Trou aux Cerfs, Mauritius Travel Guide

Discover the serene beauty and panoramic views of Trou aux Cerfs, the dormant volcanic crater in Curepipe, Mauritius, surrounded by lush greenery and rich in local folklore.

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Trou aux Cerfs

Trou aux Cerfs is a dormant volcanic crater situated in the heart of Curepipe, Mauritius. It offers a breathtaking panoramic view that stretches from the lush greenery of the island to the azure waters of the Indian Ocean. The crater, around 300 meters in diameter and 80 meters deep, is a serene spot, covered with dense forest and a peaceful trail for those who enjoy leisurely walks. This natural wonder is not just about the views; it’s also steeped in local folklore and geological significance. The volcano is believed to have been dormant for thousands of years, and the area around it is rich in flora and fauna, making it a haven for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts. Visitors can explore the well-maintained paths around the crater's rim, providing a unique vantage point to appreciate the island's unique topography. The site is easily accessible from Curepipe, and a visit here can be conveniently paired with other attractions in the town, such as the botanical gardens and local markets.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Trou aux Cerfs.

Visit early in the morning for the best light and fewer crowds.
Bring a camera to capture the stunning panoramic views.
Wear comfortable shoes as the paths can be uneven.
Check the weather forecast; the views are best on clear days.
Combine your visit with a trip to nearby Curepipe attractions.

Explore Trou aux Cerfs: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Best attractions in Trou aux Cerfs

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Dolswim Ltd

Experience the thrill of whale watching and explore the beautiful marine life of Mauritius with Dolswim Ltd, your eco-friendly adventure partner.

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JPH Charters (Point of embarkation)

Experience the thrill of fishing and the beauty of nature with JPH Charters at La Balise Marina, Black River, Mauritius.

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Vallée d'Osterlog

Explore the serene beauty of Vallée d'Osterlog, a nature preserve in Cluny, perfect for relaxation, hiking, and experiencing rich biodiversity.

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Aircraft Landing Viewpoint

Experience the thrill of aviation at the Aircraft Landing Viewpoint, where you can watch planes land against a stunning natural backdrop.

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Best landmarks in Trou aux Cerfs

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Casela Nature Parks

Discover the exhilarating adventures and captivating wildlife at Casela Nature Parks, an ultimate family-friendly destination in Mauritius.

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La Vallée Des Couleurs Nature Park

Experience the stunning landscapes and vibrant colors of La Vallée Des Couleurs Nature Park in Mauritius, a perfect mix of adventure and tranquility.

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La Vanille Nature Park

Explore La Vanille Nature Park: A captivating animal sanctuary in Mauritius showcasing diverse wildlife and commitment to conservation.

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Black River Gorges National Park

Explore the lush landscapes and rich biodiversity of Black River Gorges National Park, a serene escape into nature's paradise in Mauritius.

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Best restaurants in Trou aux Cerfs

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Le Sapin d'Or

Experience the flavors of Mauritius at Le Sapin d'Or in Curepipe – where culinary tradition meets modern dining.

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Sands Grill

Experience exquisite dining at Sands Grill on Ile aux Cerfs - where local flavors meet stunning island views.

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Kasafé

Experience the vibrant flavors of Mauritius at Kasafé in Curepipe—a culinary haven for food lovers seeking local delights.

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Treasures Chinese Restaurant

Savor the authentic taste of China at Treasures Chinese Restaurant in Vacoas-Phoenix – where flavor meets tradition.

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Best bars in Trou aux Cerfs

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The Irish Pub & Restaurant

Discover the vibrant blend of Irish hospitality and local flavors at The Irish Pub & Restaurant in Quatre Bornes, Mauritius.

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Big Willy's

Discover the vibrant atmosphere of Big Willy's, where delicious tapas meet lively nightlife in the heart of Tamarin, Mauritius.

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Kenzi Bar Resto

Discover Kenzi Bar Resto in Flic en Flac for an unforgettable dining experience with exquisite grilled dishes and a vibrant atmosphere.

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Ti Mari Restaurant & Bar

Experience the lively atmosphere and delightful flavors at Ti Mari Restaurant & Bar in Vacoas-Phoenix, a must-visit for all travelers.

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Best nightclubs in Trou aux Cerfs

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Queen's Club

Dive into the vibrant nightlife at Queen's Club, Quatre Bornes' premier disco club for an unforgettable evening of music and dance.

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Xindix Night Club

Discover the energetic nightlife of Curepipe at Xindix Night Club, where music and dance create unforgettable memories.

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Night club

Experience the electrifying nightlife of Vacoas-Phoenix at one of Mauritius' top night clubs, where vibrant music and lively crowds await.

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Yemen Experience party

Experience the vibrant nightlife of Flic en Flac at Yemen Experience Party, a top nightclub offering electrifying music and unforgettable dance nights.

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Best shops in Trou aux Cerfs

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Trou Aux Cerfs Volcano

Explore Trou Aux Cerfs Volcano: A serene and stunning natural wonder in the heart of Mauritius, perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

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Arcade Salaffa

Visit Arcade Salaffa for a delightful shopping experience in Curepipe, Mauritius, where local flair meets international brands.

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Intermart So'flo

Explore a vibrant shopping experience at Intermart So'flo in Curepipe, where local culture meets global brands in a modern mall setting.

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Ruisseau Creole

Explore Ruisseau Creole, a vibrant shopping mall in La Preneuse, Mauritius, offering unique local crafts, dining, and a lively atmosphere.

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Explore Trou aux Cerfs on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Trou aux Cerfs, mapped for you.

Trou aux Cerfs Essentials

Trou aux Cerfs is located in the town of Curepipe in the Plaines Wilhems District of Mauritius. The nearest international airport is Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport, approximately 25 kilometers away. From the airport, you can take a taxi, which is the most convenient option and takes around 45 minutes. Alternatively, you can rent a car or use a combination of bus routes that connect Curepipe with various parts of the island.
Curepipe has a well-connected public transportation system, including buses and taxis. Buses are an affordable way to get around and can take you to most major attractions. Taxis are more convenient for shorter, direct routes, and can be hailed on the street or booked through hotel services. Car rentals are also available for those who prefer to explore the island at their own pace.
The official currency in Mauritius is the Mauritian Rupee (MUR). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, but it is advisable to carry some cash for use in smaller establishments and local markets. ATMs are plentiful in Curepipe, and you can also exchange foreign currency at banks and authorized exchange bureaus.
Mauritius is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, it is always wise to take standard precautions such as avoiding poorly lit areas at night, not displaying valuable items, and keeping an eye on your belongings in crowded places. While Curepipe is relatively safe, it is advisable to be cautious in areas that are less frequented by tourists.
In case of emergency, dial 999 for police, 114 for ambulance services, and 115 for fire services. Curepipe has a local police station and medical facilities, including a hospital and several clinics. It is highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are available for minor health issues and over-the-counter medications.
Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Remove your shoes and cover your head when entering religious premises. Public Transport: Do be respectful to fellow passengers and give up your seat to elderly individuals. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake or a polite nod. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.
To experience Trou aux Cerfs like a local, visit the Curepipe Market where you can buy fresh produce, local crafts, and souvenirs. Engage with the locals, who are known for their friendliness and willingness to share stories about their culture and heritage. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the nearby botanical gardens, which offer a serene escape from the bustling town center. For a unique experience, take a walk around the crater of Trou aux Cerfs, which provides panoramic views of the surrounding area.

When is the best time to visit Trou aux Cerfs?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Trou aux Cerfs

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Trou aux Cerfs. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- HelloBonjour
  [bon-zhoor]
- GoodbyeAu revoir
  [oh rev-wah]
- YesOui
  [wee]
- NoNon
  [nohn]
- Please/You're welcomeS'il vous plaît/De rien
  [seel voo pleh/dee ryen]
- Thank youMerci
  [mehr-see]
- Excuse me/SorryExcusez-moi/Désolé
  [ex-kew-zay-mwah/day-zoh-lay]
- How are you?Comment ça va?
  [kom-mohn sah vah]
- Fine. And you?Bien. Et vous?
  [byen. ay voo]
- Do you speak English?Parlez-vous anglais?
  [par-lay voo ahn-glay]
- I don't understandJe ne comprends pas
  [zhuh nuh kohm-prahnd pah]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseJe voudrais voir le menu, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray vwar luh meh-noo, seel voo pleh]
- I don't eat meatJe ne mange pas de viande
  [zhuh nuh mahnj pah duh vyand]
- Cheers!Santé!
  [sahn-tay]
- I would like to pay, pleaseJe voudrais payer, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray pay-ay, seel voo pleh]
- Help!Au secours!
  [oh seh-coor]
- Go away!Allez-vous en!
  [ah-lay voo zahn]
- Call the Police!Appelez la police!
  [ah-pay-lay lah poh-lees]
- Call a doctor!Appelez un médecin!
  [ah-pay-lay uh may-deh-sahn]
- I'm lostJe suis perdu
  [zhuh swee pair-doo]
- I'm illJe suis malade
  [zhuh swee mah-lahd]
- I'd like to buy...Je voudrais acheter...
  [zhuh voo-dray ah-shet-ay]
- I'm just lookingJe regarde juste
  [zhuh ruh-gard zhuhst]
- How much is it?Combien ça coûte?
  [kom-byen sah koot]
- That's too expensiveC'est trop cher
  [say troh shair]
- Can you lower the price?Pouvez-vous baisser le prix?
  [poo-vez voo bay-say luh pree]
- What time is it?Quelle heure est-il?
  [kell er ay-teel]
- It's one o'clockIl est une heure
  [eel ay oon er]
- Half past (10)Dix heures et demie
  [dees er ay d'mee]
- MorningMatin
  [mah-tan]
- AfternoonAprès-midi
  [ah-pray mee-dee]
- EveningSoir
  [swah]
- YesterdayHier
  [ee-air]
- TodayAujourd'hui
  [oh-zhoor-dwee]
- TomorrowDemain
  [duh-man]
- 1Un
  [uhn]
- 2Deux
  [duh]
- 3Trois
  [twah]
- 4Quatre
  [kat]
- 5Cinq
  [sank]
- 6Six
  [sees]
- 7Sept
  [set]
- 8Huit
  [weet]
- 9Neuf
  [nuff]
- 10Dix
  [dees]
- Where's a/the...?Où est...?
  [oo ay]
- What's the address?Quelle est l'adresse?
  [kell ay lah-dress]
- Can you show me (on the map)?Pouvez-vous me montrer (sur la carte)?
  [poo-vez voo muh mohn-tray (soor lah kart)]
- When's the next (bus)?Quand est le prochain (bus)?
  [kahn ay luh proh-shahn (boos)]
- A ticket (to ....)Un billet (pour ....)
  [uhn bee-yay (poor)]

History of Trou aux Cerfs

Trou aux Cerfs is a dormant volcanic crater located in the town of Curepipe on the island of Mauritius. It is believed to have formed approximately 700,000 years ago. The crater is about 300 meters in diameter and 80 meters deep, offering a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape, including the town of Curepipe and, on clear days, even the distant peaks of the Moka Range.
During the colonial era, particularly under French and later British rule, Trou aux Cerfs was a site of scientific interest. Early European explorers and geologists ventured to the crater to study its formation, contributing to the broader understanding of Mauritius's volcanic origins. The crater also became a popular spot for colonial officers and their families to visit, offering a respite from the hustle and bustle of the coastal settlements.
During World War II, Mauritius played a strategic role as a base for Allied forces in the Indian Ocean. Trou aux Cerfs, with its elevated position and clear vantage points, was used as a lookout point. The crater's rim provided an excellent location for spotting enemy ships and aircraft, ensuring that the island remained a secure stronghold throughout the war.
Following Mauritius's independence in 1968, Trou aux Cerfs became a symbol of national pride and natural beauty. The site was developed into a popular tourist attraction, with the construction of viewing platforms and walking paths around the crater. Efforts were made to preserve its natural environment while making it accessible to both locals and visitors. Today, it stands as a testament to Mauritius's geological heritage and a beloved landmark.
In contemporary times, Trou aux Cerfs has evolved into a cultural and recreational hub. The crater's serene environment makes it a popular spot for morning jogs, picnics, and even yoga sessions. Local festivals and events are occasionally held at the site, celebrating Mauritius's rich cultural tapestry. The surrounding area has also seen the development of cafes and souvenir shops, enhancing the visitor experience.