This exciting zoo and reserve makes for a fantastic field trip with the kids. The park has the greatest number of giant tortoises in captivity in the world (over 1000), a result of a wildly successful breeding program for the Aldabra and radiata species. Chances are that you'll see the former breeding in front of your eyes. Almost as impressive as the tortoises is the unbelievably gigantic display of creepy-crawlies in the insectarium – it's worth coming to La Vanille just to check out this immense collection of mounted critters (over 23,000 species!). There's also a farm of Nile crocodiles (population 2000) which can grow up to 7m. Allow at least one hour for a complete visit.
The on-site Hungry Crocodile Restaurant specialises in all things crocodilian – croc curry, croc burger, croc fritters in a salad, croc cooked in a vanilla sauce... It also does more-conventional dishes like spaghetti bolognaise and beef burgers. Don't forget your mozzie repellent – you won't be the only one feasting at the lunch table.
La Vanille lies around 2km south of Rivière des Anguilles and is clearly signposted in the town.
