A Magical Place
La Vanille Réserve des Mascareignes was opened in 1985 in the south of Mauritius. This part of the island has, more than any part, kept a feeling of “old Mauritius”, whether it is the manner of the people, their traditions or even the unspoilt scenery. Our guides will take you on unforgettable walks, and you will stroll through luxuriant greenery where banana trees, palm tree and giant bamboos provide shade for the thousands of Nile Crocodile which are reared in this park, and which you can visit in perfect safety. After leaving our crocodilian friends, you can visit the giant tortoises, wandering around in their two-acre park, and meet 275 kgs Domino who is 95 years old.

You may wish to take a souvenir photo of this, the largest Aldabra and Radiata Tortoise Park in the World, with approx 1000 tortoises. You will also discover a variety of othe r creatures: geckos, monkeys, Madagascan tenrecs, Java deer, Japanese Koi Carps, Fruit bats and many other species. Owen Griffiths, biologist and cofounder of the La Vanille Réserve des Mascareignes, was the person behind the idea to reintroduce giant tortoises to the Island of Rodrigues. This “vision” to re-make Rodrigues the giant tortoise island as described by François Leguat 315 years ago, is now a reality.

Already La Vanille has sent over 300 captive bred Aldabra tortoises, raised over the last 20 years back to Rodrigues, to the Francois Leguat Tortoise and Cave Reserve, which you will now be able to visit if you go to our sister island Rodrigues. A “must-see” is our collection of butterflies and other brightly-colored insects, which is one of the largest and most fascinating in the world. It took Mr Jacques Siedlecki 33 years of patient work to put together this amazing collection, and he will greet you himself, and tell all about his passion for insects. Our “Crocodile Affamé” or Hungry Crocodile Restaurant built among the tree-tops will offer you a choice of Mauritian and other dishes, in particular several ones made with crocodile, which tastes not unlike chicken. Snacks and various drinks are also available. In the “Crocod’ĵle Shop” you will find hand bags, wallets and other articles made from farmed crocodile skins, as well as a range of other “Made-in-Mauritius” gifts and souvenirs, which will help remind you of your visit to the Park.