Mauritius may be famous for its beaches, but the island is also home to dozens of rewarding hiking trails. From short family-friendly nature walks to steep mountain ascents and full-day waterfall adventures, there’s something for every type of walker.
To make route-choosing easier, this guide groups the main classic hikes into easy, moderate and difficult categories. Typical return times range from 40 minutes for small hills up to 6-7 hours for long waterfall trails. This is a practical shortlist rather than an exhaustive catalogue – perfect for travellers and local explorers looking for reliable options.
Contents
Easy Hikes (Short & Family-Friendly)
Ideal for beginners, families with children or anyone who wants a relaxed walk with beautiful scenery.
Candos Hill (Sodnac Wellness Park – Quatre Bornes)
A popular urban hill walk with a gentle incline, making it perfect for casual walkers.
- Distance: ~2 km return
- Time: ~40 minutes
- Why go: Easy path, great lookout points, well-maintained park setting
Vallée de Ferney Nature Reserve (Southeast)
A scenic forest loop inside a protected wildlife reserve.
- Distance: ~3 km
- Time: 1-1.5 hours
- Why go: Birdwatching, lush forest, beginner-friendly terrain
Bras D’Eau National Park (East)
A flat, shaded nature trail through native forest.
- Distance: ~5 km return
- Time: ~2 hours
- Why go: Quiet, peaceful, suitable for all fitness levels
Moderate Hikes (Popular Viewpoints & Iconic Peaks)
Better suited for reasonably fit hikers. These routes often have steeper sections but don’t require technical gear.
Le Pouce (Near Port Louis & Saint Pierre)
One of Mauritius’s most well-known peaks with panoramic views.
- Distance: ~4.5 km return
- Time: 1.5-3 hours
- Difficulty: Easy-moderate
- Highlight: A small scramble near the summit makes the final push fun but manageable
Le Morne Brabant (Southwest)
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most scenic climbs on the island.
- Distance: ~7 km return
- Time: 3-5 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Highlight: Stunning views of the lagoon and the famous underwater waterfall illusion
Corps de Garde (Rose-Hill)
A steep uphill climb with rewarding city and coastal views.
- Distance: ~4 km return
- Time: 3-4 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Tip: Start early – very little shade on this route
Long Mountain (Near Port Louis)
A gentle ridge walk that offers wide views of the northern plains.
- Distance: Variable routes
- Time: 2.5-3 hours
- Difficulty: Easy-moderate
- Note: Some paths are not well-marked
Piton Canot (Chamarel)
A smaller but steep peak surrounded by Chamarel’s lush valleys.
- Distance: Short ascent
- Time: 2-3 hours
- Difficulty: Medium
- Why go: Suitable for active families, great views over the southwest
Moderate Hikes at a Glance
| Hike | Typical Return Time | Difficulty | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Le Pouce | 1.5-3 hours | Easy-moderate | Short scramble near summit |
| Le Morne Brabant | 3-5 hours | Moderate | Exposed, steeper second half |
| Corps de Garde | 3-4 hours | Moderate | Limited shade, steady incline |
| Long Mountain | 2.5-3 hours | Easy-moderate | Path can be confusing |
| Piton Canot | 2-3 hours | Medium | Chamarel region |
Difficult Hikes (Steep, Long or Technical)
Recommended for experienced hikers or those with good fitness levels. These trails may include scrambling, exposure or long distances.
Lion Mountain (Montagne du Lion – Southeast)
A dramatic peak with cliff edges and rocky terrain.
- Distance: ~5 km return
- Time: 3–5 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous
- Why it’s tough: Steep sections, route-finding challenges
Tamarind Falls / 7 Cascades (Centre-West)
A beautiful waterfall canyon offering multiple routes.
- Easy–intermediate routes: 3-4 hours
- Full-day routes: 6-7 hours (challenging)
- Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
- Highlight: Swimming pools, waterfalls and technical scrambling for advanced routes
Piton de la Petite Rivière Noire (Black River Peak)
The highest mountain in Mauritius at 828 m.
- Distance: ~7 km
- Time: 3–4 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate–difficult
- Highlight: Shaded forest walk with a rewarding summit view
Mauritius offers hiking experiences for every type of adventurer – whether you want a peaceful forest trail, a famous summit with sweeping views or a challenging full-day waterfall trek. With well-marked routes, accessible trailheads and a warm tropical climate, hiking is one of the best ways to explore the island’s natural beauty beyond the beaches.
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