We’ve hiked waterfalls, snorkelled reefs, and explored mountain peaks across the island, but somehow Casela Nature Park kept slipping through the cracks of our plans. After months of saying “next weekend,” we finally made it. And let me tell you, this place is so much more than a zoo. It’s a beautifully maintained, immersive safari experience that feels like a mini slice of Africa dropped onto the golden west coast of Mauritius.
Getting There Early Is Key
We made the rookie mistake of arriving a bit late, thanks to traffic near Flic-en-Flac, and with the park closing at 5 p.m., our afternoon felt like a bit of a race. Take my advice—be there when gates open at 9 a.m., and book your tickets online in advance. The adult entry is MUR 1525 and children MUR 1255. This includes access to the entire park, a ride on the African Safari bus, and even the Tulawaka toboggan coaster. Just note that unless you have a local residence permit, you can only buy the non-resident ticket. They do check for ID at the entrance.
Casela Nature Park is big. Really big. It’s divided into several zones, from savanna trails and predator habitats to kids’ play parks, giant aviaries, and thrill rides. Even though we only had part of the day, we managed to tick off some unforgettable highlights.
Meet the Big Cats
One thing we didn’t book ahead was the Predator Kingdom experience, but since it was a weekday, we had no trouble signing up at the entrance. We paid an extra MUR 725 each for the Big Cat Tour, which took us deep into the enclosures on a secure, cage-lined truck. Lions, tigers lounged and prowled just metres from us. It felt intimate, raw, and absolutely unique.
Now, if you’re visiting without kids or want something a little more adrenaline-pumping, you can go on a lion walk or get up close with cheetahs, servals, and caracals. No cage, no glass—just you and the animals, under the watchful eye of expert handlers. The only requirement is that you must be over 150 cm tall and at least 15 years old.
Feeding the Giraffes, Rabbits, and More
Make sure to carry a few 100-200 rupee notes in your pocket. Throughout the park, you’ll find animal feeding stations where you can feed giraffes (yes, their tongues really are that long and sandpaper-rough), baby goats, deer, rabbits, and even ponies. Some machines and vendors only accept exact cash and don’t always take cards, so it’s better to come prepared.
There are also camel rides, pony trails, and photo spots scattered around. Honestly, it’s hard not to feel like a kid again.
Zip Lines, Coasters, and Cold Ice Cream
Casela isn’t just about animals. For those who want more action, there’s a 400-meter zip line flying over green canyons, a canyon swing, rope bridges, and a fast little toboggan coaster called Tulawaka that’s included with your entry ticket. If you’re into thrills, this side of the park will keep your heart rate up.
We didn’t try every activity this time, but we did manage to fit in two ice creams, and let me tell you, the tiny ball-shaped scoops were the perfect treat to cool off. Food options at Casela Nature Park are surprisingly decent too—several restaurants and snack bars offer lunch at fair prices, and you can pay by card at most locations.
Practical Tips Before You Go
- Bring sunscreen and a sunhat. Even though many areas are shaded, the Mauritian sun is no joke, and it can catch you off guard.
- Wear light trainers. You’ll be walking a lot, and while you don’t need hiking boots, you’ll want comfortable shoes.
- Keep water on you, but there are plenty of places to buy drinks throughout the park.
- Download the park map beforehand, or grab one at the gate. You’ll want to plan your path to avoid crisscrossing.
- If you want to try the lion walk or other premium animal experiences, book online in advance.
Our Family’s Total Cost
For our family of four, including entrance tickets, the big cat truck tour, lunch, drinks, giraffe feeding, a bit of bunny cuddling, and yes, two rounds of ice cream, the day cameto just over 10,000 MUR. It might sound like a lot, but the experience was unforgettable, and honestly, it’s the kind of memory you’ll still be smiling about years from now.
Casela Nature Park combines wildlife, conservation, and adventure in one beautiful package. Whether you want to walk with lions, scream your lungs out on a canyon swing, or just feed a friendly deer, it’s a full day of fun with a view of Rempart Mountain and the western lagoons that makes everything feel a bit more magical.
