Rainy season on the island calls for one thing for hikers: waterfalls! Yes, the January to March period is the best time to visit waterfalls. Here is a list of the most beautiful and most accessible waterfalls on the island.
Eau Bleue
Eau Bleue means “blue water” in French and you will not be disappointed. The six Eau Bleue waterfalls are found near Cluny in the South and are arguably the most popular waterfalls on the island. The water is blue and clear and the waterfalls are very easily accessible. The six waterfalls are walking distance from the other and the spot can be accessed by car. There are a few parking spots by the different waterfalls, although the safest parking is probably by the Central Water Authority (CWA) treatment plant and can be reached by following the Google Maps route to Eau Bleue. The waterfalls are of varying depth but most of them require swimming skills.
However, the Eau Bleue waterfalls are the result of the overflowing of the Eau Bleue reservoir and dam and are therefore not always full. The valves usually open in December and you can enjoy the waterfalls until February.
Rochester Falls
On the other side of the South of Mauritius are the Rochester Falls in Souillac, another popular spot for nature lovers. The Rochester Falls waterfall is a little harder to reach that Eau Bleue because it entails taking an off-road track of about 2kms. This can be done by car or by foot. Once by the waterfalls, there is enough space for a picnic and there are even fruit merchants on spot. The Rochester Falls are as it becomes progressively deeper as you approach the fall.
If you're going by car, however, do not forget to carry anything valuable with you to the waterfall as there have been instances of thefts.
Tamarind Falls
In French, this waterfall is called “Sept Cascades” which translates to “Seven waterfalls”. But there actually are many more waterfalls. And the trail is quite the hike! Indeed, it starts in Henrietta which is found on the Central Plateau and it can take up to two hours to make it to the last waterfall, walking by the several other waterfalls. They are of varying depth and some do require basic swimming skills. The hike is of moderate difficulty but does offer incredible views on the green valley that shelters the Tamarind Falls.
Mare aux Joncs
The Mare aux Joncs waterfall is found in the Black River National Park. The trail is marked and offers a deep insertion into the depth of the forest of the Black River Gorges. This easy to moderate hike will have you crossing rivers and climbing at times to end on the beautiful Mare aux Joncs waterfall which seems to be falling from the sky. Unfortunately, the waterfall does not allow for a swim but standing under the water is recommended and incredibly refreshing after an hour and a half hike.
500 pieds waterfall
The 500 pieds, translated to “500 feet”. This waterfall earns its name from the incredibly lengthy waterfall. To get there, one has to start hiking from the Alexandra Falls in Plaine Champagne. It takes about 40 minutes to the top of the waterfall which offers a panoramic view of the southern part of the island. The hike to the top of the waterfall is easy to moderate and you can enjoy the fresh water from there while being careful. From there, it takes another 45 minutes to reach the bottom of the waterfall. However, this hike is a lot more technical and should be left to regular hikers.
