Trou aux Cerfs Crater
A dormant volcanic crater offering breathtaking panoramic views and a serene lake, perfect for walks and fresh air.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cooler air, fewer crowds
Trou aux Cerfs Crater
Best Time
Cooler air, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A dormant volcanic crater offering breathtaking panoramic views and a serene lake, perfect for walks and fresh air.
"The view and the scenery worth the trip, a great spot for jogging or letting your kids ride their scooters."
👟 Wear sturdy shoes
For exploring the crater rim and potential trails. Some paths can be steep!
💧 Bring water & snacks
Especially if you're with kids. Stay hydrated during your visit.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Dormant Volcano Crater
Center of the crater
A vast, lush green crater with a serene lake at its heart. A testament to nature's power.
Panoramic Island Views
Rim of the crater
Stunning vistas of the surrounding landscape and distant buildings. Perfect for photography enthusiasts.
Nature Trails & Fitness
Around the crater
Enjoy a walk or jog on paved paths, with fitness machines available for all ages.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Prepare for a Hike (and Wildlife!)
Best Views & Accessibility
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear sturdy shoes
For exploring the crater rim and potential trails. Some paths can be steep!
💧 Bring water & snacks
Especially if you're with kids. Stay hydrated during your visit.
🐒 Watch out for monkeys
Wild monkeys inhabit the area; keep a safe distance and secure your food.
📸 Capture the views
The panoramic scenery is impressive, ideal for amateur photographers.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear sturdy shoes
For exploring the crater rim and potential trails. Some paths can be steep!
💧 Bring water & snacks
Especially if you're with kids. Stay hydrated during your visit.
🐒 Watch out for monkeys
Wild monkeys inhabit the area; keep a safe distance and secure your food.
📸 Capture the views
The panoramic scenery is impressive, ideal for amateur photographers.
🚗 Parking is available
Though it can be limited. Arrive early for easier access.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Trou aux Cerfs for its stunning panoramic views and the well-maintained, accessible crater rim, perfect for walks and fresh air. While the crater itself isn't explorable from within, the scenic beauty and available fitness facilities are highlights. Some caution is advised regarding wild monkeys and the need for water.
"The view and the scenery worth the trip , bring water and snakes with you especially if you brought your kids with you."
Alaa Aljohani
"nice place. on the site of the volcano crater there is a small lake, everything around is overgrown with grass. You can’t go down, you can only look from above. You can take a walk around the crater. There are wild monkeys in the area and they might bite you. admission is free, parking available"
Ксения Л.
"Great spot for jogging or letting your kids ride their scooters. The road is paved, and offers stunning views of the volcano and surrounding nature. Ideal if you're looking for some fresh air. Free parking and toilets available."
Véronique Salesse-Tuyau
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Trou aux Cerfs is easily accessible by car, with a paved road leading directly to the crater's edge. It's located near Curepipe. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also options from major towns.
Yes, there is parking available at the site, though it can be limited during peak times. Arriving earlier in the day is recommended for easier parking.
While direct bus routes might be limited, you can likely reach Curepipe by bus and then take a short taxi ride to the crater. Check local bus schedules for the most up-to-date information.
Absolutely! Trou aux Cerfs is a perfect stop for a day trip, especially if you're exploring the Curepipe area. It offers a unique natural attraction away from the beaches.
From Flic en Flac, you can hire a taxi or rent a car for a scenic drive inland towards Curepipe. The journey typically takes around 1 to 1.5 hours.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, admission to Trou aux Cerfs Crater is free. You can enjoy the views and walk around the crater without any charge.
Trou aux Cerfs is generally accessible throughout the day, from early morning until evening. There are no strict opening or closing times posted.
Since entry is free, no advance booking is required for Trou aux Cerfs. You can visit spontaneously.
There are no official restrictions on visiting hours, but it's advisable to visit during daylight for safety and better visibility of the surroundings.
While not officially prohibited, visiting at night is not recommended due to safety concerns and limited visibility. It's best to experience the crater during daylight hours.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You cannot go down into the crater itself. Visitors can only view the crater from the rim. The crater is overgrown with vegetation and contains a small lake.
You can walk or jog around the crater rim, enjoy the panoramic views, and use the fitness machines available. It's a great spot for fresh air and photography.
Yes, there are toilets available on-site. They are generally clean, though there might be a small fee for use.
Yes, it's a great place for children to run around and ride scooters on the paved paths. However, always supervise them, especially near the crater rim and if monkeys are present.
Expect impressive panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, including distant buildings and lush greenery. It's a popular spot for photography.
📸 📸 Photography
The best photo opportunities are the panoramic views from the crater rim, the lush vegetation, and the lake within the crater. The golden hour light can also create stunning shots.
While not explicitly forbidden, drone usage might be subject to local regulations. Some visitors have mentioned capturing aerial views with drones.
Late afternoons, during the golden hour, offer beautiful lighting for photography. Mornings can also be good with softer light and fewer people.
The entire rim of the crater offers excellent viewpoints. Walk around to find your preferred angle and perspective of the crater and the surrounding landscape.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the panoramic views. A telephoto lens can be useful for distant shots. A smartphone camera is also sufficient for most visitors.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Keep a close eye on children, especially near the crater rim, and be aware of the wild monkeys in the area. While they add to the experience, it's best to admire them from a distance and ensure no food is left unattended. The free admission and readily available parking make it a convenient and budget-friendly outing.
🚶♀️ Fitness Enthusiasts & Joggers
The relatively cool climate in the highlands of Mauritius makes it an ideal location for exercise, especially during the morning or late afternoon. The gentle inclines offer a good challenge without being overly strenuous, making it suitable for various fitness levels.
📸 Photographers
Aim for the golden hours – early morning or late afternoon – for the most dramatic lighting. The contrast between the vibrant green of the crater and the surrounding landscape, especially with the distant views of buildings, creates compelling compositions. Drone photography can offer even more spectacular aerial perspectives of the crater.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding the Volcano
While you can't descend into the crater, the paved path around its rim offers excellent vantage points. This accessibility makes it a popular spot for locals and tourists alike to enjoy the scenery and get some fresh air. The presence of wild monkeys in the surrounding vegetation is a notable feature, adding an element of wildlife observation to the visit.
The volcano's dormant state means it poses no threat, allowing visitors to appreciate its geological significance and the unique ecosystem that has developed within and around it. It's a fascinating geological landmark that provides a different perspective on Mauritius beyond its famous beaches.
Exploring the Surroundings and Activities
For families, the paved paths are perfect for children to ride scooters or simply explore safely. The open space and relatively gentle slopes make it an enjoyable outing for all ages. However, it's crucial to remain vigilant, especially with children, due to the presence of wild monkeys and the proximity to the crater's edge.
Photography enthusiasts will find Trou aux Cerfs to be a rewarding location. The panoramic vistas offer ample opportunities for capturing stunning landscape shots, especially during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset. The contrast between the green crater and the distant urban or natural landscapes provides diverse photographic subjects.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit