Hiking in Mauritius: five hiking trails with breathtaking viewpoints

Hiking in Mauritius: five hiking trails with breathtaking viewpoints

Hiking in Mauritius is hot, sticky and strenuous, but also absolutely worth it with some of the most beautiful viewpoints in the world.

Hiking in Mauritius is like exploring Jurassic World, but without Chris Pratt and a wild dinosaur in tow. The landscape features sapphire blue waters and powder-white beaches surrounding rugged, jungle-covered peaks that emerge from sugarcane fields. It is the spectacular ridges with unobstructed viewpoints of the island in all its glory that offer the most beautiful hiking in Mauritius. We take a look at five of the best trails.

1. Macchabée path

Distance: 10km (6.2mi)Duration: 2-3 hoursDifficulty: EasyHighest point: 652m (2,139ft)

alt="Hiking on Mauritius Macchabee Trail">Atlas & BootsThe picturesque Macchabée viewpoint

Black River Gorges is the largest and most beautiful national park in Mauritius. It covers about 2% of the island's surface and is an integral part of the country's ecosystems. The Macchabée Trail offers a quick and easy hike through this wild region of steep hills and dense forest. The trail runs from Le Pétrin Information Center to the Black River Visitor Center via the scenic Macchabée viewpoint - the perfect spot for a picnic.

2. Le Pouce

Distance: 4.3km (2.6mi)Duration: 2-3 hoursDifficulty: Easy to moderateHighest point: 812m (2,664ft)

alt=“hiking on Mauritius le pouce”>Atlas & BootsThe Moka Range seen from Le Pouce

At 812 m (2,664 ft), Le Pouce – or The Thumb, so called because of its thumb-shaped peak – is the third highest mountain in Mauritius. It is located near the island's capital Port Louis and offers impressive views of the Moka Range, including the country's second highest peak, Pieter Both, with its uniquely shaped rock formation at the summit resembling a human head.

Read our article about hiking in Le Pouce for more information and a route map.

3. Lowenberg

Distance: 8.4 km (5.2 mi)Duration: 3-4 hoursDifficulty level: Medium (some exposed via ferratas)Highest point: 490m (1,607ft)

alt="Hiking in Mauritius Lion Mountain">DreamtimeThe sphinx-like profile of Lion Mountain dominates the southeast of the island

The distinctive sphinx-like profile of the Lion Mountain dominates the southeast of the island. The hike is a challenging march along the “back” of the lion to end on the “head”. There is some tricky climbing over some rocky sections before reaching the plateau along Lion's Head. There, hikers are rewarded with fantastic views over the interior of the island as well as coastal views to the south and east.

4. Le Morne Brabant

Distance: 7km (4.3mi)Duration: 3-4 hoursDifficulty: Medium (some exposed climbing)Highest point: 490m (1,607ft)

alt=“Hiking in Mauritius le morne”>Atlas & BootsThe mighty Le Morne Brabant seen from the water

At 556 m (1,825 ft), Le Morne Brabant shouldn't be daunting for the average hiker, but what it lacks in height it adds in sheer bulk. The mountain rises above the peninsula next to an “underwater waterfall” that can be seen from the sky (an optical illusion caused by the runoff of sand and silt). Some exposed climbing passages make for an exhilarating climb.

Read our article about hiking in Le Morne Brabant for more information and a route map.

5. Piton de la Petite Riviere Noire

Distance: 7km (4.3mi)Duration: 3-4 hoursDifficulty: MediumHighest point: 828m (2,717ft)

alt=“hiking on Mauritius Piton”>DreamtimeLe Morne Brabant seen from the highest mountain on the island

The island's highest mountain offers the best views of the southwestern peninsula, particularly the towering Le Morne Brabant and the surrounding waters. A well-maintained and well-marked path serves the mountain, although when it rains (and it often does in Mauritius), the path can become very muddy. The mostly shaded trail begins near the Black River Gorges overlook and parking lot and is cleared periodically. The last climb before the summit is short but intense.

Hiking in Mauritius: The essentials

What: Hiking in Mauritius: five hiking trails with breathtaking viewpoints.

Where: We stayed in three different hotels in Mauritius and with a friend in the capital Port Louis. We recommend the following hotels as they all offer something different in unique areas of the island. Port Louis is worth a day trip (if only to visit the "exhilarating" Postal Museum), but it's probably not worth staying there - it's not the Mauritius you came all the way for!

• Das Hotel Riu Le Morne, ein Hotel nur für Erwachsene, liegt auf der Halbinsel Le Morne und ist ideal für Le Morne, den Wanderweg Macchabée und Piton de la Petite Rivière Noire.
• Das Shandrani Beachcomber Resort & Spa liegt auf einer privaten Halbinsel am Blue Bay Marine Park und ist damit ideal für den Lion Mountain.
• Trou aux Biches Beachcomber an der Nordwestküste ist eine 40-minütige Fahrt von Le Pouce entfernt.

When: The best time to visit Mauritius is from October to April, when temperatures are hot, albeit humid and rainy. Note that hurricanes are possible from January to February. Winter on the island lasts from May to September. Temperatures are still warm, but the prevailing winds tend to blow across the island from the east and southeast.

How: Use the map above to plan your hiking days in Mauritius. We rented a car from a local in Port Louis named David (+230 59 5125 65) at a cost of 800 MUR / 25 USD per day. Be sure to ask for air conditioning! Alternatively, use rental cars to find the best deals locally.

Transfers to all of the above trails can be organized through your hotel or a local driver. We recommend Stelio (+230 52 5084 97).

Additionally, there are buses that serve most of the island and are relatively easy to use, particularly in the capital, Port Louis. Use the Mauritius Buses website to plan a trip.

Practice common sense when hiking in Mauritius: go early in the morning to avoid the stronger sun, hike with a partner, wear plenty of sunscreen, avoid hiking on rainy days as the trails can become very slippery, and take plenty of water (min. 1.5 liters per person).

Mauritius is served by several international airlines. Book via skyscanner.net for the best prices.

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G Adventures offers a range of hiking and trekking tours with over 650 small group adventures to choose from. You can download their brochures here.

Lonely Planet Mauritius, Réunion & Seychelles is a comprehensive travel guide to Mauritius, ideal for those who want to both explore the main attractions and take the road less traveled.

Mission statement: Dreamstime

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