Panorama of Rochester Falls and Basalt Columns

This panoramic photo shows Rochester Falls, a waterfall on the Savanne River near Souillac, in the south of Mauritius. The site is especially known for its wide curtain of water and its unusual wall of dark basalt columns, which give the waterfall a very different appearance from many other cascades on the island. These column-like volcanic rocks were formed as lava cooled and fractured, then were further shaped by the long-term erosion of the river. Rochester Falls is often visited for its geology as much as for the waterfall itself. The water drops from a relatively low height into a natural pool, while the broad rock face creates several separate streams rather than one single narrow fall. The site is also a popular local outing spot, especially for photography, picnics, and viewing the basalt formations. Access is usually through the sugarcane fields near Souillac, with a short walk from the parking area, though the track can be uneven depending on weather and road conditions.