Situated on the east coast of Mauritius, along the edge of GRSE river, Otentic Eco Tent Experience is the ultimate glamping spot in Mauritius!
While glamping in Mauritius isn’t that common, it’s worth experiencing for eco-conscious travelers who want to be in touch with nature.
Staying at Otentic doesn’t mean that you’ll be sacrificing any home comfort as each tent is equipped with comfy beds, a private bathroom, electricity and hot water.
Thanks to its prime location, you won’t be too far from some of the best hiking trails in Mauritius, unique waterfalls and pristine white-sand beaches like Ile aux Cerfs and Ilot Mangenie.
Another reason why you should definitely stay at Otentic during your trip to Mauritius Island is the abundance of activities available like kayaking, mountain biking, boat trip to Ile aux Cerfs, all of which are provided free of charge.
So if you’re looking for the best place to go glamping in Mauritius, make sure to keep reading for a detailed review of Otentic Eco Tent Experience in Mauritius.
***This article may contain affiliate links, which means that each time you click through and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I was kindly hosted by Otentic Eco Tent Experience, however, all thoughts and opinions are my own, as always.
Where is Otentic Eco Tent Experience?
Otentic Eco Tent Experience is located in the village of Deux Freres in the east of Mauritius. The tents are found along the edge of Grand River South East (GRSE), not too far from GRSE waterfall.
It’s about a 45 minutes drive from the airport. The nearest villages are Trou D’Eau Douce (15 minutes), Flacq (30 minutes) and Mahebourg (40 minutes) while Grand Baie is about a 1-hour drive away.
Staying at Otentic Eco Tent is perfect for those who want to get off the tourist trail plus it’s very affordable starting from Rs 6,000 (US$ 140) per night for up to 5 people.
There are a few convenience stores nearby or you can head out to the village of Trou D’Eau Douce where you’ll find a huge selection of restaurants.
CLICK HERE TO BOOK A STAY AT OTENTIC ECO TENT
About Otentic Eco Tent Experience – Glamping Mauritius
Set on stilts and surrounded by palm trees, the tents at Otentic allow you to be completely immersed in nature.
Built in 2012, Otentic Eco Tent Experience is the first eco tent in Mauritius. Each tent can accommodate either 4 or 5 people. Some of them have a double bed and two single beds while others have a third single bed as well. The tents are also equipped with a private bathroom and balcony.
Julien, the owner, wanted to create a unique type of accommodation with a friendly and cozy atmosphere where people can disconnect from the modern world and meet like-minded travelers.
Everything is done to ensure the lowest impact on the environment. The tents are raised on platforms built from wood and recycled materials. Solar energy is harvested to generate electricity and hot water for the shower. Non-motorized activities like kayaking, SUP, mountain biking, volleyball and more are offered free of charge.
They also aim to be more sustainable by planting their own vegetables and herbs and sourcing only locally-grown ingredients from the nearby villages.
The tent
Each tent at Otentic Eco Tent Experience is named after an islet of Mauritius. I stayed in the “Ilot Sancho” tent which features a double bed, two single beds and a private bathroom.
In front of the tent is a balcony overlooking the palm trees with four chairs and a small coffee table.
Each bed is elevated on pallets and surrounded by wooden crates that serve as storage space. Next to the double bed, you’ll find a clothes rack with a few hangers.
There’s also a safe deposit box and a fan although you probably won’t need it as the tent usually remains cool even when the windows are closed.
As we all know, one of the main disadvantages of sleeping in a tent is that you might get bitten by mosquitoes. Luckily, the tents at Otentic are equipped with mosquito nets all around the windows and entrances keeping all bugs at bay. Mosquito repellent is also provided.
The bathroom
Although you’ll be staying in a tent, you won’t have to sacrifice any home comfort as you’ll have access to a private bathroom.
The open-air bathroom is found at the back of the tent. Built from wood and recycled materials, the bathroom has a rustic vibe and gives a feeling of being close to nature.
The palm leaves provide some privacy and the natural light streaming in together with the chirping of birds will make you feel like you’re showering in the jungle.
The bathroom features an overhead shower, a sink carved out of wood, a mirror and toilet. Hand/shower gel is provided.
Facilities
Restaurant and Bar
Overlooking the river, the restaurant prides itself by serving only authentic Mauritian dishes made from locally-grown ingredients.
The “Honesty Bar” works on a self-serving basis and is filled with a selection of homemade juices, rums and coffee. You just need to note down whatever you took and then effect payment at check-out. Water is provided for free.
Included in the tent rate is a free continental breakfast which consists of bread, cereal, ham, cheese, omelet, fresh fruits, homemade yogurt and fruit juices. Breakfast is usually served from 7.30 a.m to 10 a.m.
If you would like to have lunch or dinner at Otentic Eco Tent Experience, those cost an additional fee of Rs 700 (US$ 16.30) for adults or Rs 400 (US$ 9.30) for children each. If you have dinner at Otentic Eco Tent, all non-alcoholic drinks will be available free of charge at any time of the day.
A creole buffet is served for lunch from 1 p.m to 2.30 p.m. From 7 p.m, you’ll have the opportunity to taste some local snacks before a BBQ dinner at 8 p.m.
Pool
Besides the restaurant, you’ll find a swimming pool and a few sun loungers.
Activities
One of the main reasons why I decided to stay at Otentic Eco Tent Experience was to try out all the activities on offer and the best part is that they are provided for absolutely free!
You can use the SUP or kayaks to paddle along the river towards GRSE waterfall which is one of the few waterfalls in Mauritius that flow directly into the ocean. It should take on average 20-30 minutes to get there.
Mountain bikes are also provided to explore the nearby villages or you can visit a small dam along GRSE river which is the perfect chilling spot.
Every day at 9.30 a.m a free boat shuttle will take you to Ile aux Cerfs, one of the most beautiful (and popular) islands in Mauritius. It takes roughly 30 minutes to get there and you’ll be dropped back to Otentic at 1 p.m just in time for lunch.
Other free activities that you can do include volleyball, tennis volley, dart game and pétanque.
Snorkeling excursions, island tours, massages and cooking classes are also available for an additional fee.
CLICK HERE TO BOOK A STAY AT OTENTIC ECO TENT
Places to visit near Otentic Eco Tent Experience
Staying at Otentic is perfect for both beach and nature lovers since it’s close to some of the most beautiful beaches and numerous hiking trails. Here are some of the best places to visit nearby:
- Ile aux Cerfs: This is the most popular island in Mauritius boasting calm shallow waters and a beautiful sandbank that stretches out to the sea. Things to do include parasailing, kayaking, snorkeling or simply beach bumming. Here you can find a few souvenir stalls and restaurants as well as a golf course. Book your tour of Ile aux cerfs here.
- Ilot Mangenie: A small islet situated beside Ile aux Cerfs. If you decide to do a full-day boat tour of Ile aux Cerfs and the neighboring islands, you’ll probably stop here for a BBQ lunch.
- Grand River South East waterfall: As mentioned above you can use the kayaks provided by Otentic to paddle all the way to the waterfall and relax in the small rock pools.
- Bamboo Mountain.
- Le Chat et la Souris mountain.
- Hike up Lion mountain for stunning views of the southeast coast.
- GRSE dam: You can use the mountain bikes provided to get there or walk for about 30 minutes.
- Explore the beaches at Trou D’Eau Douce, Belle Mare, Palmar, Pointe D’Esny or Blue Bay.
- Pointe du Diable: A historical site with cannons overlooking the ocean.
- Mahebourg waterfront and village.
How to book your stay?
If you’re looking for the best place to go glamping in Mauritius, you really can’t go wrong with Otentic Eco Tent Experience! It’s recommended to spend at least 3 nights if you want to make the most out of your stay at Otentic as there are so many things to do there.
You can click here to check the latest price and availability.
Find Otentic on Facebook and Instagram.
CLICK HERE TO BOOK A STAY AT OTENTIC ECO TENT
Read more about Mauritius:
- 44 things to do on Mauritius Island
- 31 best beaches to visit in Mauritius
- Guide to visiting East Mauritius
- Guide to traveling Mauritius on a budget
- 18 stunning waterfalls to visit in Mauritius
- The best places for hiking in Mauritius
- Guide to hiking Lion Mountain
- Best Ile aux Cerfs tours