Southwest: Le Morne, Chamarel & Black River Gorges

The Le Morne Brabant is the most powerful symbol of Mauritius — a massive, 556-meter-high basalt rock at the southwestern tip of the island, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008. Not for its geological significance, but for its tragic history: In the 18th and 19th centuries, runaway slaves (Maroons) fled to the summit of the nearly unreachable rock and founded a community in freedom. When in 1835 the British police came to deliver the news of the abolition of slavery, the Maroons — believing they would be captured — threw themselves off the cliffs to their deaths. Le Morne has since become a symbol of freedom and resistance.

Climbing Le Morne

The hike up Le Morne is one of the most impressive experiences in Mauritius. The trail begins at the foot of the peninsula and leads in 3–4 hours (round trip) through tropical vegetation to the cross on the summit plateau. The last 100 meters in altitude are steep and rocky — sturdy footwear and a head for heights are required. Once at the top, a 360-degree panorama unfolds over the entire southwest coast, the turquoise lagoon, and on clear days to Rodrigues Island. A guide is recommended and mandatory since 2023 (from 1,500 MUR / €30 per person).

Beaches at Le Morne

The peninsula offers spectacular beaches on both sides:

• Le Morne Beach (west side): The famous beach with a view of the rock — perfect for the legendary sunset. Shallow, warm water, ideal for families.
• Kite Beach (south side): Mauritius' kitesurfing mecca. Constant southeast trade winds, shallow lagoon — one of the world's best spots. Beginner courses from 5,000 MUR (€100) for 3 hours.

The village of Chamarel in the hilly hinterland of the southwest is home to two natural wonders, a top-notch rum distillery, and some of the best restaurants on the island — a must-visit on any Mauritius trip.

Terres des Sept Couleurs (Seven Colored Earth)

The Seven Colored Earth is Mauritius' geological landmark: sand dunes in seven different shades — red, brown, violet, green, blue, yellow, and purple — formed by the weathering of volcanic basalt. The amazing thing: the color layers never mix, even after heavy rain they realign into their strata. Scientists explain the phenomenon by different concentrations of iron and aluminum oxides in the soil, solidified at various temperatures.

The visit is organized through the Chamarel Geopark: Entrance 250 MUR (approx. €5), parking, viewing platforms, and a small museum with geological explanations. In the adjacent enclosure live Aldabra giant tortoises. Best visited in the morning when the sun makes the colors glow.

Chamarel Waterfall

Also located in the Geopark, the Chamarel Waterfall (Cascade Chamarel) plunges over 100 meters — the highest waterfall in Mauritius. The two cascades are fed by the Rivière de St. Denis and thunder into a basin surrounded by tropical rainforest. The best viewpoint is on the park grounds, a steep path also leads to the foot of the waterfall (water shoes recommended, the basin is accessible).

Rhumerie de Chamarel

The Rum Distillery of Chamarel produces premium Rhum Agricole from fresh sugarcane juice (not from molasses like most rums). The tour through the production — from the sugarcane field to the copper stills to the oak barrel aging — is fascinating. Afterwards: rum tasting with 6–8 varieties, from crystal-clear white to golden reserves to flavored versions (vanilla, coffee, passion fruit). The adjoining L'Alchimiste terrace serves excellent Creole lunch with views over the mountains. Tour + tasting: 450 MUR (approx. €9).

The Black River Gorges National Park (Parc National des Gorges de Rivière Noire) is Mauritius' only national park and preserves the last 6,574 hectares of original tropical rainforest. Since its establishment in 1994, it has transformed from a threatened remnant forest into a conservation success story — home to species found nowhere else in the world.

Flora & Fauna

The park protects over 300 species of native plants, including the rare Tambalacoque tree (also known as the "Dodo tree" because it was long believed only the dodo could spread its seeds). In the dense forests live some of the rarest bird species in the world:

• Mauritius Pigeon (Pink Pigeon) — Reduced to just 12 individuals in the 1980s, now over 400 animals again thanks to one of the most successful conservation programs in history.
• Mauritius Kestrel — In 1974, only 4 individuals remained worldwide — the rarest bird in the world. Today, over 300 live in the wild again. An unprecedented success story.
• Echo Parakeet (Mauritius Parakeet) — The only surviving parrot of the Mascarenes, also saved from extinction.
• Flying Foxes (Mauritius Flying Fox) — The large fruit bats are often seen, especially at dusk above the treetops.

Hiking Trails

The park offers over 60 kilometers of marked hiking trails, ranging from easy walks to challenging full-day hikes:

• Macchabée Trail (10 km, 4–5h) — The classic: through dense cloud forest to the highest point with fantastic views. Moderate difficulty.
• Black River Peak Trail (14 km, 6h) — To the highest point of the park (828 m). Challenging but rewarding with panoramic views over the entire west coast.
• Parakeet Trail (8 km, 3h) — The best way to see the rare Echo Parakeets. Through ebony forest with good birdwatching potential.
• Viewpoint Trail (2 km, 1h) — Short, easy path from the visitor center to the spectacular gorges viewpoint. Suitable for families.

Entrance: Free. Visitor centers at two entrances (west: Black River, east: Petrin). Opening hours: daily 7:00–17:00. Best visited in the dry season (May–October) and early morning for birdwatching. Bring water and sun protection — it can get hot and humid in the forest.

The small coastal town of Tamarin (Tamarin Bay) on the west coast is a place considered a hidden gem among travelers — less touristy than Grand Baie, more authentic, with a surfer atmosphere reminiscent of earlier days. Here, Mauritians live who go fishing in the morning and sit on the beach in the evening, with the mountain range of Rivière Noire rising in the background.

Dolphin Watching

The Bay of Tamarin is the most famous place in Mauritius to observe spinner dolphins and bottlenose dolphins in the wild. Every morning, groups of 20–100 dolphins come into the calm bay to rest before heading out to the open sea. Boats usually depart between 6:30 and 7:30 am — yes, getting up early is worth it!

Swimming with dolphins is allowed in Mauritius and is offered by numerous providers. Important: Choose a responsible provider who does not harass the animals, maintains minimum distances, and limits group size. Good providers let the dolphins decide if they want to approach — and most do. Price: 1,500–3,000 MUR (€30–60) per person.

Salt Pans of Tamarin

The historic Salines de Tamarin are the last functioning salt production facilities in Mauritius. In shallow basins, seawater evaporates under the tropical sun, and the sea salt is harvested by hand — a tradition dating back to the French colonial period. The geometric patterns of the salt basins, mirrored in the shallow water, are spectacularly photogenic, especially at sunset. The salt is sold on-site (from 50 MUR for a jar) — an authentic, unusual Mauritius souvenir.

Surfing in Tamarin

Tamarin Bay is one of the few places in Mauritius where real waves break — the reef passage allows the ocean swell through. The left wave of Tamarin is a classic and a must for experienced surfers (best time: June–August). For beginners, local surf schools offer lessons on flatter beach sections (from 2,000 MUR / €40 for 2 hours). The surf scene is small, relaxed, and friendly.