At the François Leguat Reserve, a guided tour leads through a valley home to hundreds of giant tortoises, tropical birds and tens of thousands of native trees. The reserve lies in the southwest of Rodrigues, in a limestone landscape with nine caves and sinkholes. Rodrigues is 18 kilometres long and 8 kilometres wide. Here, you can encounter distinctive wildlife and plant life, as well as a striking geological setting.

Nature, Limestone and Natural History

Grande Caverne features impressive limestone formations, bringing the geological side of the reserve to the fore. Four galleries at the François Leguat Reserve museum give visitors an insight into the natural history of Rodrigues. The combination of a guided tour, cave and museum offers three different ways to explore: observing nature in the valley, seeing limestone formations and learning about natural history. The reserve therefore appeals to travellers who want to experience nature not only as a landscape, but also through its wildlife, plant life and history.

Views and Protected Marine Areas

Mont Limon offers a different perspective on Rodrigues, with views of its geological relief, agricultural terraces and the ocean. While the reserve’s tour, cave and museum offer different ways to explore nature, the view from Mont Limon brings geological formations, terraces and sea together in a single panorama. The Rodrigues region is also home to ten marine protected areas, adding a marine dimension to the exploration of nature on land.

Ile aux Cocos and Birdwatching

Near Rodrigues lies Ile aux Cocos, an offshore island with white-sand beaches and filao trees. It is well suited to birdwatching and can be reached by a short boat ride. Its focus is different from the limestone landscape of the François Leguat Reserve: on Ile aux Cocos, attention turns to the birds, beach and trees of an offshore island, while the reserve offers caves, sinkholes and a guided tour through the valley. If you plan to take the boat ride, confirm the details with the provider before your trip.

Cultural Discoveries

Rodrigues also offers a distinct cultural perspective: Sega Tambour is a traditional dance from Rodrigues and was added to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List in 2017. Its inscription places the dance within an internationally recognised heritage framework. Sega Tambour complements the nature and geology themes as a cultural point of interest in its own right.

Mauritius: A Distinct Historical Context

In the wider destination of Mauritius, the cultural landscape of Le Morne offers its own historical point of reference. It was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List on 10 July 2008 and illustrates the history of slavery in Mauritius and the quest for freedom in the 17th and 18th centuries. The mountain served as a stronghold and refuge for people who had escaped enslavement; physical and oral evidence attests to this use. Le Morne lies at the southwestern tip of Mauritius. Also in Mauritius, the historic site of Vieux Grand Port is considered the site of the island’s first human settlement.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Port Mathurin, Grande Montagne, Petit Gabriel, Terre Rouge, Port Sud-Est, La Ferme, Saint Gabriel, Grand Port

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