Mauritius beyond the beaches: mountains, hiking and adventure tourism
An overlooked natural paradise
When Mauritius is mentioned, images of white sandy beaches and turquoise lagoons spring to mind. Yet the island’s interior holds equally breathtaking natural treasures. Since 2025, the Mauritian authorities have firmly committed to sports and adventure tourism to draw travellers towards this mountainous hinterland, covered in endemic forests and dotted with waterfalls.
Le Morne Brabant and Black River Gorges
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Le Morne Brabant rises to 556 metres and offers an unforgettable hike with panoramic views over the lagoon. This historically charged site – a refuge for runaway slaves in the 19th century – is also a symbol of freedom. Nearby, Black River Gorges National Park protects the island’s largest native forest across more than 6,500 hectares, with marked trails through lush vegetation.
Grand Bassin, the sacred lake
Nestled in the crater of an ancient volcano at 550 metres above sea level, Grand Bassin (Ganga Talao) is the most important Hindu pilgrimage site outside India. A colossal 33-metre statue of Shiva watches over this sacred lake, which hundreds of thousands of devotees visit each year during the Maha Shivaratri festival. The natural setting, surrounded by forests, invites contemplation and reflection.
Chamarel and the seven-coloured earth
The village of Chamarel, perched in the south-western highlands, is famous for its unique geological phenomenon: the seven-coloured earth, volcanic sand dunes in shades of red, brown, violet, green, blue, purple and yellow. Nearby, the Chamarel waterfall, nearly 100 metres high, plunges into a canopy of tropical greenery. The region is also home to artisanal rum distilleries offering tastings.
Sports and ecotourism
Mauritius is developing an ambitious ecotourism offering: zip-lining above the canopy, canyoning through gorges, mountain biking on forest trails and kayaking through mangroves. In 2026, the island even hosts the Ladies European Tour professional golf circuit for the first time on the Legend course. From Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Airport, these natural sites are accessible within one to two hours by road, making it easy to combine a beach holiday with nature escapes.