Off the Beaten Path in Mauritius: 17 Lesser-Known Places to Discover

Are you dreaming of an authentic and unique adventure on your trip to Mauritius?

Do you want to discover secret spots, far from the tourist crowds?

I’ve got just what you need!

While Mauritius is known for its heavenly beaches such as Trou aux Biches and Morne Brabant, and for its lush nature as seen at Black River Gorges or in Chamarel, there’s so much more to explore off the usual tourist trails.

In this guide, I’ll take you on a journey to discover 17 little-known places in Mauritius.

What you can expect are secret beaches, hidden waterfalls, underrated hiking trails, small family-run farms, and even mysterious pyramids… (Yes, really!).

Get ready to explore Mauritius’s secret spots that most visitors never get to see.

So, how can you visit Mauritius off the beaten path?

Here are 17 places to discover for a different experience of visiting Mauritius.

1. Albion Lighthouse

We’ll start with a beautiful yet lesser-known spot: the Albion Lighthouse.

Perched on a cliff on the Northwest coast of the island, it’s the one and only functioning lighthouse in Mauritius.

Built in 1910 and standing 46m tall, it’s one of four lighthouses erected by the British who occupied the island at the time.

Its red and white stripes make a stunning contrast with the blue of the sea and the black volcanic rocks. It’s even renowned for being the most beautiful lighthouse in the Southern Hemisphere!

For over a century, Albion Lighthouse guides ships heading towards Port-Louis, located 10km further north. It activates its light signals each evening about 15 minutes before sunset.

To reach the lighthouse, head towards the village of Albion and then follow a bumpy road to the point where the monument stands. The area is usually not crowded and parking is easy at the entrance, along the fence.

In addition to the lighthouse which lends a special aura to this place, you can admire the black rock cliffs and the magnificent view of the ocean stretching into the distance.

It’s the perfect spot to watch the sunset to the sound of the waves, in a peaceful and romantic setting!

2. The Nicolière Waterfalls

Another lesser-known spot in Mauritius is the Nicolière reservoir, located in the centre near the city of Moka.

It’s an artificial lake that serves as a water reservoir, surrounded by a dense forest.

The lake is accessible from the village of New Discovery, via a beautiful winding road that descends through the forest. You will often come across monkey families along the way!

Once you reach the bottom, you’ll be greeted by a grassy area along the lake shore, where many locals come to picnic over the weekend. You’ll also see several small vendors offering fruits and snacks (chili cakes, samosas…).

For a more intense adventure, you can head out on a walk by following the concrete path along the lake.

After about 25 minutes of walking, you’ll come across a damaged and vertiginous bridge that overlooks a deep ravine. I do not recommend crossing it unless you’re with a guide (because the hike continues on the other side up to some secret waterfalls).

The forest trail to the Nicolière waterfalls is not marked, so do not set off on your own!

However, with a guide, an authentic excursion awaits you that is far from the tourist crowds.

If an off-the-beaten-path excursion in Mauritius interests you, I have an excellent guide to recommend. His name is Arveen, a professional and passionate local guide, who is also super friendly! (I’m not just saying this because he’s my friend :D). He will gladly lead you to the Nicolière waterfalls, for a hike lasting approximately 3.5 hours.

To book your guided excursion to the Nicolière with Arveen, send us a message at +23059024487 (Whatsapp) specifying:

• your travel dates
• the number of participants
• the age of each participant.

The rate is 30€ per person.

3. Eau Bleue

Here’s a hidden treasure in Mauritius that you absolutely must see if you love wild places and waterfalls.

The Eau Bleue waterfalls are located in the southeast of the island at the village of Cluny, about a 15-minute drive from Mahébourg.

The site is increasingly popular but remains quite secret, mainly because it is not indicated by any signpost. So, you need to have done your research beforehand!

Here’s my little guide to lead you to Eau Bleue:

• First, make your way to the village of Cluny and then drive along the B83 road which passes through the sugarcane fields.
• Spot the “CWA Water Tank” pumping station. At this point, park at the edge of the sugarcane field and continue on foot along the path crossing the field towards the trees.
• After a few minutes of walking, you’ll reach the first waterfall. You can then follow the river to discover the successive waterfalls.

There’s also another trail that leads directly to one of the waterfalls, which you’ll find a bit further up along the roadside, on the forest side.

Look for a trampled entrance among the trees. You’ll likely see people going in or coming out, which will indicate you’re at the right place. Be cautious with this passage as the descent is very steep. You’ll need to make your way down to the river by clinging onto the rocks.

Although the passage is not easy to find, I assure you that the reward is worth it. You’ll find yourself in front of a pool of turquoise water, topped with a magnificent waterfall. The setting is simply enchanting!

It’s one of Mauritius’s most beautiful spots and a perfect place to take exceptional photos.

4. Saint-Julien Vanilla Garden

The Saint-Julien Vanilla Garden is a charming family-run cooperative that’s worth a visit, away from the traditional tourist trails in Mauritius.

It’s located in Saint Julien d’Hotman, a small agricultural village in the north of the country. Click here for the exact location (Google Map).

For only 200 rupees per person, you’ll enjoy an exciting guided tour, including explanations about the plantation, a delicious tasting of local products such as jams, fritters, and many more, as well as the chance to buy products like organic vanilla pods.

The family running the cooperative is not only professional but also incredibly kind.

Your guide will teach you everything about the production of organic vanilla and other local spices, in a super friendly atmosphere with clear explanations in French (or English if preferred).

The tasting is a real treat, featuring sugar cane juices with lemon made on the spot, chickpea or cassava flour-based appetizer biscuits, a variety of jams (including pineapple, coconut, and olives), and many more local products.

This visit is a must-do activity to discover and support Mauritian local crafts.

Saint-Julien Vanilla Garden is open from Monday to Friday from 8 AM to 5:30 PM, and on Saturday from 8 AM to 5 PM.

5. The Quartier des Serres

Do you feel like doing some shopping during your stay in Mauritius?

But not just anywhere! Remember, we’re here to explore Mauritius off the beaten path. 😉

That’s why I recommend a stop at an unusual and brand new shopping center, opened in 2021. It is located in the north, on the estate of the Château de Labourdonnais.

Unlike other shopping centers that can be found across Mauritius, the Serres District is truly one-of-a-kind. It is designed like a small open-air village and is structured around several alleys lined with magnificent tropical plants.

Here, you’ll find several exclusive boutiques that you won’t find elsewhere in Mauritius, including a jewelry store, home decor shops, a grocery store, and a beautiful nursery.

Created by a talented landscaper, it’s a shopping center where you feel surrounded by nature. It’s the perfect place to stroll around, do some shopping, and have lunch. The Serres District is also known for its charming restaurant and terrace.

6. Rochester Falls

If you’re looking for a place in Mauritius that’s little known to tourists, don’t miss the Rochester Falls.

Located in the south of the island, between the villages of Surinam and Souillac, near the famous Gris Gris beach (which is one of the most beautiful beaches in Mauritius!), to find it, you must follow the “Rochester Falls” signs from either Souillac or Surinam. You’ll then reach a rocky path amidst sugarcane fields, which you’ll need to follow at a walking pace.

After about a hundred meters, you’ll see a sort of parking area facing a little wooden stand selling coconuts. At this point, the path becomes very narrow, and you should continue on foot.

Leave your car and embark on an adventure. You have another 10-minute walk through the forest before reaching the waterfall!

The sound of the water, which gradually intensifies, will let you know that you are getting close to the falls. Once you arrive, you can move between the trees to discover an impressive waterfall that is 8 meters high and about 23 meters wide, plunging into a pool surrounded by trees.

It is possible to climb down to swim in the pool by following the grassy path between the trees.

It’s also a great spot for a picnic!

To end on Rochester Falls, here is a short list of essential items to bring for your visit:

• good walking shoes, and definitely not flip-flops as mentioned before
• mosquito repellent
• water as you’re going to walk and it can get very hot here, especially in summer
• Optionally, a swimsuit if you want to take a dip in the pool!

7. Le Souffleur

If you want to explore Mauritius off the beaten path, you should definitely plan a trip to the island’s wild south.

There you can discover Le Souffleur, a breathtaking site (pun not intended :D) that is rarely visited due to its challenging access.

Le Souffleur is a volcanic rock formation onto which waves crash and funnel into, creating a powerful roar and impressive water sprays. The spectacle is absolutely majestic.

It is recommended to visit the site when it’s windy. If there isn’t any wind, you won’t see much as the waves are too weak to be “blown.”

Once there, watch for the larger approaching waves, get your camera ready, and prepare for the show!

To reach Le Souffleur, start from the village of Trois Boutiques or L’Escalier and follow the sign for Omnicane.

Pass by the sugar cane factory and continue for about 2km through the cane fields. Be cautious as the road is bumpy. The last 500 meters are a bit difficult but manageable if you drive slowly.

By the way, I advise against following the GPS directions. That was my mistake, and it led me on ridiculous detours through the sugar cane…

8. Savinia Beach

Are you dreaming of lingering on a secret beach where you can feel alone in the world during your stay in Mauritius?

Your little slice of paradise is just a few meters from Le Souffleur, at Savinia Beach.

This spot unknown to most tourists in Mauritius stretches along the country’s wildest coast, in the form of a long white sandy beach flanked by volcanic rocks.

Several small pools between the rocks create inviting natural swimming pools. It’s truly a picture-postcard setting.

You can swim or relax on the fine sand, to the sound of the waves, far from any civilization.

A real gem of the south, Savinia Beach is one of the sites not to be missed for a holiday off the tourist trail in Mauritius.

10. Sophie Nature Walk

For those who love nature walks, the Sophie Nature Walk botanical reserve, untouched by tourism, is worth a detour.

You’ll find it in the south of the island, about 5 minutes from Grand Bassin. It’s therefore an ideal stroll to do before or after visiting the sacred lake.

This small 10-hectare forest reserve allows for about an hour’s walk amidst greenery, in the heart of the Mauritian endemic forest.

Parking is available to leave your car safely before starting the tour. The visit begins with the medicinal plant garden, followed by a well-maintained trail that leads into the forest.

Much less known than other forest parks like Bras d’Eau, Sophie Nature Walk offers a privileged setting for a stroll.

Several kiosks and picnic tables also allow you to stop for a snack in this enchanting decor.

The more curious visitors can also explore the small Forest Museum at the entrance.

It’s a great family outing idea in Mauritius. Be aware that it closes at 3 PM.

One last important thing: arm yourself with a good dose of mosquito repellent to be at peace as these little critters are numerous in the forest, especially if the weather is humid!

11. “Feuilles et Fleurs” Botanical Garden

Keeping with the theme of botanical gardens, let’s explore an artisanal herb farm that grows various aromatic plants and turns them into herbal teas, elixirs, and 100% natural, organic, and local cosmetics.

This small business, named Leaves and Flowers, is located in the northeast of Mauritius, in Rivière du Rempart.

Nathalie is the creative mind behind this wonderful botanical garden, where she has perfected the process of crafting these marvelous products.

She offers self-guided and group tours of her garden and workshop.

You can also purchase her products at the on-site artisanal shop.

The site is open for visits on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 7 AM to 3 PM, as well as Wednesday from 7 AM to 12:30 PM.

12. The Powder Mills Walk and the Old Orphanage

In Pamplemousses, near the famous botanical garden, you can discover another little-known forest trail.

It’s truly a secret spot in Mauritius. I myself only discovered it a few months ago.

It’s the Powder Mills walk, more often referred to as the Powder Mills Nature Walk.

A car park is available near the Visitor’s Center; don’t hesitate to go inside to ask for information.

Then, cross the road to find the start of the walk. The path is not well-maintained and is rarely travelled. You will spend about an hour walking among the trees, accompanied by the sounds of crickets and bats.

The walk forms a loop that naturally brings you back to the road.

If you are interested in heritage and remnants of the past, make sure to visit the Old Powder Mill, just a few meters away. It is located near SSRN Hospital, in the courtyard of the dialysis center.

You will find there old buildings dating from the 19th century, abandoned but emanating a truly special aura.

Successively a gunpowder mill, prison, leper hospital, and orphanage, this historical site is definitely worth a detour.

And it’s certainly completely off the beaten path in Mauritius!

13. The Pyramids of Mauritius

Pyramids in Mauritius? Yes, you read that correctly. These intriguing structures aren’t talked about enough, yet they are surrounded by much mystery.

You may have spotted them on the road to and from the airport. They are visible in the sugar cane fields along the Southern highway.

There are seven pyramids in total. They are located close to one another around the village of Plaine Magnien, 5km from the airport.

These symmetrical stone mounds closely resemble the Guimar pyramids in Tenerife. The ones in Mauritius have the exact same shape and, like those, are not taller than 12 meters.

Do they share a common origin? The mystery remains unsolved to this day.

Historians debate several hypotheses to explain the presence of these remarkable edifices in Mauritius:

Hypothesis No. 1: the pyramids might have been built in the 1940s when the Mon Trésor Mon Désert sugar company acquired the land for sugar cane cultivation. The stones could have been simply gathered and piled up to clear the land.

Hypothesis No. 2: the pyramids of Mauritius might have a much more ancient origin, dating back to Antiquity.

They could be the work of a seafaring people who arrived on the island long before the official explorers of the 16th century. The same people might also have erected the pyramids of Tenerife, as well as those near Mount Etna in Sicily, which are very similar.

Some even claim that the arrangement of Mauritius’ seven pyramids is aligned with the constellation of Orion!

Historians, archaeologists, and even egyptologists have studied these pyramids, and their origin remains a contentious issue to this day.

I’m genuinely surprised at how little these pyramids are mentioned, and that they are never featured in tourist guides.

So if you’re fond of mysteries and want to explore Mauritius off the beaten path, don’t miss out on visiting them!

The pyramids are freely accessible from Plaine Magnien. You’ll need to park by the field and enter from there.

14. Trou aux Cerfs

Here’s another secret spot in Mauritius to add to your itinerary.