Nature Walk (Plaine Sophie)

Plaine Sophie Nature Walk

Plaine Sophie, located in the catchment area of Mare aux Vacoas Reservoir, was once covered with dense native forests. 

From 1944 to 1975 there was a growing need for timber and fuel during those years and consequently, most of the native forests was cut and replaced by pine, cedar and Eucalyptus which are considered as fast growers compared to native trees. Today, the focus of Forest Management has turned to biodiversity conservation, ecological balance, soil and water conservation, eco-tourism and recreation.

The aim behind the creation of Plaine Sophie Nature Walk was to create an indigenous/endemic garden with a living collection of upland plant species, and use the site for conservation, educational and research purpose while simultaneously providing an area of recreation and leisure to the local community and tourists.

The Nature Walk has a Visitor’s Interpretation Centre that serves as a platform for educating people on the native and endemic flora of Mauritius. The house displays useful information related to our native biodiversity, importance of forests and their extent. Promenade trails, kiosks and an arboretum can also be found on site to the benefit of its visitors.