Île aux Cerfs

Île aux Cerfs, is a 87 hectar large island and is located within the largest lagoon of Mauritius. Regionally, Île aux Cerfs belongs to the district of Flacq, in East Mauritius. The nearest bigger city on the mainland is Trou d´Eau Douce.

The island got its name from the Java Deers, which were introduced to the island by Dutch settlers for hunting, in the early 17th century. Nowadays, there are no more deers on the island. The vegetation is characterized from horsetail leaves casuarina trees (casuarinaceae), palm trees and large mangrove forests.

Île aux Cerfs is famous for its fine white sandy beaches and a popular excursion-destination for local people and tourists. The island is property of to the mauritian Government and is uninhabitant.

The touristic development of Île aux Cerfs, has started in the year 1985. Since then, the Sun Resort Hotel Group Ltd, is leasing the island from the mauritian Government. In 1998, they began to built an 18 hole championship golf course, after a concept of the German professional golfer Bernhard Langer. The dimension of the golf-course is 40 hectar and 20 hectares of forest, had to be cleared for this project. Despite numerous protests from politicians and conservationists, the project was finally approved by the then Minister of Tourism. In the following years, the condition of the flora and fauna has steady deteriorated.

At present time, the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority, has issued rules to protect the environment on Île aux Cerfs. For example: Open fire and BBQ´s are only allowed, in a special approved area, on the backside of the island. It is forbidden to construct new buildings and the access to the island, is only allowed with licenst tourist guides.