Bois Cheri Tea Factory | Bois Cheri

Information

Landmark: Bois Cheri Tea Factory
City: Bois Cheri
Country: Mauritius
Continent: Africa

Bois Cheri Tea Factory, Bois Cheri, Mauritius, Africa

The Bois Cheri Tea Factory and Museum is the first and largest tea producer in Mauritius, established within the highland Savanne district. It serves as a primary stop on the Mauritian "Tea Route," combining industrial tea production with a cultural museum and a scenic estate.

Visual Characteristics

The estate is characterized by rolling hills covered in manicured green tea bushes and a central factory building featuring industrial corrugated metal and stone masonry. The museum is housed in a traditional colonial-style building with wooden finishes, displaying vintage machinery and historical photographs. Adjacent to the factory is a large volcanic crater lake surrounded by dense tropical vegetation. The panoramic restaurant sits on a hill overlooking the southern coastline and tea plantations, providing a distinct contrast between the dark volcanic soil and lush green foliage.

Location & Access Logistics

The site is located on Bois Cheri Road in the village of Bois Cheri, approximately 30 kilometers south of Port Louis and 20 kilometers from Curepipe. Access is via the B88 road (Grand Bassin Road) or the B23 road through the village of La Flora. Public bus transport is available from Curepipe via the 168 line to Bois Cheri village, followed by a 1.5-kilometer walk to the factory entrance. On-site parking is available for private vehicles and tour operators near the factory and restaurant areas.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The estate was founded in 1892, shortly after a major cyclone devastated the island’s sugar crop, leading to the diversification into tea production. It is situated in the high-rainfall southern highlands, an ecological zone defined by volcanic soil and cool temperatures suitable for the Camellia sinensis plant. The estate's history is tied to the Bour family, who pioneered tea processing techniques on the island, evolving from manual harvesting to the semi-automated industrial processes used today.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can participate in guided factory tours to observe the drying, rolling, and oxidation of tea leaves. The museum provides an overview of the island's tea history, featuring antique steam engines and processing equipment. Tea tasting sessions are held at the panoramic restaurant, allowing visitors to sample various flavored teas (such as vanilla, coconut, and lemon). Java deer feeding sessions are available in the forested areas of the estate, and hiking is possible around the crater lake.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The facility includes public restrooms at the museum and restaurant, a souvenir boutique selling tea products, and a full-service panoramic restaurant. 4G and 5G cellular signals are generally stable across the main estate grounds. Shade is provided within the factory and museum structures, as well as by large trees near the lake. The site is accessible for those with moderate mobility, though the paths between the factory and lake involve uneven terrain.

Best Time to Visit

The factory is most active during the morning hours (09:00 to 11:30) when the harvest arrives and processing is at its peak; factory operations are often reduced on Saturday afternoons and Sundays. For photography, late morning provides the best lighting for the tea fields. The driest months of May through October are ideal for walking the outdoor trails, while the summer months (December–March) offer the most vibrant green foliage due to increased rainfall.

Facts & Legends

A unique historical oddity is that the factory still utilizes some machinery from the early 20th century, maintained alongside modern equipment to ensure consistent flavor profiles. A local "secret" tip is to visit the restaurant terrace for a clear view of the "Lion Mountain" on the distant coast, which is only visible during low-cloud conditions common to the highlands.