Exploring the Enchanting Trees of Mauritius
Read moreThe Rich Tapestry of Trees in Mauritius: From Iconic Flamboyants to Conservation Efforts
Introduction
Mauritius, an island nation nestled in the Indian Ocean, boasts a remarkable biodiversity, including a captivating array of trees. From the famous Flamboyant tree that dots the landscape with its vibrant red blooms to the numerous fruit trees such as the Mango, Lychee, and Banana trees, the island is a botanical paradise. However, as with any ecosystem, there are both desirable and undesirable tree species, and Mauritius has had its share of deforestation challenges since its discovery. Nevertheless, the preservation of trees has become a paramount concern, with organizations like the Mauritius Wildlife Foundation leading efforts to protect the island's rich flora and combat deforestation.
The Famous Flamboyant Tree
The Flamboyant tree (Delonix regia) holds a cherished place in the hearts of Mauritians and visitors alike. With its striking fiery red or orange flowers, the tree adds a touch of splendor to the island's landscapes. Originally from Madagascar, the Flamboyant tree has adapted well to Mauritius' tropical climate. It typically blooms during the summer months, carpeting the surroundings with its brilliant hues. The Flamboyant's broad, umbrella-like crown provides ample shade, making it a popular choice for roadside plantings, gardens, and parks. This iconic tree is not only visually captivating but also symbolizes resilience and vitality, reflecting the spirit of the Mauritian people.
Coconut & Palm Trees
Coconut trees (Cocos nucifera) are a familiar sight along the coastlines of Mauritius. These tall and graceful trees with their slender trunks and feathery fronds evoke images of serene beaches and swaying hammocks. The coconuts produced by these trees are highly versatile and have been an essential resource for the local population for centuries.
The coconut itself is a valuable fruit, used in various culinary preparations and refreshing beverages. It is also a source of coconut oil, which is widely used in cooking, skincare, and hair care products. In addition to the fruit, the leaves, husks, and trunks of the coconut tree have practical uses. The leaves are woven into thatch for traditional roofing, and the husks are used as natural fibers for making ropes, mats, and handicrafts. The sturdy trunks are utilized for construction purposes, providing timber and durable wood.
Palm trees, including the iconic Royal Palm (Roystonea regia), are another prominent feature of Mauritius' landscapes. With their tall and straight trunks topped by a crown of large, fan-shaped leaves, these trees exude elegance and grandeur. The Royal Palm, in particular, is highly valued for its ornamental qualities and is often used in landscaping to create a luxurious and tropical ambiance.
Palm trees, like coconut trees, offer multiple benefits beyond their aesthetic appeal. They bear fruit, such as the Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera), which provides a delicious and nutritious treat. The leaves of certain palm species are used to create handicrafts, baskets, and even roofing materials. The trunks, rich in cellulose, can be processed into biofuels, offering a renewable energy source.
Apart from their practical uses, coconut and palm trees play a significant role in the island's ecosystem. They provide shade and shelter for other plant species, creating microhabitats that support a diverse range of flora and fauna. The fallen fronds and decaying organic matter from these trees contribute to nutrient cycling and soil fertility. Moreover, the extensive root systems of palm trees help prevent soil erosion, preserving the integrity of coastal landscapes more particularly at resorts in Mauritius.
While coconut and palm trees are cherished for their beauty and utility, they are not immune to the threats that face Mauritius' trees as a whole. Deforestation, invasive species, and climate change pose challenges to their survival. Efforts are being made to protect and conserve these iconic trees through sustainable land management practices, reforestation projects, and the enforcement of conservation regulations.
Fruit Trees in Mauritius
Mauritius is blessed with an abundance of fruit trees, which contribute to the island's vibrant culinary culture and agricultural heritage.
- Mango trees (Mangifera indica) are particularly prevalent and produce a variety of delicious mango cultivars, delighting locals and tourists alike.
- The Lychee tree (Litchi chinensis) is another cherished fruit-bearing tree, offering juicy, translucent fruits with a delicate flavor.
- The Longan tree (Dimocarpus longan), often referred to as the "dragon's eye," bears small, round fruits with a sweet and succulent taste.
- Banana trees are a common sight across the island, with their lush foliage and bunches of ripening fruit.
- The Jackfruit tree (Artocarpus heterophyllus) is notable for its enormous size and produces large, green, and spiky fruits with a sweet and distinctive flavor. These fruit trees not only provide sustenance but also contribute to the local economy, as Mauritius exports a significant quantity of tropical fruits.
Undesirable Trees
While Mauritius boasts a rich tree diversity, there are also species that pose significant threats to the island's delicate ecosystem. One such example is the invasive Guava tree (Psidium guajava), which has rapidly spread across the island. Guava trees are highly adaptable and can outcompete native species, impacting biodiversity and ecosystem stability. Similarly, the invasive Acacia species, such as Acacia mearnsii and Acacia saligna, have established themselves on the island and pose a threat to native flora. Efforts are underway to control these invasive species and prevent their further spread.
Indigenous Trees
Mauritius is a haven for indigenous tree species, some of which are found nowhere else on Earth. These trees have evolved in isolation and have adapted to the island's unique ecosystems. One notable example is the Bois d'Ébène (Diospyros spp.), a tree highly valued for its dense, dark wood. Historically, the Bois d'Ébène played a significant role in Mauritius' history, as it was heavily exploited during the early years of colonization. Today, efforts are underway to protect and restore populations of this iconic tree.
Another remarkable indigenous species is the Bois de Natte (Labourdonnaisia calophylla), a slow-growing tree with a distinctive umbrella-shaped crown. The tree's leaves were traditionally used by the island's inhabitants for thatching roofs and weaving baskets. The Bois de Natte is now protected, and conservation initiatives aim to conserve its population.
The Tambalacoque (Sideroxylon grandiflorum), also known as the Dodo tree, holds great historical and ecological significance. It was once believed that the Tambalacoque was on the verge of extinction, as it only produced seedlings in the presence of the now-extinct dodo bird. However, recent studies have challenged this theory, and efforts to protect and propagate the Tambalacoque continue.
These indigenous trees, along with many others such as the Bois de Rempart (Mimusops balata) and Bois Chandelle (Dracaena concinna), are essential components of Mauritius' fragile ecosystems. Their preservation is vital for the conservation of biodiversity and the maintenance of ecological balance.
Deforestation in Mauritius
Since its discovery in the 16th century, Mauritius has faced significant deforestation challenges. The arrival of humans brought the need for land for agriculture, settlements, and timber. This led to widespread clearing of forests, resulting in the loss of indigenous tree species and their associated habitats.
One of the most devastating periods of deforestation occurred during the colonial era, particularly in the 18th and 19th centuries. The need for timber to fuel the sugar industry, which was the backbone of the Mauritian economy, led to extensive clearing of forests. Native trees, including valuable species such as the Bois d'Ébène, were harvested at an unsustainable rate. As a consequence, vast tracts of natural forests were lost, leading to soil erosion, loss of biodiversity, and a decline in ecosystem services.
The impacts of deforestation were far-reaching. The loss of forests disrupted waterfalls and watersheds, affecting water availability and quality. Soil erosion intensified, leading to increased sedimentation in rivers and coral reefs, negatively impacting marine ecosystems. Additionally, the loss of habitat contributed to the decline of numerous plant and animal species, including endemic and endangered species.
The Preservation of Trees by the Mauritius Wildlife Foundation
Recognizing the importance of preserving trees and protecting the island's unique biodiversity, the Mauritius Wildlife Foundation (MWF) has been at the forefront of conservation efforts. Founded in 1984, the MWF focuses on various initiatives to protect and restore Mauritius' natural heritage.
The MWF plays a crucial role in habitat restoration, including reforestation projects aimed at regenerating native forests. Through these efforts, indigenous tree species are reintroduced, helping to revive degraded ecosystems and provide habitat for threatened species. These projects also involve engaging local communities, raising awareness about the importance of tree conservation and encouraging sustainable land management practices. In addition to habitat restoration, the MWF emphasizes the control of invasive species that pose a threat to native trees and ecosystems.
trees Photos
Dazzle of zebras grazing in nature at Casela
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Fishing pirogues safe at Bel Ombre beach before cyclone
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Le Morne Brabant hidden behind the clouds at la Prairie
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Leafless tree in savanna after hit by lightning at Casela
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View of below and above water at Albion beach
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Barkless trunk on the beach of Albion after cyclone
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Plants in the sea & waves pulling out at Bras d'Eau beach
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Moody forest in Curepipe after heavy rain
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Traditional charcoal production site in Mauritius
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White fishing pirogue tied in the bay of Rivière Noire
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Mountain hiding behind trees at Riviere Noire
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Pirogue on the shore & tied among trees at Riviere Noire
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Faded color photography of fallen & submerged tree at sea
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Fallen & dead beach tree at La Prairie beach during sunset
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Pirogue pulled out of sea of Bel Ombre before cyclone
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Sunset through dead tree branches at La Prairie beach
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Tree leaning on the sea at Albion rocky beach
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A pathway in the fantasy forest of Plaine Sophie leading to mist
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Where the river enters the sea at Baie du Cap beach
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Mahebourg naval museum garden
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Naval Museum in Mahebourg
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Baobab tree on roundabout in Morc. Anna Flic en Flac
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Caudan waterfront boardwalk with palm trees
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Full grown Vacoas tree in Trou aux Cerfs
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Milky Way over sea driftwood at Tamarin
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Le Morne mountain surrounded by clouds
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Basirai cyclonic winds at Mahebourg waterfront
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Water lilies in basin at Trou Deau Douce débarcadère
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A cosy Sunset at Blue Bay Public beach
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Filao tree at La Cuvette terraced & rocky beach
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Closeup of a fallen yellow Dombeya leaf
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La Cuvette beach near Royal Palm hotel
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Speed boat in lagoon of La Cuvette public beach
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Pathway near natural terraced earth at 7 Cascades
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Leafless dried branches with golden sky in the background
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Tabebuia rosea - Pink Trumpet tree in Mauritius
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Savanne waterfall surrounded by trees in Chamouny
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Pleasure crafts at La Balise Marina in Riviere Noire
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Promenade with lake view of Mahogany Mall in Beau Plan
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Albion (Pointe aux Caves) lighthouse aerial view
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Aerial Photography of Bel Ombre turquoise lagoon
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Silhouette landscape during sunset at Trou Aux Cerfs
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Lagoon in front of Laguna Hotel at Grande Riviere Sud Est
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Sunset through dried tree branches at Mont Choisy
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Panorama of La Prairie & tide puddles on the beach
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Old wood trunk & reflection of old building at Batelage in Bel Ombre
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The turquoise lagoon of Ilot Gabriel Island
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Harbor front building view from Caudan in Port Louis
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Golden trumpet & Coconut trees on the roadside at Bel Ombre
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Long exposure of cliff river flowing in nature in Mauritius
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Peaceful house behind coconut trees at barachois of Roche Noire
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View of illuminated Port Louis harbor from La Citadelle at night
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Pointe Canon view point at Port Mathurin Rodrigues
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Red Flamboyant tree in bloom in Albion in Mauritius
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Man sitting under tree near old house in Mahebourg
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Le Chamarel Restaurant with breath-taking view on lagoon
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Cap Malheureux Red roof Church near the beach
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Mauritian Picnic at Flic en Flac Beach
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Plaine Champagne to Chamarel Road U-turn in forest
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River flowing among forest of Black River Gorges
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Colorful building in village of Le Morne
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People in swimwear on the beach at Trou Aux Biches
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Amazing Cascade Deep river at Olivia surrounded by plants
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Tractor driving in the village of Ferney
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View of lush Candos Hill in Quatre Bornes
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Petrin Trail first viewpoint on the mountains
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Cascade Eau Bleue landscape & long exposure photography
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Eau Bleue secret waterfall in Mauritius
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Long exposure of sunset & beach at Mont Choisy
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Long exposure of dead tree, sea & sunset in Tamarin
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Panorama of Milky way above Red church of Cap Malheureux
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Mauritius tropical Milky Way over the sea at Anse La Raie
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Aerial view of car, road & flamboyant tree at Flacq
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Morning sun lights through the bridge at Tamarin
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Tree Silhouette with sunset at St Felix beach
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Dead & leafless sea tree at La Prairie
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Sunset between trees silhouettes at St Felix beach
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Bent filao tree for Sunset view at Riambel
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Silhouettes of Mauritian women walking on beach during Sunset
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Uprooted tree at La Prairie during sunset
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Sunset through silhouette palm leaves
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Yemen Nature Reserve creek surrounded by trees
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Sunset at Telfair Garden in Souillac
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Dramatic sky during sunset in Mauritius
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Dramatic sunset at Cap Malheureux beach
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Sunlight through tall coconut tree leaves
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Fishermen going out fishing at Riambel
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Sunset and sun flares at beach of Blue Bay
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Pathway in Daruty Forest at Petit Raffray
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Belle Mare coast beach aerial view
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Coconut palm trees along pathway at Ferney
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Stone Jetty in forest & estuary at Trou D'eau Douce
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Pirogue at Mahebourg with Lion Mountain
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Songe leaves at Piton du Milieu lake in Mauritius
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Forest near Bel Ombre beach
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Branches supporting old pirogue upright
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Mauritius golden hour
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Le Coin De Mire - Gunners Coin see through
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Rock beach at Bain Boeuf
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Famous uprooted & leafless tree of La Prairie beach
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360 Fish eye view of Coconut trees at Bel Ombre
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Paradise view of wild beach in Mauritius
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Tree silhouette under moon
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La Prairie Tree surrounded by sea
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Silhouette of old chimney & coconut trees
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2 fishermen near jetty Trou d'eau douce
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Amazing reflection of boat in water
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Cows walking on the road near beach
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Flowers falling from tree in Plaine Verte
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Trees tunnel above Eau Bleu river
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Natural stone pebbles on beach
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Red Badamier leaves on street in Grand Gaube
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La Tourelle Mountain reflection
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Water channel La ferme Reservoir
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Peaceful sunset near cliffs of Andrea
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Dark silhouette of trees during sunset
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Sun lights through bamboos
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Lau-hala pine trees near cliff
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Bay Panorama at Pointe du Diable
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La Vanille Nature Park Forest
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Les Trois Mamelles mountains in background
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Birds watching wilderness at Andrea Lodges
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Sunrays across mist in forest in Rodrigues
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Tree trunk with moss close up
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Sun lights in dark forest
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Water flowing over rocks to pond
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Creek at Black River Gorges
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Blue Sky at Coral Azure
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Sunburst at Chamarel walking trail
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River flowing in forest
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Small waterfalls in River of Reduit
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Low angle view of tree in forest
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Narrow pathway in the Black River Gorges
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Piton de la petite Rivière Noire
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Forest Road to Alexandra fall
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Aerial view of lagoon and villas
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Nature takes over old bridge in Flacq
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Ferns, vines and creepers in Black River Forest
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Wetland in Black River Forest
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Reddish sky Sunset in Parking
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Albion beach near Club Med
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Goats eating grass during sunset
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Gazelle with horn in Nature
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Caudan waterfront by night
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Mossy trunk tree Black river gorges
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Grand Bassin pathway
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Pink Pigeon endemic bird of Mauritius
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Forest near Alexandra Falls
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Misty morning in the forest in midlands
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Sea & Pool and coconut view at Constance hotel
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Pool behind coconut trees at night Mauritius
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Woman alone in Constance Pool at night
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Wine Glass in 5-star hotel illuminated pool
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Wine Glass at night under full moon and clouds
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Full Moon behind clouds & between palm trees in Mauritius
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Constance Hotel front view at Night from deckchairs
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Sunlight through tall Coconut Tree at Constance garden
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Straw Umbrellas near Constance Pool under palm trees
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Girl enjoying Hotel turquoise Pool near the sea
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Deckchairs in Constance Hotel Pool next to rooms
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Sun rays through Coconut leaves on Mauritius island
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Sunglasses by 5-star beautiful Hotel pool
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Constance Room front view next to coconut tree
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Constance hotel garden with coconut trees and green plants
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Hotel Pool with palm trees all around under blue sky
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Sun rays through the Coconut Trees leaves under blue sky
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Constance 5-star Hotel main front view with infinity pool
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Luxury resort in Mauritius Front hotel view
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Hotel Stone Walls & Shallow Pool design
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Constance Hotel restaurant near the pool on sunny day
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Palm Trees Reflection on the floor at Constance Lobby
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Perfect Palm Trees Reflection in hotel pool
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Paradise landscape of lagoon and pool at Constance hotel
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Beach, deckchairs & thatched umbrellas at Constance hotel beach
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Constance hotel turquoise lagoon view under thatched umbrella
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Calm turquoise ocean with relaxing canopy bed at Constance hotel
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Hotel Room terrace with swim-up Crystalline pool
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Belle-Mare Hotel Beach garden pathway
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Green Garden Pathway at amazingly beautiful hotel
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Constance hotel top amazing beach in Mauritius for a swim
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Constance hotel beach view under palm tree
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Coconut trees & plants framed view of Constance hotel blue lagoon
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Pathway between Coconut trees in hotel garden
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Belle Mare beach holidays in summer in Mauritius
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Sun rays through Coconuts branches in blue sky
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Belle Mare beach beautiful lagoon on east coast of Mauritius
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Belle Mare beach wallpaper of waves reaching the coast
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Secret Mauritius luxury summer beach
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Lagoon & beach of Le Morne with Brabant Mountain
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Most secret and beautiful beach in Mauritius
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High green Coconut trees background
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Le Paradis luxury 5-star beachcomber hotel
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Girl swimming in Hotel sea lagoon in summer
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Seashore with Coconut trees on paradise beach
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Single Palm tree with Sunset in background
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Deep HDR blueish infinity hotel pool at night
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Mauritius stars at night under palm trees
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Le Paradis hotel night shopping area
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Large peaceful lonely illuminated hotel pool
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Le Paradis Hotel Cosy Restaurant at Night
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Hotel Nightlife place with bar in Mauritius
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Mauritius night sky on hotel beach portrait photography
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Hotel Palm trees illuminated at night on the beach
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Luxury Resort garden with Le Morne brabant during starry night
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Best resorts destination with splendid Lagoon
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Beach holidays on Paradise Indian ocean island
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Best private beach vacations on tropical island
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Thatched umbrellas on hotel beach
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Mauritius most beautiful lagoon and beaches
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Heavenly view of best resort destinations
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Mauritius beaches the best island beaches
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Veloutier plant & Coconut beach trees in nature
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Veloutier beach tree branch high in the sky
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Sun lights through large Palm Tree branches
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Bottle Palm tree on sandy beach in Mauritius
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Green Palm Tree leaves on paradise island resort
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Le Morne beach turquoise water with Brabant mountain
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Palm Trees under tropical blue sky in summer
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Paradise view of exclusive African sea beach
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Tropical trees in Sunny Mauritius blue sky
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Green palm tree under sunny blue Sky in summer
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Thatched umbrellas under sunny sky in Mauritius
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Paradise Holidays in 2021 at Mauritius resort
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Tropical Pristine lagoon and beach for vacation
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Green palm tree portrait image under sunny weather
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Best summer travel holidays in Mauritius
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Bottom view of high coconut tree with blue sky background
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Indian Ocean island nature sky background
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Portrait of lonely thatched umbrella on lost beach
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Luxury Holidays in Mauritius at 5-star resort
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Yellow palm branch covering sea view
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Coconut tree with bright green branches close-up view
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Impressive summer seascape with thatched umbrellas
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Wide open branches of tropical coconut palm beach tree
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Lonely green palm tree with blue sky behind branches
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Tall Coconut tree with bright Yellow branches wide open
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Most beautiful beach pathway for a walk
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Mauritius Travel beach holidays photos tips
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Amazing & beautiful Le Paradis hotel turquoise pool in Mauritius
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Beachcomber wide, breathtaking and luxurious swimming pool
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Stunning ocean view from hotel pool at Le Paradis hotel
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Island fabulous seafront beach promenade
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Beach hidden behind close-up shot of green grass
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Amazing pathway for a walk on an island beach
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Photo of turquoise pool in portrait mode with Le Morne mountain
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Paradise emerald sea view with golden beach
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Beach wallpaper image postcard destination
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Le Morne beach & Brabant mountain UNESCO world heritage
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Picture postcard seascape travel destination
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Fisherman fishing near the sea at La Prairie
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Seascape View from La Prairie to Maconde
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La Prairie coastal road near seaside Mauritius
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Green Railroad Vine beach plants
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Precipice Slope and ocean near Andrea Lodges Mauritius
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Nature Trail between green bush in the South
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Blue cliffs edge landscape with waves crashing on rocks
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Cliffs with Caves in the South of Mauritius
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Uprooted dead tree in Mauritius forest
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Black & white seascape of ocean and waves photography
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Deep blue ocean behind green trees down the cliffs
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Filao trees growing on dangerous precipice
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Ocean waves view from Forest in Mauritius
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Seascape deep water and green branches view from the cliffs
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Best secret wild Cliff in Mauritius
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Picturesque view of two rainbows behind the cliffs
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Andrea restaurant panoramic sea view
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Andrea lodge Pool next to the cliffs and open sea
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Riviere des Anguilles river flowing into the sea
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Coconuts hanging on tree in Andrea lodges garden
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Green Agave plants on the cliffs of Andrea Lodge
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Wild vegetation of the South Coast of Mauritius
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Les Loges d'Andrea reception and restaurant
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Nature Footpath to the black stone cliffs in Mauritius
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Walk among peaceful garden trees
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Fan Palm Green Fan Palm in lush Exil lodges greenery
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Nature pathway at l'Exil forest in Mauritius
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L'Exil lodges room immersed in nature
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Cascade Leon seen from most beautiful forest in Mauritius
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Lau-hala or screw pine tree with aerial roots
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Glorious Golden chains in forest Mauritius
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L'Exil Restaurant surrounded by a lush vegetation
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Woman Photographer shooting with DSLR camera
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Pine Tree in nature forest in Mauritius
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Natural rocky Pathway in the forest
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Mauritius Forest Tunnel in forest
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Breathtaking Lush garden in front of L'Exil restaurant
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Green Forest garden with ferns and trees
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Ferns and Vine in wild forest near Mauritius lodges
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Top amazing waterfalls in Mauritius
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Portrait image of Leon Cascade waterfall in Mauritius
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Breathtaking Waterfall in Mauritius
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Waterfall landscape of Mauritius island
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L'Exil Cascade Leon waterfalls background
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Quad Biking adventure in Mauritius
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Splendid light pink and red hibiscus flower growing in nature
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Nature trekking Pathway in Mauritius
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Windmill Palm Tree forest plants of Mauritius
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Wild dense endemic forest of Mauritius
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L'Exil Lodges in endemic forest
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Yucca plant of luxuriant vegetation in south of Mauritius
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Fern Fandia Tree endangered plants of Mauritius
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Zigzag Pathway between the bush
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Endemic Fern Fandia trees of Mauritius
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Night photography of Illuminated at Heritage C beach club
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Heritage C beach club at night with Illuminated palm trees
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People dining at C beach club restaurant at night
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Illuminated Pool reflection at night
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Illuminated blue pool of C beach club
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Mauritius Beach club garden at night
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Illuminated beach garden with palm trees at night
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Round outdoor lanterns hanging from wooden pole
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Concert stage structure in Mauritius
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Illuminated Outdoor round lanterns hanging
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Blue Infinity pool near calm and peaceful restaurant
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