Grande Montagne Information Centre — Attraction in Rodrigues

The Grande Montagne Nature Reserve offers a captivating journey into a world of rare flora and fauna. This verdant sanctuary stands as a testament to the island's unwavering commitment to conservation.

As you step onto the winding trails, you're immediately enveloped by the sights and sounds of a unique ecosystem. The air is rich with the scent of wild herbs and alive with the calls of endemic birds found nowhere else on Earth. Your guide, a fountain of knowledge and humor, effortlessly switches between French and English, peppering the tour with fascinating facts and playful quizzes that keep everyone engaged.

Plant enthusiasts will marvel at the botanical treasures, including the near-mythical Café Marron, a species brought back from the brink of extinction. Wildlife encounters abound, from the colorful Rodrigues fody soaring overhead to the gentle Aldabra giant tortoises ambling along the paths. As you ascend, the forest occasionally parts to reveal breathtaking panoramas of the island and the vast Indian Ocean.

What truly sets Grande Montagne apart is its tangible commitment to environmental stewardship. The meticulously maintained trails, and the ongoing research projects all speak to a profound respect for nature. Whether you're a seasoned naturalist or simply someone who appreciates unspoiled wilderness, the Grande Montagne Nature Reserve offers an unforgettable experience. It's more than just a tourist attraction; it's a living classroom that inspires a deeper connection with the natural world. As you plan your Rodrigues adventure, make this ecological gem a priority – it's a journey that will linger in your memory long after you've left the...

Rodrigues is a Mascarene island under the protection and jurisdiction of Mauritius. The Mauritian mainland is a gem in its own right. But, the island of Rodrigues is a gem within a gem. Its focus on wildlife conservation would put many governments to shame. If you are privileged enough to reach Rodrigues then the Grande Montagne Information Centre is a must visit. The staff at the centre are very dedicated to the centre and the conservation of Rodrigues natural resources - this is an island where plastic bags are banned!! The Grande Montagne Information Centre is an absolute treasure for horticulturalists, and as a consequence the local fauna would also give it the thumbs up too!

When my family and I visited the centre (October 2023) our tour guide was Dani, who was very passionate about her job, but whom had a very light hearted approach. The centre is maintained by the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation. It is one of the few places in the world where one can see Café Marron - aka wild coffee in its natural uncultivated form. This plant is native to Rodrigues Island. As well as an introduction to Rodrigues flora and fauna (to a lesser extent), the centre is very high up on this mountainous island, from which one can get excellent views of the land and the Indian ocean. I was told that if we had visited during the right season, we would be able to see whales breaching the surface of the sea. For example:...

The Grande Montagne Nature Reserve is such a special and beautiful place! Rodrigues has almost no native forest left after many waves of colonisation and here they are making efforts to regenerate into the future. Our guide Stephan was truly knowledgeable and passionate about his island and my child and I appreciated his care and wisdom. We had the opportunity to meet some tortoises, see one of the rarest flowers in the world and take in the view from the top. Highly...