La Vanille Nature Park
A reserve in a lush tropical valley, known for its hundreds of approachable Aldabra giant tortoises, Nile crocodiles and one of the world's richest insectariums. Ideal for families.
Tip: Catch the baby-tortoise pen at feeding time; allow 2-3 hours.
From crocodile farm to conservation park
La Vanille was founded in 1985 by naturalist Owen Griffiths as a small farm for crocodiles brought from Madagascar. Set in a lush valley at Rivière des Anguilles in the south, it has grown into a park bringing together species from Mauritius, the Mascarenes and Madagascar.
The stars are the Aldabra giant tortoises: close to a thousand of them roam large enclosures where you can walk among them. Nile crocodiles also number in the hundreds, kept in separate, well-fenced pools.
What you will see
A shady loop trail takes you past tortoises of every age (the baby tortoise nursery is a favourite with children), crocodiles and other species from Mauritius and Madagascar.
The insectarium holds around 23,000 butterflies and insects from five continents, collected by Jacques Siedlecki, and a small museum shows fossils and skeletons of extinct Mauritian species. Close animal encounters are booked separately and places are limited.
Prices and opening hours
The park is open daily from 9am to 5pm, public holidays included, and closed on 25 December and 1 January. Non-residents pay Rs 975 per adult and Rs 685 per child aged 3 to 12; residents pay Rs 450 and Rs 295 (checked October 2026 on the official website).
The park recommends arriving before 3pm to catch the scheduled feeding sessions, with the day's times posted at the entrance. Parking is free and the restaurant is open during park hours.
Getting there and practical tips
By car, allow about 20 minutes from Blue Bay or the airport, 45 minutes to an hour from Port Louis, about an hour from Flic en Flac and 1h15 to 1h30 from Grand Baie. The average visit lasts 2 to 3 hours.
Bring comfortable shoes, water, a hat and insect repellent, as the valley is humid and mosquitoes are out after rain. Do not feed the animals your own food and stay on the paths. It is a good choice for a cloudy day.
Combine it with
The wild coast at Gris Gris and Souillac village a few kilometres away, the Bois Chéri tea plantation and Saint Aubin estate on the tea route, or Blue Bay for an end-of-day swim.
Frequently asked questions
How much is La Vanille Nature Park entrance?
Rs 975 for a non-resident adult and Rs 685 for a child aged 3 to 12. Mauritian residents pay Rs 450 and Rs 295.
Can you touch the tortoises at La Vanille?
You walk among the Aldabra tortoises in their enclosures and can get very close, following staff instructions. Guided close encounters are booked as extras.
How long does a visit to La Vanille take?
Two to three hours on average. Arrive before 3pm to see the feeding sessions.
Is La Vanille open every day?
Yes, from 9am to 5pm including public holidays, except 25 December and 1 January.
