Hiking and trekking in Mauritius

The island of Mauritius is mountainous with breathtaking scenery stretching from the rivers and forests out to the coastal beaches and fringing reefs.

Mauritius offers many hiking and trekking options across its national parks and reserves, around the basaltic mountains, and in many other beautiful locations. These peaks offer unique panoramic views of the island.

Trekking in Mauritius is most popular in the National Parks, including Black River Gorges National Park, Yemen – Safari and Bird Park, Domaine des Chasseurs and Gerald Durrell Endemic Wildlife Sanctuary. Not only are the views from the top incredible, but the hike itself will serve up some breathtaking nature with its beautiful wildlife, birds and flora.

Black River Gorges National Park

The “Black River Gorges” National park – The park which is located on the southwest corner of Mauritius, extends over an area of 6,754 hectares and covers about 2% of the island’s area. There are several short and long recommended hikes in the park. It harbors about 311 species of native and endemic flowering plants and 9 species of birds, which are found only in Mauritius. These are called endemic species. At the Black River Gorges National Park all efforts are taken in order to protect these species, while allowing visitors to enjoy this unique place.

Le Pouce

This mountain is the third highest in Mauritius, peaking at 812m, located in the North West of the island between the Pieter Both and the Signal mountain. From the peak you will have a 360 degree view. The sight of the northern part of the island is splendid, with a beautiful view of the northern small islands of Mauritius – Flat Island, Round Island and Snake Island. It also offers one of the most beautiful views of the capital: Port Louis, as well as Moka and the high grounds of Plain Wilhems. Le Pouce is known as ‘The Thumb’ peak. The first person to climb Le Pouce is accredited as Charles Darwin.

Maccabée Forest

Discover this National Park with many panoramic views onto the native forest, waterfalls and onto the sea. While hiking you may come across various endangered birds like the pink pigeon and the echo Parakeet, and even see wild monkeys!

Black River Peak Park

Here you can trek up to the highest mountain in Mauritius (828 meters). On the trail you will have a beautiful view point from where you will be able to catch a glimpse of the beautiful south, and of the west coast with the island of L’ile aux Benitier floating in the turquoise blue lagoon.

La Nicoliere reserve

La Nicoliere is a water reserve which is located on the way to the East and provides access to the center of Mauritius. The small lake is surrounded by hills, forming a protected zone where the vegetation is totally different from the one along the coast just. Hiking here you are likely to come across monkeys and wild boars. The trail will take you on a trip crossing rivers and forests with breathtaking views on the Lake of La Nicoliere and the Northern islets. Wild monkeys and bats can be spotted on the hills in the late afternoon and the two or three viewpoints along the road provide ideal places to stop and enjoy the view and the fresh air.

Le Morne Mountain

Le Morne Mountain, also known as Le Morne Brabant, is a mountain-peninsula at the southwest, has well-earned a reputation as a World Heritage Site due to its cultural background, honouring the sacrifice and suffering of fugitive slaves that found refuge in this mountain. The rocky peninsula has a summit which covers an area of over 12 hectares (30 acres) and is about 556 meters above sea level. The summit though is a nature reserve with restricted access by le Morne Heritage Trust. The trail to the minor summit is very easy to follow and well worn. The hike is not very physically demanding, although there are a few sections that are steep where using your hands is advisable. It is very exposed to the sun, so an early start is recommended. There are a few steep, rocky sections that would not be advisable if the forecast is calling for rain. Guests staying at the LUX* Le Morne have a view of the mountain from the resort and can do the hike booked from the resort.

The Tamarind Falls

The sight of these great waterfalls from close is really a must see. Tamarind waterfalls are the highest in Mauritius with a “fall” of almost 300 meters. The trek starts with a walk down in this impressive canyon, discovering progressively each waterfall with its natural basin. Sometimes the trek shall progress in the forest, sometimes in an open area on the basalt rock nearby the water. One can feel free to have a swim in the water or enjoy a natural massage when standing under the cascade. The path is steep sometimes; one should be rather fit in order to explore this trek.