L'île aux Aigrettes : unique fauna and flora

Ile aux Aigrettes is located a few minutes from Mahébourg Bay (south east).  This islet of 26 hectares was declared a nature reserve in 1965 with the aim of protecting its fauna and flora. 
Thanks to the contribution of the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation, this unique habitat has become as it was 400 years ago, in so far as concerns 90% of its surface area.  Today, the reserve is home to several unique and endangered plant and animal species. 
The fauna of the island consists of several species, including the pink pigeon, rescued after 20 years of hard work, and the Mauritian cardinal, amongst others. Giant Aldabran Turtles and green geckos can also be spotted living freely. 
The flora is similarly amazing with rare trees such as Ebony trees and "Bois de chandelle" (dracaena concinna). 

During the tour, one will learn how the programmes, set up by the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation, contribute in saving this patrimony for future generations.  
Ile aux Aigrettes also boasts a shop, whose net income is reinvested in the conservation programme.

Useful information: bring a hat, mosquito repellent and decent pair of shoes.  Prior reservation is required.   

La Vanille Réserve des Mascareignes

Located 2km from the Rivière des Anguilles, "La Vanille Réserve des Mascareignes" is a zoological park stretching over 6 hectares. The park houses 2000 crocodiles from the Nile (imported from Madagascar) of which half are bred for trading (their skins are used for leather goods and their meat in restaurants).  The other half helps towards the preservation of the species. 
One can safely observe these huge crocodiles (some are 5 or 6 metres long) in the pools.  500 turtles, including Giant Aldabran Turtles can also be spotted.  One of the attractions of the park is the insectarium, filled with over 20 000 species, including butterflies and beetles.
This zoological park also boasts a tropical garden consisting of banana trees, giant bamboos and a variety of palm trees.
Useful information: bring a hat and mosquito repellent.        

Casela Nature & Leisure Park

Lying 5 km from Flic en Flac, the Casela Nature & Leisure Park boasts about a hundred aviaries, holding over 2000 birds of 14 different species, including some rare endemic species.  One can also admire the budgerigars, parrots, pheasants and cockatoos.... A wide range of animals, such as Bengal Tigers, lemurs and other macaques can be found in the mammals' cages.
The visitors can also participate in several paying activities such as climbing, mini golf, tilapia fishing, safari tours in a jeep or mini bus (in the Yemen park), trekking, Tyrolean traverses, quad biking and mountain biking.
This enormous park - with its 14 hectares of wooded gardens - makes up a pleasant outing with its' small waterfalls and other lakes where ducks, swans and flamingos live freely. 
The visitors are welcome to have a tour around the small interactive farm where one can stroke rabbits, deer and pigs...

Mauritius Aquarium (Pointe aux Piments) : dive into the marine fauna...

The Mauritius Aquarium is located opposite the Beach Colonial Hotel in Pointe aux Piments.  This beautiful aquatic space opened its doors to the public in 2004, 7 years after the closure of the Trou-aux-Biches aquarium. 
One can admire the 150 marine species found in the pools: fish, invertebrates, turtles, crayfish, sea horses and living coral.  It is an impressive sight for anyone.  
Don't miss out on the shark pit that manages to attract everyone's attention.
This aquarium gives one a unique opportunity to dive into the fish world and that of other marine species whilst staying dry oneself...
The fish are fed everyday at 11.00am, another show to be enjoyed. 

Black River Gorges: National Park of Black River Gorges

Lying in the west of the country, the Black River Gorges is a nature reserve of 6574 hectares.  This area protects one of the most important elements of Mauritian patrimony.  There are 150 varieties of plants and 9 bird species. 
One can discover beautiful trees such as "Bois de Natte," rosin, camphor, ebony and "Tambalacoque" along the hiking trails.  One can also explore the Macchabée forest, located to the west of Pétrin. The park is home to indigenous animal species such as the Mauritian kestrel, the Mauritius Parakeet ("Cateau vert"), the White Eye and the Pink Pigeon.
A walk along the boardwalk, near the information center of Pétrin is particularly pleasant and allows one to penetrate into the heart of this marshy region without getting ones' feet wet. 

The Alexandra waterfalls offer a splendid view over the southern coast of the island (Bel Ombre and Chamouny forest).
The park is accessible either from Chamarel or from Pétrin.      

Le Val Nature Park

Le Val Nature Park is situated in Cluny, about ten kilometers from Mahébourg, in the south west of the island.  It extends over the 3000 hectares of the sugar cane plantation of Rose-Belle.
Nestles in a valley between luxuriant mountains and with a backdrop of sugar cane field, this park gives one an idea of the natural aquatic life of prawns, eels and freshwater fish.  This reserve also provides a habitat for deer, monkeys and various bird species.  Since horticulture is the main activity of the owners of the park, anthuriums are cultivated in greenhouses on a large scale (for exportation), water-cress (for the local market) and calabash as well other vegetables.