La Vanille Nature Park
La Vanille Nature Park
4.5
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
La Vanille Nature Park is an idyllic and stunning park of lush tropical vegetation covering 3.5 hectares. Enjoy the unforgettable experience of walking amongst the largest group of captive-bred giant Aldabra tortoises in the world. We have more than 1000 tortoises in the park, in addition to 2000 Nile Crocodiles as well as a variety of other animals such as monkeys, iguanas, bats, deer, geckos, eels, wild boar and more... You can also visit our Insectarium with more than 23,000 specimens, an aquarium and fossil museum. New at La Vanille: A petting farm, pony rides. Our guides and animators will fill your visit with intense memories.
Duration: More than 3 hours
Meets animal welfare guidelines
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  • margerie h
    Upchurch, United Kingdom187 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Meet the tortoise
    We only found this place due to trip advisor as it it not well advertised and no one was offering trips here. We drove here from our hotel especially to meet the tortoise and so glad we did.you can buy for a small fee some branches to feed them there is loads of them , Scratch the bottom of their necks and they raise up and Sretch their heads up they are adorable 😍 It was not overly busy either so you can really get hands on with them . There is also loads of crocodiles which you can watch being fed and some lovely gardens to walk around. Apart from that there is a few monkeys in cages (which I don't like to see). Worth going just for the tortoise.
    Visited September 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written September 25, 2023
  • Tiff_Dec_W
    Witham, United Kingdom78 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Nice 2-3 hour trip
    We had planned to come here and drove ourselves. The tortoises were incredible and we hadn't seen any like it before, you can buy leaves for them to eat which was an amazing experience but they have alot of veg scattered anyway so could just pick that up!! My husband was most excited about seeing the crocodiles, they were huge and we had never seen one before in real life so was both mesmerized. A really lovely little animal park that we would recommend visiting with or without children.
    Visited October 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written October 18, 2023
  • Kata0229
    Szentendre, Hungary154 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Nice
    If you are visiting othet places in the southern area, may be worth visiting. But not in itself. For us it was recommended by a local person, so we had high expectations. The park is beauriful but very small. We spent less than an hour.
    Visited November 2023
    Traveled with family
    Written November 2, 2023
  • kevraquet
    Fareham, United Kingdom77 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great nature park
    Went here with open mind but thoroughly enjoyed it. Lots of other animals to see ,and enjoyed feeding the baby crocs. Never seen so many tortoises in my life ,hundreds from massive to tiny babies.restaurant well priced , easy to get around.
    Visited November 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written November 19, 2023
  • Kevin S
    Pontypridd, United Kingdom6,890 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Pleasant but expensive
    €20 is expensive for what is there but it was a nice break from the beaches. Zoo like for the main features, the crocodile enclosure, lemurs, monkeys and iguanas. Small but very nice woodland walk which won’t take long but is quite picturesque. The highlight is the tortoise enclosure. This is quite a large open area where you can walk among the giant tortoises, and they are big and there are lots of them. That was a nice experience.
    Visited November 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written November 27, 2023
  • MariskadeGraaf
    Eindhoven, The Netherlands136 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Tortoise feeding is great!
    To begin with: I booked for November 11, when the park just recovered from heavy rainfall days earlier. I could therefore not visit on November 11, but the park was so kind to offer to transfer my tickets to November 13, when the weather was quiet and the park had recovered from the flooding. I really loved the feeding of the tortoises. There a lot of them, you can find your own little corner to feed the tortoise you want and the animals do not seem to be under any stress. I fed three tortoises at the same time. For about 2 euros you can buy a strain of the branches they love to eat. Definitely worth it! We also tried to find the beauty in the rest of the park, but some of the crocodiles and reptiles seemed to be in small bassins or cages. The indoor exhibitions with butterflies and moths and fossils were quite good though.
    Visited November 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written November 30, 2023
  • James C
    Coventry, United Kingdom5 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great park, unless you are a deer
    Amazing, especially by middle income country standards. Animals appear well looked after except the deer which are in a small cramped enclosure with no grass and nowhere to escape the mosquitos. Very good value. Best part was the giant tortoises, we spent two hours just feeding and interacting with them. Was the best part of our holiday by a mile.
    Visited December 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written December 27, 2023
  • Peter P
    Bratislava, Slovakia12 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Second visit, not dissappointed
    Second time here. Very nice visit with kids. Everything clean, lot of crocodiles,collection of insects and butterflies is impressive. The crocodile feeding "theater" is a bit "humiliating" from my POV. Good restaurant.
    Visited January 2024
    Traveled with family
    Written January 13, 2024
  • Lily R
    London, United Kingdom152 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great fun
    Amazing park. The entrance price has becomed a bit steep for non resident (around 900rs), but the staff is nice and the turtles seem well treated that it's worth it. Plan for a half day visit, try to see the small croc feeding at 11 am then the big crocs at 11.30am, then the turtles at 1pm. They are also bats, lemurs and monkeys. We've been 3 times already
    Visited March 2024
    Traveled with family
    Written March 26, 2024
  • Regis M
    11 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Nice little nature Park
    Nice & simple little nature park with a lot of crocodile, tortoises (that you can feed) and a fabulous restaurant. Very clean toilets. Ideal for younger children. Done in 2 to 3 hours max including lunch Loved it
    Visited April 2024
    Traveled with family
    Written April 12, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles2,413 reviews
Excellent
1,202
Very good
893
Average
222
Poor
59
Terrible
37

Paul L
68 contributions
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2019
You are not allowed to take photos of some animals as you have to pay them for it, that wasn't a good start for us as we had only just walked in. we arrived at the opening and there was a lot of rubbish in bushes and on floors. Very sad to see that staff advise and push you to get your children to sit on the tortoises, allot of parents didn't see an issue with this but we did, we said no as we didn't want to hurt them and they guide said they like it, i do not think this is the case. Monkeys were in a very small enclosure and didn't seem happy and what was really sad was they advertise deers and we saw 1 sat down 25 meters away in a cage smaller than what i have seen for 1 bird. The 1 highlight was watching crocodiles being fed which was an experience that we will remember forever.
Written January 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Good day, We thank you for your comment. The problem which occurred with the picture (probably baby crocodile) could be a misinterpretation as, you have the 2 choices to make this picture: with your own camera or the photo staff service. This is a paying activity as it is part of our photo service. The rubbish you describe at the entrance is probably from the inundation we experienced with the last cyclone. The cleaning of the park was our priority but we have now cleaned the vicinity as well. Regarding the cages of monkeys or deer, we believe that they are in line with our highest concerns for the welfare of our animals. At La Vanille, the cages are made for each species specific requirement and as per relevant international norms. Now to deal with your concern about children sitting on tortoises, we would like to share that if you see our 260kg big male Domino climb on the back of a 60 kg female and try to copulate, you will understand that tortoises can support very significant weight on their backs (carapace) with no problem. Such is the physical impact of males mounting females that most of the females’ carapaces are worn smooth. From our long involvement with many species of animals we know breeding success is linked to a whole range of welfare/health and nutritional parameters. The success story of our breeding program here at La Vanille and at our tortoise related conservation project in Rodrigues and Madagascar suggests clearly that the animals are under no stress.
Written January 13, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

MariskadeGraaf
Eindhoven, The Netherlands136 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2023 • Couples
To begin with: I booked for November 11, when the park just recovered from heavy rainfall days earlier. I could therefore not visit on November 11, but the park was so kind to offer to transfer my tickets to November 13, when the weather was quiet and the park had recovered from the flooding.

I really loved the feeding of the tortoises. There a lot of them, you can find your own little corner to feed the tortoise you want and the animals do not seem to be under any stress. I fed three tortoises at the same time. For about 2 euros you can buy a strain of the branches they love to eat. Definitely worth it!

We also tried to find the beauty in the rest of the park, but some of the crocodiles and reptiles seemed to be in small bassins or cages. The indoor exhibitions with butterflies and moths and fossils were quite good though.
Written November 30, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Lily R
London, UK152 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2024 • Family
Amazing park. The entrance price has becomed a bit steep for non resident (around 900rs), but the staff is nice and the turtles seem well treated that it's worth it. Plan for a half day visit, try to see the small croc feeding at 11 am then the big crocs at 11.30am, then the turtles at 1pm. They are also bats, lemurs and monkeys. We've been 3 times already
Written March 26, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Deimante
Milton Keynes, UK39 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2023 • Couples
Traveled all the way from bele mare district, it was worth the travel.
Seeing turtles was great experience, you can feed and touch them.
Also you can see other animals there, have dinner in restaurant ant try croco meat.
Price of ticket for 2 ppl is around £30 which is quite cheap comparing with other countries for this kind of experience and adventure.
Written August 24, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

llllccccc
Vancouver, Canada4 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2023 • Couples
Small zoo type of park, but great animal feeding options make it worth it! There are about 20 species on display, almost all native to the area which is nice. But the standout is the ability to feed the animals yourself. Feeding the giant tortoises by hand is so much fun and not an experience available in many other countries. At only 500 rupees admission, this is a good way to spend a half day in Mauritius is you like animals.
Written March 21, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello llllccccc, Thank you so much for taking the time to write such a precious review on our park, we really appreciate it. We hope to see you soon for some more good adventures :)
Written April 8, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

ZiadHosany
Quatre Bornes150 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2022 • Family
Staff is frustrated, not well trained. Bad Manners, no customer service EXCEPT a few (the Lady at the Reception, the Lady in insectarium and Deepak in restaurant).

Some of the staff need to have proper TRAINING in how to talk to guests and customers!

Compared to staff in Casela, they are not interested in welcoming, greeting people when u meet them.

Restaurant food is just like street food!! No presentation, fake and tasteless food. They use very low quality ingredients and their cooking is of very low standard!!!

But The Place is amazing, beautiful, although some sections are not well maintained, a bit neglected.

I dont know who manages this place, but i have seen that someone is replying to negative comments here.

Lo!!! Please no need to answer my comment. Correct your staff first and show them how to be a human being FIRST and how to talk to people!!!

Thanks!
Written July 31, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Mr.Ziad We thank you for your comments. Despite the fact that you did not wish to receive any reply from Management, this is our policy to do so as a courtesy gesture but also to show how seriously we take all the comments posted, good or bad. We regret that your time at the park was clouded by our staff unprofessionalism and poor restaurant food. Rest assured that we will do the necessary to give our staff the training they lack, while also emphasizing on the handling of client insisting of changing the conditions of their “Mari Deal” or any other package. As much as there will always be sea urchins in the sea ;) there will unfortunately always be some staff’s attitude to correct and it is only through comments like yours that we can take corrective actions. We apologize for the inconvenience caused and look forward to welcoming you once more at our park in the future. Kind Regards, La Vanille Team
Written August 1, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

TerraExplorator
Budapest, Hungary570 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2022
If you want to come see giant tortoises its a lovely experience, but you walk around the whole park in 15 minutes and you have seen it all.
Nothing else too see other than the few big crocodiles laying aorund their pond...
For us it was not worth taking this trip to this nature park, I cannot recommend it.
Written January 18, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review TerraExplorer, We are not a zoo but rather a center breeding tortoises and crocodiles and displaying a number of other animal species for visitors to enjoy and learn about. We are the world’s largest breeder of Aldabra giant tortoises using many for conservation projects in Rodrigues; Mauritius and Madagascar. In addition we have a number of very significant exhibits including one of the largest private insect collections in the world; a large exhibit on Madagascan ammonites and Indian Ocean Whales and exhibits on the extinct Dodo and SW Indian ocean fauna. All set in a forested valley. La Vanille is also very active in regional conservation and has planted over 400,000 endemic and native trees at our conservation sites in Mauritius and Rodrigues. Visitors thus help support these projects when they come. Also We do have other animals in our park like Bats, lemurs, monkeys, farm animals (donkeys, ducks, wild boars, rabbits, goats, sheeps...) and many more. Thank you :)
Written February 28, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Solanki
London, UK288 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2024 • Family
Lovely walk of ancient nature and reptiles including iguanas, crocodiles, alligators, tortoises, reptiles museum and see the ducks , chicken, donkeys. Well worth taking a picture with baby croc sent digitally or printed for about 300rs. And entrance about £18 with half price for Above 3yrs
Written June 23, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Tadas
Kaunas County, Lithuania47 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2022
Not very huge park, but a lot of to see and interact with. A lot of turtles to walk with and feed. Crocodiles feeding show. Also you can feed baby crocodiles yourself. You should not skip lemurs feeding - the sweetest animals in park. After all experiences you can go to restaurant and taste meat of crocodile.
Written May 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello Tadunce, Thank you so much for your precious review, we really appreciate it. We hope to see you soon for some more adventure in our park.
Written May 26, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Lucy L
Belfast, UK64 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2023 • Couples
I would recommend this to anyone who is interested in animals and conservation. There is lots of information about the animals and how the park is doing its part to support the animals and increase their numbers and protect them from well basically humans. The animals ( yes even the crocs) were adorable. Not sure about the crocodile on the menu in the restaurant ,it seemed a bit insensitive but each to their own.
Written July 19, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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La Vanille Nature Park - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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