Mare aux Vacoas (Lake in Mauritius)

Embark on a peaceful break in the heart of the island, on the edge of the Mare aux VacoasNestled between verdant forests and rolling landscapes, this vast freshwater reservoir reveals a wilder and more mysterious side of Mauritius. Here, there are no beaches or white sand, but a serene atmosphere, ideal for recharging your batteries in the heart of nature. Surrounded by lush vegetation and lulled by the coolness of the highlands, this emblematic place reflects the Mauritian authenticity between soothing silence, blue reflections and harmony with nature.

History & Heritage of Mare aux Vacoas

Visit Mare aux Vacoas is much more than just a water reservoir: it represents an essential part of the natural and historical heritage of Mauritius. Located on the southwestern highlands, near Curepipe and the Macchabée forest, it is the largest artificial lake on the island, covering more than 700 hectares.

Its creation dates back to the end of the 19th century, when the British colonial authorities decided to build a dam to meet the growing need for drinking water. Inaugurated in 1885, the Mare aux Vacoas was Mauritius' first major hydraulic project. It continues to play a central role in supplying water to a large part of the population today.

A place steeped in history

Before its transformation into a reservoir, the site was a marshy area surrounded by endemic forests and lush vegetation. Its name comes from the vacoas, an endemic plant whose leaves were traditionally used by Mauritians to weave baskets, mats and various handicrafts. This link between nature and the daily lives of the inhabitants makes Mare aux Vacoas a living symbol of Mauritian cultural heritage.

A natural and heritage identity

The lake is nestled in a lush green setting, in the heart of the cool, humid highlands. It is bordered by forests that are home to precious biodiversity, including some rare endemic species. Mare aux Vacoas is also a stopping point for hikers exploring the southern landscapes, offering impressive panoramas of the surrounding mountains and the nearby Black River Gorge.

An emblematic site for Mauritians

A place of collective memory, the Mare aux Vacoas has always been associated with family picnics, nature walks, and rural traditions. Although swimming and boating are prohibited there to preserve water quality, the site remains an iconic landmark of Mauritian life.

Even today, she embodies the marriage between history, nature and heritage : a space that is both vital for water supply, a witness to the colonial past and a reflection of Mauritian culture rooted in the use of natural resources.

Mare aux Vacoas Day: your itinerary in detail

Your adventure begins on the green heights of the central plateau, where the fresh air and light mist create a soothing atmosphere. The road winds through the forests and leads you directly to the largest freshwater reservoir in Mauritius: the Mare aux Vacoas.

First stop: a panoramic viewpoint of this vast artificial lake, surrounded by majestic trees and rolling landscapes. Here, the calm is striking, punctuated only by the breath of the wind and the song of birds from the highlands.

You will then leave for a walk in the heart of nature, along the paths that border the reservoir. This is the ideal opportunity to discover the endemic flora and admire the historical heritage of this place created in the 19th century to supply the island with drinking water.

Then, head towards the neighboring forests, where pines, filaos and endemic species live side by side. A picnic break in the open air will allow you to enjoy a simple and friendly meal, lulled by the freshness of the plateau.

The afternoon continues with a cultural immersion: discovery of the history of vacoas, these plants used in the past by Mauritians to weave baskets and mats, symbols of local artisanal know-how.

Finally, to conclude this day rich in serenity and discoveries, you will be able to contemplate a unique sunset on the lake, reflecting a thousand colors in its tranquil waters.

You will leave with a light heart, with the impression of having touched another side of Mauritius: more authentic, wilder and deeply rooted in its natural heritage.