Discover the wonders of the SSR Botanical Garden in Mauritius with your family! From giant water lilies to friendly deer,
Table of Contents
- Main Journey
- Events at the Botanical Garden
- Tips for Traveling with a Baby
- Local Travel Tips
- Travel Reflections
Main Journey in Mauritius Botanical Garden with a Baby
On Day 57 of our world travels with Sweetie, we decided to take a detour to the famous Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden (SSR Botanical Garden) while driving along Mauritius’ scenic southwestern coast.
It was a cloudy day, with temperatures hovering between 22–25°C and a pleasant coolness in the air. As we mapped our route, the botanical garden caught our attention—it wasn’t too far off our path, so we decided to make a quick stop.
After parking in the free lot, we walked toward the ticket booth. Sweetie was, as always, eager to explore, gripping her little water bottle as though it was her lifeline for the day.
Events at the Botanical Garden
A Tropical Paradise Full of Surprises
The SSR Botanical Garden is named after Mauritius’ first prime minister, Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam, whose name also graces the country’s international airport. Once inside, we were immediately greeted by lush greenery and dense shade. Despite the partly cloudy weather, it felt cooler here—no doubt thanks to the towering trees and thick vegetation.
The garden’s design is more natural and open compared to typical glasshouse-dominated botanical gardens. Rather than showcasing curated sections of different climates, it’s an arboretum that highlights the flora native to this tropical paradise.
Highlights of the Garden
- The Medicinal Plant Section
One fascinating area was the medicinal plant garden, where Sweetie’s curiosity peaked. While Julie and I could only recognize a few plants like rosemary and cacti, it was fascinating to learn that many local plants were historically used to treat the region’s unique ailments. - Massive Trees and Unique Palms
Strolling through the garden, we encountered enormous trees that seemed to have stood for centuries. Some palms leaned at dramatic angles as if they had grown tired of standing upright. Sweetie was delighted by the unique shapes and shadows they cast. - The Famous Great Water Lily Pond
The highlight of the visit was undoubtedly the iconic Great Water Lily Pond. The giant floating lily pads were mesmerizing, almost like stepping stones from a fairytale. Sweetie found them a little creepy, but her attention was quickly stolen by the tiny fish and tadpoles darting around in the water. - The Animal Encounter
Toward the end of our visit, we stumbled upon some unexpected friends. Sweetie was overjoyed to see deer grazing freely in the park. We handed her a handful of grass to feed them, and her laughter filled the air as the deer nibbled gently from her tiny hands. Nearby, we discovered a section with giant tortoises of varying sizes. Watching Sweetie’s wide-eyed amazement as the tortoises plodded around was priceless.
The Downsides
As enchanting as the garden was, the mosquitoes were relentless. Despite wearing long sleeves, we all left with several itchy bites on our legs. If you visit, mosquito repellent is a must.
Tips for Traveling with a Baby
Traveling with Sweetie has taught us that preparation is everything. Here are our baby-specific tips for visiting the SSR Botanical Garden:
- Bring Mosquito Repellent
The garden is a haven for mosquitoes, especially near the water features. Apply baby-safe repellent liberally before entering. - Baby Carrier or Stroller?
While the garden’s paths are stroller-friendly, we found a lightweight baby carrier more practical for Sweetie, as she often wanted to walk short distances before getting tired. - Hydration and Snacks
The tropical climate can be draining, so pack plenty of water and snacks for both you and your baby. Sweetie carried her water bottle proudly the entire time! - Entertainment for Toddlers
While Sweetie was entertained by the animals and plants, bringing along a small toy or book can help keep toddlers occupied during quieter moments.
Local Travel Tips
Mauritius is a treasure trove of natural beauty, and the SSR Botanical Garden offers a peaceful escape. Here are a few local insights to enhance your visit:
- Admission Fees
Entrance is 200 Mauritian Rupees (about 6,377 KRW or $5.50) for foreign tourists, while locals pay a mere 25 Rupees. If you’re traveling on a budget, this is a fantastic and affordable attraction. - Plan Your Visit in the Morning
The garden is best enjoyed in the morning when it’s cooler, and the mosquitoes are slightly less active. - Nearby Attractions
Combine your visit with other nearby landmarks, like the Pamplemousses village or the beaches along the northern coast, for a full day of exploration. - Wear Comfortable Shoes
The garden covers a large area, so be prepared to walk. Comfortable shoes are a must!
Travel Reflections in Mauritius Botanical Garden with a Baby
The SSR Botanical Garden turned out to be a hidden gem on our Mauritius journey. It wasn’t initially on our itinerary, but sometimes the unplanned stops are the most memorable.
Watching Sweetie’s excitement as she fed the deer and marveled at the tortoises reminded us why we chose to embark on this world travel adventure with her. Even at 28 months old, her curiosity and joy bring a fresh perspective to everything we see and do.
However, we also learned the hard way about the local mosquito population! As much as we cherished the garden’s beauty, we were all too happy to head back to the car once the bites started piling up.
Would I recommend the SSR Botanical Garden? Absolutely! It’s a serene and family-friendly spot that showcases the natural wonders of Mauritius. Just don’t forget your insect repellent!
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