Trails and Hiking in Mauritius
Trails and Hiking in Mauritius
Between the sparkling beauty of the waterfalls, the birdlife and nature at its best, you won't be able to resist the trails and hikes in Mauritius.
Tamarind Falls Hiking
West Coast
Near Henrietta, in the Plaines Wilhems region, a breathtaking place is hiding in plain sight: the Tamarind Falls, also known as 7 Cascades. Imagine entering a dream setting where crystal-clear waters cascade into natural pools, surrounded by vibrant greenery that seems to pulsate with life. Read more about Tamarind Falls in our article on the Waterfalls of Mauritius.
Between the rocks and rushing water of Tamarind Falls, the call of nature is heard, attracting brave explorers who want more than just a walk. The canyons glow with golden hues, their rugged beauty reflects in the lush green forests and seems to touch the sky. If you like lazy afternoon strolls through whispering woods or headlong adrenaline-fuelled activities, this is the place for you. Hiking time depends on two main factors: the route you take and your own hiking experience - estimate between 3 and 5 hours on the trail
Difficulty Level: 🟠 Medium
Image source: Z thomas, used under CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia commons
La Tourelle Hike
West Coast
La Tourelle is an iconic mountain located in the west of Mauritius, near the coastal town of Tamarin. It rises to an altitude of around 564 metres and offers impressive views over Tamarin Bay, the surrounding mountains and the west coast of the island. The hike to the top of La Tourelle is relatively difficult, with steep and rocky sections, but it is highly appreciated by nature and adventure lovers for the beautiful scenery it offers along the way. As the trail runs along privately-owned tracks and paths, it is strongly recommended that you ask for permission a few days before setting off on your adventure. There are two ways to reach the starting point: from the water tower or from Rue du Corps de Garde. The path to the top can take between 2 and 3 hours, depending on the hiker's pace and stops to take in the views. Although the route is demanding, it is rewarded with spectacular views over the region.
Difficulty Level: 🔴 High
Le Morne Brabant Hike
South West Coast
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2008, Le Morne Brabant is a symbolic place for Mauritians, as this is where a number of slaves took refuge when they were being chased by guards after escaping. The hike up the mountain of Le Morne Brabant is fairly short (lasting around 3 hours), but challenging. In 2016, it was forbidden to climb the mountain to the peak without a guide, as a padlocked gate prevented hikers from passing through. Today, it is possible to climb to the summit without a guide. However, it is advisable to be accompanied by an experienced guide, as this final stretch is quite dangerous.
For the less athletic, there are also some unique activities that will allow you to see this iconic mountain up close. Keep your sights set on the west coast by taking a seaplane tour that will take you through some incredible scenery, combining sea, land and mountains.
Difficulty Level: 🔴 High
Le Pouce Hiking
Centre
Le Pouce is an iconic mountain of Mauritius that is recognised by its distinctive shape, which is shaped like a thumb. It peaks at around 812 metres, making it the third highest mountain on the island, after Piton de la Petite Rivière Noire and Pieter Both. The hike to the summit is accessible to all, even those with little experience. The trail, which often starts in Moka, passes through stunning scenery and incredible forests before moving on to rockier terrain as you approach the summit. It generally takes between 2 and 3 hours to reach the summit, depending on your walking pace.
Once at the summit, hikers experience a 360-degree view of the island, with magnificent panoramas of Port-Louis, the various mountains seen in the surroundings of Moka and the Indian Ocean. The stunning views it provides make it one of the most popular and rewarding hikes in Mauritius.
Difficulty Level: 🟠 Medium
Image source: carrotmadman6, used under CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia commons
Montagne des Signaux (Signal Mountain)
Capital, Port Louis
Montagne des Signaux, also known as Signal Mountain, is a mountain not far from Port-Louis, the capital of Mauritius. In the past, it was used to indicate the arrival and departure of boats on the island. It was also used as a shelter for slaves seeking their freedom.
The route, which is fairly easy, takes around two hours, including the outward and return journeys. The road that takes you there starts on the side of the mountain, alongside Marie Reine de la Paix. The trail is well-maintained and can be done with the whole family. Considered as a small mountain, it offers spectacular views over Port-Louis and the ocean. It's the ideal trail for those wishing to try out new activities such as hiking.
Difficulty Level: 🟢 Low
Deux Mamelles Hiking
Centre
Hidden in the rolling hills of Mauritius's Moka region, Les Deux Mamelles form an imposing twin-peaked formation that stands out against the island's dramatic scenery. The name refers to the-double-peaked shape they've got, reminiscent of a woman's breasts. The starting point is the road leading to the sugar cane fields at Beau Bois.
The Deux Mamelles hike is a real challenge, especially when you hit the last stretches - it's a steep, rocky climb that'll put your endurance to the test. This path is perfect for those who have laced up their hiking boots before or can handle a good challenge physically. With each gruelling step, the payoff gets closer - until finally, you're standing at the edge of a stunning visual feast, with the valley floor and neighbouring peaks unfolding like a tapestry, and the island's west coast glinting in the distance. Les Deux Mamelles boasts an unblemished natural beauty, where Mother Nature's rhythm harmoniously blends with an array of vibrant species.
Difficulty Level: 🔴 High
Pieter Both Hikes
Centre
The Pieter Both, in the Moka range, is an iconic landmark in Mauritius. At around 820 metres, its summit is the second highest on the island. With its crown shaped like a head or a ball, Pieter Both has a singular profile that catches the eye. Don't let the initial scenery confuse you: the hike up Pieter Both takes a radical turn in its final stages, requiring some serious climbing to reach the summit. Experienced adventurers with first-rate equipment will find this route attractive. From the summit, the reward is well worth the climb: breathtaking views of the island and the landscape beyond.
Difficulty Level: 🔴 High
Image source: Moka
Corps de Garde Hiking
Centre
Corps de Garde stands close to the bustling towns of Beau Bassin and Rose Hill. Perched at an impressive height of around 720 metres, this elevation rewards visitors with a visual feast: breathtaking views of the western plains and Tamarin Bay, set against the backdrop of a majestic mountain range.
The Corp de Garde trail pushes you to work for these breathtaking views, with challenging slopes that will get your heart racing - especially near the summit. You'll follow the trail through a dynamic and ever-changing landscape, where one minute you're walking under a canopy ofnleaves and the next you're scaling time-worn rocks. If you allow for your walking speed, this walk should take around 3 to 4 hours of your day. However, this hike is not for the uninitiated, but for those with a sense of adventure, the panoramic views from the summit are well worth the effort.
Difficulty Level: 🔴 High
Image source: carrotmadman6, used under CC BY 2.0, via Flickr
The Maccabee Forest and The Maccabee Viewpoint
West Coast
The Maccabee forest is located in the south-west of Mauritius, in the Black River Gorges National Park. It is a sanctuary for an incredible biodiversity, with a variety of endemic plants and animals. From the Maccabee Viewpoint, visitors can enjoy dazzling views of the gorges, the surrounding mountains and the forests, where wildlife such as the Mauritius kestrel live. Generally considered a moderately difficult route, the trail requires at least 2 or 3 hours to complete. However, as the trail has no shaded areas, it is advisable to be well equipped to protect yourself from the sun and mosquitoes. During your walk, you may encounter small monkeys, or even hear wild boars in the background.
Difficulty Level: 🟠 Medium
Piton du Canot
West
Hidden away near the picturesque village of Chamarel, Mauritius, lies the stunning Piton du Canot mountain. At 526 metres, this quietly confident peak lifts its head above the island's lush vegetation, dispensing rewards in the form of spectacular vistas to those who venture its way. The Chamarel valley unfolds like a canvas of greens and browns from the summit, with the south-west coast shimmering in the distance. Look out for the intriguing Chamarel 7 Coloured Earth Geopark from above.
You don't need to be an experienced hiker to conquer the Piton du Canot, but you will still need to be in good physical condition. How quickly you summit and return is up to you, but on average, hikers finish this trail in about 2 to 3 hours, with or without a few stops. Green-shuttered countryside vistas burst forth around every bend on this winding route, beckoning adventurers to step out of their comfort zone and immerse themselves in Chamarel's untamed beauty.
Difficulty Level: 🟠 Medium
Lion’s Mountain Hiking
South
Lion Mountain, near Mahebourg, is a natural wonder in the south-east of Mauritius. Renowned for its indigenous vegetation and spectacular views, it offers two main trails to its summit, each of which allows you to discover a unique part of the landscape. The hike begins amidst sugarcane fields and continues through shady woods, before tackling some rocky sections where the use of hands may be necessary. Although the trail is not always clearly marked, careful hikers are rewarded with stunning views from the ridge. Whether you're an adventure-lover or simply in search of magnificent vistas, Lion Mountain invites you to explore its captivating trails. The hike takes between 2 and 3 hours. Have a good and pleasant walk!
Difficulty Level: 🔴 High
Image source: carrotmadman6, used under CC BY 2.0, via Flickr
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