The Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden at Pamplemousses is the oldest botanical garden in the southern hemisphere and one of the loveliest places in Mauritius. Laid out in the eighteenth century by the French governor Mahé de La Bourdonnais and developed by the botanist Pierre Poivre, who brought spices and tropical trees from across Asia, it is a shady world of palm avenues, ancient banyans, ebony and spice trees, lotus ponds and the famous pond of giant Amazon water lilies, whose leaves can grow wider than a metre. Giant tortoises and deer live in enclosures, and an old colonial house and sugar mill stand among the trees. It is best seen with a guide, as the labels are sparse and the stories are rich. This page links to a guided full-day tour of the north by Mautourco, rated 4.6 from more than 20 reviews, that combines the garden with the island’s other northern highlights: L’Aventure du Sucre sugar museum next door, the Citadel, or Fort Adelaide, with its views over Port Louis, the Odysseo oceanarium and free time at the Caudan Waterfront. Hotel pickup from coastal hotels, lunch, drinks and all entrance fees are included, which makes it a simple, stress-free way to see the north in one day.
How it works: the tour starts with hotel pickup around 8:30 and lasts about eight hours, travelling in an air-conditioned vehicle with a professional guide. Entry to the botanical garden, the sugar museum, the Citadel and the oceanarium is included, as are lunch, drinks and snacks. Pickups cover coastal hotels around the island; guest houses, apartments and lodges are not served. Groups are capped at twenty, and free cancellation is possible until 24 hours before.
What you see: about an hour each at L’Aventure du Sucre and the botanical garden, where the guide leads you to the water lilies, the palms and the spice trees; 45 minutes at the Citadel above the capital; an hour at Odysseo; and about two hours at the Caudan Waterfront for shopping, a drink or a walk to the Aapravasi Ghat.
Making the most of it: wear light clothes and insect repellent for the garden, and bring a hat. The water lilies look their best in the warmer months. If you prefer to go independently, the garden is easy to reach by taxi from Grand Baie, and official guides wait at the entrance.
What to expect
The experience
A guided full-day tour of the north with hotel pickup, visiting the Pamplemousses garden, the sugar museum, the Citadel, the Odysseo oceanarium and the Caudan Waterfront.
Best time
Weekdays, when the museum and the Port Louis shops are open, and the warmer months for the giant water lilies.
How long
About eight hours door to door, starting around 8:30.
Tips
Wear light clothes and insect repellent, bring a hat, and check that your hotel is on the pickup list when booking.
Quick picks
- Best for
- First-time visitors who want to see the north’s garden, history and capital in one easy day.
- Families
- Children enjoy the giant water lilies, tortoises and the oceanarium, and kids travel at a reduced rate.
- Couples
- A relaxed sightseeing day with lunch included and free time on the Caudan Waterfront.
- Pair with
- The Port Louis street food tour on another day, or the northern islands catamaran from Grand Baie.
- Time needed
- A full day.
Good questions
What is special about the Pamplemousses garden?+
It is the oldest botanical garden in the southern hemisphere, famous for its giant water lilies, palm avenues and spice trees. It dates from the eighteenth century.
What does the day tour include?+
It includes hotel pickup, a guide, lunch, drinks and entry to the garden, the sugar museum, the Citadel and the Odysseo oceanarium. There is also free time at the Caudan Waterfront.
Can I visit the botanical garden on my own?+
Yes, the garden is easy to reach by taxi and has guides at the entrance. The tour adds the other northern sights and transport.
Which hotels are included for pickup?+
Pickups cover coastal hotels around the island. Guest houses, apartments and lodges are not served, so check when booking.
How much walking is there?+
There is gentle walking on flat paths in the garden and around Port Louis. The tour is not wheelchair accessible.
