In 2000, at just 24 years old, renowned Mauritian cyclist Patrick Haberland turned his lifelong passion for the outdoors into a profession and founded Yemaya Adventures.
Patrick had always been drawn to nature. When he wasn’t cycling, he could often be found mountain biking, kayaking or hiking. He realised that combining these passions with his professional life could create something special — and so Yemaya Adventures was born.
A Champion Before Becoming an Entrepreneur
Long before Yemaya Adventures, Patrick Haberland had already made his mark on the international sporting scene.
He was one of Mauritius’ leading cyclists of his generation, competing both at home and internationally. Among the highlights of his palmarès were two victories in the Tour de Maurice, in 1996 and 1998 — an achievement that established him as one of the country’s great cycling champions.
His achievements went well beyond the island. Patrick competed internationally and represented Mauritius at major events around the world. In 1998, he won two gold medals at the Indian Ocean Island Games, including the individual time trial, before representing Mauritius at the Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. There, he finished an impressive 14th in the individual time trial, the best performance by a Mauritian in the event.
Among his other notable achievements was becoming World Champion among countries with populations of fewer than three million inhabitants, adding an international title to an already remarkable career.
After years of racing and travelling the world through cycling, Patrick decided in 1998 that it was time to step away from competitive road cycling. He wanted to leave the sport on his own terms, rather than become caught up in the pressures and temptations surrounding elite competition. His decision was rooted in a desire to remain clean and true to his principles.
Cycling, however, would never really leave him.
From Cycling to Adventure
Patrick’s journey into the world of outdoor activities had started several years earlier in France. During 1994 and 1995, while studying at CREPS de Talence in Bordeaux, he followed a cycling instructor qualification with the French Cycling Federation (FFC).
His sporting background gave him much more than racing experience. It gave him an understanding of training, leadership, safety, discipline and the importance of sharing knowledge — qualities that would later become central to Yemaya Adventures.
Four Bikes, Two Kayaks and a Big Idea
Yemaya Adventures began modestly, with just four bicycles and two kayaks, which Patrick had brought back from South Africa after completing a basic kayaking course there.
The early days were very much about building the business from the ground up. As the company grew and Patrick was able to reinvest in his training, he travelled abroad to further develop his kayaking expertise.
He completed kayaking courses in Jersey and Weymouth with the British Canoeing Union, now known as Paddle UK, before going on to complete an advanced course in Elba, Italy.
Armed with his qualifications and growing experience, Patrick began offering sea-kayaking courses and training other guides. His aim was not simply to take people outdoors, but to develop knowledgeable and professional guides who could share Mauritius’s natural environment safely and responsibly.
Helping Shape Mauritius’ Adventure Tourism
Yemaya Adventures became one of the early pioneers of organised adventure tourism in Mauritius. Over the years, other companies followed in its footsteps, contributing to the growth of an industry that today offers visitors a much wider range of ways to discover the island.
What began with half-day excursions gradually expanded into longer and more ambitious adventures.
Among them was La Grande Traversée, a two-day mountain-biking adventure; a seven-day kayaking tour around Mauritius; and expeditions involving up to 100 kilometres of paddling in St Brandon. Yemaya Adventures has also explored the landscapes and waters of Rodrigues, taking adventure tourism well beyond the traditional experiences offered to visitors.
From Adventure Operator to Guide Training
After more than two decades in the industry, Patrick’s vision has evolved.
Today, one of his greatest priorities is helping the next generation of Mauritians become qualified, capable and knowledgeable adventure guides.
For Patrick, being a good guide means much more than knowing how to ride a bike or paddle a kayak. Guides need to understand the history, culture and natural environment of Mauritius, while also knowing how to manage risks and keep their clients safe.
Over the years, Patrick has trained guides for major hotel groups as well as smaller local adventure companies, passing on the knowledge and experience he has built throughout his career.
A Legacy Built on Adventure
From a decorated cycling career — including two Tour de Maurice victories, international victories and a Commonwealth Games performance — to founding Yemaya Adventures with four bikes and two kayaks, Patrick Haberland’s journey has always been driven by the same values: sport, nature, exploration and sharing knowledge.
What started in 2000 has grown into more than an adventure company. Yemaya Adventures has helped introduce generations of visitors and Mauritians to the island’s mountains, forests, coastline and offshore islands, while helping develop the people who guide them.
And after more than 25 years, Patrick’s focus is increasingly on the next generation — giving young Mauritians the skills, qualifications and knowledge they need to become ambassadors for their country’s extraordinary natural heritage.
From champion cyclist to adventure pioneer, Patrick Haberland’s story is inseparable from the story of Yemaya Adventures — and the adventure continues.