The 3 greatest hikes in Mauritius

Mauritius is not just beaches and resorts. There is also great nature and wildlife in this beautiful tropical island. The greatest part? You can explore a lot of it via amazing hiking trails. There are hikes to waterfalls and to fantastic viewpoints. Through lush forest and up steep mountains.

Here is a selection of great hikes in Mauritius!

Le Morne Hike

Le Morne mountain is one of the most important landmarks of Mauritius and an UNESCO World Heritage Site. The hike up to the top is definitely a great experience, however, the hike is very challenging.

It’s not very long, only 3,5 kilometers one-way and the first part is rather easy, even though it’s going steadily up. The last part is the truly challenging part where you really have to climb, using your hands and needing good hiking shoes.

The path starts here in Le Morne. At the parking lot, just walk past the sign, through the gate, straight on and after a few meters you’ll reach a ret metal fence. Walk left through it and then straight on up the mountain, always along the concrete path.

Once you reach the area with a first great viewpoint and benches you’ll notice a small path through the plants and a warning sign. Here is where the more difficult part begins.

Once you made it to the top you have a fantastic, unique view of the reef and the so-called “underwater waterfall” forming behind the reef. The way back is equally – if not more – challenging, because now you have to climb the steep path downhill. But it’s totally worth it!

Black River Peak (Piton de la Petite Riviere Noire) Hike

Mountain Piton de la Petite Riviere Noire is 828 meters high and thus the highest mountain in Mauritius. In English it’s called Black River Peak.

The hike starts in Black River Gorges National Park, close to the Gorges Viewpoint parking lot. A bit down the road, at the path entrance you find a big sign showing a map of the national park. The hike is around 6 kilometers long through lush forest and dense vegetation.

It’s a steady up and down until you reach the last part, which can be quite tricky. The last meters up to the peak are very steep, there is a rope that you can use to climb up. But once on top you are rewarded with the most stunning views of the whole island, the ocean and the surrounding hills.

Tamarin – 7 Cascade Waterfalls Hike

The short hike to the stunning waterfalls is another great trail in Mauritius. Once you find the starting point it’s a fairly short but steep hike. It also can be slippery, especially when it’s wet and rainy.

The waterfalls are located outside of the village of Henrietta. You can park you car around Henrietta cemetery. The trail begins at the other side of the road from the cemetery at a sugar cane filed. You can’t miss the yellow container that is standing there. Just walk straight ahead and after a few hundred meters the path will lead down in the forest. Make your way down and after only a few minutes you already reach the top of the first waterfall. The path continues on the other side of the waterfall and goes down on its left side. It will lead you behind the waterfall and down to the pond. You can continue here down to the next waterfall. Or take a break and swim in the cold water of the pond. When you make your way to the fourth waterfall, the path will guide you back to the street and make a round trip. Otherwise, just go back the way you came.