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Trou aux Cerfs

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Trou aux Cerfs (Mauritius)

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Trou aux Cerfs is a dormant volcanic crater located in Curepipe, in the central highlands of Mauritius. It sits approximately 605 meters above sea level, with a diameter of about 300 to 350 meters and a depth of around 80 meters. The crater is nearly perfectly circular and is characterized by its steep, forested inner walls, while the floor is currently occupied by a small lake and marshy area. Scientists estimate that the volcano was active about 600,000 to 700,000 years ago and is now considered 'dormant' because a new eruption is theoretically possible but highly unlikely. A popular circular road runs around the crater rim, providing spectacular views of the Moka mountain range and Rempart Mountain. The name translates to 'Stag's Hole,' originating from a time when deer used the crater as a refuge from hunters. The crater remains an important site for geological study and a popular recreational spot for locals.

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Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C272727262523222223242526
Rain mm127113124794732282629313448

📋 Practical info

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Getting there
The crater is located right within the urban area of Curepipe in Mauritius and is easily accessible via paved roads by car or local bus services.
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Best season
A visit is possible year-round, with views being best on clear days when you can often see all the way to the Indian Ocean from the crater rim.
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Terrain & paths
The crater rim is flat and forested with a well-maintained circular path; the descent into the center to the small lake is steeper and often slippery.
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What to bring
Comfortable walking shoes are sufficient for the circular rim path; for descending into the crater, sturdy footwear and insect repellent are recommended.
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Parking
Ample parking is available directly at the crater rim and in the surrounding streets of Curepipe, making access very straightforward for all visitors.
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Safety
Paths can be muddy after rain; stay on the main trails and ensure you have steady footing when taking photographs from the edge of the crater.
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Time needed
A walk around the crater takes about 30 to 60 minutes, making it a well-suited short excursion during a tour of the island or a visit to the central plateau.

Geography

Coordinates
-20.31500, 57.48000

Facts

  • Dormant volcanic crater with a diameter of 300 to 350 meters
  • Located at an altitude of 605 meters in the town of Curepipe
  • The total depth of the crater is approximately 80 to 85 meters
  • Estimated to have been active 600,000 to 700,000 years ago
  • The name 'Trou aux Cerfs' means 'Stag's Hole' in French
  • The crater floor contains a small, permanent natural lake

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Takamaka Boutique WineryTakamaka Boutique Winery2 km · NEExplore →
VacoasVacoas2 km · NExplore →
Mauritius Glass GalleryMauritius Glass Gallery3 km · NExplore →
CurepipeCurepipe4 km · EExplore →
Trois MamellesTrois Mamelles4 km · NWExplore →
Tamarind FallsTamarind Falls4 km · SExplore →
BassinBassin5 km · NWExplore →
Mare aux VacoasMare aux Vacoas5 km · SExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Only stops with (optional):
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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Trou aux Cerfs (1)

Serge Constantin Theatre

The Serge Constantin Theatre is a theatre in Trou aux Cerfs, Mauritius, named after a local figure.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is Trou aux Cerfs?
A dormant volcanic crater with a scenic forest inside.
Can you hike into the crater?
Hiking down into the crater is usually not allowed.
Is it family-friendly?
Yes, there is a paved path around the rim, well-suited for walks.
When is the best time to visit?
Early morning or at sunset for great light.
Is there an entrance fee?
No, access to the crater rim is free.
Trou aux Cerfs: where is it located?
Trou aux Cerfs is located in Mauritius.
Trou aux Cerfs: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.
Trou aux Cerfs: why is it worth visiting?
Trou aux Cerfs is a dormant volcanic crater located in Curepipe, in the central highlands of Mauritius.
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Nearby cities

Vacoas — Trou aux Cerfs (Mauritius)
Vacoas
Vacoas is located in the heart of the island and is known for its cooler temperatures.
Curepipe — Trou aux Cerfs (Mauritius)
Curepipe
Curepipe, also known as 'La Ville Lumière', is the highest town in Mauritius.
🗺️
Bassin
Bassin is a residential village in the Plaines Wilhems district, near Quatre Bornes.
Rose Hill — Trou aux Cerfs (Mauritius)
Rose Hill
Rose Hill is a major shopping and cultural hub in Mauritius.
Midlands — Trou aux Cerfs (Mauritius)
Midlands
Midlands is located in the central highlands of Mauritius.
Riviere Noire — Trou aux Cerfs (Mauritius)
Riviere Noire
A scenic district on the west coast, known as the gateway to Black River Gorges National Park and for dolphin watching tours.
Beau Bassin — Trou aux Cerfs (Mauritius)
Beau Bassin
Beau Bassin is part of the larger Beau Bassin-Rose Hill urban area in the center of the island.
Dubreuil — Trou aux Cerfs (Mauritius)
Dubreuil
Dubreuil is a remote mountain village in central Mauritius.
Bananes — Trou aux Cerfs (Mauritius)
Bananes
Bananes is a small, remote village in central Mauritius.
Bois Chéri — Trou aux Cerfs (Mauritius)
Bois Chéri
Bois Chéri is the cradle of Mauritian tea.
Tamarin — Trou aux Cerfs (Mauritius)
Tamarin
Tamarin is a coastal village in the west known for its salt pans and dolphin watching tours.
Bambous — Trou aux Cerfs (Mauritius)
Bambous
Bambous is the administrative capital of the Rivière Noire district in the west.
La Flora — Trou aux Cerfs (Mauritius)
La Flora
La Flora is a mountain village in the Savanne district.
Flic en Flac — Trou aux Cerfs (Mauritius)
Flic en Flac
Flic en Flac is a major tourist village on the west coast.
Grande Rivière Noire — Trou aux Cerfs (Mauritius)
Grande Rivière Noire
Grande Rivière Noire is the heart of the Rivière Noire district.

History & landmarks

Tamarind Falls — Trou aux Cerfs (Mauritius)
Tamarind Falls
A series of seven consecutive waterfalls on the Tamarind River, surrounded by dense tropical forests.
Alexandra Falls — Trou aux Cerfs (Mauritius)
Alexandra Falls
A high waterfall in the Black River Gorges National Park, plunging over a forested cliff.

Nature

Trois Mamelles — Trou aux Cerfs (Mauritius)
Trois Mamelles
A distinctive three-peaked mountain in the west of the island.
Mare aux Vacoas — Trou aux Cerfs (Mauritius)
Mare aux Vacoas
The largest reservoir in Mauritius, located on the central plateau.
Mare Longue Reservoir — Trou aux Cerfs (Mauritius)
Mare Longue Reservoir
An upland reservoir near the Black River Gorges, surrounded by primary forest.
Tourelle du Tamarin — Trou aux Cerfs (Mauritius)
Tourelle du Tamarin
A standalone mountain on the west coast, rising steeply above the village of Tamarin.

More places

Takamaka Boutique Winery — Trou aux Cerfs (Mauritius)
Takamaka Boutique Winery
The only winery in the world producing wine exclusively from lychees, offering tours of its unique production process.
Phoenix Beverages Factory — Trou aux Cerfs (Mauritius)
Phoenix Beverages Factory
The largest brewery and beverage factory in the country, known for producing the famous Phoenix beer.
Corps de Garde — Trou aux Cerfs (Mauritius)
Corps de Garde
A distinctive mountain with a silhouette resembling a sleeping sentry, overlooking the central plains.
Ebène Cybercity — Trou aux Cerfs (Mauritius)
Ebène Cybercity
This modern business district is the hub for technology and finance in Mauritius, hosting numerous international companies.
Mauritius Glass Gallery — Trou aux Cerfs (Mauritius)
Mauritius Glass Gallery
This glass gallery in Phoenix is known for its artwork made from recycled glass.
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Pangia Kids Park
A specialized amusement park for children within the Casela complex, featuring safe rides and play areas.
Macchabée Forest — Trou aux Cerfs (Mauritius)
Macchabée Forest
A section of upland rainforest within the Black River Gorges Park, famous for its ancient ebony trees.
Gros Cailloux Leisure Park — Trou aux Cerfs (Mauritius)
Gros Cailloux Leisure Park
A sprawling park combining agriculture with leisure activities like boating, quad biking, and a petting farm for children.