What Can You Do at Casela National Park? A Complete Activity Guide

Casela National Park is on the west coast of Mauritius and offers a mix of animals, adventure, and activities all in one place. Some visitors come to see the lions, others try the zip-line, and many just want to watch zebras and giraffes roam a savannah that feels nothing like a typical tropical island. The park covers more than 350 hectares and is divided into different zones, so planning ahead helps you avoid missing out on your favourite activity. This guide explains what you can do at the park, which activities need tickets, and how to plan your visit.

What Is Casela National Park?

Casela National Park is officially called Casela Nature Park, sitting in Cascavelle on the west coast of Mauritius, close to Flic-en-Flac. It opened in 1979 to protect local plants and rare birds, and has grown since into a full nature and adventure park. Locals and guides often just call it Casela Park Mauritius.

​Who Is Casela Nature Park Best For?

Not every visitor comes for the same reason, so here's a quick way to match your day to what you want.

6 Best Things to Do at Casela Nature Park

Six activities cover most of what makes a visit to Casela Nature Park worth your day.

African Safari Truck Tour

For most visitors, this is the best way to experience a real safari without leaving Mauritius. Here, you can cross the grasslands by riding an open-sided truck and see zebras grazing, rhinos resting in the shade. Sometimes, curious ostriches come right up to the truck to check out the travellers. Overall, the ride is slow and relaxed, making it a great first activity before trying the park’s busier attractions.

• Ticket: Included with your standard entrance ticket
• Duration: About 45 minutes
• Good for: A relaxed first activity that’s suitable for all ages

Casela Bird Park (Bird Kingdom)

This walk-through aviary sits in its own Bird Kingdom zone, separate from Pangia Kids Park. Brightly colored birds fly between branches at eye level, so you can see them up close without binoculars. It's one of the quieter corners of the park, good for a break between the bigger animal encounters. When people think of Casela Bird Park, this aviary is usually what comes to mind.

• Ticket: Included with your standard entrance ticket
• Good for: Families with young children or anyone looking for a quieter experience

Tribe Travel Tip: Try to visit early in the day, when the birds are most active

Walk with Lions

Right before this experience begins, everyone in the group falls quiet. Rangers guide you into the Predator Kingdom and walk you through the basics before you get close. Also, as soon as you are just a few steps away from a lion, you will get close enough to watch it breathe.  The focus is not on danger, but on being close to an animal most people only see behind glass or on a screen.

• Ticket: This is an extra paid activity.
• Note: Safety briefings are available in English, French, or Creole.

Tribe Travel Tip: Spaces are limited and often sell out early during peak season, so try to make booking in advance.

Big Cats Drive Thru

For a different kind of close call with predators, this drive-thru experience takes you straight into Predator Kingdom territory in a vehicle, giving you a slow, safe pass through the space where the park's lions, tigers, and caracals roam. It's a good pick if Walk with Lions feels like too much, but you still want that up-close moment with the big cats.

• Ticket: Check current pricing, as this sits under Predator Kingdom's paid activities
• Good for: Anyone who wants a closer predator encounter without leaving a vehicle

Tribe Travel Tip: Bring a camera, as this is one of the better photo opportunities in the park.

Safari Eco Rider

Quad biking at Casela is currently suspended, so this is the closest alternative if you want to explore the park on your own rather than from a truck seat. The Eco Rider takes you along the same safari trails, closer to the dust and the animals than a bus tour allows, without needing a quad bike specifically.

• Ticket: This activity requires an extra fee
• Good for: Couples or small groups wanting something active
• Note: Confirm licence or age requirements when booking, as these can vary

Bumper Dashers

With Tulawaka closed for maintenance, this is a fun, low-key alternative in Pangia Kids Park. It's a compact bumper car ride, quick to jump into between the bigger attractions, and it works well for breaking up a day that's mostly animal encounters.

• Ticket: Check current pricing at Pangia Kids Park
• Good for: Kids and families looking for a quick, active break

Tips for Visiting Casela Nature Park

A few simple tips can help your day go more smoothly.

• Predator Kingdom activities, including Walk with Lions and Big Cats Drive Thru, are closed on Sundays.
• Book Walk with Lions and similar activities in advance, as spots fill up quickly.
• Wear closed, comfortable shoes, especially if you plan to visit the lion enclosure or Bumper Dashers.
• You can't bring outside food or drinks into the park.
• A free shuttle runs between zones, so you won’t have to walk all 350 hectares.

Before You Go

Holidays can turn exciting when you choose Casela National Park for your bucket list. Here, you can interact closely with wild animals with full safety precautions. There's more here than watching animals, too, with plenty of activities to join in on.  Choose two or three activities in advance, book the ones with limited spots, and let the rest of your day unfold naturally. If you’re planning a longer stay in Mauritius, our Holiday Tribe advisors can help you include Casela in your itinerary.