6 Days • 5 Nights
Mauritius Nature & Adventure: Gorges, Waterfalls & Peaks
Tour Includes
About the Trip
Trip Highlights
- Hiking the Black River Gorges National Park amid endemic forest and waterfalls is the wild heart of this journey. The Black River Gorges National Park protects the largest remaining native forest in Mauritius, a wild, green landscape of gorges, waterfalls, endemic plants and rare birds. You hike its scenic trails, through lush endemic forest alive with birdsong (including rare species like the Mauritius kestrel and pink pigeon), past waterfalls, to panoramic viewpoints over the dramatic gorges and coast. The wild beauty and nature are captivating. Hiking the Black River Gorges National Park, through lush endemic forest alive with rare birds.
- The dramatic Le Morne Brabant, a UNESCO World Heritage mountain, is a spectacular highlight. Le Morne Brabant, a dramatic basalt mountain rising from a peninsula in the south-west, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, poignant as a refuge for escaped slaves and a symbol of the fight for freedom. You hike its slopes (or take in its dramatic beauty), taking in breathtaking views over the turquoise lagoon and the famous 'underwater waterfall' illusion, and learn its moving history. The scenery and history are spectacular. Hiking or exploring the dramatic Le Morne Brabant.
- The seven-coloured earth and spectacular waterfalls of Chamarel are a spectacular highlight. Chamarel is home to the extraordinary Seven Coloured Earth, undulating dunes of naturally coloured sands in shades of red, violet, green and blue, and the spectacular Chamarel Waterfall, the highest single-drop waterfall in Mauritius, plunging dramatically into a lush gorge. You explore these remarkable natural wonders amid beautiful scenery, perhaps with a rum-distillery tasting. The colours and waterfalls are spectacular. Exploring the extraordinary Seven Coloured Earth and the spectacular Chamarel Waterfall, remarkable natural wonders amid beautiful scenery, is a spectacular and memorable highlight of this journey through Mauritius.
- Canyoning, zip-lining and river adventures amid the gorges are exhilarating highlights. The wild interior of Mauritius offers exhilarating adventures. You might go canyoning down waterfalls and river gorges, zip-lining over the dramatic Tamarin gorges and waterfalls, river tubing, or quad-biking through the forests and plantations, exhilarating ways to experience the wild, green heart of the island amid spectacular scenery. The adventure and scenery are exhilarating. Enjoying exhilarating adventures such as canyoning, zip-lining or river tubing amid the dramatic gorges and waterfalls is an exhilarating highlight of this nature and adventure journey through Mauritius.
- The scenic tea route, rum distilleries and endemic wildlife add fascinating depth. The green interior of Mauritius offers fascinating experiences. You explore the scenic tea route, visiting plantations and the Bois Cheri tea factory with tastings amid beautiful highland scenery, visit rum distilleries for tastings, and encounter endemic wildlife, from rare birds to the giant tortoises and creatures of nature parks. The experiences and beauty are fascinating. Exploring the scenic tea route, rum distilleries and endemic wildlife of the green interior adds fascinating depth, a rewarding highlight of this nature and adventure journey through Mauritius.
- Above all, this journey reveals the wild, green heart of Mauritius far beyond its beaches. Beyond the beaches, Mauritius has a wild, green and dramatic interior, and this journey immerses you in it. Over six days you hike the Black River Gorges and Le Morne, explore the seven-coloured earth and waterfalls of Chamarel, enjoy canyoning and adventures, and discover the tea route and wildlife, guided by expert local guides. The combination of gorges, waterfalls, dramatic peaks, endemic nature, exhilarating adventures and beautiful scenery reveals a dramatic, natural side of Mauritius far beyond its beaches.
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 6-day journey.
Your Mauritius nature and adventure journey begins as your flight arrives at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport, where you are met and transferred to your resort, ideally placed for exploring the wild, green interior. Beyond its beaches, Mauritius has a dramatic, natural side of mountains, gorges and waterfalls, and the anticipation of exploring it is exciting. Spend the rest of the day settling in and relaxing after your journey, perhaps taking a first swim in the turquoise lagoon or relaxing at your resort. This evening, dine on the delicious flavours of Mauritian cuisine, and settle into the island rhythm. As you settle in, the beauty of Mauritius and the promise of adventure work their magic. Rest well, ready to hike the wild Black River Gorges tomorrow.
Today you hike the wild, green Black River Gorges National Park. With an expert guide, you hike the scenic trails of the park, which protects the largest remaining native forest in Mauritius, through lush endemic forest alive with birdsong (including rare species like the Mauritius kestrel and pink pigeon), past waterfalls, to panoramic viewpoints over the dramatic gorges and the coast beyond. You take in the wild beauty, endemic plants and rare wildlife of the green heart of the island. The wild beauty and nature are captivating. As the day ends, you return to your resort, having explored the wild forest. This evening, dine on Mauritian cuisine. Rest well, for tomorrow you explore Chamarel and the dramatic Le Morne.
Today you explore the seven-coloured earth and the dramatic Le Morne. You visit the extraordinary Seven Coloured Earth of Chamarel, undulating dunes of naturally coloured sands, and the spectacular Chamarel Waterfall plunging into a lush gorge, perhaps with a rum-distillery tasting. You explore the dramatic Le Morne Brabant, a UNESCO World Heritage mountain of poignant history as a refuge for escaped slaves, hiking its slopes or taking in its dramatic beauty and breathtaking views over the turquoise lagoon and the famous 'underwater waterfall' illusion. The natural wonders, scenery and history are spectacular. As the day ends, you return to your resort. This evening, dine on Mauritian cuisine. Rest well, for tomorrow you enjoy an exhilarating adventure amid the gorges.
Today you enjoy an exhilarating adventure amid the wild interior. You might go canyoning down waterfalls and river gorges, an exhilarating experience abseiling and swimming through the dramatic Tamarin gorges, zip-lining over the gorges and waterfalls, river tubing, or quad-biking through the forests and plantations, exhilarating ways to experience the wild, green heart of the island amid spectacular scenery, with expert guides and all equipment. The adventure and scenery are exhilarating. As the day ends, you return to your resort, exhilarated by the adventure. This evening, dine on Mauritian cuisine, savouring the beauty and adventure of the day. Rest well, for tomorrow you explore the scenic tea route and endemic wildlife.
Today you explore the scenic tea route and endemic wildlife of the green interior. You explore the scenic tea route, visiting tea plantations and the Bois Cheri tea factory with tastings amid beautiful highland scenery, and perhaps a rum distillery for tastings. You encounter endemic wildlife, perhaps at a nature park with giant tortoises and creatures, or on a walk amid endemic forest and rare birds, and take in the beautiful green scenery of the interior. The experiences and beauty are fascinating. As the day ends, you return to your resort, having explored the green heart of the island. This evening, dine on Mauritian cuisine, reflecting on the wild beauty and adventures of your journey. Rest well ahead of your departure tomorrow, the wild, green heart of Mauritius vivid in your memory.
After a final morning in beautiful Mauritius, perhaps a last swim in the turquoise lagoon or a relaxed breakfast, you are transferred to Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport for your onward international departure. You leave having experienced the wild, green heart of Mauritius far beyond its beaches, hiking the Black River Gorges and dramatic Le Morne, exploring the seven-coloured earth and waterfalls of Chamarel, enjoying exhilarating canyoning or zip-line adventures, and discovering the scenic tea route and endemic wildlife. The images stay vivid long after you land, the wild endemic forest and rare birds, the dramatic Le Morne, the seven-coloured earth and waterfalls, and the exhilarating adventures. Mauritius offers a wild, green and dramatic side far beyond its beaches, and you depart already dreaming of a return to explore more of this beautiful island's natural wonders and adventures.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- 5 nights accommodation on a half-board basis
- Airport and resort transfers
- Island tours and excursions as per itinerary with local guides
- Services of expert local guides as per itinerary
- Guided hikes in the Black River Gorges and at Le Morne, a Chamarel and south-west tour, an adventure activity (canyoning, zip-line or river), and a tea-route excursion
Exclusions
- International airfare
- Visa or tourist card fees where applicable
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Some meals and adventure-activity equipment where not specified
- Optional excursions and tips for guides and drivers
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
- Drinks unless specifically stated
- Optional excursions and experiences
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Know when to go.
- Visa & entry: Most nationalities can visit Mauritius visa-free for up to 60 days with a passport valid for at least six months, a return ticket and proof of accommodation; a visa is issued on arrival where needed. Requirements can change, so we confirm the current details before travel
- Currency: The currency is the Mauritian Rupee (MUR); cards are widely accepted at hotels, restaurants and shops, but carry some cash for markets, small shops, taxis and tips. ATMs are widely available, and major currencies can be exchanged at banks and hotels
- Best time to visit: Mauritius is warm year-round; the cooler, drier winter (roughly May to November) is very popular and pleasant, while the summer (December to April) is hotter and more humid with a cyclone risk, especially January to March. The east and south can be breezier, the west and north calmer
- Languages & culture: English is the official language and French and Mauritian Creole are widely spoken; Mauritius is a warm, welcoming multicultural island blending Indian, African, Chinese and European heritage. Dress is relaxed at resorts and beaches, but modest dress is appreciated in towns and required at temples and mosques
- Beaches & lagoons: Mauritius is ringed by beautiful beaches and a protected coral lagoon, ideal for swimming, snorkelling and water sports; public beaches are open to all. Use reef-safe sunscreen, respect the marine parks (such as Blue Bay), and take care with sun, currents and coral, following local advice
- Getting around: Touring is by private vehicle with your guide or driver, and Mauritius is compact and easy to explore; driving is on the left. Distances are short, and we arrange all transfers and tours. Taxis and buses are also available, and many resorts offer excursions and shuttles
- Health & safety: Mauritius is a safe, welcoming and stable island with no malaria; standard precautions apply, and tap water is generally safe in main areas though many prefer bottled. The tropical sun is strong, so bring sun protection and stay hydrated, and take comprehensive travel insurance
- Money & power: Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory (a small tip for good service is customary). Power is 230V with UK-style type G (and some type C) plugs, so bring an adapter. Mauritius is well developed, with excellent resorts, restaurants and infrastructure, making travel easy and rewarding
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mauritius good for hiking and adventure?
Very much so, and it surprises many. Beyond the beaches, Mauritius has a wild, green interior of mountains, gorges, waterfalls and endemic forest, with excellent hiking in the Black River Gorges and up dramatic peaks like Le Morne and Le Pouce, plus canyoning, zip-lining, river adventures and quad-biking. It reveals a dramatic, natural side of the island far beyond its beaches. We tailor the hikes and adventures to your fitness and interests, and combine them with beach relaxation.
How fit do I need to be for the hikes and activities?
The hikes and activities can be tailored to your fitness, from gentle forest and viewpoint walks to more challenging peak climbs (like Le Morne) and adventurous canyoning. We adjust distances, difficulty and activities to you, provide expert guides, and can make the journey more relaxed or more active as you prefer. The tropical climate means we time activities well and carry water. Let us know your fitness and appetite for adventure, and we tailor the journey accordingly.
What meals are included?
This depends on the board basis chosen: bed and breakfast, half board, full board or all-inclusive, which we tailor to you and your resort. Many Mauritius resorts offer excellent half-board or all-inclusive packages, while others are ideally placed for exploring the island's superb restaurants. Mauritian cuisine is a delicious blend of Indian, Creole, Chinese and French flavours, and we advise on the best board basis and dining for your holiday.
Are the tours private or in a group?
Excursions can be arranged privately, with your own guide or driver and vehicle, for flexibility and a tailored pace, or as shared/group tours and resort excursions for value; we tailor this to you. Mauritius is compact and easy to tour, and knowledgeable local guides bring its beaches, mountains, culture and history vividly to life. Many highlights, from catamaran cruises to island tours, are easily arranged.
Do I need a visa for Mauritius?
Most nationalities can visit visa-free for up to 60 days with a passport valid for at least six months, a return ticket and proof of accommodation, with a visa issued on arrival where needed. We confirm the exact, current requirements for your nationality before travel, so entry is smooth. Mauritius is easy and welcoming to visit, with a modern international airport.
Is Mauritius safe to visit?
Mauritius is a safe, stable and welcoming island, popular with families, couples and honeymooners, with warm, multicultural hospitality and excellent infrastructure. Standard precautions apply, as anywhere, and there is no malaria. We use trusted local guides and drivers and choose reputable resorts. The island is easy, relaxed and rewarding to explore, and the warmth of the Mauritian welcome is one of the joys of a visit.
When is the best time to visit?
Mauritius is warm and beautiful year-round. The cooler, drier winter (roughly May to November) is especially pleasant and popular, ideal for beaches, touring and diving; the summer (December to April) is hotter and more humid, with a cyclone risk mainly January to March, but lush and green. The west and north are calmer for swimming; the east breezier. We advise on the best timing and coast for your interests.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. We can choose the ideal resort and coast for your style, from romantic and luxury to family and beachfront, add island tours, catamaran cruises, diving, hiking, golf and cultural experiences, and tailor the balance of relaxation and exploration. Mauritius offers beaches, mountains, nature, culture and adventure, and every holiday is tailored to you, matching the resort, board basis and experiences to create your ideal island escape.
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