Meet giant Aldabra tortoises
Visit La Vanille Nature Park (La Vanille Réserve des Mascareignes) in Rivière des Anguilles to see and interact with giant Aldabra tortoises—some of the largest land tortoises on Earth. The park is a family-friendly wildlife reserve featuring a tortoise enclosure, crocodile swamp, insectarium, and a botanical garden showcasing native and endemic plants. Guided talks and feeding opportunities let you learn about tortoise biology, conservation and the park’s breeding programmes.
Location
La Vanille Nature Park (La Vanille Réserve des Mascareignes), Rivière des Anguilles / Souillac (nearby), Mauritius
Duration
Approximately 2–3 hours for a standard visit. Allow 3–4 hours if you want a relaxed visit with all exhibits and photo stops.
Best Time to Visit
All year, with the drier months (May–December) offering more comfortable conditions. Visit early morning (park opening) to avoid heat, crowds, and to see tortoises at their most active.
Pricing
Approx. MUR 500 - MUR 900 per adult (entry only). Discounts for children and seniors; combination tickets and guided tours may cost MUR 900 - MUR 1,500. Prices vary—check the park website or contact the park for current rates.
Activity Type
Coordinates
Highlights
See and photograph giant Aldabra tortoises up close (some weigh several hundred kilograms and are centuries old)
Guided talks and feeding demonstrations that explain tortoise behaviour and conservation
Other park attractions: crocodile swamp, insectarium (giant beetles and butterflies), terrarium, and botanical displays
Family-friendly paths and shaded picnic areas
Opportunity to support conservation and breeding programmes through donations or adoption schemes
Itinerary
Purchase or show tickets, pick up a map, and enter the park.
Arrive at opening to avoid crowds; toilets and a small café are usually available near the entrance.
Guided visit to the Aldabra tortoise paddocks, meet keepers, and watch feeding/demonstration.
Keepers may allow supervised feeding with approved food—follow staff instructions and do not feed wild or unauthorised items.
Explore displays of giant insects, butterflies, and reptiles.
Indoor exhibits are great on hot or rainy days; read the interpretive panels for conservation messages.
Observe Nile crocodiles and other wetland species from safe viewing points.
Stay behind barriers and keep children close.
Stroll shaded paths, relax in picnic areas, and visit the gift shop.
Buy locally made souvenirs and consider a symbolic tortoise adoption to support the park.
Safety Requirements
Follow all park signage and staff instructions at animal enclosures
Do not touch, harass, or feed animals unless directly supervised and authorised by staff
Keep children and vulnerable visitors close to paths and viewing areas
Wear sun protection, insect repellent and comfortable footwear for uneven paths
Do not bring single-use plastics into animal areas and dispose of litter in bins provided
Tips
Arrive at opening time for cooler temperatures, better light for photos and calmer animals
Bring water, sunscreen, a hat and comfortable walking shoes—parts of the park are exposed to sun
Carry local currency (Mauritian rupees) for entry, snacks, and souvenirs—card facilities vary
Ask about the park’s conservation or adoption programmes if you want to contribute beyond the entry fee
Combine this visit with other southern Mauritius sights (Roches Noires, Gris Gris cliffs, Chamarel) for a full day trip
If travelling from Port Louis or Grand Baie, allow 1.5–2 hours driving time; from the south (Le Morne/Bel Ombre) it’s typically shorter
