A space of 200 hectares sheltering little known species of the local flora as the Clou wood, the Hard wood, the Apple wood...
Opened in 2006, the Vallée de Ferney is one of Mauritius's rare biodiversity sanctuaries, guaranteeing the future of its indigenous flora and fauna. Here, in an area of 200 hectares that can be explored on foot along marked paths, naturalists have worked to eliminate invasive exotic varieties (ravenal, cinnamon, Chinese guava...) to allow only the native plants that populated the island at its origins to flourish. We discover little-known and even very rare species of local flora such as Bois Clou, Bois Dur, Bois de Pomme, Bois Poupart, etc. The introduction of endangered bird species, such as the marsh pigeon and the large green civet, and the presence of kestrels and turtles confirm the naturalists' determination to make walkers aware of the extinction of species and the conservation of ecosystems. The guided walk is educational, with a wealth of explanations and anecdotes. It covers 3 km and includes a climb up a small hill to a magnificent viewpoint over the southeastern lagoon. The 4x4 tour, which lasts a choice of 1 or 2 hours, also passes through the Valley and then travels along other forest tracks offering beautiful views of the Mauritian coastline. There is also a choice of 5, 13 or 18 km marked walks. Departures are from a beautifully renovated typical Creole house.
Sleeping accommodation: Ferney Nature Lodge. For lunch: Restaurant de Ferney Falaise Rouge, 3 km from the Valley.
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Members' reviews on FERNEY VALLEY
The ratings and reviews below reflect the subjective opinions of members and not the opinion of The Little Witty.
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 was inspiring.