Mauritius Parks, Gardens and Natural Attractions

The Royal Botanical Gardens of Pamplemousses are very popular with visitors. Allow at least 2 hours to visit the 62 acre gardens which date back to 1735 when the Mahe de Labourdonnais bought a house in the grounds which he called Mon Plaisir, just north of Port Louis.. The grand wrought iron gates of the gardens won first prize in the Great Exhibition at London's Crystal Palace in 1862.

It's best to pay for the guided tour as you will get a comprehensive explanation of all the medicinal and practical uses for the 500 varieties of amazing plants and trees originally planted here by Pierre Poivre, the French horticulturalist. Though charming, the unoffical guides are best avoided. Among the most peculiar specimens are the Giant Amazon water lillies, and the Talipot palm- known to bloom once every 60 years before dying.

At the Casela Bird Park, you can see some of its 140 bird species, including the rare Mauritian pink pigeon. Some of these excursions are included in the Mauritius tour packages offered by the various vendors.

Le Terrain de Sept Couleurs Located high on the central plains near Chamarel here you can see volcanic earth of seven different colours all woven into one area. The drive to Chamarel heralds some terrific views of waterfalls, sugar plantations and arguably one of the best views available on the island. You can make out the fields of sugar cane, the imposing peak looking out over the town of Tamarind and out to the ocean

La Vanille Crocodile Park contains farm and exotic animals as well as crocodiles in a mature park of bamboo and other tropical plants. Located in the south of the island, this is a great pace to spend an afternoon.

Natural History Museum, Port Louis Founded in 1880, this museum features an exhibit of the popular Dodo, the flightless bird that has been extinct since the end of the 17th century, and a vast library collection of more than 50,000 books.


Trou Aux Cerfs
Is the centre of the extinct volcano which created the island. The black volcanic rock whcih once erupted from this point can be found across the island and near the sea you will be able to see the fractures created as the lava cooled so many years ago. From this point you will enjoy some of the best views across the island andwill just about be able to see down into the water filled crater that remains.

Rochester Falls are accessible via a 5km drive through one of the sugar plantations and La Terracine Sugar Factory, the Savanne River falls 10m over lava rock formations. Young boys wait at the top and dive for your affection and a few rupees.

Le Domaine du Chasseur. Not far from Mahebourg in the South, over 2000 acres of park land boasting deer, stags, boars, monkeys in a forest setting of eucalyptus, ebony and palm.

Rare species of birds such as the kestrel can be seen in the woods. The domain also boasts 4 thatch-roofed lodge-type bungalows and an open restaurant overlooking the sea. A wide choice of venison and seafood is available.

In the islands' interior, there are good opportunities for hiking and trekking. Black River Gorges National Park has excellent walks, and at the same time you can see some endemic plants and birds. The Réserve Forrestière Macchabée and Rivière Noire National Park are also good for hiking. In addition, captive breeding to raise the numbers of Mauritius endangered endemic birds is underway here. For trekkers, you will do well at the plateau at Curepipe and at the island of Rodrigues.