Mare aux Vacoas

Mare aux Vacoas is the largest reservoir in Mauritius, located on the island’s central plateau in Plaines Wilhems District. It functions as a major freshwater storage serving populated areas of the island.

The site is primarily an engineered reservoir and water-supply facility rather than a developed recreational park. From surrounding roads and nearby settlements there are lookout spots used for photography and short visits; there are no extensive visitor facilities at the reservoir itself.

The lake has long been managed as part of the island’s potable water infrastructure and is maintained by local water authorities. It remains an operational component of Mauritius’s municipal water supply.

The reservoir sits on the central plateau near the towns of Vacoas-Phoenix and Curepipe within Plaines Wilhems District, forming part of the higher-elevation watershed in the island’s interior.

• Status: Largest reservoir on Mauritius and a principal freshwater storage for the island.
• Access: Views are generally from roadside lookouts and nearby towns; the reservoir is a working water supply rather than a recreational beach.

Drive from Curepipe or Port Louis via the central plateau roads toward Plaine Wilhems; the reservoir is signed from main local roads. Public buses pass through the nearby towns, but the last approach is best done by taxi or car.

• Check with local authorities before attempting to swim or picnic - parts of the reservoir perimeter are fenced and maintained for water supply.
• Visit early in the morning for calm water and fewer locals using the area for exercise.
• Combine a stop here with a drive through the central plateau (Curepipe/Belle Vue) to see how Mauritius's colonial waterworks shaped the highland landscape.