The François Leguat Reserve: An Ecological Project at the Heart of Rodrigues Island

A blazing sun and a scorching heat:  this was the forecast for the day for our visit to Anse Quitor, in the southwest of Rodrigues Island. Yet nothing could stop us from discovering the François Leguat Reserve, one of the island’s most remarkable sites. Beyond its surprising natural beauty, it was this unique ecological restoration project, rehabilitating an ecosystem that had disappeared centuries ago that drew us there.

Overlooking several breathtaking landscapes, the reserve owes its name to the French Huguenot who landed in Rodrigues in 1691 with a few companions. In his writings, he described an abundant island, teeming with thousands of giant tortoises and birds that are now extinct. These invaluable testimonies inspired the creation of this ambitious project of conservation and restoration.

Celebrating  its 18th year, the reserve, spanning over 20 hectares since 2007, has reintroduced giant tortoises from Aldabra and Madagascar, species closely related to those that once roamed about in Rodrigues. Today, more than 3,000 tortoises live freely on the site, offering to visitors an unforgettable encounter. Some even wander casually into the restaurant area, a gentle reminder that here, it is truly their home!

Guided along the trails, we came face-to-face with these impressive giants, thriving peacefully in a natural environment that, thanks to years of reforestation, now shelters over 200,000 endemic and indigenous plants carefully reintroduced since 2007. An extraordinary green haven for these astonishing ladies and gents in shells!

The exploration of the limestone caves of Grande Caverne, with its specially designed path, was remarkable. This underground journey, rich in stalactites and stalagmites, instantly immersed us in a mysterious and fascinating world. It was as if we were stepping into a stone casket, unveiling a geological treasure that has kept its secrets for thousands of years.

At the end of the visit, we were invited, if we wished to sponsor a tortoise, each identified by a number. This small annual contribution helps cover its medical care.  This sponsorship is a wonderful way to play a part in this extraordinary work of restoration, a project that truly deserves admiration.

A refreshing glass of jamblon (java plum) juice, an excellent meal allowing us to taste some of Rodrigues’ authentic delicacies, and a tour of the museum brought this exceptional experience to a close.

During your holidays in Rodrigues, if there is one visit not to be missed, it is without a doubt the François Leguat Reserve! A walk that carries you back through the island’s history, shining a light on the resilience of the men and women who worked with determination to repair the mistakes of the past, as though stitching back together a fractured memory.

NadElle