Bras d'Eau National Park | Belle Mare

Information

Landmark: Bras d'Eau National Park
City: Belle Mare
Country: Mauritius
Continent: Africa

Bras d'Eau National Park, Belle Mare, Mauritius, Africa

Bras d'Eau National Park is a protected terrestrial reserve located in the Flacq district of northeast Mauritius. It is one of only three national parks on the island, primarily consisting of a dry evergreen forest.

Visual Characteristics

The park is characterized by dense stands of exotic and endemic trees, including Eucalyptus, Mahogany, and Teak. The terrain is relatively flat, featuring basaltic rock outcroppings and several water bodies, most notably the Mare Sarcelle, a large pond populated by mangroves and water birds. The forest floor is often covered in thick leaf litter and ferns, with several well-defined but unpaved walking trails cutting through the vegetation.

Location & Access Logistics

The park is situated on the B59 Coastal Road in Poste Lafayette.

Driving: Approximately 10 kilometers north of Belle Mare and 15 kilometers northeast of Flacq. A gravel parking area is available at the Visitor Centre.

Public Transport: Bus route 26 (Flacq to Grand Gaube) or Route 226 stops near the park entrance.

Access: Entry is free. The park is typically open from 09:00 to 15:00 on weekdays and has limited hours on weekends.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Proclaimed a national park in 2011, Bras d'Eau was once the site of a sprawling French colonial sugar estate. The ruins of a 19th-century sugar mill and lime kilns remain visible within the forest. Ecologically, it is a critical refuge for the endemic Mauritius Paradise Flycatcher (Terpsiphone desolata), a rare bird species that thrives in the park's specific microclimate.

Key Highlights & Activities

The primary activity is hiking along the Coq de Bois Trail (approx. 5km), which loops through the forest and provides opportunities for birdwatching. The trail also passes by the ruins of the old sugar factory. The Mare Sarcelle is a designated site for observing migratory waterfowl and mangrove ecosystems. Picnic tables are available in designated shaded clearings near the park entrance.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The park features a Visitor Centre at the entrance, which includes a small exhibition room on local biodiversity and public restrooms. There is 4G/5G cellular coverage. There are no food or beverage vendors inside the park; visitors must bring their own water. The main trails are relatively flat and can be navigated by most fitness levels, though they are not specifically paved for wheelchairs.

Best Time to Visit

The park is best visited in the early morning (08:00–10:00) for birdwatching, as the Paradise Flycatcher is most active during these hours. The dense tree canopy provides significant shade, making it a viable destination during the hotter summer months. Visiting during the dry season (May to November) is recommended to avoid muddy and slippery trail conditions.

Facts & Legends

A local historical feature is the presence of an old water well and a stone canal system that once supplied the sugar mill. A specific ecological fact is that Bras d'Eau is the only place on Mauritius where you can find large concentrations of the "White-fronted Fruit Bat" roosting during the day in the mahogany trees.