{"id":335377,"date":"2026-10-16T14:08:09","date_gmt":"2026-10-16T10:08:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/real-estate-mauritius.mu\/?p=335377"},"modified":"2026-10-16T14:10:18","modified_gmt":"2026-10-16T10:10:18","slug":"la-vanille-nature-park-visitor-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/real-estate-mauritius.mu\/en\/la-vanille-nature-park-visitor-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"La Vanille Nature Park: Crocodiles, Giant Tortoises and Visitor Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"

La Vanille Nature Park, in Rivi\u00e8re des Anguilles in the south of Mauritius, is open every day from 9am to 5pm and keeps more than 2,000 Nile crocodiles and more than 1,000 free-roaming Aldabra giant tortoises. Entry costs Rs 975 for a non-resident adult and Rs 450 for a resident. Allow two to three hours, and arrive before 3pm.<\/p>\n

What you can see at the park<\/h2>\n

The park opened in 1985 as La Vanille Crocodile Park, built around a small crocodile farm. Today it covers 5.5 hectares on the site of a former vanilla plantation that belonged to a sugar estate. Plenty of water there let a dense tropical forest grow, which is where the name comes from. Walking trails add up to 3.5 km, and you can follow them on your own without a guide.<\/p>\n

Two species carry the visit. The Nile crocodiles live in secure ponds and fenced enclosures, and the park manages their numbers through controlled breeding and egg incubation. The park lists the species as Least Concern and says it can live 70 to 100 years.<\/p>\n

The Aldabra giant tortoises come from Aldabra Atoll in the Seychelles and roam a savannah of their own. The park describes its herd as one of the largest groups of the species. Aldabra tortoises often live beyond 100 years, and the park lists them as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.<\/p>\n

You will also find iguanas and Madagascan lemurs, plus three exhibits included in the ticket: an insectarium, a dodo space and a fossil museum. Children get a petting farm with rabbits and ponies, and a playground. If the dodo interests you, our article on the dodo of Mauritius<\/a> explains what is actually known about the bird.<\/p>\n

Opening hours and ticket prices<\/h2>\n

The park opens Monday to Sunday, 9am to 5pm, including public holidays. It closes on 25 December and 1 January. Online tickets are valid only for the date you choose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Entry prices listed by the park<\/caption>\n
Visitor<\/th>\nAdult<\/th>\nChild (3 to 12)<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Non-resident<\/td>\nRs 975<\/td>\nRs 685<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Resident<\/td>\nRs 450<\/td>\nRs 295<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

These prices come from the park’s “Plan your visit” page, read in October 2026. Several travel sites still quote older opening times, such as 8.30am, or other prices, so trust the park’s own page.<\/p>\n

Feeding times and animal encounters<\/h2>\n

The park lists crocodile feeding at 11.30am and 2.30pm. Times can change, and one third-party travel guide gives 3pm for the afternoon session, so ask for the day’s programme at the gate.<\/p>\n

Animal encounters with baby tortoises, iguanas or baby crocodiles run in small groups with a keeper. They cost extra and places are limited. The petting farm, insectarium, dodo space and fossil museum come with the entry ticket.<\/p>\n

Planning your day<\/h2>\n