Parc des Mamelles

The Parc des Mamelles is built into the forest at the top of the Traversée road, and rather than clearing ground it runs paths and walkways through the standing rainforest with enclosures set among the trees. The animals are mostly Caribbean and South American: raccoons, agoutis, iguanas, parrots, jaguars and a large collection of reptiles. A rope and plank canopy walkway strung between the trees crosses the site above the ground.

The landscape

• The canopy walkway - a rope and plank route strung between the forest trees.
• The Caribbean species - regional animals rather than a general zoo collection.
• The rainforest setting - enclosures set among standing forest rather than cleared ground.
• The reptile house - the snake and lizard collection.

When to go

December to April is the driest, though it rains here often. Mornings are best for animal activity. It closes for a period in the autumn.

Before you go

It rains constantly at this altitude and the paths are wet and slippery. The canopy walkway closes in wind and rain. Some enclosures are small.

Nearby

Cascade aux Ecrevisses is east, and Pointe Noire is west.