La Vanille Nature Park was established in 1985 with the main goal to preserve from extinction some of the animals, such as giant Aldabra tortoises, crocodiles, bats, and butterflies. This is one of the nature parks and reserves in Mauritius and a popular tourist attraction. Earlier this place was known as La Vanille Crocodile Park.
Check this ultimate travel guide to Crocodile park in Mauritius; get up-to-date information about entrance fees to La Vanille Nature park, how to get there, things to do and see and other details first time visitors should know.
Visitors can also see a wide range of plants, including orchids, mangroves, and palm trees. The park also offers to join guided tours, visit a restaurant, and a souvenir shop to buy small gifts. It is a great place to learn about the island’s unique ecosystem and to enjoy some beautiful nature.
What to expect from La Vanille Nature Park?
Don’t miss your chance to see one of the oldest tortoises, living in the park whose age is more than 100 years and weight is above 250 kg. As the park brochures suggest, La Vanille Park is an active participant of many conservation programs. So, if you were in doubt, is it some sort of zoo and is it worth visiting, you should definitely give it a try. As it was mentioned earlier, La Vanille Nature Park is primarily the place where you can meet with giant tortoises and Nile crocodiles. But, on the territory of 5 hectares there are many other things to do and see.
Interactive Farm
This is an area for children where they can interact with different animals and learn something new. All interactions are conducted under the guidance of staff of the park. They can feed chicken and rabbits. There is a playground right there, so it will not be a boring experience at all. Another entertainment available for kids is pony rides. Children can enjoy riding ponies on the territory of interactive farm as well as in the reserve, of course being accompanied by park employees.
Dodo Museum
Dodo bird is a national heritage and pride of Mauritius island. You can find different souvenirs and gifts with Dodo birds, which were extinct by the way in the 17th century. It was a specialist Dr. Julian Hume, who tried to make a reconstruction of how this bird looked. In this museum you can also see replicas of other animals and bird species that once lived on Mauritius island.
The Insectarium
You’ll be surprised to see how many different insects live on the territory of Mauritius island. More than 30000 specimens are available for you to explore in the Insectarium, located on the territory of La Vanille National Park. Featured collection is the result of 30 years of work. Just try to imagine “behind the scenes”: how much effort was required to prepare each item to show them later to the public.
Fossil Museum
Another cool place to visit and gain knowledge about the past. In this museum, you can see fossils, found not only on the territory of Mauritius island, but in Madagascar. Also make sure to visit the section devoted to marine mammals. There you’ll see skeletons of whales, seals and other marine creatures.
Feeding Times
If you would like to gain the maximum from your visit to La Vanille National Park don’t miss animals’ feeding time. You’re invited to feed giant tortoises everyday, at 11.00 and 13.00. Greens for feeding can be bought at the entrance to the enclosure.
At 11.30 it’s feeding time for crocodiles, living in the park. This experience is really unique and can’t be missed. Other experiences with crocodiles offered to tourists are feeding baby crocodiles and the opportunity to take a photo with a baby crocodile.
For an additional price you can attend “the nursery” and feed the baby tortoises, everyday at 10.30. 11.00 and 14.00.
Another interactive opportunity for park visitors is a chance to enter lemurs’ enclosure being accompanied by the guide and feed these creatures.
Tickets prices
La Vanille National Park entrance fee for adults – 500 Rs, child – 150 Rs. Park is open for visiting daily from 9.00 to 17.00. You can buy tickets on the official website or at the entrance to the park.
It’s up to you to decide how you would like to explore La Vanille Nature Park. If you would like to receive more information and comments about the park, you can join a guided tour, which is absolutely free and runs every 30 minutes.
You can also visit La Vanille Nature Reserve as a part of a day tour that you can book on GetYourGuide. During the 8 hours tour you’ll have a chance to visit several places in the south of Mauritius island: Bois Chery, Gris Gris, La Vanille park and Sugar Estate. More details and opportunity to book here.
Another tour option includes a visit to Vanilla Park and wild beaches. Click here to book this tour.
How to get to the park?
La Vanille Nature Reserve is located in the south of the island, not far from one of the hiking trails in Mauritius – Senneville Cliffs.
It’s not so difficult to find the entrance to the park, just keep the following map tag as your reference point. If you’re going to the park from Port Louis, it will take about one hour to drive.
Park address:
Rivière Des Anguilles, MAURITIUS
Tel: +230 626 2503
Fax: +230 626 1442
Email: crocpark@intnet.mu
La Vanille Nature Park Video
FAQ
You can meet crocodiles in Mauritius in La Vanille park, where they were bred for their skin. It was the first and unique place of its kind in the island.
Don’t miss an opportunity to feed the baby crocodile. Feeding times: 11.00, 13.30 and 15.00. Participation in this activity is not included in the entrance ticket and need to be paid separately.
La Vanille park is a home to about 2000 Nile crocodiles of different ages. This is a place where you can even touch a Nile baby, learn about the life of these creatures that appeared even before the dinosaurs.
You can visit it on your own. It means that you need to think about transportation: rent a car or use taxi. If that’s not something you’re interested in, it’s better to join one of group day tours. Except of La Vanille Nature park you’ll visit some fascinating beaches in the southern part of the island, as well as viewpoints. Click here to check all the details about the tour.
Those looking for more intensive tour program can enjoy a trip to rum distillery, visit sugar plantation and tea factory. You can book 8-hours day tour here.
