La Vanille Nature Park
La Vanille Nature Park is a nature reserve in southern Mauritius featuring rainforest paths, tropical gardens, and multiple animal enclosures spread across several hectares. It holds one of the world's largest collections of Aldabra giant tortoises, Nile crocodile pools, an insectarium with over 23,000 insects, plus monkeys, flying foxes, and various local bird and reptile species.
The reserve was established to protect endangered species and educate visitors about local wildlife. The park also houses a Fossil Museum and displays preserved railway equipment, including a Ruston & Hornsby diesel engine that once transported sugarcane when Mauritius operated a wide train network supporting sugar production.
The park serves as a place where visitors encounter different animal species and learn how they live in their habitats. Walking through the grounds, you see how local wildlife coexists in spaces designed to feel natural and connected to the island's environment.
Visitors should wear comfortable shoes and bring water, a hat, and sunscreen as the grounds are sunny and explored on foot. Plan to spend at least two hours exploring the enclosures and gardens, and note that crocodile feedings at around 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. are particularly interesting for families.
The park holds one of the world's largest captive collections of Aldabra giant tortoises, with about 150 individuals including Domino, a tortoise over 100 years old weighing around 275 kilograms (605 pounds). These massive animals can live more than 150 years and offer visitors rare close contact with one of the world's largest living land tortoises.
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