Casela Nature and Leisure Park Mauritius

One of the must see attractions in Mauritius is Casela Nature and Leisure Park. You will find it on the West coast between Flic en Flac and Tamarin. Driving there is probably the best option as you will then be free to enjoy all the attractions it has to offer. If you choose to pay a taxi to wait for you, you may run over time as there is so much to see you can easily run out of time. The website for Casela says on average you can spend 2 hours exploring but in reality, depending on how many experiences you choose to be part of, you could spend half a day if not more.

Getting to Casela

If you follow signs to Tamarin on the West coast you will see signs directing you when you are near. If you do get lost, then you can always ask a local Mauritian who will be more than happy to point you to the right direction. On approach, there will be a very large sign indicating when you will need to turn; there will then be a long drive to the small car park where you will see a very colourful sign of Casela on it. Take the time to see what extras they have inside the leisure park as most of them you have to pay for at the entrance.

Entrance fees

Non resident, Adult: 270 rupees (< £6)
Non resident, Child: 150 rupees (£3)

If you choose to do other activities as outlined below then the charges are as follows.
Tilapias fishing: 75 rupees (< £2)
Mini safari (45 minutes): 75 rupees (< £2)
Quad: 320 – 775 rupees (max £16)
Rando fun: 130 – 900 rupees (max £18)

There is also a lovely petting zoo where baby deer can be fed milk; you will also find chickens, ostrich, goats, wallabies, ducks and many other small animals that can be fed there. Food can be purchased when you arrive at the petting zoo and it costs 20 rupees (£0.40) for a sachet. All the animals are friendly and very used to people so you can get up close and feed and pet the animals without any fear.

Big Cats

Observation (15 minutes): 100 rupees (£2)
Interaction (15 minutes): 500 rupees (£10)
Walk with the Lions (1hour): 2,000 rupees (£40)

This is truly the best part of Casela - an interaction with the Lions, Cheetahs or both. The Lions are very big and scary when up close but the once in a lifetime chance to pet them is not an experience to miss. Cheetahs have also been introduced in Casela: two siblings a boy and a girl; they are really fast but also playful. The big cat interaction was by far the best and for only 1,000 rupees (£20 per person) for petting both the Lions and the Cheetahs it was money well spent.

Other animals found at Casela are also the giant Tortoises that are very friendly and curious, many exotic birds, wild peacocks and safari animals like zebras and antelope.

Casela restaurant

There is only one place to eat within Casela and that is at the top of the hill near the petting farm. It is a difficult climb for older people or those with health issues. If you can visit the top, then make sure you have a camera as the views are simply breathtaking. The restaurant is very classy with wild peacocks also trying to look for scraps to eat. The restaurant staff are very welcoming and the menu is simply mouth watering. A meal for two can cost a minimum of 1,000 rupees (£20) but well worth it.

Overall Casela has everything you would want in a nature park, fantastic views, lovely photos and friendly animals that are not scared of people. It truly is a wonderful day out for both couples or families with children.