Top most beautiful nature parks & forests for hiking in Mauritius

And no, Mauritius is not only about its paradisiacal beaches and dream islands. For your next trip, we invite you to try the national land sport: hiking! We've gone around the island to find beautiful trails, some along the coastline, others inland. Discover the volcanic relief, the turquoise lagoons and the luxuriant nature of the territory by taking inspiration from our selection of the most beautiful hikes in Mauritius.

1: The mangrove of Bras d'Eau: hiking off the beaten track

Little known, the national park of Bras-d'Eau is nevertheless one of our favorites. Located at the edge of the wild and preserved coasts of Mauritius, it shelters one of the last indigenous dry forests of the territory. Few travelers come to venture there and yet, in the heart of a reserve of nearly 500 hectares, the forests and the coastline are crisscrossed with multiple walking trails. The hike in the mangrove of Bras d'Eau in Mauritius is an invitation to relaxation and contemplation. Relaxation thanks to the few visitors and the song of the birds, and contemplation thanks to the meeting of many endemic species of fauna and flora living in the region.

2: Montagne du Pouce: panoramic hike

Among the excursions in Mauritius that we prefer, the hike to the Montagne du Pouce is a must. Why? Simply because it is the third highest mountain on the island and offers 360° views of the north of the territory, at an altitude of more than 800 meters. On a clear day, you will have the opportunity to admire the Serpents Island, the Round Island and the Plate Island in the distance, but also the capital Port Louis and the charming little village of Moka. Count on a half-day walk to enjoy the excursion to the fullest.

3 : Tamarin Waterfalls : active and refreshing hike

Easy and accessible to all, the hike to the Tamarin Waterfalls allows you to discover a succession of the famous seven magnificent waterfalls along a bucolic path. Throughout your walk, you will have the opportunity to admire views of the surrounding forests, waterfalls, mountains and rivers. Soar through the rainforest and learn the basics of canyoning with optional jumps, rappels and refreshing walks around the falls.

Are you a hiker? We advise you to take a look here: randonnees-ile-maurice.com. This site offers many hiking trails to do in Mauritius (classified by level of difficulty). You will find many advices !

4 : Black River Gorges : botanical and ornithological hike

When you are on vacation in Mauritius, don't miss to visit the Black River Gorges National Park. Located on more than 6500 hectares, this park is a real nature paradise with its 28 species of birds and 160 species of endemic plants. The hike in the Black River Gorges is one of our favorite walks because it allows to observe the spectacle of nature at its peak. Straw-tails, pink pigeons and Mauritian parakeets should be easy to photograph.

5 : Morne Brabant : historical hike in altitude

Perched at an altitude of more than 550 meters and classified by UNESCO for its sumptuous landscapes, the Morne Brabant, in the southwest of Mauritius, is one of the most popular hikes for visitors. It must be said that in addition to the panoramic views of the island, the trail allows to trace a part of the history of the territory. It is here that the "maroon" slaves tried to escape from their master from the 17th to the 19th century. During your hike to Morne Brabant, you may hear about the legend that many slaves threw themselves off the mountain to escape the police.