Osterlog Valley

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"The world is a book and those who do not travel read only a page." -Saint Augustine

Found between Mountain Lagrave and Mountain Laselle in the Créoles Mountain Range, it lies almost exactly on the border of two districts - of Grand Port and Moka. The 275-hectare garden gives a glimpse of what the island really looked like before colonisation.

Also being a reference for ecotourism, is a gemstone of biodiversity. The rehabilitated indigenous forest is filled to the brim with endemic plants. In fact, in the inaugural address of the garden, Minister Faugoo stated that already some 67 endemic plants have been identified and that there are still more being discovered.

Embracing our Mauritian identity, my friends and I went on an adventurous journey to the endemic garden.

To begin with, the entrance was simply jaw-dropping. I could have sworn I was daydreaming about how majestic the view was.

Within a few steps after the entrance, you can find small tortoises chilling in their outdoor pen, embracing the serene aura of nature itself.


Carrying on, you'll find the actual entrance to the garden with streams of water quietly flowing.




On the other side of the slope, abundance is at its peak with the hill brimful of palm trees! Climbing up the kiosk, you'll also find yourself entranced by the view.

To start off with our strenuous journey, the respectful guides gave us a small briefing of what the trail entails; a 3 hour hiking trail to sight see the breathtaking waterfall.

Saying that offers merely a hiking trail would be an understatement. Offering its ups and downs (literally), together with all the mud was quite an experience. Groups are a must. Hands held together, I can assure you that with proper team spirit, going through this outing will ensure proper bonding time with you and your peers.



After one hour, you'll find the hiking trail leading up to Cascade Tortue (The Tortoise Waterfall), named like this because of a huge rock below the waterfall that looks like a giant tortoise shell.


A blessing for the eyes sure but after a quick rest, here comes what I would classify the challenging part. From the outset, we were fresh, ready to tackle anything just to be able to witness the waterfall. But now that you're done? What happens? Well, you're not only unmotivated to go back but the slopes get even more slippery (I'd highly recommend wearing boots). On your way back, the slopes adopt a descending orientation. Thankfully, the guides were always present, not hesitating to lend us a hand.
Being able to go through such obstacles is what triggers the adrenaline rush. Are you going to fall and become endemic together with the plants? Are your legs able to withstand this?
Let's not forget the cheers of the peers."You've got this!" "Come on!""Do it! I'll love you even if your face ends up in mud!"



Though I loved the trip, I have to say, seeing the end was like the light after a dark tunnel. On our way back, there was only one rest spot - that is, a tiny kiosk. Lounging in the available kiosks, we finally fed those hungry stomachs and sat on the rocks, absorbing the soothing nature. The view, I should say, could cure anyone restless.

The garden thankfully offers washroom facilities at its very entrance together with a nursery crowded with plants.

Overall, La Vallée D'Osterlog will invigorate you with its fresh air and one of a kind sightings and experiences. The lush garden is nevertheless home to a variety of insects with mosquitoes being the majority. Mosquito repellants therefore become a must as well as sport shoes or boots and proper sporting wear. Moreover, the hiking trails are slightly dangerous for young children. Casual slips are of no consequence in some areas and extremely dangerous in others as the risk of falling on stones prevails if proper caution is not taken.

At the very end of our trip, the view of our muddy shoes against the picturesque nature on the tiny hillside was gratifying, reminding us of the paradisiac nature of Mauritius.


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