The Pamplemousses Botanical Garden, also known as the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden, or SSR Botanical Garden is located in the village of Pamplemousses in the northwest part of the island, not far from Port Louis – the capital city.
The garden boasts a collection of indigenous and exotic plant species, including rare and endemic flora found only in Mauritius. Visitors have the opportunity to explore diverse ecosystems with giant water lilies being the real stars of the garden.
Check this travel guide on visiting SSR Botanical Garden in Mauritius; you’ll get up-to-date information about opening hours, why it’s worth visiting, things to see and do, entrance fees, best day tours to join and how to get there.
About The Pamplemousses Botanical Garden
- Address: VHWJ+448, Pamplemousses, Mauritius
- Working hours: 08.30 – 17.00
- Entrance fee: 166 MUR for foreign visitors, 13 MUR for residents.
- On the map: link.
How to Get There
By rental car
Car rental is a great way to travel around the island. From Port Louis, you can take the M2 highway northbound towards Pamplemousses. Follow signs for the botanical garden, and you’ll easily find the entrance. The drive takes around 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic. You can rent a car here.
Taxi or Private Transfer
Taxis are available in all major cities on the island, but it’s not the cheapest transportation option. Don’t forget to negotiate the fare in advance. As an alternative, you can opt for private transfer.
If you’re traveling with a small group of people, it will be a budget-friendly option. For example, for the full day tour with chauffeur you need to pay 195 USD/ per vehicle. Divide this price for 2 or 3 people and add here the opportunity to adjust your itinerary you’ll get a great deal. Click here to book.
By Bus
Even though public transportation is pretty well-developed in Mauritius, the buses run quite rarely. And if you get to the place from the other end of the island, you can lose a lot of time waiting for transport at bus stops.
Day Tours
The Pamplemousses Botanical Garden is usually a part of larger sightseeing packages. For example, you can join a private tour to visit iconic places in the north and in the south of the island: Rhumerie de Chamarel, Seven Colored Earth and Chamarel waterfall. Click here to book.
Or, you can visit Cap Malheureux Church, enjoy shopping in Croisette mall, explore Port Louis city and swim in Mont Choisy or Trou aux biches beaches. Click here to book.
There are many other day trips around Mauritius island that include a visit to SSR Botanical Garden. Check the full list below.
What to See in Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden
One of the garden’s highlights is its collection of giant water lilies, including the iconic Victoria amazonica. These impressive aquatic plants, with their enormous leaves and striking white flowers, are a sight to behold.
SSR botanical garden boasts a diverse collection of palm trees from around the world, ranging from towering specimens to delicate species. Visitors can wander through groves of palms, admiring their unique shapes, textures, and foliage.
It also showcases a variety of endemic flora, including rare orchids, ebony trees, and flowering shrubs. You can learn about the cultivation of fruits such as mangoes, lychees, guavas, and breadfruit. The garden features various themed collections, including medicinal plants, spice plants, and fragrant flowers.
Giant Tortoise Enclosure offers the opportunity to observe these majestic reptiles up close. Visitors can learn about the conservation efforts aimed at protecting these endangered species and their significance in Mauritius’ ecosystem. You can also see these creatures in other places on the island, for example, in La Vanille Nature Park and Casela Nature Park.
Discover historic landmarks within the garden, such as the Chateau Mon Plaisir, an elegant colonial mansion that now serves as a museum.
