Rodrigues Island, Africa's Best Kept Secret
Rodrigues Island, Africa's Best Kept Secret
Rodrigues Island, Africa's Best Kept Secret
12 Days Starting in Rodrigues, Mauritius and ending in Mauritius Island, Mauritius
Visiting: Tekoma Boutik Hotel Rodrigues, Anse Ally, Domaine de Grand Baie
Tour operator:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
4 - 12
Physical rating:
Low
Age range:
18-75
Special diets catered:
Meat, Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
English , FrenchTrip Styles:
Interests:
Beach Tours, Cultural, Eco Conscious, Foodie and Wine Tours, Island Hopping
Activities:
Private Available:
Request A Private Tour
Tour Overview
Rodrigues, Africa’s most easterly point can be found surrounded by the Indian Ocean, 560 kilometres east of Mauritius and about 2,500 kilometres off the southeast coast of the African continent. Those in search of something offbeat and far from crowds will find it a fascinating, peaceful place to explore, with locals whose shy friendliness is genuine. Life there is refreshingly slow and uncomplicated. Add to that, tropical weather, pristine white sand beaches, friendly people, fab food and no package holiday, Rodrigues Island is the place to be in the Indian Ocean. Explore the quieter side of the Indian Ocean. The trip ends in Mauritius, a hypnotic blend of Indian, Chinese, African, French, and British influences, it is a dazzling Indian Ocean Island that enchants all who visit. Deservedly listed in the “World’s 23 best cities for Street Food’’ by CNN in 2016, a visit to Mauritius will not be complete without experiencing the local foods. It is a successful, multicultural society where the friendly co-existence of peoples and religion expresses itself in croissants for breakfast and curry for dinner and brightly painted Indian temples rubbing shoulders with churches and mosques.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Join Trip In Rodrigues Island
Location: Tekoma Boutik Hotel Rodrigues
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Tekoma Boutik Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
Arrival in Rodrigues at Sir Gaëtan Duval airport in Plaine Corail.
A complimentary shuttle from the Airport in Rodrigues to the hotel is available from 1 pm till 3 pm. Outside these times make your way to Tekoma Boutik Hotel or book an optional transfer
Since there are no planned activities today, you can plan your arrival in Rodrigues either in the morning or in the afternoon.
Your local guide will meet you for the welcome meeting later at 6 pm on that day at the Tekoma Boutique Hotel.
Flanked by a pine forest on one side and calm clear waters on the other, Anse Ally is located on the east coast of Rodrigues. This authentic charming cove is distinguished by its intimate atmosphere, ideal for travellers seeking tranquillity. The remote feeling is emphasised by the vast expanse of white sand and crystal clear aquarium, ideal for snorkelling lovers.
Day 2 : A Taste Of Rodrigues
Location: Anse Ally
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Tekoma Boutik Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Get ready for a typical day of the week in Rodrigues. On Saturdays, the capital Port Mathurin lights up and makes way for excitement.
Visit Port Mathurin, the smallest capital in the Indian Ocean and interact with the locals. Discover François Leguat's unique landscape of limestone features including 9 impressive caves. Get a feel of pre-history as you stroll through a reserve pack with 3,000 giant tortoises.
Lunch will be served in a local restaurant.
In the afternoon, make your way to Camp Pintade to visit the Iconic St John Evangelist Chapel. Then proceed to L’union to get an insight into slavery on the island during the colonial era before heading to St. Gabriel's Cathedral, one of the oldest churches in the Indian Ocean built of stones that continue to bear witness to an unbroken tradition of craftsmanship.
The day ends with a Séga Tambour show, the island's national folklore, and a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. The vibrant rhythmic performance may entice you to join the performers…
Day 3 : Escape To Ile Aux Cocos
Location: Anse Ally
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Tekoma Boutik Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Located amidst the south-eastern lagoon of Rodrigues and reputed for the sandy necklace of beach encircling its shores, the ill-named Ile aux Cocos is a natural refuge for colonies of seabirds such as White gulls, frigate birds, gannets and ‘yéyés’. Some of them are unique in the world.
Experience Turquoise water, filao trees, coconut palms, and the vast lonely expanse of the sea. The lagoon around Ile aux Cocos is of shallow water and at some places, it is possible to see the corals and rocks above the water surface.
Enjoy a scrumptious picnic lunch with local drinks.
Day 4 : Route Du Terroir – Foodie Trip In Rodrigues
Location: Anse Ally
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Tekoma Boutik Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
La Route du Terroir brings you closer to the delicious flavour of Rodrigues cuisine. Delight your taste buds as you dig into some of Rodriguan’s mouth-watering delicacies.
Marie Therese, a local herbalist will share with you her knowledge of traditional herbal medicine and its healing powers. Locals favour their tisane than taking modern medicines.
Learn the different virtues of herbs and at the end of the demo, you will have the opportunity to make your cocktail for your wellbeing to take with you.
Next, immerse yourself in the world of local Bee farmers at Saint Gabriel followed by a tasting of homemade honey. In Port Mathurin, cold meat lovers will savour a charcuterie platter. During the tasting, the guide will tell you everything that you need to know about local traditional butchery.
Experience a home-hosted cooking demo using a century-old traditional cooking method.
After lunch, make your way to Mon Plaisir to meet with Miss Delly who will initiate you prepare ‘Rouli-Pouli-Pouli, a local dessert which you will savour along with local Arabica coffee.
Day 5 : Traditional Fishing Experience With Locals
Location: Anse Ally
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Tekoma Boutik Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning, learn the art of traditional octopus fishing in the village of Tamarin. Meet with the fearless women of Rodrigues preserving the age-old art of Octopus fishing as they search for sustainability.
Head to Riviere Coco village where you will be amazed by the simplicity and generosity of the people who will share with you their daily life.
After a traditional lunch, initiation to the accordion, the most famous and most played musical instrument on the island.
In the afternoon, learn the art of basket weaving and visit a traditional family house that will bring you closer to the locals.
Day 6 : Leisure Day At Hotel
Location: Anse Ally
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Tekoma Boutik Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
No planned activities for today.
You may wish to relax on the beach or explore the surroundings of Anse Ally on your own.
Day 7 : Coastal Walk – Rando Mer To Saint Francois, Trou D'argent, Graviers
Location: Anse Ally
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Tekoma Boutik Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Whisk away in the wild to the east of the island through hidden coves and virgin beaches, to a peaceful, secret, and secluded spot where lies a pristine piece of tropical paradise, known as Trou D’Argent.
With clear waters, soft white sand, and an attractive rocky coastline, the beach at Trou D’argent is a paradise for swimming, sunbathing, and snorkelling. Considered as one of the loveliest spots in the Indian Ocean, this enchanted beach, enclosed by low cliffs, is only accessible on foot on the coastal trail between St François and Graviers.
Do not forget to take your camera to capture breathtaking landscapes.
Afternoon at leisure at the hotel.
Day 8 : Fly To Mauritius
Location: Domaine de Grand Baie
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Domaine De Grand Baie
Meals Included: Breakfast
Morning at leisure at the Tekoma Boutik hotel before flying to Mauritius.
Free Shuttle transfers from the Airport to the hotel are available from 12:00-3:00 pm.
Outside these times make your way on your own to the hotel or pre-book an optional transfer.
Nestled in the north-western corner of the Island, you will find Domaine de Grand Baie located in the village of Grand Baie.
The property has 2 restaurants, 2 bars, spa and 2 swimming pools and offers a wide range of activities.
Domaine de Grand Baie combines total freedom and high-end services for stays in complete tranquillity.
Complimentary services include:
Daily shuttle to the Mon Choisy Golf Course, Mon Choisy Beach and Grand Baie village.
Complimentary access to Sauna, hammam and 2 swimming pools (Outdoor and Indoor).
Access to weekly Happy Hour with entertainment at our Lounge Bar.
Day 9 : A Taste Of Mauritius
Location: Domaine de Grand Baie
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Domaine De Grand Baie
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accompanied by your knowledgeable guide discover the authentic facet of Port Louis, a pleasantly surprising and vivacious city! The tour combines fascinating and rich colonial history with some great interactions with locals.
This bustling commercial city is bursting with culture, heritage and charm, and it’s the perfect place to learn about Mauritius’ rich cultural history. The narrow streets are split into different cultural quarters with street vendors selling everything from fabrics to spices.
The vibrant local market is a must-see, with its colourful fruits and vegetables. Do not hesitate to try out some of our street food and local milkshake while exploring.
This day also concocts you a tasty local lunch in the outskirts of the capital with a Traditional Rum Making Demo.
Meet Jacqueline in the afternoon at Cité Valleejee, one of the most popular high-density suburbs of Port Louis. She will take you around to see the ancient dockers residences, how different cultures and religions mix socially and always respectful of each other’s ethnic culture and values. This visit will enable you to experience and feel how the locals live despite their different origins.
Day At Leisure
Location: Domaine de Grand Baie
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Domaine De Grand Baie
Meals Included: Breakfast
No activities planned for today.
You may wish to explore Grand Baie and surrounds and why not venture further to Pereybere and Cap Malheureux.
Local public transport are available from your hotel.
Day 11 : Romance Of The South
Location: Domaine de Grand Baie
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Domaine De Grand Baie
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Discover the spectacular wild beauty of the South during this unforgettable day which combines everything that the island has to offer.
From the splendid panoramic view from the Trou aux Cerfs crater to the guided tour of the Takamaka Winery, the only winery in the world dedicated exclusively to lychee wine, the South of Mauritius is a perfect tour for those who want to connect with nature since it is one of the most scenic and unspoiled parts of the island.
Learn about the history of the Sacred Lake and its relation to the Ganges in India according to Hindu mythology. Photo stop at the viewpoint of the breath-taking Black River Gorges National Park — Enjoy a full day of scenically contrasting delights.
Lunch will be hosted by Rico in Chamarel. Well-known in the village for coffee and Creole cuisine, he will be pleased to welcome you to his place for an authentic Creole meal.
Nestled amidst a steep landscape surrounded by lush and unspoiled nature, Chamarel is a small village with a thousand inhabitants, often referred to as the cradle of Creole culture. Chamarel is a village of resistance because it is the place where the slaves who rejected the colonial order came to hide. This history adds a mystical dimension for the Rasta community and the village is home to their Nyabinghi Tabernacle, where they regularly meet to perform their rituals. Chamarel is also home to a true wonder of nature; unique dunes that have different colours, including red, brown, violet, green, purple, and yellow.
Drive back through small remote villages along the West coast.
Day 12 : Departure
Location: Domaine de Grand Baie
Meals Included: Breakfast
The trip ends after breakfast at the hotel in Mauritius.
There are no activities planned today, so you are free to depart from Mauritius at any time. Check-out time s 10.00 AM. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at the hotel.
If you would like to receive a complimentary airport transfer, please contact your local guide/coordinator 2 days prior your departure.
Board your outbound flight with memorable moments of fabulous places…
What's Included
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Meals included in Rodrigues : 7 -Breakfast / 4 - Lunch/ 7 - Dinners /
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Meals included in Mauritius: 4 -Breakfast / 2- Lunch
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1 bottle of Mineral Water per person per day
When on tour in Rodrigues.
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Entrance Fees
All entrances to places we visit as per the itinerary are included.
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Accommodation
7 Nights in a 4-Stars Boutique Hotel in Rodrigues. 4 Nights in a 5-Stars Boutique Hotel in Mauritius.
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Free Wi-Fi at Accommodation
Wifi is available at all places you will stay.
What's Not Included
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All Domestic Transportation (including internal flights)
Flight Mauritius/Rodrigues/Mauritius are not included.
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Drinks with Meals
Except on Day 3.
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Tipping and Gratuities
In the Service industry in Mauritius, tipping is customary but not obligatory and is at your own discretion.
We would recommend 3 US$ per day per person. -
Hiking Equipment on Day 9
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International Travel
International airfare to Rodrigues and from Mauritius are not included.
Check out our Q&As
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Is there a supplement for solo travellers?
Yes, we offer the opportunity to pay a supplement to pre-book a single room, known as our single room option.
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Is the tour coach air conditioned?
Yes.
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Are vaccinations required for this tour?
As of 01.10.2021 to gain entry to Mauritius/Rodrigues, visitors must be fully vaccinated and must present a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours from the last point of embarkation Please consult the https://mauritiusnow.com/ for updates.
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Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?
Each tour will be escorted by a Local Tour Leader.
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Are flights included in this tour?
International flights to and from Mauritius/ Domestic flights to and from Rodrigues /Mauritius are NOT included in the tour price.
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Is free Wi-Fi available in the accommodation used?
Yes.
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What happens if it rains on the day of the tour?
If it rains on the day of your tour, there is not much to worry about! We recommend you wear appropriate shoes for that weather. If there is a real thunderstorm with a severe weather alert, we may cancel the tour. In this case, we will notify you as soon as possible. The tour will be then rescheduled, if possible.
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What is the tipping policy?
In the Service industry in Mauritius/Rodrigues, tipping is customary but not obligatory and at one’s discretion. We would recommend 3 USD per day per person.
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Are all entrance fees included in the price?
Yes. All entrance fees to parks, private nature reserves and other places as listed in the itinerary are included.
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Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?
Yes. You will receive the detailed itinerary along with vouchers for the hotels.
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Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?
Yes. We can assist with both pre and post-tour accommodation.
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
Hourly Free shuttles are available as follows: Day 1: Airport to Hotel in Rodrigues: 12.00 PM to 3.00 PM Day8: Hotel to Airport in Rodrigues: 9.00 AM to 12.00 PM Day8: Airport to Hotel in Mauritius: 12.00 PM to 3.00 PM Day 12: Hotel to Airport in Mauritius: 9.00 AM to 12.00 PM We suggest you book a private transfer outside these times.
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Company Instant Book
Yes.
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes, your local Tour Leader/Guide is English speaking. He is also fluent in French.
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
No.
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What is the maximum group size?
12 Pax.
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What currencies are required for this tour?
Mauritian rupees are recommended. You may change currencies at the airport in Mauritius and Rodrigues.
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Will passengers from another country be participating in the tour?
Yes.
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What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?
7 Nights in a 4-Star Hotel in Rodrigues and 4 Nights in a 5-Star Hotel in Mauritius.
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Do you require a visa for this holiday?
Citizens of a number of countries either do not require a visa to visit Mauritius/Rodrigues or get a free visa upon arrival. Please visit the Government portal: https://passport.govmu.org/passport/?page_id=605 to check your visa requirement.
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Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?
Yes. On Day 6 and Day 10.
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What is the fitness level required to do this tour?
Low and easy.
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Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?
Citizens of a number of countries either do not require a visa to visit Mauritius / Mauritius or get a free visa upon arrival. Please visit the Government portal: https://passport.govmu.org/passport/?page_id=605 to check your visa requirement.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Indibleu has been trading since 2016.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
There will be participants coming from around the worrld on the tour.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Before the trip starts you will receive the detailed itinerary with hotel vouchers.
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Is Covid-19 Insurance Required for Entry in Mauritius and Rodrigues ?
Covid-19 Insurance, stating that Covid related Health Expenses are covered by the Policy is required for Entry in Mauritius and Rodrigues.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Indibleu is a Registered DMC with the local Tourism Authority in Mauritius. We have also been accredited Travelife Partner in 2021 (https://www.travelife.info). We are also part of the 1 DMC World (https://www.1dmcworld.com/). We are also accredited Safe Travel by World Travel and Tourism Council.
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Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?
With communities around the island affected by the lack of tourism due to the Covid-19 pandemic, it is our objective to champion community-based tourism. As such, we initiate and promote trips in which part of the proceeds goes to support the local communities that we visit on the tours.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes. All chosen accommodations are certified and meet the Local Health and Safety Authorities.
Reviews of this Operator
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Free Date Changes
Indibleu allows you to make 2 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 25 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Indibleu allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform indibleu, 25 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Indibleu requires a minimum deposit of 50 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 35 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of indibleu charges.
Up to 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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