See More 
Discover Mauritius’ Extraordinary Wildlife
Mauritius is home to an amazing variety of endemic species, and exploring our Wildlife Parks is one of the most memorable experiences you can have on the island. With calm, warm weather all year round and rich natural habitats, Mauritius has become a sanctuary not only for native wildlife but also for remarkable animals from around the world - many of which you can meet up close inside our beautiful nature reserves.
Whether you’re drawn to impressive predators like lions or prefer gentler encounters with dolphins and other marine creatures, Mauritius offers unforgettable moments for every kind of animal lover. Below are some of the best wildlife experiences waiting for you.
Walking with lions
At the Safari Park of Casela in Mauritius, you’ll feel a true adrenaline rush as you come face-to-face with lions roaming freely without a leash or collar. You’ll get an intimate look at how these magnificent big cats interact, eat, and play, and even walk right beside them under the careful supervision of experienced Rangers and Keepers. It’s an extraordinary encounter that many visitors describe as the highlight of their Mauritius holiday.
For an even more exclusive experience, guests can choose a private Walk with Lions, accompanied only by the trainers. You’ll enjoy personalised guidance, special insights into the felines’ behaviour, and a selection of unique extras that make the moment even more memorable.
Book the Walking with Lions Activity at Casela Park
Cheetah Encounter
If you’ve always dreamed of coming face-to-face with cheetahs in a natural setting, Casela Safari Park in Mauritius is the place to be. Seeing these sleek, powerful cats up close reveals their striking beauty and noble presence in a way photos never could. In this rare one-on-one encounter between human and big cat, you truly get to appreciate the grace and pace of the world’s fastest land mammal.
During the Cheetah Interaction, you’ll walk side by side with the cheetahs under the guidance of experienced rangers. Along the way, you’ll learn about their habitat, behaviour, and conservation, making the experience both thrilling and deeply enriching.
Book the Big Cats Interactions at Casela Park
Swimming with dolphins
Oh to swim with the dolphins…
Swimming with dolphins is an incredibly moving experience that brings you closer to breathtaking scenery, unspoiled waters, and these amazing marine animals. Off the western coast of Mauritius is the ideal spot to watch these playful mammals in the Indian Ocean. You’ll be immersed in their fascinating world and may even interact with them as they glide around you. It’s a rare chance to access their natural habitat and encounter dolphins freely in the open sea - a truly unforgettable moment.
Book your Swim with Dolphins activity
Petting Giant Tortoises & Discovering Crocodiles
If you love getting up close to Mauritius’ most iconic animals, La Vanille Nature Park is a must-visit. The park is home to hundreds of giant tortoises roaming freely and is the world’s largest captive breeding centre for Aldabra tortoises, as well as Radiata tortoises. With over 500 tortoises of all ages and some Aldabras living beyond 100 years, every encounter feels truly special.
Alongside the gentle giants, La Vanille also hosts an impressive population of Nile crocodiles, giving visitors the chance to safely observe these ancient reptiles in natural-style enclosures. The park’s dedicated petting farm adds to the experience, where children can learn how to interact with animals and enjoy fun, educational activities.
Book your trip to Crocodile & Giant Tortoises Park and Nature Reserve
Giraffe Feeding
At Casela Nature Park, you can get closer to giraffes than you ever imagined. These gentle giants - the tallest animals on land - will awe you as they lean down gracefully and extend their 18 - 20 inch tongues to take a tasty treat right from your hand.
It’s a magical moment of connection, letting you admire their soft muzzles, long eyelashes and calm nature up close. Plus, it's a fantastic photo opportunity and a fun way to help keep these majestic animals happy and well-fed.
Book the Animal Feeding Package at Casela
Camel Riding
Embark on a unique camel-riding adventure in Mauritius - exclusively at Casela Nature Park! Gentle, social and surprisingly quick on their feet, camels make this experience both fun and memorable. Camel riding is easy and suitable for all ages, giving you a taste of one of the most iconic modes of transport from ancient times.
At Casela, you’ll meet the dromedary camel, the species with a single hump. You’ll be seated safely and comfortably on a custom-made saddle with thick blankets, ensuring a smooth ride. As your camel strolls along, enjoy the stunning backdrop of Rempart Mountain - a natural bonus to an unforgettable experience.
Book the Camel Ride Activities at Casela
Horse Riding
Book a horse-riding session along the beach or through the forest for an unforgettable island experience. Mauritius is home to the oldest racecourse in the southern hemisphere, but horseback riding here goes far beyond Champ de Mars - it’s a cherished part of local culture and a beautiful way to explore hidden corners of the island.
Across Mauritius, equestrian centres offer rides on white-sand beaches where waves gently brush the shore like a movie scene. On the East Coast, you can ride along mountain trails, cross streams, enjoy sweeping landscapes and spot local wildlife. It’s one of the most peaceful and picturesque ways to see Mauritius.
Book your Horse Riding activity
Rhino interaction
Spend an unforgettable moment with the incredible white rhinos at Casela Nature Park. These magnificent animals, native to Africa and parts of Southern Asia, are truly a sight to behold. At Casela, you’ll meet Ella and Benji - two cheerful white rhinoceroses, each weighing around 1.5 tons, who absolutely love munching on their favourite treat: Alfalfa leaves.
As you step closer, the sheer size and power of these gentle giants becomes strikingly real. You’ll have the chance to touch them, observe their behaviour up close and learn fascinating facts from the park’s expert caregivers. It’s a rare opportunity to deepen your understanding of the rhinoceros family and connect with these remarkable creatures in a meaningful, memorable way.
Book the Interaction with Rhinos
Whales encounter
Explore the spectacular lives of whales in their natural ocean habitat on the west coast of Mauritius. Watching these majestic mammals glide, twirl and surface just metres away is an unforgettable experience - often leaving visitors speechless as they witness a whale’s final breath before its deep dive.
Most whale-watching tours take you offshore by speedboat, with sightings depending on sea conditions. Humpback whales are usually seen from July to November during their migration, while Sperm whales can be spotted almost all year round.
