La Vallée de Ferney — Attraction in Old Grand Port

I went there with my partner, and step daughter visiting from overseas on the 9th October. We asked if we could bring our small Dachshund on a leash.The nice Gentleman at the reception allowed us in after we had paid the entrance fee. We drank a nice fruit juice bought from the shop and went off for the 13 km walk. All three of us including our doggie enjoyed the hike very much. We returned on the 19th October together with my younger step daughter also visiting from overseas intending to hike the 5 km trail with our Dachshund. - The lady at the reception refused the access. We explained that we have been visiting on the 9th October when we have hiked the 13 km trail with our dog, that we have read online that this park is pet friendly, that our dog is walking on a leash, that we have doggie bags with us etc. ... NO chance, the lady which was not very friendly did not allowed us in. ☹️ - All three of us, including doggie are very disappointed. How come that all over this island are stray sick, malnourished dogs roaming around but a family dog is not allowed to be walked on a leash in the outdoors where people have to pay an entrance fee??? So sad for a country that depends on income...

A bit off the beaten track so if you are looking for that experience you can share and feel fairly sure no one else would have done it then this might be for you.

Just North of Mahebourg, the new restaurant lies on the right of the road while the turning into the reserve is a little further down the road on the left. It has that warm feeling you sometimes get from a small enterprise or family run company. I opted for the hike which involved a truck drive of about ½ mile into the reserve to the head of the trial. The guide then took me through the forest to be met the other side by the truck and driver who took us back. I did not time it, but I think it was about 1 ½ hours which is very long for the distance we covered but the guide filled the time and made the experience very interesting.

I got absolutely soaked twice on my hike as the weather that week was foul, but I loved every minute of it (nice warm rain)

The guide had obviously taken the time to prepare which was great. To get the most out of this trip be prepared to ask questions and you’ll love it.

So the big question, if I returned to Mauritius would it be on my list?...

We made the mistake of turning up almost an hour before our booking for a guided tour, but were welcomed by the team and taken out with our exceptionally knowledgeable and charming guide, Olivier. The guided walk starts with a very bumpy bus ride over trails through beautiful scenery. You then start by meeting and feeding the four giant tortoises (named Donatello, Raphael, Michaelangelo and Leonardo...). Amazing creatures - it was lovely to spend time with them. Olivier then took us on a good walk (around 2.5 miles) through undulating terrain, showing us the flora and fauna of the conservation park. He shared fascinating facts about not just what we were seeing, but also the history of the island. Vallee de Ferney is a must see destination in Mauritius - getting to see ebony, mango, guava, cinnamon, turpentine and many more trees in their natural environment was fantastic. And hearing the successes that they've enjoyed with bringing species back from the brink of extinction...