Mauritius

La Vanille Nature Park
Created in 1985 I have visited on a number of occasions to enjoy the wonderful park dedicated to the breeding and conservation of Giant Tortoises. My highlight was seeing this egg hatching and the start of a Giant Tortoise life that could last for nearly 200 years. I do however question their need to keep the crocodiles for entertainment purposes, rolling them out for feeding time to a screaming audience. Then there are the baby crocodiles, with mouths restrained with bands and offered to visitors for photos upon entry into the park.  They so need to rethink these matters but overall it’s an enjoyable excursion.

Ebony Forest
The stunning Ebony Forest in Chamarel is one of the best-preserved native forests in Mauritius. It is an area of biodiversity and an important area for birds and endemic species of wildlife.

Iles Aux Aigrettes
The small island Ile aux Aigrettes is situated in the Mahebourg Bay, about 850 m off the southeast coast of Mauritius. It’s a wildlife haven for rare and endemic species of birds and plants. I took this photo of a rare pink pigeon here a few years back as they are enticed into feeders. A few giant tortoises roam around but they don’t seem in too much of a hurry. There is a reception center where you are greeted by knowledgeable rangers who will take you on a lovely tour of the little island.

Blue Bay Marine Park
Located in the southeast of the island, Blue Bay marine park was declared a national park in 1997. It is known for its wide variety of corals, fish, and abundant fauna. This is a really popular place for marine study as well as diving for those with PADI qualifications or for those with a snorkel closer to shore.

Mauritius National Botanical Garden
Located in Pamplemousse in the North of Mauritius the previously known Sir Seewoosagur Botanic Garden, is one of the most visited attractions in Mauritius. The gardens are over 300 years old and is populated by over 650 species of plants including Baobab and palm trees and also the giant water lilies for which it is famous.

The Black River Gorges National Park
Located in southwest Mauritius this is the best area for those looking to hike its 50kms of trails and to view unique wildlife and over 300 native plants. Bird spotters head to the forest where they can, if patient, catch a glimpse of a variety of endemic species to Mauritius such as the Mauritius kestrel, Cuckoo-shrike, pink pigeon, olive white-eye, and grey white-eye. I took the photo of this monkey overlooking the national park from a spectacular viewing point just across from the Chamarel restaurant.

Charles Darwin
Back in 1836 whilst on his famous Voyage of the Beagle, Charles Darwin became the first British naturalist to visit Mauritius. While on the island he caught a glimpse of many parrots, giant tortoises, geckos, and various other species of bird including no doubt these weaver birds that have always fascinated me on my trips and holidays to Mauritius.