Bras d'Eau National Park

Located in the north-eastern part of the island, Bras d'Eau National Park is one of the three national parks in the country. While Mauritius was born some eight million years ago, it was only some 400 years ago that humans discovered it. Following that, the island was colonised by Dutch, the French and the British. Mauritius' sugarcane industry became the source of livelihood for the inhabitants.

It was during that period that Bras D’eau was chosen as land to construct sugarcane mills on by French owners. Subsequently, people started settling around that area, resulting in the formation of a village. Eventually, the sugarcane mills were shut. The British left, and so did the villagers. What was left behind is now remains of incredible architecture work and testimony that a vibrant and colourful life existed centuries ago. The area was soon covered by forests, giving birth to Bras d'Eau National Park.

Hiking Trail to Bras d'Eau National Park

• You will easily find the entrance located near the visitors’ centre. You can park your vehicles at the parking facilities located at the centre opposite the trailhead.
• The official trail of the park is about three kilometres long. Named Coq Du Bois Loop, the beautiful trail ends past an orchard which boasts of over 200 litchi trees and over 2000 mango trees. It's a sight you wouldn't want to miss.

• The remains of the closed sugar mill mentioned earlier can be seen behind the visitors' centre.
• An imposing stone can be noticed on the other side of the road which dates back to the French Era.
• A two-hour trail will lead you to Poste Lafayette. 

Flora and Fauna of Bras d'Eau National Park

• The vast biodiversity present in the park is seen. The forest houses many endemic species. The unique flora comprises of Blackwood, teak, eucalyptus, and casuarinas trees, a real beauty insight.
• ‘Diospyros egrettarum’ and ‘Diospyros Melinda, two Mauritian ebony tree species still survive in small numbers and can be spotted in this national park.
• There's a wide range of birds that can be spotted in the forest. White-eyes, sparrows, Mauritius Fodys, Canaries, and the rare white-tailed tropicbird are few of the many feathered friends that you will find here.
• Bras d’Eau forest is also the home of yet another rare species, the Mascarene Paradise flycatcher.
• These birds can be spotted while strolling inside the park and also on the bird watching sites. One of which is Mare Sarcelle, a lake located just outside the trail.
• The lake is spread over an area of 89 hectares (220 acres) and covers almost half of Bras d’Eau National Park.
• It is only at Mare Sarcelle that you will spot mangrove swamps and migratory birds that seldom stop and stay at the park before leaving for some other place.

Travel Tips

• Make sure to wear your walking shoes since you need to walk a lot inside the National Park.
• Carry a bottle of water every time with you as the day temperatures will tend to make you feel dehydrated.
• Carry a camera to capture the alluring nature and exotic species of flora and fauna.