Before the colonialists landed on the shores of the island of Mauritius, it was all covered with tropical forests, inhabited by hundreds of species of birds and animals. Now only a third of the original natural wealth remains on the island. Nature parks and reserves in Mauritius provide everyone with the unique opportunity to explore the wildlife in ethical way.
Here is the list of 12 nature reserves in Mauritius island; keep reading to get up-to-date information about national parks, entrance fees, how to explore and other details.
1. La Vanille Nature Park
A nature reserve, located about one hour drive from the capital of Mauritius island – Port Louis, was opened in 1985 as a nursery for crocodiles. Over time, the fauna of the park expanded and turned it into a giant zoo.
Before entering the park, you can see sheep, deer and goats that live on a small farm. Visit to this farm is included in the ticket price.
The spacious animal enclosures in the park are surrounded by bamboo thickets, palm trees and banana trees. These are the most common plants in Mauritius. Among these trees you will see several types of crocodiles and alligators. Plan your visit during feeding time, at 11.30 am.
Next to the predators there are giant tortoises. This nature park in Mauritius is the only place where turtles live in enclosures. Anyone can go and take a picture with these giants, and children under 12 years old are even allowed to ride on them.
In addition to crocodiles and turtles, lemurs, bats, monkeys live in La Vanille Park and there is a large insectarium where more than 20 thousand different dried insects are collected.
After a walk in the park, you can go to a local Mauritius restaurant for lunch.
- Address: SENNEVILLE, Riviere des Anguilles, Riviere des Anguilles 60602, Mauritius
- Working hours: 9.00 – 17.00
- Ticket prices: 12 USD
- Official website: https://www.lavanille-naturepark.com/
- To book full-day tour in La Vanille Nature Park click here.
You can take pictures throughout the park. After visit to this park you can enjoy one hour drive and explore Chamarel Seven Colored geopark.
2. Black River Gorges Park, Mauritius (Georges de la Riviere Noire)
If you would like to meet some rare birds in one of nature parks and reserves in Mauritius island, plan your visit to Black River Gorges Park. It is spread over an area of six thousand hectares. Here you can find the highest peak of Mauritius Rivière Noire. Tourists come here to see birds and exotic plants.
Almost a quarter of Mauritian animals and plants that are found in the Black River Gorges Park can only be found in this area and nowhere else. Ornithologists from all over the world come here to observe nine species of the rarest birds. For example, in this nature park in Mauritius were found:
- pink dove (can only be found on the island);
- cuckoo-shrike;
- kestrel;
- Mauritian necklace parrot (for a long time it was considered an endangered species, now its population has begun to recover).
Walking among the shady forests of the park, tourists can meet these rare birds, as well as wild boars, Javanese deer and macaques.
But Black River Gorges Park is famous not only for animals. The flora of this place is represented by dry, mountainous and humid forests. More than 300 species of plants grow here: bamboo, palm trees, palmyra with an edible core, ravenals, wild guava and much more.
If you decide to go to the park for a walk, then be sure to wear comfortable shoes and clothes, and also take snacks and water with you – there are no infrastructure and shops in this place.
- Address: B103 – Plaine Champagne Road, Mauritius.
- Ticket price (general admission): free.
- Opening hours: daily from 06:00 to 18:00.
- Click here to book hiking tour in Black River Gorges National Park.
3. La Vallee de Ferney
La Vallee de Ferney is one of nature parks and reserves in Mauritius where you can walk though so-called “native” forest of the island. The area of 200-ha is a conservation zone, where you can see endemic plants and the most observant can see some species of endemic birds. This place is known as a natural habitat of Mauritius Kestrel, this bird is usually shown at noon.
You can pre-book guided tour and choose one of the tracks to explore the nature reserve. On the territory of the park you can find restaurant, where you can try out some very delicious but rather simple meals. All products are from local producers, so you’ll support local community.
- Address: B 28, Vieux Grand Port, Mauritius
- Opening hours: 8.30 – 17.00
- Entrance fee: 18 USD
- Official website: https://www.ferney.mu/
4. La Vallée Des Couleurs Nature Park
Best option for nature lovers, that combine plenty of activities. You can spend great time there: walk and listen to four of Mauritian waterfalls located in this park, which waters fall from the big height and give coolness.
Check the viewpoints to make sure you’ve caught the best views. There are many ways to see La Vallee Des Couleurs, you can do it on your own or by joining the group tour. What makes this place really unique is coloured sands, left as a result of volcano eruption.
- Address: B102, Chamouny, Mauritius
- Working hours: 8.30 – 17.30
- Entrance fee: 9.15 USD
- Official website: https://lvdc.mu/shop/
- Click here to book full-day Safari Tour at La Vallée Des Couleurs Nature Park.
5. Chazal Ecotourism
This is a perfect place to feel better the connection with nature. You’re offered to stay in tents on the territory of Mauritius endemic forest. To visit this nature reserve go to the south of the island to Chamouny.
Its also a great place to explore Mauritius flora and fauna and enjoy walking and outdoor activities. This location is a bit different from others nature parks and reserves in Mauritius, because it provides guests with comfort living conditions, while offer to enjoy the beauty of the wild nature.
- Address: Impasse de la Forêt, CHAZAL Chamouny MU, 61301, Mauritius
- Opening hours: 09.00 – 17.00
- Phone: +230 5422 1233
- You can check accomodation availability here.
6. Le Val Nature Park
Occuping the territory of 2800 hectare, Le Val Nature Park is located in the south-east of Mauritius island. You can find there some colonial houses and chimneys, left as memories of British rule when this place was a sugar factory and now their reminders are considered as national monuments.
To give this place a second life it was decided to use it for agriculture purposes. What you can see there is the ponds where prawns and shrimps are grown. Also, you’ll have a chance to visit greenhouses where anthuriums flowers are cultivated.
- Address: JJPJ+69V, Unnamed Road, St Hubert, Mauritius (click here to view on the map)
- Working hours: 9 AM – 4 PM (Mon – Sun). Nature park is closed on Public Holidays.
- Ticket price:
- Adult – 50 Mauritian Rupees,
- Child – 25 Mauritian Rupees.
7. Casela Nature Parks
This places is a must-visit in Mauritius island, as it presents the concentration of many different activities in one place. More than 1800 animal species are living on the territory of Casela Nature parks and you’ll have a chance to meet some of them. Among other activities, park visitors are offered to enjoy a walk with lion.
Not many places in the world can grant you with such an opportunity. Casela is the only one among other nature parks and reserves in Mauritius that can safisfy the needs of each visitor. Another opportunity to discover the place is to participate in safari and meet zebras, rhinos and ostriches.
Adrenaline seekers should visit Thrill Mountain – this park zone includes ziplines, suspension bridge, hiking and the most thrilling part – canyon jumping!
- Address: Royal Road, Cascavelle, Mauritius
- Working hours: 09.00 – 17.00
- Entrance fee: Package tour costs about 30 USD. Click here to book your admission ticket to Casela Nature Park.
- Click here to book full-day tour to Casela Nature Park with lunch and transfer.
8. Ile aux Aigrettes
Among other nature parks and reserves in Mauritius, Ile aux Aigrettes is an example of correct approach to restoration and conservation of the nature. This small island of 25 ha size, located not far from Mahebourg Bay gained its status of nature reserve in 1965.
Its very interesting, that Mauritius island is a volcanic island, but Ile aux Aigrettes is made up from coralline milestone. During the Second World War huge part of forests were cut down and as a result many endemic animals were disappeared.
Nowadays, you can visit this islet by joining the group Eco Tour and meet famous Mauritian pink pigeon, giant tortoises, some of rare animals and lizards, and many plants that are typical to the island.
- Address: HPHM+X4V, Mahebourg, Mauritius (click here to view on map).
- Admission: Free
- If you would like to visit Ile aux Aigrettes Nature Reserve, Blue Bay and other iconic Mauritius sites, click here to make your booking.
9. Ebony Forest
Mauritius island has its own endemic flora and fauna, and ebony tree is one of those typical for this paradise island. Make sure you include visit to Ebony forest on you must-visit places, once traveling to Mauritius island. It will be a great idea to go there on your honeymoon as in the park you can plant love tree, which is very symbolic and romantic.
There are plenty of things to do in Ebony Forest in Chamarel, so you can easily spend the whole day there exploring. You can start your adventure by joining bird watching tour, that can take about 4 hours. After that, enjoy a bit of hiking, that way you can learn more about the life on Mauritius island before the human settled there.
- Address: MU, Chamarel 90409, Mauritius
- Opening hours: 9.00 – 17.00
- Ticket price: 33 USD
- Official website – https://www.ebonyforest.com/
- Take a hiking tour at Ebony Forest Reserve. Click here to make your booking.
10. Lavilleon Forest
Lavilleon Forest is a great place to have a fun with family, kids and friends while visiting one of the most beautiful nature parks in Mauritius. There are many endemic species you can meet on the territory of park, among others are deer, brown pigs, roosters. Enjoy your time walking in ebony forest, where the age of some trees exceed 300 years.
If you’re looking for stronger emotions, its better to try 260 metres long zip-line or walking Nepalese bridge, it is located about 200 metres above the ground, so its a real adventure for thrill-seakers. Once you’re done exploring this place, you can move to Le Morne and check for things to do there.
- Address: Chamarel, Mauritius
- Opening hours: 09.00 – 17.00
- Official website: lavilleonadventurepark.com
11. Bel Ombre Nature Reserve
If you’re in the south-west of the island looking to visit the place with endemic flora and fauna, then plan your trip to Bel Ombre Nature Reserve. This place gained status of Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1977 with the main idea to protect vegetation native to the island.
This nature park can be visited by joining jeep safari tour or you can explore it by foot being accompany by professional guides. Go there to visit famous Mauritius Pink Pigeon and Mauritius Fody. Guided tours are usually take about 5 hours. Jeep safari will help you to discover this place faster, it will last about two hours.
- Address: Bel Ombre, Mauritius
- Opening Hours: 8.30 AM – 4.30 PM (Mon-Sun)
- Official website: belombrenaturereserve.com
- Join 4×4 Safari Tour in Bel Ombre, click here to make your reservation. Or you can book quad bike tour in Bel Ombre.
12. Blue Bay National Park
Last but not the least in our list of nature parks and reserves in Mauritius is Blue Bay marine park. Its officially gaines its status in 1997. Coral garden made this park very popular among those who likes snorkeling. It is located rather close to the coastline, in addition, shallow waters create ideal conditions for those eager to explore the underwater world. The main attraction of the place is “brain coral” which is 1000 years old.
- Address: HP45+3W7, Blue Bay, Mauritius;
- Phone: +230 5915 1351;
- Enjoy stunning views of Blue Bay and try snorkeling with fish and coral on half-day trip. Click here to make your reservation.
Other Outdoor Experiences in Mauritius
In the protected areas and even on the ordinary beaches of this paradise island, travelers will find many more outlandish plants and animals.
On the coast, beautiful casuarinas, brought to Mauritius from distant Australia, create a shadow. These are unusual trees with fluffy “needles” and fruits that resemble a mixture of cones and berries. Coconut palms and banyan trees are located throughout the island. Banyan trees have become one of the main attractions among tourists, as they look very beautiful in photographs: these trees spread their branches and roots very widely, creating unusual weaves.
Fruit lovers will have a special pleasure in Mauritius. Bananas, pineapples, mangoes, guava, lychee, papaya and other exotic delicacies grow here.
In the shade of these plants, you can also meet animals: deer, wild boars, goats, sheep, mongooses, monkeys calmly walk along the forest paths.
If you love seafood or fishing, then the island will not disappoint you. Under water, there are more than two hundred species of fish and other marine life. In Mauritius, you can fish for marlin, sailfish, barracuda, tuna and dorado. Sharks are also found in the waters of Mauritius, but they do not pose a danger to humans.
There are no large predatory animals on the island either. The only ones who can cause inconvenience to vacationers are monkeys. Therefore, when meeting with them, remove everything rustling and shiny away: macaques and monkeys can steal phones, glasses, bags of food and even chains and rings from vacationers.
