Gris Gris Mauritius

Mauritius is well known for its beaches and calm lagoons but in the south of the island there is one exception: Gris Gris. This area is quite different from the other open water areas on the island where there are strong currents crashing against sheer cliffs making it a dramatic but wonderful view. Gris Gris is a very common destination for tourists and a much loved one for locals too; it literally means dark atmosphere (Black Magic!) because of the heavy air of gloom that always hangs around the area. Most of the island is surrounded by fringing reef; at Gris Gris however there is no such system resulting in the constant crash of the southerly swell waves (the waves in this part of the Indian Ocean) in the area. There are always strong gusts of wind blowing over the area (the South East Trade Winds, the winds that blow all over the island) making it quite a breezy cold place. The crashing waves can be observed from the rocky cliffs and it is always advised to take great care while hopping from rock to rock. A breathtaking view of the white foam rolling over the waters coming to crash onto the cliffs with amazing force and then receding into nothingness is exposed. Tidal pools can also be seen with little crabs and other marine creatures to the greater delight of children. Walking along the cliff top, La Roche Qui Pleure (The Weeping Rock) can be reached. It is a natural beauty of basaltic rock about 10 metres high that has been named because of the sight it offers. As the waves come crashing against the huge rock they lose their momentum as they fall back into the ocean looking like tear drops thus appearing almost like the rock is crying. Further uphill another interesting sight is Le Souffleur (The Blowhole). Again the name speaks for itself; it is a sort of natural geyser that was formed when the roof of a huge marine cave collapsed thus forming a chimney type structure allowing water to enter freely and be pushed out by the force of the currents with strange crashing sounds. The blowhole is more amazing to see when the sea is rough making it look like an angry spitting chimney of white foam. Facilities such as toilets, parking area as well as kiosks have been constructed for the public at these areas. Given the nature of the currents, swimming is obviously prohibited in the waters; safety ramps have been placed to protect people from leaning to close to the cliff edges. Nevertheless, it is a great place to enjoy the peaceful scenery, the sound of the crashing waves, the salty smell of the air and feeling the spray of the water on your face.