Curepipe Curepipe is by far one of the most densely populated areas within Central Mauritius, and...
This nature reserve, one of the last remaining stands of forest on Rodrigues, crowns the island's summit. It is located in the high grand montagne mountains, in the central eastern part of Rodrigues.
The Mauritian Wildlife Foundation has planted more than 200,000 native plant species across more than 25 hectares. Around 84% of the 25.5 ha fenced area at Grande Montagne has been restored to date and the aim of MWF is to complete the initial restoration of this reserve within the next few years. Over 156,516 plants have been planted in the reserve by MWF. So far 40 rare Rodriguan plant species are successfully conserved on Grande Montagne.
The population of the rodrigues fody has been increased to reach 8,000 individuals, whilst 4,000 rodrigues warbler have been added as a part of the habitat restoration on Grande Montagne.
The restoration of this ecosystem has ensured the survival of the Rodrigues fody and the Rodrigues warbler bird species, as well as the Rodrigues fruit bat. The reserve is also the only remaining habitat of the endemic Rodrigues Aloe.
The reserve is included in the Rodrigues Environmental Education Programme where students visit and are taught about the reserve and its importance.
The MWF runs free guided tours weekdays and Saturdays. You can get the useful (and free) Grande Montagne Nature Reserve Field Guide from the information centre at the entrance to help you with plant and bird identification.
Tours are conducted at 9.30 a.m and 1.15 p.m from Monday to Friday and at 9.30 a.m on Saturday. The tour lasts for about two hours.
At about ¾ of the trail there is a view point where you'll get one of the best panoramic views of the southeast coast. At the education center you can view a display of the solitaire bird and giant tortoise skeletons.
One section also serves as a little tortoise park where you'll get to see five tortoises roaming about freely.