Perhaps you know Mauritius for its white sand beaches, crystal-clear lagoon and year-round sunshine… if so, it’s time you ventured inland to discover the island’s lush flora, verdant mountains and beautiful waterfalls. Find out the top 5 trails you must do to cross hiking in Mauritius from your bucket list!
Why Hiking in Mauritius is Unmissable
Mauritius’s trails cater to every level of hiker, from easy forest walks to challenging summit climbs, making it a destination where everyone can enjoy the adventure. Along these trails, you’ll find incredible sights like panoramic views over turquoise lagoons, dense forests filled with native trees, and vibrant birdlife unique to the island.
Highlights of Hiking in Mauritius:
- Scenic Views: Each trail offers stunning vistas, from mountain peaks to coastal landscapes, revealing Mauritius’s scenic diversity.
- Unique Flora and Fauna: Encounter rare plants and animals, including endemic species like the Mauritius parakeet, flying foxes, and the Trochetia Boutoniana flower.
- Hidden Natural Gems: Discover secluded waterfalls, peaceful pools, and tranquil viewpoints, perfect for a refreshing break or a picnic.
- Cultural and Historical Landmarks: Some trails lead to culturally significant sites, adding historical depth to your journey.
Hiking in Mauritius is not just about the destination; it’s an immersive experience that lets you connect with the island’s natural wonders, rich biodiversity, and cultural heritage. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or a nature enthusiast, these trails promise an unforgettable adventure in paradise.
The Top 5 Trails in Mauritius
1. The Sept Cascades (Seven Waterfalls)
This is a great hike that requires a good level of physical fitness as well as the services of a guide, if you’d like to learn more about the site.
There are two main routes for exploring Sept Cascades:
- Half-Day Option: Explore the first four waterfalls, ideal for those looking to enjoy a shorter, scenic adventure.
- Full-Day Option: A more immersive experience that includes all seven waterfalls, with plenty of time for swimming and picnic breaks by the falls.
With its abundant vegetation and impressive chutes, this hike is a real breath of fresh air! The more adventurous among you can even abseil down the waterfalls. Excitement guaranteed!
Difficulty Level: Moderate to Difficult
2. The Black River Gorges
As you enter the National Park, you’ll notice the vegetation changing and becoming denser. After all, this is the island’s largest nature reserve. You can choose between a number of different routes: the Mare aux Joncs route, for instance, leads to a waterfall below which you can swim and sunbathe on the rocks. No matter which path you choose to hike, you’ll probably come across large cateaux vertes (an endemic bird species) as well as monkeys and flying foxes.
Mare aux Joncs Trail
- Description: This scenic trail leads to a picturesque waterfall with a natural pool, perfect for swimming and sunbathing on the rocks.
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Highlights: Waterfall, natural pool, and diverse vegetation.
Macchabée Trail
- Description: A serene, forested trail that takes you deep into the park’s lush greenery, ideal for those seeking a peaceful nature walk.
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Highlights: Dense forest, birdwatching, and rich flora.
Parakeet Trail
- Description: Named after the park’s endemic Mauritius parakeet, this trail is a fantastic choice for wildlife enthusiasts.
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Highlights: Frequent bird sightings, including cateaux vertes, and other native wildlife.
Piton de la Petite Rivière Noire Trail
- Description: Leading to the highest point in Mauritius, this trail offers incredible panoramic views of the island from the summit.
- Difficulty: Difficult
- Highlights: Stunning summit views, challenging terrain, and a rewarding peak experience.
Cascade des Galets Trail
- Description: A lesser-known trail that takes you to a hidden waterfall, offering a peaceful and secluded experience.
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Highlights: Waterfall, secluded spot, and beautiful forest scenery.
Plaine Champagne to Black River
- Description: This lengthy trail covers diverse landscapes, from highland plains to dense forests and lowland river gorges.
- Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult (depending on the chosen section)
- Highlights: Varying landscapes, diverse flora and fauna, and sweeping views of the surrounding are
3. Lion Mountain
It’s impossible not to notice this mountain, which towers over Vieux Grand Port and its surroundings. Climbing up and down the “lion”, which rises to an altitude of 480m, takes about four hours. It’s a physically demanding hike, and its route hugging the mountain’s steep slopes might be a bit uncomfortable for those with vertigo! That said, the view from the top is worth every bit of the effort: the lagoon stretches right to the horizon, where it blends into the blue of the sky… magical!
Difficulty Level: Moderate to Difficult
4. Le Morne Brabant
This renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site is now a must-see for travellers, whether they enjoy hiking or not. The first part of the walk, which leads up to a plateau, is fairly accessible. However, its second stage requires a bit of vigour and a willingness to do some mountain climbing (as well as to come down the mountain on your buttocks)! As you reach the top, about 550m above sea level, you’ll discover the mountain’s famous white cross and a panoramic view of the southwest of the island.
Highlights of Le Morne Brabant:
- Historical Significance: Le Morne Brabant served as a refuge for escaped slaves in the 18th and 19th centuries, adding a deeply historical aspect to the hike.
- Unique Flora and Fauna: The mountain is home to rare plant species, including the endangered Trochetia Boutoniana, Mauritius’s national flower.
- Incredible Coastal Views: From the summit, enjoy a sweeping view of the coastline, including the famed “underwater waterfall” optical illusion in the surrounding lagoon.
- Spectacular Sunrises and Sunsets: Early morning or late afternoon hikes provide unforgettable lighting, casting a warm glow over the landscape.
- Spiritual and Cultural Significance: The white cross at the summit is symbolic and often visited by locals and tourists for its spiritual resonance.
Difficulty Level: Moderate to Difficult (the second stage involves climbing and scrambling)
5. The Pouce
Mauritius have long enjoyed hiking the Pouce, an iconic peak in the centre of the island. It takes an hour and a half to two hours to reach its summit, which is 812m above sea level. Take the time to enjoy the incredible 360° view of Mauritius from the top. Overall, the hike is manageable for people of every level of fitness; the only section that might prove tricky for novice hikers is its final stage, as you approach the summit. Oh, and one last thing… make sure you bring some snacks for while you’re up there!
Highlights of The Pouce:
- Panoramic Views: Enjoy 360° views of the island, including Port Louis, the surrounding mountains, and the distant coastline.
- Rich Flora: Experience the diverse plant life along the trail, with lush vegetation reflecting Mauritius’s natural heritage.
- Cultural Significance: Known as the third-highest peak in Mauritius, The Pouce holds a special place in the hearts of locals and offers a classic hiking experience.
- Accessible for All Levels: A great hike for beginners, with only the final stage requiring extra care.
Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate (final section near the summit is slightly challenging)
Tips for Hiking in Mauritius
- When to Go: Best months for hiking are May to October for cooler, drier weather.
- What to Bring: Proper hiking shoes, sunscreen, water, snacks, and a camera for the views.
- Safety Tips: Always stay on marked trails, check the weather, and consider guided tours for challenging hikes.
Conquering adventure
You are fearless and you are not afraid of danger. Veranda Resorts has the program you need, to help you discover Mauritius like you’ve never seen it before.
