The Grande Montagne Nature Reserve combines a specific conservation history with a distinctive forest area. It was legally declared a nature reserve in 1983; at the same time, it preserves one of the last remaining remnants of native forest. It is one of only two nature reserves on Rodrigues’ main island. Visitors choosing Grande Montagne as a destination will find a clear focus on natural history here.
Native Forest and Plant Diversity
Around 40 endemic and native plant species are found in the reserve. This approximate figure adds a concrete glimpse of its plant life to the picture of the forest remnant. Together, the details highlight two aspects of this natural environment: the habitat of native forest and the diversity of plant species found there. For travellers interested in natural history, both the vegetation and the protected status are notable features.
Ecotour and Viewpoint
A Mauritius Wildlife Foundation article dated 6 December 2023 reports that visitors can see Aldabra giant tortoises on an ecotour in the reserve. The same article also describes how a guide leads visitors to the main viewpoint at Grande Montagne Nature Reserve. From there, you can look out over the east coast. These two details offer different perspectives on the reserve: a possible wildlife sighting during an ecotour and views of the coast from a guided viewpoint.
Discoveries at the Dominique Farla Information Centre
The Dominique Farla Information Centre in the village of Grande Montagne displays evidence of Rodrigues’ natural history. On display is the most complete Solitaire skeleton on Rodrigues; the Solitaire was an extinct relative of the dodo. An extinct endemic giant tortoise is also on display. Paintings depict Rodrigues’ extinct fauna, while detailed portraits portray the remaining endemic birds and rare plants. In this way, extinct animals are presented alongside the species that remain part of Rodrigues’ natural world.
Rodrigues in its Island Context
Rodrigues is 18 km long and 8 km wide. Other natural sites on the island include the François Leguat Reserve in the southwest of Rodrigues. It is set in a limestone landscape with nine caves and sinkholes; Grande Caverne features impressive limestone formations. The reserve offers guided tours through a valley with hundreds of giant tortoises, tropical birds and tens of thousands of native trees. Four galleries in the museum offer insights into the natural history of Rodrigues.
This provides concrete features for comparing the natural attractions: the forest remnant and plant species in Grande Montagne on the one hand, and the limestone landscape, caves and valley at the François Leguat Reserve on the other.
Rodrigues’ cultural heritage can also be described: Sega Tambour is a traditional dance of the island and was added to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2017. Alongside the natural attractions and exhibitions, this tradition offers another perspective on Rodrigues that goes beyond the individual natural sites.
For the broader travel overview: Rodrigues.
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