Trou aux CerfsAbout Trou aux Cerfs
Trou aux Cerfs is a dormant volcanic crater located in the town of Curepipe on the central plateau of Mauritius. The crater is a prominent local landmark on the island.
A well-defined circular crater rim with an easy footpath allows short walks to multiple viewpoints; the crater’s diameter is about 300 metres and its depth is roughly 80 metres. Visitors typically spend a short time at the rim for views and photography rather than extended hiking.
The crater is the eroded remnant of volcanic activity that built Mauritius; it is long dormant and not associated with recent eruptions. The site has been a mapped and visited local landmark for many decades.
Situated within Curepipe on Mauritius’s central plateau, Trou aux Cerfs sits above the surrounding town and central lowlands and is readily reachable from nearby urban areas.
- Rim viewpoint: A paved rim walk and lookout points provide easy, short access to panoramic views over Curepipe and the surrounding central plateau of Mauritius.
Best Time to Visit Trou aux Cerfs
Best visited in the drier months (May-November) for clearer views and easier walking around the crater.
Weather & Climate near Trou aux Cerfs
Trou aux Cerfs's climate is classified as Tropical Rainforest - Tropical Rainforest climate with warm summers (peaking in January) and mild winters (coldest in August). Temperatures range from 15°C to 27°C. Abundant rainfall (1764 mm/year), wettest in February.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Good | 20° - 27° | 24° | 250 mm | partly cloudy | 77% | 2.1 m/s | 3.0 extreme | 13.1h |
| February | Good | 20° - 27° | 24° | 272 mm | partly cloudy | 77% | 2.5 m/s | 2.8 extreme | 12.7h |
| March | Very Good | 20° - 27° | 23° | 226 mm | partly cloudy | 78% | 2.6 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 12.1h |
| April | Very Good | 19° - 26° | 22° | 205 mm | partly cloudy | 77% | 2.9 m/s | 1.9 very high | 11.5h |
| May | Very Good | 17° - 24° | 21° | 137 mm | partly cloudy | 74% | 3.1 m/s | 1.4 high | 11.0h |
| June | Very Good | 16° - 22° | 19° | 95 mm | partly cloudy | 73% | 2.6 m/s | 1.2 high | 10.8h |
| July | Good | 15° - 21° | 18° | 98 mm | partly cloudy | 73% | 3.2 m/s | 1.2 high | 10.9h |
| August | Very Good | 15° - 21° | 18° | 95 mm | partly cloudy | 72% | 3.0 m/s | 1.5 very high | 11.3h |
| September | Very Good | 15° - 22° | 18° | 64 mm | partly cloudy | 71% | 2.6 m/s | 1.9 very high | 11.9h |
| October | Excellent | 16° - 23° | 20° | 64 mm | partly cloudy | 72% | 2.8 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 12.4h |
| November | Excellent | 18° - 25° | 21° | 85 mm | partly cloudy | 73% | 2.6 m/s | 2.7 extreme | 13.0h |
| December | Very Good | 19° - 26° | 23° | 173 mm | partly cloudy | 74% | 3.4 m/s | 2.9 extreme | 13.2h |
How to Get to Trou aux Cerfs
Trou aux Cerfs is the volcanic crater located in the centre of Curepipe. It is reached by road from anywhere on the island of Mauritius; in Curepipe it is a short walk from the town centre or from local bus stops (a few minutes on foot).
Curepipe is well served by the island’s bus network and by taxis from other towns such as Port Louis; once in Curepipe, follow local signs or ask locally for the crater.
Tips for Visiting Trou aux Cerfs
- Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for the best visibility-this central plateau crater often fills with mist around midday, reducing the view from the rim.
- Park in Curepipe and follow the short paved path to the rim viewpoint; the route is brief so allow time to walk the rim for different perspectives of the crater.
- Don't miss the panoramic lookout points around the rim-on clear days you can see long distances across Mauritius's central plateau, so plan for a clear-weather visit if possible.