The land area of Mauritius appears compact at 2,040 square kilometres for its population of around 1.3 million. But make no mistake about it. Moving to Mauritius provides plenty of opportunities to enjoy outdoor adventures and bask in the solitude of Mother Nature.
The island of Mauritius is of volcanic origin, so its topographic features include breathtaking summits and valleys. Avid hikers will love these landscapes. Visits here are also for those who want to shift albeit momentarily from the water-based delights of Mauritius’s beaches.
Just a short distance from the island’s coast, there are already many amazing nature trails that hikers can choose from. The government established most of these as part of a terrestrial protected area to preserve Mauritius island’s biodiversity. Explore any of the following trails for a sampling of yet another come-on for moving to Mauritius.
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Le Morne Brabant trail
A hike up Le Morne Brabant is a mountain ascent to about 550 metres (1,800 feet) above sea level. Climbs here typically culminate at the mountain’s minor peak. The main summit is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Access to it is thus restricted. It was declared a Heritage site to honour the Maroonage (heroic runaway slaves) associated with Le Morne Brabant.
This mountain’s trail is well-established and very easy to follow. Although not very physically demanding, Le Morne hike passes along a few steep and exposed sections. The mountain is located on a rocky peninsula on the southwestern tip of Mauritius, and thus, magnificent views reward its climbers. The mountain’s well-preserved natural environment is home to the rare flower Trochetia boutoniana. Found only in Mauritius, it is the country’s floral emblem.
The promise of outdoor adventures close to the luxury property development, Infinity by the Sea, of 2Futures.
Piton De La Petite Rivière Noire trail
Summit Piton de la Petite Rivière Noire, and you’ll stand on the highest point in Mauritius at 828 metres (2,717 feet) above sea level. The view from this mountain’s peak on the far western side of the Black River Gorges National Park is mesmerizing: a sweeping 360-degree view of the entire Mauritius island.
There are many other highlights in this mountain’s locale at the Black River Gorges, the largest protected forest park in Mauritius at 17,000 acres. This park on the southwestern part of the island provides over 50 kilometres of hiking trails. These paths traverse rolling hills, deep valleys, and spectacular waterfalls. Indigenous ebony trees and beautiful dropwing dragonflies too are amongst the wonderful flora and fauna that you’ll encounter in a hike up the Piton De La Petite Rivière Noire trail.
Tamarind Falls trail
Hiking to Tamarind Falls (aka Tamarin Falls or Sept Cascades) is a popular excursion to the southwest of Mauritius. As its name suggests, this natural attraction in Mauritius draws its charm from seven waterfalls along the cliff walls of the Tamarin River. This river’s headwaters notably flows from the Black River Gorges in the south.
The Tamarind Falls trail is an easy route cutting across forested areas and basalt rocks near the water. A half-day hike in this trail often extends to a full-day visit. It is so tempting to spend more time swimming in the lagoons under each cascade and savour this one of the many joys of moving to Mauritius.
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