Mauritius normally goes arm-in-arm with relaxation, sand, sea and laziness. However, this island also offers quite a lot in terms of energetic activities. In fact, there are plenty trekking sites for you to appreciate the rugged beauty of the island. From historical mountains to water reserves and nature parks, you’ll never run out of scenic trekking sites to explore. Check out the best treks in Mauritius below!

Le Pouce

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Le Pouce Mountain is one of the best places for trekking in Mauritius. In fact, it is the third highest mountain on the island, with a peak of approximately 812m.  Located between Signal Mountain and Pieter Both, Le Pouce offers you a panoramic view of both the northern and southern part of the island. From the very summit, you can also enjoy an exceptional view of the islets such as Snake Island, Round Island and Flat Island. Best of all, you will love the sweeping view of the main districts of Plain Wilhems, Port Louis and Moka. According to urban legend, Charles Darwin was the first person to reach Le Pouce Mountain summit, ages ago.

• Difficulty: Moderate
• Booking: No booking required, open 24/24 to the public

La Nicoliere Water Reserve

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If you’re a fan of trekking, a hike to La Nicoliere Water Reserve is an absolute must. This water reserve also doubles as a nature park, where you will find lush greenery that contrasts strikingly with the deep blue lake. The reservoir is surrounded by hills, which can only add to your trekking experience. Along the trail, you may even see wild boars, stags or monkeys. If you decide to climb the hills, you can also spot some of the islets that surround Mauritius. A trekking trip in the afternoon or evening can reveal some of the island’s protected bat species. With fresh air and ample greenery, this is also the ideal place for a quick picnic to gather your energy.

• Difficulty: Easy
• Booking: No booking required, open 24/24 to the public

The Tamarind Falls

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Located a permanently sunny, coastal village, the Tamarind Falls are the highest and most scenic waterfalls on the island. These waterfalls measure up to 300 meters. You will have a once-in-a-lifetime view after an energetic trek to the summit. There is a layer of dry boulders right above the falls, where you can sit and relax as you enjoy the magnificent sound of water crashing into the river below. Your trek starts with an invigorating hike down the canyon where you can enjoy a refreshing dip in the river. In spite of its long fall, the cascade ends on a gentler note. You can stand beneath it for a natural massage. Several agencies offer half or full-day trekking packages which commonly include lunch, snacks and different types of refreshments.

• Difficulty: Moderate
• Booking: No booking required, open 24/24 to the public. Also possible to book a hike through different agencies in which case water, snacks, and a tour guide is provided.

Le Morne Brabant

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Le Morne Brabant mountain was declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO in 2008. This mountain is rich in culture and history since it was once home to runaway slaves. The wildest and most preserved site on Mauritius, le Morne Brabant is now an excellent trekking site. It offers a breathtaking view of the Mauritian lagoons, where you can appreciate the unique contrast of colours and different shades of blues that make the Indian Ocean. This mountain also houses a large variety of rare bird species, such as the Mauritian Trochetia, the island’s national bird.

• Difficulty: Difficult
• Booking: Individually or through various agencies that also offer water, climbing equipment and a guide

Full Day Eco Trek with Andrea Lodges

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The island’s southern coast is brimming with scenic sights that easily blends an azure ocean with rugged mountain ranges and stretches of deep emerald green terrain. For this reason, some of the best treks in Mauritius are found in the south, one of which surrounds the rustic, shabby-chic Andrea Lodges. Through tour companies, you’ll be able to look a full-day trek that includes an invigorating hike on the outskirts of the deep Combo forest and the Savanna River.

On this hike, you’ll also be able to explore Mauritius’ most popular canyons and waterfalls: the Leon waterfall which has a roaring 20-meter drop and Cascade Cecile which is reputed for its impressive 45-meter drop.

• Difficulty: Easy
• Booking: Exclusively through agencies. The complete package also includes lunch at Andrea Lodges, along with water and a tour guide during the hike

Trekking Trip at Ile D’Ambre

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Ile D’Ambre is one of the many islets that surround mainland Mauritius. With its rugged terrain and bushy forests, this islet offers one of the best treks in Mauritius. Ile D’Ambre is a protected reserve so it’s not openly accessible to the public and you will need to book your trip through a tour company. Most half-day trekking trips on the islet can cost around 1500 to 2000 MUR.

To get to the islet, you’ll need to take a boat shuttle from the North of Mauritius. During your trek, you’ll be able to explore fresh water caves, ruins, volcanic craters and even uncover the glorious secrets of a deep tropical forest.

• Difficulty: Moderate
• Booking: Exclusively through agencies. Includes water, juice, snacks and a tour guide

Via Ferrata Circuit in Yemen Natural Reserve Park

Via Ferratas are amazing all over the world but in Mauritius, this trekking adventure is like none other: you’ll not only get to hike through some of the most picturesque terrains in the world, but you’ll also be able to combine three trekking adventures in one as you discover the island’s plateaus, gorges and cliffs. This adventure takes you to the Mamzel Zebeth mountain, where you will brave the sun and the rain until you reach the very summit. At the top, you’ll be treated to a bird’s eye view of Mauritius’ entire west coast, lagoons as well as different nature reserves in the area.

Afterwards, you’ll trek through an expanse of rugged terrain that even includes crossing a hanging bridge above a gushing river. To chill off after those activities, don’t hesitate to take a dip in the freshwater pond that will greet you at the other end of the river. In fact, more daring souls can even zip line directly into the water, landing with an almighty splash. After you’ve cooled off and had lunch, the trekking trip continues towards Pigeon point in Yemen Natural Reserve Park.

• Difficulty: Difficult
• Booking: Exclusively through the Yemen Natural Reserve Park. Includes a barbecue lunch, tour guide, climbing cables and equipment as well as snacks, juice and water during the trek

Trekking and Canyoning at Papaya River

Also known as Riviere Papayes, Papaya River is found in Mauritius’ beautiful west coast, more precisely in the sunny village of Tamarin. Because this hilly terrain is found approximately 160 meters above sea level, you can be sure to drink in some truly stupendous sights as you enjoy an energetic and exhilarating hike. Not only will you get to trek across majestic plateaus, but on this particular adventure, you’ll also get to canyon the cliffs that surround Papaya River.

You do need to have good swimming skills to be able to participate in this adventure.

• Difficulty: Moderate-Difficult
• Booking: Exclusively through the Yemen Natural Reserve Park. Includes lunch (optional at an additional fee), climbing gear, tour guide, snacks, water and canyoning equipment

7 Cascades Waterfall

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Open to the public at absolutely no charge, the 7 Cascades Waterfall is nestled in the middle of a lush green valley where you can breathe in fresh tropical air that’s still untainted by modern civilization. This waterfall is unique in the sense that it breaks down into seven small falls that cascade gently down volcanic rocks to finally land in a large clear pool in which you can enjoy a dip after the rather strenuous hike to the top.

One of the best treks in Mauritius, this route will take you across a long muddy path and through a small forest before opening on the scenic falls. If you’re an experienced hiker, you can add some extra challenge to your trekking session by climbing up to the ‘Bout du Monde’ viewpoint that stands high above sea level, offering a unique view of the island.

• Difficulty: Moderate-Difficult
• Booking: Open to the public, no booking required. It is also possible to book a guide through a tour company for an additional fee

Domaine du Chasseur

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A lesser-known albeit just as magnificent trekking area, Domaine du Chasseur extends across miles and miles of private land, complete with thick bushes, valleys and ponds. Because it is a relatively flat and rocky terrain with no arduous climbing involved, this trekking trip is ideal for children as well. It is even possible to rent a mountain bike should you wish to cover the extra distance that will take you to a cleverly concealed waterfall where you can even swim in the pool.

Located on the Southern east coast of the island, Domaine du Chasseur is known as one of the best treks in Mauritius especially because of its spectacular view of the Indian Ocean.

• Level of difficulty: Easy
• Booking: Directly with the Reserve. No refreshment is provided during the trek but a restaurant can be found on the premises

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