10 Meilleurs Parcs de l'ÎleMaurice

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Get into the heart of nature while you experience both the extreme opposites of lush greenery together with adrenaline rush activities like zip lining, suspended Nepalese bridge or quad biking. While in the parks, listen to the rustling trees, chirping of the tropical birds, and contemplate on the wild beauty of nature.

One of the most significant assets of Mauritius is its biodiversity. By taking a trail trak or a hiking trip in one of the nature reserves, you will get to witness the endemic flora and fauna of the island as well as some mesmerizing views.

Over the years, many national parks have been proclaimed with a mission to preserve the endangered wildlife and plant species on the island. These parks have since then served as incubators for the critically threatened species, providing them with a natural breeding ground, safe from human exploitation and invasive species. The populations of several species have thus been steady and have shown an encouraging growth in numbers.

As times, the heat will elevate and thus it is recommended to take a sun hat or cap and water with you. It is also important that you are well-equipped with sunscreen, mosquito repellent creams and good trekking shoes due to the uneven tracks.

Here’s a list made by our true experts, all locals, nature lovers and park enthusiasts who are here to share their knowledge with you.

Discover the Best Parks in Mauritius:

1. Casela Nature Park

Located beside the Rempart Mountain on the South-West of Mauritius, Casela Nature Park is home to beautiful natural panoramas and species of numerous endangered animals and birds including the white lions and tigers. The park spans over 350 hectares and is divided into 5 zones, each with its own unique characteristic.

The 5 zones are Thrill Mountain, Predator Kingdom, African Safari, Pangia Birds and Rides and World of Events.

Those who are interested in enjoying a safari can opt for E-Bikes and Jeep rides and can enjoy a guided tour of the whole park.

From playing with tiger cubs to feeding them, the whole day here can be spent while indulging in numerous adrenaline rushing activities and once in a lifetime experiences. Home to so many beautiful sceneries and animals resting in their natural habitat makes it one of the best Mauritius sightseeing places.

Book your activities at Casela Nature Park

2. La Vanille Nature Reserve

La Vanille Nature Reserve also known by many as the Crocodile Farm & Nature Park is home to various species of animals, reptiles and plants. The park is set in a beautiful rain forested valley with natural freshwater springs, full of prawns and fish.

As part of your visit to the La Vanille Nature Reserve, the park’s guides will guide you through some unforgettable walks. You will get to stroll through luxuriant greenery where banana trees, palm trees and giant bamboos provide shade for the crocodiles and the giant tortoises. During your visit at the La Vanille Nature Reserve you can also experience a firsthand encounter with the giant tortoises, and get a rare chance to feed, pet and play with them.

Also thousands of Nile crocodiles are found in the park and you can watch them in maximum safety.

La Vanille Nature Reserve also offers a mini zoo of Mauritian fauna where you can find most of the Mauritian mammals and reptiles including skinks, phelsumas (geckos), giant tortoises, turtles, bats, deer, mongooses, monkeys, wild boars, as well as domestic livestock such as goats, fat-tailed sheep and donkeys.

A must see is the park’s rare collection of butterflies and other brightly-colored insects (with about 23 000 species), which is one of the most fascinating in the world.

Book your activities at La Vanille Nature Reserve

3. Domaine L'Etoile Park

Le Domaine de l’Etoile extends over 1 200 hectares and is situated in the East part of the Island, between the village of Montagne Blanche and Kewal Nagar Belle Rive.

Previously a private hunting domain, and only recently opened to the public, this Domaine remained one of the most preserved regions of Mauritius. The domain has several rivers and indigenous woods which are rich in hundreds of different varieties of plants and trees, including the most ancient ebony trees of Mauritius and other endemic species as well as cinnamon trees, vetivers, orchids, traveler’s trees, banana trees and more.

A large river flows through the Domaine as well as trickling streams and flowing waterfalls. A number of activities are offered at Domaine de l’Etoile including, Quad biking, Horse riding and Hiking circuits. Visitors will witness, in turns, spectacular panoramas, Java deers and endemic birds. There is also an onsite restaurant which presents a quiet and peaceful environment where guests can recall the special moments of the day while enjoying the tasty local cuisine.

Book your activities at Domaine L'Etoile Park

4. La Vallee Des Couleurs Nature Park

La Vallee des Couleurs Reserve is home to various species of flora and fauna and a great place to enjoy selection of nature trips and fun activities.

Visitors are treated with a range of natural landscapes, including plateaus, mountains, valleys, craters and crater-lakes.

La Vallee Des Couleurs Nature Park - Mauritius

Covering an area of about 450 hectares, the La Vallee Des Couleurs Nature Park boasts six waterfalls and offers a panorama down to the sea that can be discovered on foot, by buggy, quad or by taking a course of eight zip lines, including the longest in the Indian Ocean at 1,500 metres! The latter descends headfirst, suspended by the back in a lying position, and is one of the most beautiful activities in the park.

The longest Nepalese bridge in this part of the world also gets the adrenaline pumping for 350 metres.

In a quad or buggy, you can enjoy a one hour ride (with stops and photo breaks) that goes around the land of 23 colours and also passes by other attractions (turtle enclosures, waterfalls...).

Book your activities at La Vallee Des Couleurs Nature Park

5. La Vallée de Ferney Park

The Vallée de Ferney, a 200-hectare nature sanctuary is located in the south east of the island, a few minutes drive north of Mahébourg in Grand Port District.

Discover the Vallée de Ferney at your ease by following the guidelines through a 3km track that winds through the native forest.

The hike will give you the opportunity to admire indigenous plant species like Ebony trees, Coffea Mauritania, Takamakas, Eugenia Bojeria, Araucarias and other species such as the Ravenala, commonly known as the Traveller’s Tree. As you make your way through the endemic forest, you might also come across the Mauritius Kestrel, the only bird of prey on the island, as well as the Mauritian Flying Fox, a megabat.

The Valleé de Ferney is a must-see conservation site for Mauritian biodiversity. Along with discovering the unique natural habitats and ecosystems of Mauritius, you will also be able to admire picturesque surrounding views; making this hike an ideal excursion for wildlife-lovers and nature lovers.

After you hike you may also enjoy a sumptuous meal at Ferney Falaise Rouge restaurant which is just off the sea cliff and offers an incredible sea-view facing the Grand-Port bay and Lion Mountain.

The below packages will allow you to visit this park:

Link to the activities:

6. Chazal Ecotourism Park

Chazal is an Ecotourism Park that welcomes visitors of all ages. Nested in the wild south of the Island at Chamouny, the venue is vibrant with the magnificent wonders Nature has to offer. Enjoy a fun day out with the family at the nature reserve with delightful activities like zip lining, trekking in a protected nature reserve and a 4x4 Jeep trip through the park.

Offering several great activities packages, you will get the chance to discover the Chazal reserve which is in the midst of green hills, thrilling and rugged paths, natural pools, waterfall, and authentic tropical riverside vegetation such as raphia palms, banyan trees, various creepers, and ferns.

You will be able to enjoy river trekking, jeep trip, zip lines, hikes and many more fun activities at Chazal Ecotourism Park. The guides will welcome you with delicious coffee drinks before you are set to discover the flora and fauna of the area. Rest assured, lunch will be provided after the morning session, or before the afternoon session depending on your choice.

The Family Adventure Package at Domaine de Chazal is an invitation to get away from crowded beaches and simply enjoy being in the moment amongst the pristine nature of the island.

Below packages includes Chazal Ecotourism Site:

7. Parc Loisirs Gros Cailloux

Located on the west of the island, this leisure park is ideal for family outings. It offers a varied range of fun outdoor activities to both children and adults, such as ziplining, quad biking, a selection of water sports and more.

The leisure park is spread over 1000 acres, crossed by several rivers, including a lake. A huge garden dotted with sugarcane fields, fruit plantations and green spaces with various flora, including hibiscus, araucarias or bougainvillea.

Dating back to the eighteenth century, this former sugar estate created by Pierre St Aubin also houses old buildings making it a charming heritage site.

Experience an incredible adrenaline rush with activities like Quad Biking, Zipline, tube ride while discovering some of the island's flora and fauna with fun activities. You will receive a safety briefing on precautions and equipment, before you are all set to explore the park.

Your children can learn how to fish for tilapia, pet farm animals and ride a bike throughout the park which is packed with nature. Children also can fly through the air on an exciting child-friendly zipline that soars above the forested area.

The park, along with its onsite restaurant, is open daily from 9:00am to 5:00 pm.

Below packages include this adventurous park:

8. Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden

Mauritius National Botanical Garden is home to an incredible variety of tropical plants, many of them indigenous.

The Botanic Garden, formally known as Sir Seewoosagur Botanic Garden, is one of the most visited attractions in Mauritius and it is the oldest botanical garden in the Southern Hemisphere.

Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden - Mauritius

The garden is located in the proximity of Port-Louis in the district of Pamplemousse.

The botanical garden was initially opened as a private garden by the French governor of Mauritius nearly 300 years ago, later to become the national botanical garden of Mauritius.

It is populated with more than 650 varieties of plants among which are the famous Baobabs, the Palmier Bouteille, the ineluctable Giant Water Lilies, dozens of medicinal plants, a large spice garden and many more.

One of the main attractions of the botanical garden is the 85 different varieties of palm trees brought from different corners of the world. Other indigenous species of plants are also exhibited here.

Guides are available at the entrance of the garden, offering a full tour for as little as 1 euro/hour per person (payment for the guides is done at the entrance of the botanical garden). We highly recommend using the guides’ services.

Book your activities at the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden

9. Ebony Forest

While making your way through the native forest, you will get to admire the native fauna of Mauritius, such as fruit bats, swiftlets and tropicbirds soaring high along the mountains’ ridgeline. The two mid-canopy walkways through the ebony forest will give you the surreal sensation of floating through one of the best-preserved forests. You can have a guided tour with one of the experienced staff members or if you prefer, wander along the walkways on your own where you will encounter informative signs to guide the way. You may also view the splendor of the Ebony Forest while cruising in a jeep.

The Sublime Point offers a breathtaking view of Le Morne Brabant and the surrounding bays where you can also see a lot of tropical birds, including the white-tailed tropicbird. An elevated footbridge leads you to the heart of the habitat with geckos, birds and other endemic species. At the end of the bridge, you will reach a platform that allows you to contemplate an excellent panoramic view of the island, including the southwestern, western and central plateau regions.

If you are an avid bird watcher who loves seeing various species of birds or enjoys their sweet chirping in their natural habitats then the bird watching trip including a hike through the Ebony Forest, is something you should not miss. Watching the endemic birds of Mauritius and immortalizing the beautiful moments in candid pictures is certainly an exquisite experience.

Book your activities at Ebony Forest

10. Lavilleon Natural Forest

Lavilleon Natural Forest focuses on preserving its forest so as to protect the value of its natural resources. It’s a nature reserve with breathtaking views of the west coast of Mauritius. By visiting this park, you will be transported into lush vegetation and since it’s a hunting ground, you might come across some wild deers.

Lavilleon Natural Forest has more than 80 species of endemic trees among which some have been declared as highly endangered such as the ‘Palmiste Piquant’ and two types of Ebony Trees namely the ‘Bois Clou’ and ‘Cafe Marron’. While taking the set trail, you might also spot some rare birds like the rooster of the woods (terpsiphone bourbonnensis), the cook (coracina typica) or the pink pigeon (columba mayeri),

The reserve offers few epic activities like Nepalese rope bridge, a thrilling zipline, an archery range and hiking trails. Advance booking is required for all the activities. Couple of activities like the Nepalese rope bridge and the zipline activity, are done in a virgin valley with trees of over 500 years of existence.

Best Parks in Mauritius - The Conclusion

Mauritius will spoil you with the long list of great Nature & Adventure Parks to visit. The wide diversity of landscapes will never cease to amaze you and few of the best places to visit are the Casela Nature Park, Vallée des Couleurs and the Crocodile & Giant Tortoises Park.

You will also experience an incredible adrenaline rush with several activities while discovering some of the island's flora and fauna with fun activities.

10 Meilleurs Parcs de l'Île Maurice