Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
the Dutch early in the 17th century, and was one of the first parts of the country to lose its
native ebony forest to the burgeoning sugar-cane industry. Nevertheless, dense forest still
cloaks the mountains. In recent years, several wealthy locals have purchased large tracts
of land and turned them into forest reserves, tourist attractions and designated hunting
grounds.
The best way to explore the region is by private vehicle; most tour operators can hook
you up with a half- or full-day visit to any of the region's
domaines
. Opting for public
transport is also possible, though significantly less convenient. Buses between Mahébourg
and Centre de Flacq ply the coast road, passing through Vieux Grand Port, Anse Jonchée
and Bambous Virieux. There are departures every 20 minutes or so.
Vallée de Ferney
without/with guided tour Rs 340/575, 4WD tour Rs 1093; 10am-3pm, guided tours 10am & 2pm)
protects a
400-year-old forest. While that should be reason enough to visit, this is also an important
habitat for the endangered Mauritius kestrel, one of the world's most at-risk raptors. A
well-marked 3km trail winds through part of the forest, passing a number of viewpoints en
route. We recommend taking the guided tour to make the most of your visit as your guide
will point out fascinating flora and fauna that you may otherwise miss. But even if you
don't pay for a guide you'll need to take the 4WD transfer from the park office to the trail-
head - these leave every half hour. 4WD explorations of the reserve are also possible. The
life Reserve; mains from Rs 400;
9am-4pm)
where they serve up locally sourced venison vinda-
loo or roast venison.
As an important habitat for endemic species, Vallée de Ferney promises to be an im-
portant conservation and ecotourism area over the coming years. The Mauritian Wildlife
Foundation (
Click here
)
, which helps to train the guides here and provides important input
into the reserve's policies, has ambitious plans to reintroduce a number of endangered
species here, including the pink pigeon and echo parakeet.
The Ferney Valley is also well known as the site of a recent conservation demonstration
that ignited when a Chinese paving company sought to construct a highway directly
through the protected hinterland. Attempts at development were unsuccessful but scars re-
main - trees daubed with red paint alongside the walking trail signify those that were to
be chopped down to make way for the road.
