Trou Aux Cerfs Volcano — Attraction in Isle Mauritius

BEWARE OF TOUR GUIDE

The actual volcano itself is peaceful and there are a couple of viewpoints from which you can take good pictures. It's a pity that you can't go down into the area yourself. However, you can still take a scenic stroll around the volcano and appreciate the view. People often go for a jog around the site in the early morning or evening. There is a tour guide who goes by the name of "Joe" but whose actual name is Mr S Chaudhry. He is a Mauritian Indian gentleman in his 60s. He approached us and began telling us about the volcano. Before we knew it, we were on a personal tour around the volcano. He claims to be an official guide, and he may well be, but just ask him if he is going to charge you. It was only afterwards that he informed us of a charge of €10 per person (or 500 rupees). His tour was insightful and he did tell us some interesting history about the volcano. However, I wouldn't pay more than €5 per person. He told us that the Trou aux Cerfs Volcano itself is dormant but is linked to an active volcano on Réunion, an island not far from Mauritius. Whenever the volcano in Réunion erupts, water bubbles up at the bottom of Trou aux Cerfs. He mentioned the story of a group of slaves who went down to swim in this water to cool off, not realising that there was sulfur in it. They were burned by the sulfur and they died. They are buried in a small graveyard that you can see on your walk around. After the tour, he offered to take us to two viewpoints for an additional €10 per person, which he said were unknown to tourists and not available on Google Maps. One of them was called "One Way Ticket". I am convinced that he made up this name himself. He said that it was called this because of a steep drop and "once you go down, you don't come back up". The viewpoints themselves were disappointing and he spent half the time scaring us by telling us that drug dealers sometimes came to these locations to do or sell drugs. In summary, it's a nice spot to visit but beware of the...

The location is suitable for a health walk, but it lacks a proper lookout point to truly appreciate the surrounding scenery. Despite being a volcanic site, there is no engaging attraction or historical display to educate visitors about the volcano's significance, formation, or history. This is a missed opportunity to enrich the experience and draw more visitors.

While paid toilets are acceptable, the current service is inadequate. Women are provided with only three pieces of toilet paper, and there is no soap or sanitizer available. The hygiene level is unsatisfactory and deserves immediate attention. Adding basic amenities like proper soap dispensers and hand sanitizers would improve the experience significantly.

Another major gap is the lack of a café or small bistro. A cozy coffee shop offering light snacks and beverages would encourage visitors to spend more time at the site, creating an additional revenue stream.

As a Tourism Advisor in South Africa, I can propose innovative ideas to enhance this site’s appeal and economic potential. Suggestions include:

Interactive Displays: Install educational panels, interactive exhibits, or guided tours to narrate the volcano's story, including its cultural or geological significance.

Viewpoint Enhancements: Build a designated lookout platform with binoculars to offer a panoramic view and photo opportunities.

Eco-friendly Amenities: Invest in eco-friendly restrooms with proper sanitation facilities to enhance hygiene and sustainability.

Local Artisan Showcase: Introduce a marketplace or gift shop for local crafts and souvenirs.

Adventure Add-ons: Include light adventure options like guided nature trails or family-friendly activities to engage diverse visitors.

With these upgrades, the site could attract more visitors, improve its reputation, and contribute positively to the...

Trou aux Cerfs, also known as Murr's Volcano, is a dormant volcano located in Curepipe, Mauritius.

Physical Characteristics: The volcano is approximately 605 meters (1,985 ft) high. The crater has a diameter between 300 and 350 meters and a depth of around 80-100 meters.

Location:Situated near the town of Curepipe, it's easily accessible and a popular tourist destination.

Features: The crater is surrounded by lush greenery, including indigenous plant species and pine trees. A small lake is present in the center of the crater.

Activities: It's a popular spot for jogging and walking, offering panoramic views of the surrounding areas, including Rempart Mountain, Trois Mamelles, and the Moka mountain range.

Access:There are three main access points: La Hausse de la Louviere Road, Edgar Huges Road, and Crater Lane. Dormancy:The volcano last erupted approximately 700,000 years ago and is currently dormant. However, experts suggest it could become active again in the next...