Mauritius Highlights
Volcanic peaks, turquoise lagoons and the world's best kite-surfing
Mauritius offers a rare combination of extraordinary natural beauty — from the Seven Coloured Earths of Chamarel to the rainforests of Black River Gorges — with world-class beaches and a unique Creole, Indian, and French cultural blend.
Top Mauritius Highlights to Visit
Handpicked destinations for the ultimate mauritius highlights experience
Black River Gorges National Park
Native rainforest, volcanic peaks and endemic birds found nowhere else on earth
The largest national park in Mauritius, covering 6,574 hectares of native rainforest, volcanic peaks, and dramatic gorges. Home to endemic birds found nowhere else on earth, including the Mauritius kestrel — once the world's rarest bird.
Highlights
- Home to the Mauritius kestrel — saved from extinction here
- The Alexandra Falls — the most spectacular waterfall in Mauritius
- Hiking trails through native ebony forest
- The Black River Peak — the highest point in Mauritius (828m)
- Endemic birds including the pink pigeon and echo parakeet
- One of the last remaining areas of native Mauritian forest
Things to Do
- Hike to Black River Peak — a 3-hour return hike to the highest point in Mauritius with views over the entire island
- Spot endemic birds — join a guided birdwatching tour to find the Mauritius kestrel, pink pigeon, and echo parakeet
Practical Info
Best Time to Visit
May–November (dry season)
Recommended Duration
Full day
Typical Cost
Free
Travel Tips
- ·Hire a guide for birdwatching — the endemic species are hard to spot without local knowledge
- ·Start the Black River Peak hike early to avoid the midday heat
- ·Bring plenty of water — there are no facilities on the trails
Nearby Attractions
Chamarel Seven Coloured Earths
Seven distinct colours of volcanic earth that never mix despite wind and rain
A geological curiosity in the southwest of Mauritius — sand dunes of seven distinct colours (red, brown, violet, green, blue, purple, and yellow) formed from volcanic ash that cooled at different rates. The colours never mix despite wind and rain.
Highlights
- Seven distinct colours of volcanic earth — a geological phenomenon
- The colours never mix despite wind and rain
- The Chamarel Waterfall — the highest in Mauritius (100m)
- The Chamarel Rum Distillery — award-winning Mauritian rum
- Giant Aldabra tortoises at the nearby nature park
- The most visited natural attraction in Mauritius
Things to Do
- View the coloured earths from the viewing platform — the best perspective on the seven distinct colour bands
- Visit the Chamarel Waterfall — a 100m waterfall in the forest below, accessible by a short walk from the main site
Practical Info
Best Time to Visit
Year-round; morning for best light
Recommended Duration
2–3 hours
Typical Cost
€8 entry
Travel Tips
- ·Visit in the morning for the best light on the coloured earths
- ·Combine with the Chamarel Rum Distillery just 5 minutes away
- ·The giant tortoises at the nearby park are a highlight for families
Nearby Attractions
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