Located in the Indian Ocean, neighbouring to the famous Madagascar Island, is a beautiful island Nation, Mauritius. The name conjured up an image of a luxurious vacation by the beach, with powdery white sand, pristine blue sea and a relaxing villa stay with cocktails by the pool. Mauritius makes the perfect location for a beach holiday. But the island is much more than that. Apart from the sea, Mauritius is also blessed with breath-taking nature. If you want to get the best views of the island nation, put on your hiking boots, travel inland and follow these trails.
- Black River Gorges National Park
The National Park is home to 311 flora species and 9 species of endemic birds. There are plenty of trails that take you to the heart of this unique forest. Along the way, you will find plenty of wildlife, and if you are lucky, you will be able to spot the pink pigeon, an endangered species that can only be found in Mauritius. The summit offers gorgeous panoramic views of Mauritius, where you can wind down and enjoy lush green nature. Along the trail, you can find a river where you can have a refreshing dip. A must-visit in Mauritius!
- Tamarind Falls
How about seeing waterfalls from up close? Tamarind Falls is also known as The 7 Cascades with 7 stunning waterfalls. They are the highest on the island, with a height close to 300 metres. The attraction is still under the travel radar, so you will be able to enjoy Mauritius nature in its truest sense. The trek to the falls leads you through the forests, and the view is spectacular. If you want, take a break and swim in the cool water or enjoy a natural massage under the cascades.
- Le Morne Brabant
The hike up Le Morne Brahant is not an easy one, but it’s well worth the effort. There are quite a few reasons why you should take the challenge. First, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that holds a lot of cultural meaning to the locals. To Mauritians, Le Morne Brahant is a sacred mountain. Second, anyone would fall in love with the mountain’s splendour. It is also home to a number of flora and fauna species. It’s the only place in Mauritius where you can find Trochetia Boutoniana, Mauritius’ national flower. Your guide will give you more information about the plants as you hike.
- Le Pouce
Also called “The Thumb”, Le Pouce is the third highest mountain in Mauritius, with a height of 812m. There are two ways trails for you to take: the North route if you come from Port Louis and the South route from Moka. At the summit, you will have undisrupted views of luxuriant sceneries and Port Louis. Challenging and rewarding as it is, Le Pouce is definitely a fond memory about Mauritius.
It is advisable that you go with a guide as many trails in Mauritius are still off-the-beaten-track. Depending on the tours, some may provide packed lunches for you. Bring enough water, energy boosters and don’t forget to pack mosquitoes repellent. Taking one of these trails will definitely make your Mauritius trip unforgettable.
