Hiking facts
- Recommended travel time
all year round, more rain in winter
- Flight connections
Mauritius itinerary
Edelweiss tips:
For adventurers keen to explore Mauritius on foot, the Black River Gorges National Park is the ideal starting point. The island’s green heart, covering over 60 square kilometres, not only offers beautiful walking routes of varying levels of difficulty, but also provides wonderful insights into the colourful flora and fauna. The area is easy to navigate, and the paths are mostly signposted and often deserted. On hot days, including a dip in the river in the heart of the park on your walk is highly recommended; on cooler days, the popular Maccabée Forest Trail (approx. 10 km) is a good choice, with a picturesque viewing platform at the end where you can enjoy a picnic.
Top hiking routes in Mauritius
Hiking a UNESCO World Heritage Site: Le Morne Brabant Difficult
Arguably the most famous peak in Mauritius is Le Morne Brabant. The striking mountain is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular hiking destination. Although the hike to the summit cross is described as moderately difficult, the stretches which are in places very steep and a few climbing sections require a good level of fitness. Due to the sandy ground, caution is also advised when descending and in wet weather. The hike starts at the well-signposted car park and offers spectacular views of the blue lagoon, the Indian Ocean and the coastline throughout the ascent.
- Tour duration 4 hrs 40 min
- Distance 12.9 km
- Ascent 530 m
- Descent -530 m
Piton de la Petite Rivière Noire: the highest peak in Mauritius Difficult
The Piton de la Petite Rivière Noire, also known as Black River Peak, is the island’s highest mountain at 828 metres. This summit can be reached in about three and a half hours, where a unique view of Le Morne Brabant awaits. This popular hiking trail in Black River Gorges National Park is well-maintained and clearly signposted. However, during the rainy season, the route is very muddy and slippery and only suitable for experienced hikers wearing sturdy footwear. To the west of the Black River Gorges vantage point, there is free parking; the same route is used for both the ascent and descent.
- Tour duration 3 hrs 30 min
- Distance 8.98 km
- Ascent 180 m
- Descent -790 m
Discover places of interest on foot: hiking to the Seven Coloured Earth Light
Two of the most famous sights in Mauritius are the Seven Coloured Earth and Chamarel Waterfall, which make a perfect combination as part of a gentle walk. As these natural landmarks are privately owned, a fee of around 2 dollars is levied at the car park. Passing through fields of sugar cane, the route first leads to the Chamarel Waterfall, which is around 100 metres high. At the Seven Coloured Earth, there is also a café where you can enjoy a light snack before heading back along the same route. Tip: if you’re interested in walks alongside waterfalls, you should consider a tour of the Seven Tamarin Waterfalls.
- Tour duration 1 hr 50 min
- Distance 6.57 km
- Ascent 120 m
- Descent -130 m
Port Louis – Le Pouce: from the capital to Le Pouce Medium
You can also reach lofty heights in around two hours directly from the Mauritian capital, Port Louis. An easy route takes you along well-maintained paths to the island’s third-highest mountain, Le Pouce (French for ‘the thumb’). The route begins in the Tranquebar quarter, which is best reached by taking the bus towards “P.Vert”. The gently ascending footpath is signposted with old wooden signposts. At the summit, a 360-degree panorama of the Moka Mountains, sugar cane fields and, of course, the capital city of Port Louis awaits, before you head back down the same route.
- Tour duration 5 hrs (circular route)
- Distance 13.9 km
- Ascent 780 m
- Descent -780 m
Taming the lion: a mountain walk with a historical detour Difficult
Hikers staying in Grand Port can make the most of the district’s historic sights by combining it with a scenic hike up Lion Mountain. The route starts at the Grand Port Police Station, where a road leads straight onto the well-trodden paths heading towards the mountain ridge. The trail follows the ridge until, just before the summit, there is a short section requiring some climbing, where there are often short queues. The descent initially follows the same route, before branching off along the ridge towards the lion’s ‘left front paw’. When you arrive at the bottom, it’s well worth taking a short detour to see the remains of the first settlement on Mauritius in Grand Port.
- Tour duration 2 hrs 35 min
- Distance 5.95 km
- Ascent 390 m
- Descent -390 m
Sports baggage
Search for flights