Trou Aux Cerfs, also known as Murr’s Volcano, is a dormant volcano in Mauritius. One of the best places in the country to relax and reflect, this cone-shaped volcanic crater is endowed with abundant flora and fauna. Now surrounded by various suburban neighborhoods, the crater offers a magnificent view of the island from the top. At the bottom of the crater resides a beautiful rain-fed lake.
History
This volcanic crater was created because of underwater eruptions in the Indian Ocean about 10 million years ago. It’s believed that the last eruption took place about 600,000 years ago. The town of Curepipe started receiving settlers toward the middle of the 20th century when trade flourished between the highlands and Port Louis.
Things to Do Near Trou Aux Cerfs
Hiking – Take a walk along the rim and into the lush greenery of Curepipe as you ascend the 605 mhigh crater. There is a swirling narrow path along the crater that leads to many viewpoints in the vicinity. Due to its steep descent, hiking is not an easy feat to achieve.
Sightseeing – After reaching on top of the dormant volcano, you are greeted with breathtaking views of Mauritius— the kind that early morning joggers and walkers love. A Trou Aux Cerfs tour also includes a visit to the radar station built for keeping electronic surveillance on cyclone activity.
A Trou Aux Cerfs tour will also include a visit to the radar station built for keeping electronic surveillance on cyclone activity. Tired souls can rest their legs on benches constructed at regular intervals and soothe their eyes as they look upon the charming natural scenery.
Nearby Attractions
Central Market, Curepipe Botanic Garden, Chamarel Waterfall, Casela Nature and Leisure Park, Bois Cheri Tea Factory, China Town, and Caudan Waterfront.
Location
The Trou Aux Cerfs is located 1 km west of the central plateau in Curepipe, in the Plaines Wilhems District, Trou Aux Cerfs is the image of a perfect volcano. The Tatamaka River and Grand River North West have their sources in the crater’s lake that acts as a catchment area. The crater lake is small in size, thus water sports are not very popular at Trou Aux Cerfs, Mauritius. Curepipe is linked with the expressway by a surfaced road that connects the national capital and Vacoas-Phoenix.
Trou Aux Cerfs Map
How to Reach?
By Air – Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport is the nearest international gateway to this place. A cab ride (less than 18 km) from the airport to Trou Aux Cerfs takes 30 minutes.
By Road – The M2 expressway rus through Curepipe. It connects the town with the national capital, Port Luis. Public bus services are easily available at regular intervals and connect Curepipe to neighboring cities such as Moka, Centre de Flacq, and Mahon a Bourgas. Two bus terminals – the northbound and southbound – cater to travelers. The terminals are located on the junction at Victoria Avenue in Châteauneuf Street.
Accommodations
Curepipe and Quatre Bornes are the nearby towns with luxury hotels and budget hotels for tourists to avail any of them depending upon their pocket.
| Hotels Name | Website | Type | Address |
| 7 Cascades Hotel | 7cascades.com/en | 4 star | Pitois road, Vacoas-Phoenix, Mauritius info@7cascades.com |
| Voila Bagatelle Hotel | voilahotel.mu/default-en.html | 3 star | Bagatelle Mall of Mauritius, Bagatelle, P.O Box 30, Reduit, Mauritius hello@voilahotel.mu |
| El Monaco Hotel | el-monaco.com/index.php/en | Luxary Hotel | El Monaco Hotel 17 St Jean Road, Quatre Bornes MAURITIUS elmo@intnet.mu |
| Sun Resorts | sunresortshotels.com/en | Luxary Hotel | Ebène Skies, Rue de L’institut, Quatre Bornes, Mauritius info@sunresorts.mu |
| Gold Nest Business Hotel | Budget Hotel | St Jean Road, Quatre Bornes, Mauritius | |
| Mountview Hotel | Budget Hotel | 88 Trianon Ave No.2, Quatre Bornes, Mauritius |
Restaurants
From Octopus curry to Creole curries or Fish vindaye, the best of Mauritian cuisine can be explored in Curepipe. The town has quite a few authentic restuarnts including Ginger, Royaume des Saveurs Restaurant, and Le Sapin Restaurant.
Best Time to Visit Trou Aux Cerfs
Although Mauritius has a tropical hot and humid climate, the Trou Aux Cerfs is high up in the Central Plateau, enjoying cool and rainy weather throughout the year. On a clear day, the coast of the Reunion Island is visible. September to November is an ideal time to visit the volcano as these are the months that witness least rainfall.
Facts about Trou Aux Cerfs
- Almost spherical in shape, this crater is 1 km in circumference and around 100 meters deep.
- With the standout architecture of the Carnegie Library and the Mauritius Broadcasting Corporation bulidings, Curepipe is a cultural and financial center.
- The natural lake, Grand Bassin, in the center of this volcano is believed to be a Holy place for the native Hindus.
- The Tatamake River and Grand River North West are believed to have their sources in the crater lake.
- Benches are placed around for hikers to take rest and catch their breath.
- Trou Aux Cerfs draws earth scientists from all over the globe owing to its geological and botanical significance.
- The region of Curepipe was discovered in the middle of the 20th century as trade began between the highlands and Port Louis. Following a malaria epidemic in 1867 in Port Louis, residents transferred to the safer highlands, thus inhabiting this town.
- The town shares its name with another French township. As the train arrived from Port Louis, the messieurs would get down to clean the pipes, called ‘curing pipe’ in French, thus giving Curepipe its name.
Things to Remember
- Vehicles on the crater are not permitted but there is a parking lot around 50 meters away.
- Since it’s a day-long tour to Trou Aux Cerfs and nearby attractions, it’s advisable to start the day early.
- Hikers are advised to carry essential gear on their own.
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