Animal Interactions: Feeding, Breakfast, and Predators: how it works in Mauritius — first-hand

While some may find it thrilling, it's considered by some to be a questionable experience due to animal welfare concerns and cost. The park offers an 'eco-ride' for a closer, safer viewing of animals like zebras and rhinos. Other parks on the island, such as La Vanille, offer a more atmospheric experience with unique activities like turtle feeding.

An 'ecorider' for two, including park entrance, costs 10,250 Mauritian Rupees (MUR) and starts at 9:15 AM, offering a less crowded experience. Feeding giraffes costs 1,000 MUR for two, with tickets purchasable at the souvenir kiosk on-site. Feeding sessions are reportedly scheduled only on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The 'breakfast with giraffes' experience requires advance booking and can be fully booked weeks ahead; one user mentioned the next available slot was May 17th. To guarantee a spot for breakfast with giraffes, direct email communication with the park is recommended. Feeding giraffes without breakfast can be purchased on-site. The cost for feeding giraffes is 500 MUR per person. Some visitors find the breakfast experience worthwhile for its exclusivity and atmosphere, while others deem it less valuable than the feeding activity alone, suggesting 10-15 minutes for feeding and photos is sufficient. The park offers an 'ecorider' experience and one roller coaster descent is included with the ticket. The total time spent on these activities can be around 4 hours. For walking with lions, advance booking is recommended, though on-site purchase might be possible.

Giraffe feeding typically occurs later, around 11 AM - 12 PM. To catch the 9:30 AM eco-ride, it's advisable to arrive at the park by opening time (9:00 AM) to allow for group assembly, equipment distribution, and briefing. The eco-ride covers the far end of the park and returns through it. Information on age restrictions for the eco-ride (children might be passengers) and the availability of child seats for younger children (around 2.5 years old, though age limits should be confirmed) is mentioned. The distance from the eco-ride finish to the giraffe feeding area is short, likely walkable or a short safari truck ride. Recommended to check the official Casela website for all time slots and session schedules.

Booking tickets online in advance for specific activities like Eco Ride (approx. 5000 MUR) or lion/tiger safaris (approx. 800 MUR) is highly recommended due to rapid sell-outs. Timeliness is crucial for booked activities; be at the meeting point at the scheduled time. Bus safari is included in the entrance ticket and covers many animals. Eco Ride offers a more interactive experience, including feeding opportunities. Some visitors report that certain animals like giraffes or rhinos may require additional payment or specific safari bookings.

Turtles are in a designated area, and feeding goats is also possible. Giraffe availability might vary due to their 'day off' schedule. Arrive at park opening for a less crowded experience. Swimming with turtles might be possible in certain spots.

Personal photography (using phones or cameras) is prohibited during the activity. Professional photographs taken by park staff will be offered for purchase at the exit.

Breakfast with giraffes costs 5500 MUR. Giraffe feeding costs 500 MUR and is available daily, except on Tuesdays and Thursdays.