François Leguat Giant Tortoise Reserve – Rodrigues Island
The François Leguat Giant Tortoise and Cave Reserve is one of Rodrigues Island’s most iconic and eco-educational attractions.
🐢 Overview
Named after the 18th-century French explorer François Leguat, this nature reserve is dedicated to the reintroduction and protection of giant tortoises, as well as the restoration of Rodrigues’ unique ecosystem.
🏝️ Highlights of the Reserve
🐢 Giant Tortoises
- Home to over 3,000 tortoises, including:
- Aldabra giant tortoises (Aldabrachelys gigantea)
- Radiated tortoises (Astrochelys radiata)
- Visitors can walk among tortoises, feed them, and learn about their behavior and conservation.
🌿 Ecological Restoration
- The reserve has planted over 100,000 endemic and native plants to restore Rodrigues’ original dry forest ecosystem.
🕳️ Cave Exploration
- Includes a guided tour of Grande Caverne, a limestone cave with spectacular stalactites and stalagmites.
🎓 Education & Conservation
- The site plays a vital role in environmental education, biodiversity awareness, and local ecotourism.
📍 Location
- Located in the southwest of Rodrigues Island, near Anse Quitor.
📸 Great for:
- Nature lovers
- Families with children
- Eco-tourists
- Photographers and hikers
