Tropical Restoration
Tropical Restoration
Program Overview
Tropical Restoration
Kestrel Valley is a private nature reserve of 200 hectares in the South East of Mauritius. In a pocket of remaining Mauritian forest, native fauna and flora continue to exist here. The team at Kestrel Valley have embarked on an ambitious mission to restore the forest and coastal habitats for the unique wildlife of Mauritius not just to exist, but to thrive.
Mauritius is a paradise because it is so biologically unique, forming part of the Madagascar and Indian Ocean Islands biodiversity hotspot. This is due to the island’s high level of endemism, meaning that many of its plants and animals can only be found there. This exceptional endemism comes as a result of the island’s location, age, isolation and varied landscape, leading to remarkable percentages of endemic species: 39% of plants, 80% of non-marine birds, 80% of reptiles, and 40% of bat species reported as endemic. Forests support 691 species of indigenous flowering plants, 52 native species of vertebrates and 30 species of land birds. Another major ecosystem for Mauritius is the marine environment, comprising 16,840 km2 of territorial sea and 1,700 species, including 786 species of fish, 17 species of marine mammals, and 2 species of marine turtles.
This unique paradise of biodiversity is at risk. The main reason for this this is habitat loss and degradation. This is why our conservation team is now working with partners in Mauritius to address conservation challenges. This will be done through establishing new and contribute to existing conservation projects on the island to support ongoing research efforts.
Program Videos
Accommodation And Menu
Kestrel valley is located a mere 12km from the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport, accessed by a 20-minute road transfer.
Volunteers stay in one of 7 Bungalow Rooms. Each room sleeps two volunteers and the bungalows are en-suite. Facilities include a kitchen, lounge, dining area, cash bar, swimming pool and presentation area.
What’s Included
We take care of everything
• 3 Meals Daily
• Return Airport Transfers
• Accommodation
• All activities included in the itinerary
For more program information, check out our Pre Departure Guide.
Excluded
• Flights
• Travel insurance (compulsory) $3/day
• Visas
• Drinks – soft drinks & alcohol
• Personal and Travel Insurance
• Any Extra Activities not mentioned on the itinerary
Excursions
Explore the area.
Water Activities
Champs de Mars Horse Track
Black River Gorges National Park
Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Gardens
Please note these excursions are at an additional cost.
Activities
Daily Activities may include, but are not limited to:
• Turtle Monitoring
• Coral farming
• Data collection for conservation research
• Monitoring endangered species such as the Mauritius Kestrel and the Mauritian Fruit Bat
• Biodiversity transects
• Mauritius Fruit Bat conservation
• Learning about endemic species – Pink pigeons, Olive White-eyes, Mauritius Fody, Giant Tortoise
• Litter clean-ups
• Environmental education and awareness workshops
• Community support
Weekends or at Leisure activities:
• Beaches, lagoons and reefs for water activities.
• The mountainous interior includes Black River Gorges National Park, with rainforests, waterfalls, hiking trails and wildlife viewings like the flying fox.
• Capital Port Louis has sites such as the Champs de Mars horse track, Eureka plantation house and 18th-century Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Gardens are a sight to behold.
For activities itinerary and activity information please download the schedule below: