Tamarind Falls, known locally as Les Sept Cascades, is the island’s best-loved waterfall hike. The river drains the damp central plateau and spills in a staircase of seven drops through steep forest before it heads down toward the west coast, and the walk follows the gorge alongside it. It is a world away from the beaches. The air is cooler and greener, the soundtrack is running water and birdsong, and the path runs through ferns, tall trees and tangled undergrowth with open views of the cascades on the way down. The hike is a half-day outing with a local guide, which matters here because the trail is not always obvious, and conditions change quickly with the weather. You descend through the forest to the upper pools, working your way down past the falls on slippery rock and tree roots, with the guide pointing out the safest footing. The reward comes at the pools, where the water is cool, clear and wonderfully refreshing after the climb. Depending on recent rainfall and the guide’s judgement, you may be able to swim in some of the natural pools, and the whole walk has the feel of a small expedition. This is a walk for people who like to be outdoors rather than merely look at scenery. You will get your shoes wet, scramble a little and climb back up at the end, so a reasonable level of fitness is needed. In return, you see a side of Mauritius that most beach visitors never reach: the wet, wild, forested interior where the rain that feeds the island’s rivers falls. It makes a perfect counterpoint to the lagoon days.
How it works
The hike is a guided half-day outing, usually lasting around three to four hours on the trail, with the meeting point and any transfer arrangements set out when you book. The route follows the river downstream, passing several of the seven cascades and finishing back at the start after a steady climb. Group sizes are usually small, and the guide leads the way, helps on the slippery sections and decides whether swimming is safe on the day.
What to expect
The terrain is rocky and often wet, with steps, roots and short scrambles. Waterfalls look their fullest after rain, but the same rain makes the rocks slick and can make parts of the route unsafe, so guides may adapt or cancel at short notice. Water levels are lowest in the dry southern winter, which can make swimming easier but the falls less dramatic. In the humid summer months, expect more water, more mud and more leeches and insects than in the winter, so dress accordingly.
What to bring
Shoes with a proper grip, such as trail runners or light hiking boots, rather than flip-flops. Pack a swimsuit under your clothes, a quick-dry towel, a dry bag for your phone, insect repellent, a hat and plenty of water, plus a light rain jacket. A change of clothes for the ride back is worthwhile, because you will almost certainly get wet.
Making the most of it
Start early, when the forest is cool and the light is best for photographs, and plan nothing strenuous for the afternoon. It pairs well with the Black River Gorges, which sits on the same side of the island, or with a late-afternoon swim on the west coast. If you are weighing it against the Le Morne Brabant hike, think of Tamarind Falls as the water-and-forest option and Le Morne as the summit-and-view option: both are rewarding, and keen walkers will want to do both.
What to expect
The experience
A guided half-day hike down a forested gorge past the seven cascades of Tamarind Falls, with scrambling over wet rock and, when conditions allow, a swim in the natural pools.
Best time
The drier months from May to December give safer footing, while the summer rains make the falls fuller but the trail slipperier.
How long
Around three to four hours on the trail, with transfers extra if arranged.
Tips
Wear grippy shoes, bring a swimsuit, a dry bag and insect repellent, and follow the guide’s decision on whether the pools are safe.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Active travellers who want waterfalls, forest and a little adventure away from the coast.
- Families
- Best for fit teenagers and adults, as the scrambling and slippery rock are not suited to young children.
- Couples
- A shared outdoor challenge that ends with a cool swim, followed by a relaxed afternoon on the west coast.
- Pair with
- The Black River Gorges viewpoints, or a late-afternoon beach stop on the west coast.
- Time needed
- A morning, starting early, with the afternoon free.
Good questions
What are the Seven Cascades?+
Tamarind Falls, also called Les Sept Cascades, is a chain of seven waterfalls on a river draining the island’s central uplands. The hike follows the gorge alongside the falls.
How difficult is the Tamarind Falls hike?+
It is moderate, with wet rock, roots and short scrambles, and you climb back up at the end. A reasonable level of fitness and good footwear are needed.
Can I swim at Tamarind Falls?+
Often yes in the natural pools, but only when the guide judges the water level and conditions safe. Bring a swimsuit just in case.
When is the best time to hike Tamarind Falls?+
The dry winter months from May to December give the safest footing, while the summer rains make the falls more dramatic but the trail muddier.
What should I wear and bring?+
Wear shoes with good grip, bring a swimsuit, quick-dry towel, insect repellent, water and a dry bag, and pack a change of clothes for afterwards.
