4 great eco-friendly family outings in Mauritius

Do you feel green? Take your family on four ecotourism tours that are truly off the beaten track and involve both fascinating excursions and action to protect Mauritius’ unique flora and fauna!

– Egret Island

Since 1984, the Mauritius Wildlife Foundation (MWF) has been involved in the preservation of endangered species, weeding out plants and controlling invasive animals on this island in the south-east of Mauritius by reintroducing native varieties. The island is a short pirogue ride away and the diversity found there today is similar to that found 400 years ago. This protected sanctuary is home to 60 native plant species and endemic animals, including the pink pigeon, the Mauritius fody, the kestrel, the Aldabra giant tortoise, various lizards and an array of indigenous flora.

– The Ferney Valley

One of the few nature reserves in Mauritius lies within the south-east of the island, not far from the airport. An ideal site for an instructive hike with the whole family, where nature thrives among tropical forests and picturesque valleys. 

Your guide will help you get to know the different species of native and local plants and trees. The reforestation and repopulation work has been going on for several years. Ferney Valley is also home to local fauna: deer, wild boars, monkeys, birds, etc. Finally, feel free to head to La Falaise Rouge, opposite Mahebourg lagoon, for a delicious local meal.

– The Frederica Reserve

On its 3500 hectares, the Frederica Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage site located in Bel-Ombre just south of Mauritius, is home to one of the last remaining endemic flora and fauna sanctuaries in Mauritius. Guided by a park ranger, take a walk through the trails and valleys of this unspoilt haven home to a number of native species such as the pink turtle-dove, the Mauritian foudi and the bat, not to mention a large variety of plants.

Various ways to enjoy this tour: hiking, a 2WD tour or a picnic, the reserve features breathtaking panoramic views between mountain and sea.

– Ebony Forest

The Ebony Forest is another of the island’s rich and rare sanctuaries close to Chamarel. A visit to one of the last remaining indigenous forests, an ecotourism project that generates funds for conservation and education projects, gives you the unique opportunity to learn about the island’s flora and fauna in their natural environment. The project aims to reintroduce locally endangered species, provide nesting boxes for species such as the Mauritius Kestrel and the Echo Parakeet, and helps to rehabilitate the Aldabra Giant Tortoise, to name but a few. A fascinating biodiversity to be found: Paradise flycatcher, pink pigeon, echo parakeet, black bulbul, kestrel, fruit bat, deer, long-tailed macaque…

When visiting these wildlife conservation sites, you contribute to the financing of preservation and sustainable development actions. A great way to take part in environmental awareness activities!