Important visitor information
The Pamplemousses Botanical Gardens were opened in 1770. The land for the gardens was chosen much earlier, back in 1736. This is the first botanical garden in the southern hemisphere. It is also the world’s first tropical botanic garden.
Today, the botanical garden is one of the most visited sites in the whole Mauritius. Approximately 250,000 visitors come here annually.
You can walk around the gardens on your own or utilize the guide service (for an extra fee). The elderly and people with disabilities can use golf carts (for an extra fee), while wheelchairs are available free of charge. The gardens are open daily from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm, including weekends and holidays.
The gardens cover 37.5 hectares. The name “Pamplemousses” comes from the name of the citrus plant called pamplemoussier, which was introduced from Java by the Dutch settlers.
Are the Pamplemousses botanical gardens suitable for a visit with kids? Absolutely! The gardens are easy to navigate, making them very suitable for a visit with kids. As you enter the property, you receive a map showing all the main attractions and the streets where everything is located. The gardens have avenues with tags, so you can follow easily. If you have small kids, my advice is to go to the main attractions, as the gardens are quite large. Get ready to take lots of pictures of the stunning views you will see.
Key attractions in the Botanical Gardens
Plants
The botanical gardens boast a magnificent collection of both endemic and exotic plants from around the world. There are 800 species of plants, among which 80 species of palms (bottle palms, royal palms, and others). If you are interested in plants, you will feel like a kid in a candy store, I guarantee it!
The most interesting kind of palms you can encounter at the Pamplemousses botanical gardens is the Talipot (Corypha umbraculifera). Its height can reach up to 25 m. This type of palm can live between 30 and 80 years. Its blooms can reach 5 meters, the tallest in the plant world. Unfortunately, the talipot dies after it blooms. So, it’s a bit of a sad story when you see the Talipot blooming.
Other must-see plants in the botanical gardens include the baobab tree, the sausage tree, the fish poison tree (its seeds can kill fish), sacred lotus (Nelumbo nucifera), water lilies (Nymphaea), and Giant water lilies (Victoria amazonica).
The baobab tree is particularly impressive. This so-called “tree of life” can live up to 5,000 years, and its trunk can reach a diameter of 7 to 11 meters. Baobab fruits have a citrus flavor and are used to make smoothies and baked goods.
Also, make sure not to miss Giant water lilies (Victoria amazonica). These incredible plants (native to Amazonia) were introduced to Mauritius in 1927. They have enormous pads (2-3 meters in diameter). Their flowers bloom at night and change color from white to violet. The leaves of giant water lilies are known to be very strong and able to support significant weight. Make sure to take lots of pictures!
Animals and birds
While the main focus is on plants, you will still find some enclosures with animals (large tortoises and deer). As you walk around, you can also encounter many different types of birds, like the waterhen, different types of ducks, a rose-ringed parakeet, and others. There are also fish and turtles in the ponds.
The Final Word
I’ve been to many botanical gardens around the world, but I’ve never encountered anything as majestic as the Pamplemousses botanical gardens. If you visit Mauritius, make sure to check out these gardens. I bet you won’t be disappointed.
I’ve been to a lot of botanical gardens, but never in such an exotic location. I had never heard of the Pamplemousses botanical gardens either.
These are very special. I’ve been to many, but none of them have impressed me as much!
Mauritus sounds like such a beautiful place! Adding this botanical garden to to do list in Mauritus.
Indeed, you are not going to be disappointed. One of the best things to do in Mauritius. Definitely a must-visit place.
I love visiting botanical gardens around the world. Your pictures are so inviting – those tortoises are amazing!! What a great looking trip.
Yeah, tortoises are very cute. Good addition to the botanical garden :)
I always visit botanical gardens. I love to walk around. These gardens often reveal stories you might not have learnt if you didn’t visit.
You are completely right. These gardens are full of amazing stories!
I love botanical gardens. Just walking around would give us a good workout while feasting our eyes with colorful flowers and plants. I particularly love that image of the tree with roots sticking out all around it! The tortoises look interesting.