
September (best)24120
October (best)25130
November27150
December28170

Getting to and around Savanne

How to get there

International visitors normally arrive at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport, which is outside Savanne in the south-east of Mauritius but is the principal gateway for the district. From the airport, the southern motorway and connected main roads lead towards Rivière des Anguilles, Souillac and the Bel Ombre area. There is no separate commercial airport in Savanne. Visitors arriving from other parts of Mauritius can reach the district by road, with buses serving larger settlements and taxis or pre-arranged transfers offering more direct access to rural attractions.

Transportation

Public buses connect the main villages and towns, but services are less convenient for combining dispersed attractions such as tea estates, waterfalls, viewpoints and forest trails. A hire car is useful for independent touring, although roads may be narrow near viewpoints and rural estates, and driving is on the left. Taxis and private drivers are practical for day visits when hiring a car is not preferred. Walking works well within individual villages and at selected natural sites, but it is not a substitute for transport between the district’s separated coastal and inland areas.

Best attractions in Savanne

Savanne’s attractions are defined by the relationship between wild-looking southern scenery and an agricultural interior. Along the coast, Souillac’s cliffs, Gris Gris and Roche Qui Pleure provide dramatic viewpoints, while the shoreline around Riambel and nearby villages offers broad beaches and changing surf conditions. Inland, Rochester Falls is known for water flowing over unusual columnar basalt, although access and conditions can vary after heavy rain. The Bois Cheri tea estate introduces visitors to cultivation, processing and the history of tea in Mauritius, while Saint Aubin combines plantation heritage with gardens and agricultural interpretation. La Vanille Nature Park at Rivière des Anguilles offers a family-oriented wildlife visit focused on giant tortoises, crocodilians and other species. The Savanne section of Black River Gorges National Park is the region’s principal setting for forest walks, birdwatching and upland viewpoints, with trails ranging from accessible outings to more demanding hikes. The Macondé viewpoint adds a memorable road-side panorama over the southern coast. Together, these places make Savanne less a resort strip than a sequence of landscapes, estates and ecological sites best explored by car or arranged excursion.

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Best landmarks in Savanne

The southern coastline gives Savanne its most recognisable natural landmarks. Gris Gris is a high, wave-exposed headland where the absence of a protective reef allows the Indian Ocean to strike directly against the cliffs; nearby Roche Qui Pleure is named for water that appears to stream down the rock face. The Macondé viewpoint marks another memorable coastal bend, with road, basalt and sea compressed into a narrow southern landscape. Inland, Rochester Falls is notable for its broad cascade over sculpted basalt rather than for great height. Bois Cheri’s tea-growing slopes and industrial buildings represent a major agricultural landmark, while Saint Aubin’s estate architecture preserves the visual language of plantation Mauritius. In the uplands, the forested ravines and viewpoints of Black River Gorges National Park are landmarks of the island’s remaining native environment. These places matter because they express Savanne’s central contrasts: exposed volcanic coast and sheltered highland, working agriculture and conservation, and a landscape shaped both by geological forces and centuries of human use.

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Best restaurants in Savanne

Dining in Savanne reflects the wider cultural mixture of Mauritius, with Creole, Indian, Chinese and French influences appearing in village eateries, hotel restaurants, cafés and roadside stalls. Along the coast, seafood and fish curries are common choices, while octopus dishes, rougaille, faratas, dholl puri and samosas connect local dining to the island’s Indian Ocean and South Asian heritage. Small establishments may offer meals built around rice, lentils, pickles, chilli and freshly prepared sauces rather than elaborate menus. Tea from the southern plantations and cane-based products provide particularly relevant local tastes, while tropical fruit and vanilla feature in drinks and desserts. Souillac and the larger southern settlements offer the broadest choice of informal food, whereas plantation and resort areas tend towards arranged dining and set menus. Farmers’ produce, seafood and family recipes are often more representative of the region than formal culinary claims, so visitors should expect opening patterns and menu availability to vary outside the main centres.

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Best bars in Savanne

Savanne has a restrained evening scene rather than a concentrated nightclub district. In Souillac, Chemin Grenier and other larger settlements, local bars and cafés provide informal places for conversation, snacks and televised sport, while traditional table-and-chair restaurants are more common than late-night clubs. Coastal hotels and resorts around Bel Ombre offer the most structured evening options, including lounges, bars, occasional live music and dining, but arrangements vary by property and season. Mauritian rum, beer, fruit juices and tea may all feature on menus, though drinking is not essential to experiencing local nightlife. In smaller villages, evenings generally centre on family life, religious or community activities and early-closing food businesses. Visitors seeking a substantial club scene usually need to travel outside Savanne to larger urban areas elsewhere on the island, rather than expecting the southern district’s rural communities to operate as a resort entertainment strip.

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Best nightclubs in Savanne

Savanne has a restrained evening scene rather than a concentrated nightclub district. In Souillac, Chemin Grenier and other larger settlements, local bars and cafés provide informal places for conversation, snacks and televised sport, while traditional table-and-chair restaurants are more common than late-night clubs. Coastal hotels and resorts around Bel Ombre offer the most structured evening options, including lounges, bars, occasional live music and dining, but arrangements vary by property and season. Mauritian rum, beer, fruit juices and tea may all feature on menus, though drinking is not essential to experiencing local nightlife. In smaller villages, evenings generally centre on family life, religious or community activities and early-closing food businesses. Visitors seeking a substantial club scene usually need to travel outside Savanne to larger urban areas elsewhere on the island, rather than expecting the southern district’s rural communities to operate as a resort entertainment strip.

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Best shops in Savanne

Shopping in Savanne is centred on everyday village commerce, local produce and plantation-related goods rather than large retail districts. Souillac, Chemin Grenier and Rivière des Anguilles have useful shops, small supermarkets, bakeries and market-style outlets, while roadside sellers may offer seasonal fruit, vegetables and prepared snacks. Plantation visits are the most natural places to look for Mauritian tea, cane sugar, preserves, spices and gift packs connected with the southern agricultural landscape. Small craft selections may include woven goods, decorative objects and locally themed souvenirs, although stock varies considerably. Bel Ombre’s hotels and visitor facilities provide more curated retail aimed at travellers, whereas rural settlements offer a more practical and locally used shopping experience. For distinctive food gifts, check packaging and transport requirements before buying, particularly for liquids or fresh products. Bargaining is not generally expected in ordinary shops, and independent vendors may prefer cash in Mauritian rupees.

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Savanne essentials

Currency and Payment
Savanne uses the Mauritian rupee, abbreviated MUR, as does the rest of Mauritius. Debit and credit cards, including contactless payments, are commonly accepted at hotels, established restaurants, larger attractions and supermarkets. Cash remains useful for buses, small shops, market stalls, roadside food sellers and some rural services. ATMs are more readily available in larger settlements than at isolated viewpoints or nature sites, so carrying a modest amount of rupees is sensible when touring away from the main commercial centres.
Safety
Take ordinary precautions with valuables, especially at busy viewpoints, beaches and vehicles left at scenic stops. The southern coast has strong surf, submerged rocks and currents; Gris Gris and similar cliff areas are viewpoints rather than general swimming beaches. On forest trails, wear suitable shoes, carry water and expect slippery ground after rain. Roads can be winding, poorly lit or busy with pedestrians and cyclists, so drive cautiously and avoid assuming that a short rural distance will be quick. Sun, heat and sudden mountain rain are practical considerations throughout the year.
Emergency Situations
Mauritius uses national emergency arrangements rather than a separate Savanne system. Call 112 or 999 for police assistance, 115 for the fire and rescue service, and 114 for an ambulance. Give a clear description of the road, beach, viewpoint or trail location, as rural landmarks may be more useful than a street number. For serious incidents near the coast, request the relevant rescue service through the emergency operator. Keep travel insurance details and any essential medical information accessible.
Do's and Don'ts
Dress respectfully when visiting temples, churches and plantation heritage sites, and follow any instructions about photography or footwear. Do not swim beyond warning signs or approach cliff edges for photographs. When visiting villages, ask before photographing people, homes or religious ceremonies. Use marked paths in protected forest, take rubbish away and avoid removing plants or stones. Tipping is not a universal legal requirement, but a modest amount for good service is appreciated; check whether a service charge has already been added.
Local Tips
Plan scenic stops according to weather: the coast is often clearest early in the day, while the uplands can cloud over later. Souillac and Rivière des Anguilles are useful bases for exploring the southern district, while Bel Ombre suits visitors focusing on the south-western coast and nearby nature experiences. Try local tea and sugar-cane products alongside Mauritian street food, and ask locally about sea conditions before planning any coastal swim. The most rewarding itineraries leave room for unhurried plantation visits rather than treating them as brief photo stops.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloSalutations[sah-loo-tah-syon]
GoodbyeAu revoir[oh ruh-vwahr]
YesOui[wee]
NoNon[noh]
Please/You're welcomeS'il vous plaît[seel voo pleh]
Thank youMerci[mehr-see]
Excuse me/SorryExcusez-moi[ex-kew-zay mwah]
How are you?Comment ça va?[koh-mohn sah vah]
Fine. And you?Ça va bien. Et vous?[sah vah byehn eh voo]
Do you speak English?Parlez-vous anglais?[par-lay voo ahn-glay]
I don't understandJe ne comprends pas[zhuh nuh kohm-prahn pah]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseJe voudrais voir le menu, s'il vous plaît[zhuh voo-dray vwar luh meh-nu seel voo pleh]
I don't eat meatJe ne mange pas de viande[zhuh nuh mahnj pah duh vyahnd]
Cheers!Santé![sahn-tay]
I would like to pay, pleaseJe voudrais payer, s'il vous plaît[zhuh voo-dray pay-ay seel voo pleh]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Au secours![oh suh-koor]
Go away!Allez-vous-en![ah-lay voo zahn]
Call the Police!Appelez la police![ah-peh-lay lah poh-lees]
Call a doctor!Appelez un médecin![ah-peh-lay uhn may-deh-sahn]
I'm lostJe suis perdu[zhuh swee pehr-due]
I'm illJe suis malade[zhuh swee mah-lahd]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...Je voudrais acheter...[zhuh voo-dray ah-sheh-tay]
I'm just lookingJe regarde juste[zhuh ruh-gard zhoost]
How much is it?C'est combien?[seh kohm-byen]
That's too expensiveC'est trop cher[seh troh shair]
Can you lower the price?Pouvez-vous baisser le prix?[poo-vay voo beh-say luh pree]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?Quelle heure est-il?[kel uhr eh-teel]
It's one o'clockIl est une heure[eel eh ewn uhr]
Half past (10)Dix heures et demie[dees uhr eh deh-mee]
MorningMatin[mah-tan]
AfternoonAprès-midi[ah-pray mee-dee]
EveningSoir[swahr]
YesterdayHier[ee-ehr]
TodayAujourd'hui[oh-zhoor dwee]
TomorrowDemain[deh-mahn]
1Un[uhn]
2Deux[duh]
3Trois[trwah]
4Quatre[katr]
5Cinq[sank]
6Six[sees]
7Sept[set]
8Huit[weet]
9Neuf[nuhf]
10Dix[dees]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Où est un/une...?[oo eh uhn/oon]
What's the address?Quelle est l'adresse?[kel eh la-dress]
Can you show me (on the map)?Pouvez-vous me montrer (sur la carte)?[poo-vay voo muh mahn-tray (sur lah kart)]
When's the next (bus)?Quand est le prochain (bus)?[kahn eh luh pro-shen (boos)]
A ticket (to ....)Un billet (pour ....)[uhn bee-yay (poor)]

History of Savanne

Volcanic formation and early settlement

Savanne’s geography was formed by the volcanic processes that created Mauritius, leaving basalt cliffs, upland plateaux, ravines and fertile lower slopes. Long before permanent European settlement, the island was known to Arab and Portuguese navigators, although it had no indigenous population. The forested interior and difficult southern coastline later influenced where roads, plantations and settlements developed. Today’s gorges, waterfalls and rocky headlands are therefore not merely scenic features; they are the physical framework within which Savanne’s agricultural and coastal communities evolved.

French colonisation and plantation development

French settlement in Mauritius began in the eighteenth century under the name Île de France, and plantation agriculture gradually reshaped the southern districts. Sugar cane became the dominant commercial crop, supported by estate organisation, imported labour and infrastructure linking mills with ports and villages. Estates in and around Savanne established the pattern of cane fields, plantation houses, mills and worker settlements that remains visible in the landscape. French language, Catholic institutions and elements of Creole culture also became lasting parts of the region’s social history.

Slavery and the making of plantation society

The French and later British plantation economies depended heavily on enslaved Africans and Malagasy people. Enslavement ended in Mauritius in 1835, but its effects remain central to understanding the island’s landholding patterns, population history and Creole culture. In Savanne, as elsewhere in Mauritius, plantation agriculture brought together communities with different African, Malagasy, European and Asian backgrounds. Visitors should read estate history alongside the experiences of the people who worked the land, rather than viewing plantation buildings only as picturesque reminders of colonial life.

British rule and indentured labour

Britain took control of Mauritius in 1810, while allowing existing French civil law, language and customs to continue in important respects. After emancipation, large numbers of Indian indentured labourers were brought to Mauritius to work in sugar cultivation. Their descendants form a major part of the island’s population and contributed languages, religious practices, food traditions and community institutions to Savanne. The district’s villages, temples, churches, agricultural communities and culinary culture reflect this layered history rather than a single colonial identity.

The rise of tea in the southern highlands

Sugar dominated Mauritius, but tea became especially associated with the cooler, wetter uplands of the south. The Bois Cheri estate developed into the island’s best-known tea-producing area, combining cultivation with processing and visitor interpretation. Tea production added another agricultural identity to Savanne’s landscape and encouraged roads and settlement in the highlands. Its legacy can be encountered through plantation views, factory heritage and tastings, although the industry should be understood as part of a wider colonial agricultural economy.

Roads, mills and the modern district

During the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, roads, sugar mills and improved coastal connections integrated Savanne more closely with the rest of Mauritius. Sugar remained economically dominant for generations, while fishing, small-scale commerce and public services supported the southern villages. After independence in 1968, Mauritius diversified into manufacturing, tourism and services. Savanne consequently developed a mixed identity: agricultural estates and rural settlements remain important, but nature tourism, heritage visits and coastal hospitality now provide additional reasons to travel through the district.

Conservation and the protection of native ecosystems

Mauritius lost much of its original lowland forest to settlement and agriculture, making the remaining upland habitats exceptionally important. The Savanne portion of Black River Gorges National Park protects forested ravines and native ecosystems, including habitats for endemic plants and birds. Conservation has become a significant part of the region’s contemporary story, balancing public access, scientific work and the protection of fragile native species. The park also gives visitors a clearer sense of the densely forested island that existed before plantation expansion.

Savanne in Photos

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Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Savanne, Mauritius

Discover Savanne like never before with Evendo's 100% free app-based travel guide. Explore attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more effortlessly.

  • Detailed information on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, and experiences.
  • Rich set of information for each location, including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details.
  • Ability to book hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences directly through the app.
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More about the Evendo app

Unlock the wonders of Savanne, Mauritius with Evendo, the ultimate free travel guide app. Plan your trip effortlessly with detailed information on attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more.

  • History of Savanne and travel essentials to enhance your visit.
  • Curated local tips to experience the city like a local.
  • Easy navigation and a 'Near Me' feature to discover nearby attractions.
  • 100% free with no in-app purchases and no additional costs.
  • Global coverage with information on 7,000+ destinations worldwide.

Evendo is your go-to travel guide for exploring the enchanting region of Savanne, Mauritius. This comprehensive app offers detailed information on the best attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, and experiences. Whether you're planning to visit the breathtaking Rochester Falls, the historical La Vanille Nature Park, or the serene Bel Ombre Beach, Evendo has you covered.

With Evendo, you can easily find local gems like the delightful Chez Rosy restaurant, renowned for its authentic Mauritian cuisine, or the charming Tekoma Boutik Hotel, perfect for a relaxing stay. Each location in the app comes with rich information, including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details, ensuring you have all you need to make the most of your trip.

Gone are the days of endless searching for what to see, do, and experience. Evendo not only helps you discover amazing places but also allows you to book hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences directly through the app. With features like the history of Savanne, travel essentials, local advice, and easy navigation, Evendo ensures a seamless travel experience. The 'Near Me' feature helps you discover attractions and places of interest around you, making it easy to explore the region like a local.

And the best part? Evendo is 100% free with no in-app purchases or additional costs. Plus, it covers over 7,000 other destinations worldwide, making it a must-have app for any traveler. Download Evendo today and start your journey to Savanne, Mauritius, and beyond!

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