Gris Gris: Travel Guide to Mauritius South Coast
Make the most of your trip to Mauritius and visit Gris Gris, one of the most beautiful places and spectacular sights on this tropical island near Souillac village. Our travel guide includes tips on how to get to the area, safety tips, tips on the best things to do, and what to expect.
Absence of the coral reef barrier near Souillac makes Gris Gris one of the most rugged places in the whole Mauritius.
Without the reef that otherwise protects shores of this tropical island, the southernmost tip of Mauritius is exposed to the enormous waves and strong winds.
This area is known for rough seas and windy days which makes it a must-include to every South Mauritius itinerary as seeing this natural phenomenon altogether with a beautiful landscape is very powerful.
Undoubtedly, Gris Gris is one of the Mauritius must-visit places, and you shouldn't miss it out while exploring this amazing island in the Indian Ocean.
And even though that Gris Gris is very accessible and easy to visit, we've decided to create this blog post so you would know what to expect and why to visit.
A visit to the Gris Gris area is well worth it, and it's going to be one of the highlights of your southern Mauritius day trip.
Weeping rocks, dramatic cliffs, stunning beaches, giant waves, and strong winds from the Indian Ocean, Gris Gris surely lives up to its fierce reputation.
Although Gris Gris is wild and untamed, there is something very calming and soothing about this place, and we couldn't get enough watching the massive waves crashing into the jet black cliffs and rocks.
Once you thoroughly enjoyed this spectacular show, walk down to the golden sand beach strip and leisurely stroll to the far end and back.
When you visit Gris Gris, don't forget to check the information board, which will tell you more about this stunning place. One thing we learned and can't fail to mention is how Gris Gris got its name. This place is probably named after a puppy of a French cartographer Abbott de la Caille, who surveyed the island in the middle of the 18th century.
There are two more trivia about Gris Gris, but we don't want to spoil you all the fun.
A short walk east from Gris Gris lies La Roche Qui Pleure viewpoint, which is another nice spot to visit (check google maps for exact location). This place is very popular for its famous rock resembling a face that's constantly weeping.
Photo Tip: It might be a good idea to bring a telephoto lens to take some close-up shots of the waves crashing in the rocks.
SAFETY
Gris Gris has a wonderful beach, which is unfortunately not suitable for swimming.
In fact, it's one of the most beautiful beaches on the island, and it's really a shame that it's not possible to swim there.
The currents together with waves are too strong, that's why swimming is not allowed. Instead of swimming, take a nice walk along the beach, have a picnic, or enjoy the spray from the surf, but do not go to the water.
Because of the waves and winds, pack for a one-day trip comfortable daypack and a dry sack to keep your electronics dry and safe. Also, a cleaning kit for your lens might come handy.
Mine was completely covered in the sea spray.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
HOW TO GET TO GRIS GRIS
We started our day on the west coast at Flic en Flac and drove for about an hour to Souillac.
If you are staying in Port Louis, add another 30 minutes to your travel time.
Note that the faster route goes via inland, and if you decide to drive along the western coast, it's going to take you longer. As Mauritius is a very compact island, you can visit many beautiful places in one day, so plan your day carefully.
We rented a car on the day we arrived in Mauritius as it's the best way to get around the island, and we recommend you to do the same.
Gris Gris parking lot is easy to access, and you don't need a 4x4 car with high ground clearance.
You would need it only in case you want to visit some other awesome places such as Le Souffler, which is about a 40-minute drive east from Gris Gris, and the last part of the road is unpaved.
We opted for a big 4x4 pickup truck which allowed us to explore even more remote places of Mauritius without worrying about getting stuck or damaging the car.
Click on the link to search for the best rental car rates.
Are you seeking some thrill and have an adventurous soul?
You can reserve a Wild South ATV Tour, and discover the Southern part of Mauritius with a guided tour.
WHERE TO STAY
The accommodation in Souillac is surprisingly limited, and you will find more hotels along the southern coastline than in the village itself. Some of the hotels are very basic and cheap (perfect for backpackers), some of them are super expensive 5-star luxury resorts.
You might also stay in places such as Flic en Flac, Le Morne, or Mahebourg.
We selected the best hotel in each destination to make your booking process as easy as possible.
Souillac | Andrea Lodges - Only a short ride from Souillac, Andrea Lodges offers an outdoor swimming pool, a nice garden, private parking, and a quiet location away from the crowds. Staff will make sure you have everything you need, and there is an on-site restaurant. As the bungalows sit on the cliff, book the room with ocean views. One of the best values you can find in Souillac.
Le Morne | LUX Le Morne - The whole area around Le Morne mountain features many luxury resorts, and LUX Le Morne is one of the best hotels you can find there. The hotel has a perfect location as it sits on a private stunning white sand beach surrounded by palm trees. The rooms are immaculately clean, the staff is super-helpful, and you can choose from many activities and water sports to fill your day with fun things to do.
Mahebourg | Orient Guesthouse Auberge - A budget hotel with a terrace, free Wi-Fi, and private parking for guests. The rooms are basic, but clean, and the staff is friendly and helpful. The hotel has an excellent location in the middle between the bus terminal and the waterfront, and it's easy to walk everywhere (shops, restaurants).
Flic en Flac | Sands Suites Resort & Spa - Spacious rooms with balconies or terraces feature air-condition, comfortable beds, and likable decoration. The beach location is excellent, and there are three restaurants on-site.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
