Mauritius is famous for its white sandy beaches, transparent lagoon, and its tropical climate. Besides, it distinguishes itself by its numerous reliefs and its abundant luxuriant nature, offering many opportunities for excursions. Between breathtaking panoramas and wild waterfalls, come and hike with your family or friends to fully experience your Mauritian adventure. Be sure; there is something for everyone.
So, which hikes to do in Mauritius? With the help of our guide, discover the most beautiful hikes to do in Mauritius.
The Black River Gorges National Park
Located in the southwest of the island, the Black River Gorges National Park is the largest nature reserve on the island. With its 6754 hectares of wild and preserved forests, the park allows you to admire more than 300 species of native and endemic flowering plants. You may also have the chance to see one of the 9 species of birds that exist only in Mauritius.
The park offers a variety of marked trails for all types of walkers to admire the richness of these preserved ecosystems. Find 60 kilometers of possible paths with routes ranging from 2 to 7 hours of hiking. The 14 km parakeet trail immerses you in a lush forest that combines a slight descent and challenging slopes to climb. This trail will be more dedicated to regular hikers. If you are a beginner or a family hiker, the 10 km Macchabee Trail is easier and still offers great views of the island from a large canyon and beautiful hillside waterfalls. It is not necessary to take a guide (although you can). Remember to bring adequate clothing and food before your hike.
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2008, the Morne Mountain is a must for nature and adventure lovers. Hiking enthusiasts will find their happiness by attempting to climb the mountain. The route is quite difficult and requires good equipment, but if the steep slopes do not scare you, the effort is worth it! Indeed, the summit of Morne Brabant rises to 550 meters and will offer you an extraordinary view of the turquoise bay, the lush vegetation, and the white sandy beaches below.
This site is very popular with visitors because it is also possible to take long walks with the family without reaching the top of the mountain. On the way, you may have the chance to observe mongooses, deer, wild pigs, peacocks as well as endemic plants such as Trochetia boutoniana, more commonly known as the earring. Accessible to all, these walks allow you to reach beautiful panoramas on the southwest of the island.
Beyond the superb forest walks along the mountain, you can also enjoy the large sandy beach of the site which extends over several kilometers at the foot of the mountain. The water is crystal clear and shallow at the edge of the beach, which is ideal for relaxing safely with children. It's also a great place to enjoy beautiful sunsets, where the shades of the sun are reflected in the water and color the mountain.
Allow a full day to enjoy the site.
The 7 waterfalls trail : Tamarin Falls
The 7 waterfalls of Tamarin Falls are a must-see under every circumstance. Located in the southwest of the island, hidden in a valley between Curepipe and the Black River Gorge, some of the waterfalls reach 60 meters high! In order to discover this magnificent spectacle, two circuits are possible according to the aptitudes and desires of each one. The first one allows discovering the first 4 waterfalls. Count on half a day including swimming and picnic breaks. If you wish to discover the 7 waterfalls, opt for the second circuit which will require a whole day. Accessible to all types of travelers, the most adventurous among you will be able to rappel down the waterfalls or try canyoning.
In order to make the most of the place, favor the warm season from November to March. This is the ideal season to admire the waterfalls. The good weather will also allow you to enjoy a magnificent panorama of the west coast and Le Morne.
This site is very popular with visitors and therefore the number of visitors tends to be relatively high.
The Thumb Mountain
The thumb, which is part of the Mocha Mountain range, owes its name to its shape similar to that of a raised thumb. Among the most appreciated hikes by Mauritians, the ascent of the Montagne du Pouce is easy and accessible to all without a guide.
Two hours will be necessary to reach the peak. Located not far from Port Louis in the west of the island, its emblematic peak of more than 800 meters is one of the highest peaks of the island and offers a breathtaking view of the whole of Mauritius. During your hike, admire this unique flora on the mountainside.
Therefore, Mauritius is an ideal destination for hiking in the middle of nature. The variety of its landscapes and landforms offers possibilities of excursions accessible to all. Villanovo suggests a wide variety of unique experiences such as swimming with dolphins, paddle boarding, and many others for the most athletic.
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