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Dutch First Landing Monument

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Dutch First Landing Monument (Mauritius)

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The Dutch First Landing Monument in Ferney serves as a vital historical marker, commemorating the arrival of the first Dutch sailors on September 20, 1598. Led by Admiral Wybrand van Warwyck, the expedition landed near Grand Port, in an area they named "Warwyck Haven". This event marked the definitive beginning of European influence on Mauritius, an island that had remained largely uninhabited until then. The monument, a simple yet evocative stone structure located at the water's edge, honors the maritime skill and discovery that led to the island being named after Prince Maurice of Nassau. Beyond its historical significance, the site has wide-open views of the rugged coastline and the turquoise waters of the lagoon. It provides a space for reflection on how this initial contact set the stage for the island's future as a strategic colonial outpost and a diverse melting pot of cultures, as well as the environmental changes, such as the introduction of sugar cane, that followed the Dutch settlement.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C272727262523222223242526
Rain mm127113124794732282629313448

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The monument is freely accessible outdoors with no admission fee. It can be visited at any time, as it stands in a public area in Ferney.
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Typical hours
Since it is an outdoor monument, there are no fixed opening hours. Best visited during daylight to clearly see the inscription and surroundings.
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Photography
Photography is allowed at any time with no restrictions. Early morning or late afternoon provides the best light for pictures.
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Time needed
The monument itself takes only about 10-15 minutes to see. However, allow extra time to enjoy the surrounding landscape and coastal views.
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Combine with
Combine the visit with a trip to nearby Bois Chéri or the Fernway Botanical Garden. The village of Ferney itself gives a pleasant walk.
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Getting there
The monument is located in Ferney, about 20 minutes by car from Mahébourg. Best reached by rental car or taxi; public buses only go as far as the main road.
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Insider tip
Combine the visit with a hike in the nearby Ferney Nature Reserve. Bring water and sun protection, as there is little shade.

Geography

Coordinates
-20.37050, 57.72020

Facts

  • Commemorates the landing of Wybrandt van Warwyck's fleet in 1598
  • Inaugurated on September 20, 1998, for the 400th anniversary
  • Located on the southeast coast near Ferney
  • Marks the transition of the island from uninhabited to colonial
  • The monument consists of a commemorative plaque and sculptures
  • The landing was unplanned, caused by a tropical storm

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Bois des AmourettesBois des Amourettes<1 km · SEExplore →
Fort Frederik HendrikFort Frederik Hendrik1 km · NExplore →
OlivierOlivier2 km · NWExplore →
Battle of Vieux Grand Port MonumentBattle of Vieux Grand Port Monument3 km · SWExplore →
Domaine de l'EtoileDomaine de l'Etoile4 km · SEExplore →
Ile des Deux CocosIle des Deux Cocos5 km · WExplore →
Pointe du Diable BatteryPointe du Diable Battery5 km · NExplore →
Ile de la PasseIle de la Passe5 km · NExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Dutch First Landing Monument (8)

Frederik Hendrik Museum🏛 museum

Museum in Vieux Grand Port, documenting the Dutch colonial period on Mauritius.

South-Eastern Viewpoint

Viewpoint in the southeast offering a panorama of the coast and sea.

Vieux Grand Port public beach

Public sandy beach on the southeast coast, near the historic harbour.

Eastern Viewpoint

Viewpoint on the east coast overlooking the bay of Vieux Grand Port.

Lion Mountain

Mountain on Mauritius, known for its lion-like silhouette.

Monument of intoduction of Sugarcane to Mauritius

Monument in Vieux Grand Port commemorating the introduction of sugarcane.

Vallée de Ferney

Nature reserve on Mauritius with hiking trails and native wildlife.

Monument to the Dutch first landing

Memorial stone in Vieux Grand Port marking the first Dutch landing.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is this monument about?
It marks the spot of the first Dutch landing on Mauritius.
How much time is needed there?
It is a short stop; about 10-15 minutes are perfectly enough.
Is it easily accessible?
Yes, it is located near the coastal road and is easily accessible.
Is parking good here?
There is limited parking along the road.
Is it worth visiting?
For history enthusiasts, it is a significant point on the island.
Dutch First Landing Monument: where is it located?
Dutch First Landing Monument is located in Mauritius.
Dutch First Landing Monument: what is there to see?
Highlights include Frederik Hendrik Museum, South-Eastern Viewpoint, Vieux Grand Port public beach.
Dutch First Landing Monument: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.
Dutch First Landing Monument: why is it worth visiting?
The Dutch First Landing Monument in Ferney serves as a vital historical marker, commemorating the arrival of the first Dutch sailors on September 20, 1598.
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Centre de Flacq
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Olivier — Dutch First Landing Monument (Mauritius)
Olivier
Olivier is a small village in the Grand Port district.
Mahébourg — Dutch First Landing Monument (Mauritius)
Mahébourg
Mahébourg is a historic coastal town in the southeast of the island.
Saint Pierre — Dutch First Landing Monument (Mauritius)
Saint Pierre
Saint Pierre is a centrally located village in the Moka district.
Le Hochet — Dutch First Landing Monument (Mauritius)
Le Hochet
Le Hochet is a densely populated village in the Pamplemousses district, just north of the capital Port Louis.
Riche Terre — Dutch First Landing Monument (Mauritius)
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Riche Terre is located on the outskirts of Port Louis.
Mont Choisy — Dutch First Landing Monument (Mauritius)
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Mont Choisy is famous for its kilometer-long, arc-shaped sandy beach.
Rose Belle — Dutch First Landing Monument (Mauritius)
Rose Belle
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History & landmarks

Curepipe Town Hall — Dutch First Landing Monument (Mauritius)
Curepipe Town Hall
A fine example of colonial wooden architecture in the center of Curepipe.