Casela Nature Park – The African Safari Review
Going on an African safari could be anyone’s dream, and it sure was mine. So although I prepared an itinerary, it wasn’t fixed in stone. It was just used a guide to all the places I wanted to travel to, but I was sure I wasnt going to leave Mauritius without visiting the Casela Nature park.
If your strapped for cash, there are lots of cheaper options at the front desk of Casela Nature Park. So early that morning, I woke up, got washed and dressed, and told my family today would be the day we’d go on the African safari.
On Our Travels
We took a bus from Flic-en-Flac to Cascavelle, which was about 15 minutes away. When we got off at Cascavelle Mall, we then took another bus that dropped us outside the nature park. Upon our arrival, we were still unsure what we wanted to do, but after a few minutes deliberating, we decided at the the we would book the safari, and feed the giraffes.
So at the till, we paid around 3000 MUR (roughly £60), for entry to the park, the safari ride, and an amusement ride for two adults and one child. I paid an extra 200 MUR (£4) to feed the giraffes. Admission worked out to about £19 per adult and £15 per child over 11.
Me Feeding the Giraffe
Feeding Giraffes were the highlight for me! What a dream. We really looked forward to the African safari, but we were very disappointed that there were no elephants, lions or giraffes on the route. Understandably, the park is designed to make money, but we felt like the safari lacked excitement and it was something we wouldn’t do again. We weren’t keen on just viewing deers and antelopes, and while we did get to see a pack of beautiful zebra, we thought elephants and lions somehow would be there for us to see.
Looking back, if I hadn’t fed the Giraffes, i’m not so sure I would have enjoyed the safari as much as I did.
The nature park offered a package where you could walk with the lions, but we were unaware this excluded the lions from being a part of the Safari tour ride. To be quite honest, we almost felt like the safari was misleading, and we believe this should have been stated somewhere.
Wonderful Places to Eat and Drink
At the nature park, there are lots of restaurants and places to eat, particularly where you could try some authentic Mauritian cuisine. The food we had at one of the restaurants was absolutely delicious.
Traditional Mauritian Noodles
We had Mauritian fritters, samosas, and noodles. We ordered the homemade ice teas, one watermelon and one peach- once they arrived, they were absolutely delicious. With every purchase to the Nature park, you’ll recieve a $5 voucher off food places, andyou’ll gain free admission to ride one rollercoaster, which is something I would definitely advise you to try!
You’ll have to manage the speed of your cart, and ensure a safe distance from every other driver. It is a real adrenaline rush considering you are the one in control of your ‘drop’. Super scary, but super worth it, and if you don’t believe me, just check out my mum in the photo above!
Feeding the Giraffe
We had the option to book online before our visit, but I was glad I waited until we arrived so I had a more in-depth idea of what I wanted to do. Aside from viewing the animals, Casela Nature Park offers a variety of activities including: Zip-lining, quad-biking, walking with the lions, and feeding the animals.
My overall thoughts on Casela Nature Park are that I would return, but I would most likely feed and interact with the animals over the safari.
Me and a posing turtle at Casela Nature Park!
If you are arranging a trip to Mauritius, Casela Nature Park should be top of your list, but I would recommend feeding the animals or walking with the animals, over the safari. You will appreciate a more intimate and longer interaction with the animals.
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With Love
Siobhan Patrina
