497.2-hectare national park
497.2-hectare national park
East Mauritius · Hideaways
Bras D’eau National Park
Forest trails, endemic birds and mangroves in Mauritius' northeast.
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Location
East
East Mauritius
Opening Hours
Check locally
Confirm before visiting
Best Time to Visit
Year-Round
Weather conditions may vary
Admission
Free
Local conditions may apply
Why go
Forest trails, endemic birds and mangroves in Mauritius' northeast.
Bras d’Eau National Park is a 497.2-hectare protected forest in northeast Mauritius. The park combines planted woodland, patches of native vegetation, endemic bird habitat, historical remains and the wetland landscape of Mare Sarcelle.
The main Coq des Bois Trail starts from the visitor-centre area and runs through changing forest structure, from lower vegetation to taller trees. The official route is described as a fairly easy 5 km return walk, with the Coq de Bois Loop extending the forest experience.
Birdlife is an important part of Bras d’Eau, including the Mauritius Paradise Flycatcher, while Mare Sarcelle adds mangroves, native plants and habitat used by migratory birds. Wildlife sightings remain dependent on natural conditions.
The forest also preserves remains from an earlier sugar-mill settlement, making Bras d’Eau a cultural landscape as well as a national park.
Key details include 497.2 hectares of protected land, the Coq des Bois Trail, Mare Sarcelle wetland, endemic birds and historic sugar-mill remains.
Coq des Bois trail network
Coq des Bois trail network
Mare Sarcelle wetland habitat
Mare Sarcelle wetland habitat
Highlights
Why Bras d’Eau Is Worth Exploring
- ✓Coq des Bois forest trail
- ✓Mauritius Paradise Flycatcher habitat
- ✓Mare Sarcelle mangroves and wetland
- ✓Historic sugar-mill settlement remains
- ✓Protected forest with native vegetation patches
Photo Gallery
Bras d’Eau National Park in Pictures
Build a east day
Turn one place into a full island route.
Combine Bras D’eau National Park with nearby viewpoints and the wider Mauritius landscape for a more rewarding day.
Easy viewpoint
Alexandra Falls
Start with the established viewpoint and get context for the highland landscape.
Main experience
Bras D’eau National Park
Make this place the central stop, with enough time to explore without rushing.
You are here ↑Panoramic stop
Black River Gorges View Point
Continue the nature theme with broad views across protected forest and valleys.
Optional extension
Chamarel
Mauritius Explored tips
Explore Bras d’Eau with more context
Keep the visit simple: allow enough time, prepare for local conditions and pair it with nearby stops that suit your day.
- 1
Do not confuse the national park with the beach at Bras d’Eau; they are separate places with different visitor experiences.
- 2
Use Coq des Bois Trail as the backbone of the forest visit rather than staying only near the entrance.
- 3
Walk quietly if birdlife is important; endemic birds are present but sightings are never guaranteed.
- 4
Look for changes between planted woodland and native vegetation because the contrast explains the park's restoration story.
- 5
Do not overlook the old sugar-mill remains; they show that this protected forest also has a human history.
Frequently asked questions
Bras d’Eau National Park: quick answers
Where is Bras d’Eau National Park?
It is in northeast Mauritius around the Bras d’Eau and Poste Lafayette area.
How large is the park?
Bras d’Eau National Park covers approximately 497.2 hectares.
What is the main trail?
The Coq des Bois Trail is the principal forest route, with the Coq de Bois Loop extending the walk.
What is Mare Sarcelle?
It is a wetland within the national park containing mangroves, native plants and habitat used by migratory birds.
What to Bring
Bottle of water - 2L if going in summer
Keep exploring
Nearby nature & next stops
Continue exploring nearby Mauritius places instead of ending your journey at a single attraction.
Planning more than one stop?
Connect places, viewpoints, beaches and activities into a fuller east Mauritius day.
