During our trip to Mauritius in the first week of May, one of the highlights was spending a full day at Casela Nature Parks, a well-maintained and family-friendly wildlife and adventure park located near Flic en Flac in the island’s west. From safari drives to play zones and open-air animal enclosures, the park offers something for every age group.
We’ve captured everything we experienced — including entry fees, what to do first, how to beat the crowds, and what to expect inside. If you’re planning a visit, this detailed blog should help you make the most of your day.
📍 What is Casela Nature Parks?
Casela is a large outdoor park that blends:
- Wildlife safari zones
- Adventure activities (like ziplines, quad biking)
- Petting farms and kids’ play areas
- And big cat experiences (like lion walks)
It’s set on a beautiful, hilly landscape and is one of Mauritius’ most popular attractions.
📅 Our Visit Details
- Date: First week of May
- Weather: Pleasant, 25°C, partly cloudy — ideal for walking outdoors
- Crowd: Moderate; no long queues, but some areas filled up by late morning
- Duration: Full day (we entered around 9:30 AM and left after 4 PM)
🎟️ Ticket Prices (as of 2025)
🧾 Entry Ticket (Basic Package)
| Category | Price (MUR) | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Adults | ~MUR 1,000 | Safari drive, Pangia Kids Park, petting farm |
| Children (4–12 yrs) | ~MUR 800 | Same as above |
| Under 4 years | Free |
Additional attractions like the Walk with Lions, ziplines, or quad biking are paid separately.
✅ Our Recommended Plan: When to Arrive & How to Explore
⏰ Best Time to Arrive: 9:00 – 9:30 AM
Arriving early helps in two ways:
- You avoid the crowds that build up after 11 AM
- You get a slot for the early safari drive, which is recommended when animals are more active
🔁 Best Route Through the Park
We were advised — and we agree — that the most time-efficient way to explore is to start from the far end and walk back toward the entrance.
Here’s how it works:
1️⃣ Start with the Safari Drive
Once you enter and scan your tickets, board the safari shuttle bus. This takes you to the African Safari Zone at the far end of the park.
What you’ll see on this drive:
- Zebras
- Ostriches
- Antelopes
- White rhinos
- Other herbivores in a semi-open habitat
The drive takes about 30–40 minutes and is conducted in a covered, open-sided vehicle with a guide.
💡 Pro Tip: Do the safari first. If you wait till later, the queues may grow, and the sun gets harsh by afternoon.
2️⃣ Walk Your Way Back
After the safari, you’re dropped off at the far end of the park. From here, walk back slowly through the following attractions:
🧒 Pangia Kids Park
- Animal petting zone (rabbits, goats)
- Rope bridges, jungle gyms, slides
- Mini train rides
- Great for kids under 10
🐆 Predator Kingdom (Big Cats Viewpoint)
You can view lions, cheetahs, and tigers from a safe distance behind enclosures. No extra charge for viewing (but interaction activities are paid).
We did not do the lion walk — it’s a paid add-on and only available for adults aged 15+.
🦜 Bird Aviary & Tortoise Corner
Walkthrough aviaries and an area where you can see giant Aldabra tortoises and exotic birds.
🛍 Souvenir Shops & Toilets
These are located near the mid-point and main entrance area.
🍔 Food Options — Manage Your Expectations
If there’s one weak spot, it’s the food situation. The park has:
- Small fast-food outlets (burgers, fries, fried chicken)
- Soft drinks and snacks
- Very limited vegetarian/healthy options
There’s no full-service restaurant or shaded dining hall. It works if you’re fine with quick meals, but families with dietary needs or young kids may want to:
- Carry snacks and refillable water bottles
- Eat a proper breakfast before arriving
- Plan a late lunch at Flic en Flac after your visit
🕒 Operating Hours
- Open daily: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Safari rides and adventure zones close earlier (by 4:00 PM), so plan accordingly
👨👩👧 Tips for Families
- Each adult needs their own ticket (buy online to skip queues)
- If traveling with kids:
- Carry caps, sunscreen, snacks, and water
- Consider a stroller if your child is under 5
- Toilets are available throughout the park, but not near every enclosure
- No outside food is allowed, but staff don’t actively check bags unless you’re carrying large meals
📸 Final Thought
Casela is well-maintained and family-friendly. We loved the layout, especially the way the park is designed to explore gradually from the far end after the safari. It’s definitely a place where kids can see animals up close, play freely, and enjoy the outdoors in a safe environment.
The only downside was the food — but overall, it was a great full-day activity in Mauritius and one we’d recommend to other families.
📌 Summary
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | Full day (9 AM – 4 PM) |
| Must-Do | Safari Drive, Pangia Kids Park |
| Skip (Optional) | Walk with Lions (if traveling with kids) |
| Food | Limited — mostly fast food |
| Crowd Tip | Arrive before 9:30 AM |
| Route Tip | Safari first → walk back through the park |
| Age Group | Great for all ages, especially kids 4–12 |
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