The best nature attractions in Mauritius

Besides beautiful beaches with white powder sand, lagunes and turquoise water, Mauritius has an amazing nature. From former volcano craters, mountains, forests and gorges to stunning waterfalls and land with seven colours, there are many places to enjoy the beauties of nature.
So, check out the best nature attractions on the Mauritius Island.

 

How to book excursions for the best nature attractions

Whether you’re a nature lover, an adventure seeker, or a history enthusiast, Mauritius offers a diverse range of places to be visited.

So, you can explore the island by renting a car, but bear in mind that you have to drive on the left side of the road.
Another way is booking excursions organized by local agencies, like private tours or groups. Also, you can book them online through the Get Your Guide, Viator or Tripadvisor platforms.

So, we booked a few excursions by the local agency Taxi Mauritius Transfer, which organized our transfer from the airport to our apartment. There were private tours and in my opinion, it is the best way to see the island, according to your interests. At the same time, your driver is also your tourist guide. So, the driver picks up and drops you off from any hotel or apartment on the island in an air-conditioned family car or minivan for bigger groups.

Usually, the sightseeing tours in Mauritius last between 5 to 8 hours, depending on tourist sights and the distance of your accommodation. You can visit various places in the South, West, North or East of Mauritius.

One excursion for 3-4 people in a family car could cost about 70-100 EUR, per car or per person. The price depends on places and distances.

No matter which way you decide, I am sure you will enjoy Mauritius’s stunning nature.

 

Discover the best nature attractions in Mauritius 

Even though the island is not big, plan ahead what you want to do and see during your vacation. The best way is to combine two or three places close to each other, because the sunset is about 7 PM. After that, you can only visit bars and restaurants 🙂

Trou aux Cerfs

Our first excursion started with visiting the Trou aux Cerfs, a dormant volcano. It is located about 1 kilometre from the town of Curepipe in the central plateau of Mauritius.

 

Once known as “Murr’s Volcano”, the crater is around 605 meters above sea level. The diameter is 300-350 meters and the depth is around 100 meters. It is believed that the volcano was formed less than 2 million years ago and it erupted once about 700,000 years ago. For now, it is dormant, but experts think it can become active again within the next thousand years.

The crater is surrounded by dense forest, pine trees and greenery, and it is almost impossible to access it. There is a small lake in the middle of the crater. Definitely, the best view of the volcano is from the air or a drone.
By the way, all photos and videos by drone were made by our friend, Alexandar Petrović 😀

 

There is a jogging path around the crater, a parking with benches and a radar station that keeps on cyclonic activities.
Besides Trou aux Cerfs, the main craters Grand Bassin and Trou Kanaka are also located in the island’s centre.

 

Close to Troux aux Cerfs, about 9 km away, you can see the Mare Aux Vacoas, the island’s largest drinking water reservoir.

 

Mountains on Mauritius

Mauritius is so green! We were impressed by the beautiful views of mountains and hills covered with forests and lush greenery. Stunning waterfalls and endemic plants are hidden between them. So, besides your swimsuits, take your hiking shoes because Mautius is a hiking paradise 🙂

There are several mountains on the island. The highest mountain is the Piton de la Petite Rivière Noire with 828 m in the southwest of the island. Pieter Both Mountain is the second highest mountain, and the third is Le Pouce Mountain, known as ‘The Thumb’ peak” because it looks like a thumb.

The Trois Mamelles Mountain is located in the centre of the island. It is 600 m high, and it looks fascinating. In fact, it has three unusually shaped peaks, literally known as “3 udders” in French 🙂

 

Tourelle du Tamarin Mountain is 548 metres high and it is located in the village of Tamarin. 

 

Landscape of the island: Le Morne Brabant

 

Le Morne Brabant is located on the Le Morne peninsula in the southwestern part of Mauritius. It is about 556 meters above sea level, and hiking on the Le Morne is one of Mauritius’s top things to do.

 

This area is known for its amazing beach, luxury resorts, and kitesurfing.

 

In the previous post about Mauritius, I wrote about the sad story of the maroons from Le Morne. Because of them, this mountain is also a symbol of a symbol of the slaves’ fight for freedom.

But, there is something special about this place: the underwater waterfall. Actually, this unique geological formation is an optical illusion. So, Mauritius and the islets around it are situated upon one of the largest Submarine Plateaus in the Indian Ocean, no deeper than 150 meters below sea level. But, on the plateau edge, there is a “drop-off”, going down to over 4,000 meters deep into the abyss. The sand from beaches is going to the water and ocean currents give the impression that the water is falling.

This “waterfall” could be seen only from the air. For example, a helicopter tour of about 45 minutes, for 2 persons costs approximately 650 EUR. Check more details about helicopter tours here.

 

 

Nature attractions: parks and waterfalls

The Black River Gorges Bel Ombre Biosphere Reserve

The Black River Gorges National Park is the most famous national park, located in the southwest of the island. It is the largest protected forest on the island, covering 6,754 hectares.
By the way, the Black River Gorges (BRGNP) is inscribed in the UNESCO Heritage List, because of its high ecological value.

Entrance is free of charge. Opening time: Monday-Friday, 7 AM – 4 PM, weekends: 9 AM – 5 PM.
Pets are not allowed.

 

The natural park consists of three zones. The core zone is a protected zone with Mauritian endemic flora and fauna species. Buffer zone surrounds the core zone and it is used for research, education and monitoring activities. The third is the transition zone which consists of Bel Ombre and St Martin villages, agricultural sector and ecotourism activities.

From parking, the path surrounded by small stalls with souvenirs leads you to the Gorge viewpoint.

 

Just take a deep breath and enjoy a marvellous view of the green hills and valleys.

 

On the right side of the Gorge viewpoint, you can see the Trochetia Waterfall.

 

The reserve is home to endemic plants and nine endemic bird species, such as the Mauritius kestrel, pink pigeon and echo parackeet.

 

Alexandra Falls in the Black River Gorge Park

Surrounded by trees and shrubs, Alexandra Falls is one of the park’s most famous attractions. Just follow the information on the road, and then the path from the parking through the trees.

 

The view is amazing: the water cascades over 100 meters down into lush greenery. 

 

Well, looking at the stunning Alexandra Falls is an amazing experience. The sounds of nature make you forget about everything.

 

Hiking in the Black River Gorges Park

By the way, the Black River Gorges National Park is one of the best places for hiking in Mauritius.
There are over 60 km of hiking trails ranging from easy to more strenuous. Even if the trails are marked, it is better to hike with a guide through the jungle with rare birds and monkeys. Check out for more hiking details here.

 

Chamarel 7 Coloured Earth Geopark

 

 

The national Chamarel 7 Coloured  Earth Geopark is located in the Chamarel plain of the Rivière Noire District in southwestern Mauritius. This unique phenomenon covers an area of about 8,5 hectares. It was created as a result of volcanic activities when the exploding lava cooled into basalt rocks and oxidated during the time, creating the land of 7 colours.

Well, there is a spectacular view of shades of red, purple, orange, blue, violet, yellow and brown colours 😍

 

The Chamarel Park looks gorgeous 🤩 I have never seen something like that before.
A mix of seven colours of earth dunes makes unique views of Mother Nature.

 

By the way, Chamarel village got its name after Frenchman Charles Antoine de Chazal de Chamarel, who lived there around 1800. The first mention of colourful land was in 1879. However, the park was opened in the late 1960s and soon became one of the most popular tourist attractions on the island.

 

The price ticket is 550 rupees per person (about 11 EUR), and 250 rupees for residents (around 5 EUR).
Opening time: every day from 8.30 AM to 5 PM. Approximately, 1-1.5 hours are enough for a visit.
The entrance fee covers access to the Seven-Colored Earths area, the turtle park, the café, the souvenir shop and the waterfall’s viewpoint.

Note: visitors are not allowed to walk on dunes.

 

I think that photos tell more than a thousand words!

 

Chamarel Coffee, Coffee shop and souvenirs

By the way, Chamarel Coffee from pure Arabica beans has been produced there since 1967. It is the only coffee grown and produced in Mauritius. Coffee plantations extend over 16 hectares.

 

So, take a break and enjoy local coffee, iced tea, sugar cane juice, cookies, or sandwiches in the Geo Park café. In the souvenir shop, you can buy authentic coffee, rum, tea, salt with various flavours, local honey, or tubes with earth from the park.

The geopark supports activities to protect endemic birds and giant turtles originally from Aldabra species from Seychelles, as well.

 

The Chamarel Waterfall

Close to the Chamarel 7 Earth Coloured area, there is the fantastic Chamarel Waterfall. Surrounded by forest and greenery, this is the highest waterfall in Mauritius at a height of more than 100 meters.

 

The view of the waterfall is fascinating. Two flows cascade over the cliffs. One bedrock dates back 10 to 8 million years ago, and the second 3.5 to 1.9 million years ago.

So, relax and enjoy the fascinating view of the waterfall from a viewpoint, listening to the sound of water and the song of birds. Also, there is a 3-hour hiking tour to the foot of the waterfall.

 

Walking around the Chamarel forest…

 

What to see close to Chamarel Park?

If you have time, visit the Ebony Forest Reserve Chamarel, the protected forest with hiking routes, flowering plants, birds and safari jeeps. For adults, there is Rhumerie de Chamarel located nearby and guided tours on rum distillation.

La Vallée Des Couleurs Nature Park, situated near Ganga Talao Lake looks similar to Chamarel. It is about 30 km away and this area boasts 23 shades of earth colours. The park offers adventure activities such as quad biking, zip lining, mountain luge carts, and the Nepalese Bridge.

The Chamarel Viewpoint is one of the most breathtaking views on the island. On the left side, you can see the impressive Le Morne Brabant, and on the right side is La Tourelle du Tamarin mountain. And in front of you, the panoramic view of the beautiful blue ocean with islets leaves you speechless.

 

More waterfalls…

Visiting waterfalls is a perfect way to connect with nature. Beside Chamarel and Black River Gorge waterfalls, you can find more of them on the island.
For example, Tamarind Falls or Seven Falls is located on Riviere Tamarin close to the Black River Gorges National Park.
Rochester Falls is nestled in the Savanna District, surrounded by sugar cane fields, lushery, and unique cliff formations.

 

GRSE Waterfall

Grand River South East waterfall (GRSE) is situated on the Grand River South East. It is the longest river in Mauritius and the most popular sight on the East Coast. Actually, this is the place where the river flows to the ocean.

The waterfall can be reached following the coastal road. But, the best way is to see it during daily trips to Île aux Cerfs, from the village of Trou d’Eau Douce. The speed boat takes you through the waterfalls’ canal surrounded by trees, greenery, and rocks.

 

Macondé Road and viewpoint

Following the Macondé Road, between the small village of Baie du Cap and Le Morne on the south of the island, we stopped to visit the Macondé viewpoint. This interesting sight is located on the curve of the coastal road, on a small cliff. Actually, the rock was split because of the construction of the road.

It is believed that the viewpoint got the name of the slaves from the Makondé tribe of Mozambique, who came there to seek refuge. 

 

The path to the viewpoint consists of narrow stairs and leads you to the top of the cliff. And yes, it was a fantastic view of the winding coast road and the turquoise ocean, feeling the refreshing wind on our faces from the Indian Ocean.

 

Nature parks with animals 

Animal lovers will enjoy visiting some of the nature parks with animals.

The most famous is Casela Nature Park which offers many exciting activities such as safari tours, camel rides, zip-lining, quad biking, camel feeding, coaster rides, breakfast with giraffes or even walking with lions. The price ticket goes from 1,300 rupees ( 26 EUR) for adults, and 1,040 (21 EUR) for children, depending on activities.

La Vanille Nature Park is an animal park where visitors can see giant tortoises and crocodile feeding shows.
Well, something for everyone 😀

 

 

Dodo bird, the symbol of Mauritius

Probably you heard about the Dodo or saw it on the photos. It is the national symbol of Mauritius and there are many figurines and souvenirs with its image.

 

Once, Dodo birds lived only in Mauritius. They ate fruit, and since there were no predators, they became flightless. The first mention of Dodo was by the Dutch sailors in 1598. But they hunted Dodo birds for food a lot, which led to its extinction, as well as the arrival of domestic animals, rats and monkeys which eat its eggs and young birds.

According to the subfossil remains brought to Europe in the 17th century, it is believed that Dodo was 62-75 cm in height and 17-21 kg in weight. The last mention of a dodo was in 1662, and probably the last one died in 1681.

Today, Dodo is a symbol of extinction, because it shows us how the human race can destroy the animal world and entire species.

 

Explore Mauritius’ nature attractions

Well, I hope you like my story of the Mauritius nature attractions. With every day of our vacation, I was delighted by the beautiful nature.

Even now, when I look at numerous photos of green hills, valleys, waterfalls, and sand beaches, I am more and more enchanted by this dreamy destination. 

And stay tuned for a new Mauritius story…