Think again! Mauritius transcends its image of dreamy resorts and idyllic beaches. For your next getaway, we invite you to discover trekking, a true national sport. From the coast to the inland, we’ve scoured every nook and cranny of the island to reveal some splendid hiking trails. Let yourself be seduced by its volcanic relief, turquoise-blue lagoons and the overflowing spectacle of its rich nature thanks to our sharp selection of the most beautiful hikes in Mauritius.
5: Morne Brabant: a historic ascent
Rising well over 550 meters, Morne Brabant in the southwest of Mauritius is a UNESCO-listed site, renowned for the breathtaking beauty of its landscapes. It’s no wonder that this hike is so popular with visitors. With the panoramas it offers and the country’s history behind it, it’s easy to see why it’s so popular. This was the refuge of the “maroon” slaves who fled their masters between the 17th and 19th centuries. As you climb Morne Brabant, you may hear the legend that some of these slaves, in order to escape their pursuers, preferred to leap into the void from the top of the mountain.
4: Black River Gorges: a walk to discover the flora and fauna
While on vacation in Mauritius, don’t miss the Gorges de Riviรจre Noire National Park. Covering more than 6,500 hectares, this park is a veritable natural Eden , home to 28 species of birds and 160 endemic plants. Our favorite is the hike in the Riviรจre Noire Gorges, where you can appreciate the captivating ballet of nature in its raw state. Straw-tails, pink pigeons and Maurice’s parakeets will probably be on hand for your photos.
3: Tamarin waterfalls: refreshing trekking
The Cascades de Tamarin hike, easy to access and open to all, allows you to discover a series of seven emblematicwaterfalls along a bucolic trail. As you walk, you’ll embrace views of nearby forests, waterfalls, mountains and rivers. Immerse yourself in the heart of the jungle and try your hand at canyoning with a few jumps, abseils and refreshing walks around waterfalls.
2: Montagne du Pouce: a panoramic experience
If we had to choose one excursion in Mauritius, the hike to Montagne du Pouce would be our favorite. Why? Because it’s the third highest mountain on the island, offering 360ยฐ panoramic views over the northern part of the territory, from an altitude of over 800 metres. On a clear day, you’ll be able to make out Serpent Island, รle Ronde and รle Plate in the distance, as well as Port-Louis, the capital, and the picturesque village of Moka. Allow half a day’s stroll to get the most out of it.
1: The Bras-d’Eau mangrove: a walk away from the crowds
Bras-d’Eau National Park remains a well-kept secret, even though it’s one of our favorite discoveries. Nestled next to Mauritius’s unspoilt coastline, it is home to one of the territory’s last remaining indigenous dry forests. Few travelers dare to venture there, despite the walking trails that criss-cross the 500-hectare reserve, between woodland and seaside. Hiking through the mangroves of Bras-d’Eau on Mauritius is a call to discover and let go, thanks to the birdsong, the tranquility provided by the absence of crowds and the chance to observe up close many of the endemic species that inhabit the area.
A fan of hiking? We recommend you explore this site: randonnees-ile-maurice.com. You’ll find a variety of hiking itineraries to discover on Mauritius (classified by level of difficulty), as well as invaluable advice!