Bras D’eau National Park in Poste Lafayette Mauritius is a nature walk that takes you through the calm and peaceful atmosphere of a forest. The park is home to historic 400-year-old ruins, including the remains of a sugar mill and lime kiln which were built by the French during the colonization of Mauritius. This was when the sugarcane industry became a major source of income for the inhabitants.
This site is ideal for recreational activities such as hiking and bird watching. Bras D’eu also harbors patches of rare plants, the very rare Oenellia polystachys, and the unique fern Doryopteris pilosa.
“And into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul”
The decision to visit Bras D’eau national park was made two days after a biking trip where my group rode past the entrance sign. I was immensely curious because I had never heard of the place before, so when I got home I did some research. I was slightly disappointed with the lack of information I received but thrilled that I had discovered a new place in Mauritius.
The day of my visit was warm yet slightly cloudy, and the rain from the day before was still fresh on the leaves of the trees. I arrived at the park a couple hours before noon and spoke to a few people asking them what they recommended we do. I went up to the main office and read about the history and endemic wildlife of Bras D’eau. I learned about the two main trails in the park, the first trail is known as the “Coq des Bois Trail” is a direct trail through the forest which ends at the Mares Chevrettes. It is a 2.5km trail. The second, the “Coq de Bois Loop” is an extension of the first trail by 3.5km.
The walk was peaceful and serene, with only the sounds of birds and the crunching of footsteps upon leaves breaking the silence. When I arrived at the Mares Chevrettes, I stood motionless for a moment admiring the still water and the reflection of the trees. I tried not to disturb the peaceful silence when I walked around, observing the ruins and appreciating nature’s work.
The trip was an overall very relaxing experience, and it was a fantastic opportunity to learn about more of the history of the island.
If you plan on visiting Bras D’eau, here are a few things I wish I knew before I went.
- I don’t suggest going on a day after it rained or during, the whole path will be muddy and slippery.
- If you want to learn about the history, wildlife, and plant life of Bras D’eau while you walk, I suggest taking a guide. If not, then you can just follow the signs on the trail.
- There were many mosquitoes at the Mares Chevrettes. I suggest you wear long sleeves and cover your legs or carry mosquito repellent.
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