The giant tortoises
Walking close to visitors.
Lukas von Daeniken from Schweiz — CC BY-SA 2.0 · Z thomas — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Z thomas — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Z thomas — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Z thomas — CC BY-SA 4.0
La Vanille Nature Park is a zoo and reserve in southern Mauritius, near Rivière des Anguilles. Its official site lists more than 2,000 animals and 3.5 km of nature trails, and it is known for Aldabra giant tortoises and Nile crocodiles, making it a very good choice for families and children. The park presents itself as mixing recreation with conservation projects, breeding Aldabra tortoises in the open as part of the island's ecological heritage. It also holds large numbers of crocodiles, with management citing more than 2,000 Nile crocodiles, which is why tour companies call it the Crocodile Nature Park. You enter among dense tropical trees, timber walkways and a small stream, then reach yards where huge tortoises walk close by, and you may get to feed them leaves, so ask at the entrance. You will also see large fruit bats, goats, local chickens and an old locomotive on display under a shelter. Management lists crocodile feeding at 11.30 am and 2.30 pm. It is 4.9 km in a straight line from Rochester Falls, so the two fit a half day, and 16.4 km from Blue Bay. Arrive before a crocodile feeding if you want to see it, and bring mosquito repellent and comfortable shoes, as the trails are long. Keep behind the barriers at the crocodile pens, and keep children close. Check the price before you arrive.
Walking close to visitors.
11.30 am and 2.30 pm.
Dense trees and a stream.
Rivière des Anguilles, southern Mauritius
Yes, they enjoy the tortoises and trails. Keep them close at the crocodile pens.
Management lists 11.30 am and 2.30 pm, so confirm at the entrance.