Looking for the best viewpoints in Mauritius?
From towering mountains to ocean views, this guide will show you some of the most stunning panoramas Mauritius has to offer.
I’ve divided this blog post into two parts: viewpoints that are easily accessible by car and viewpoints that can be reached by hiking.
So without further ado, here are the most beautiful lookout points in Mauritius.
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Viewpoints in Mauritius that are accessible by car
Chamarel Viewpoint
If you’re looking for a viewpoint in Mauritius that’s easily accessible by car, make sure to visit Chamarel Viewpoint.
Chamarel Viewpoint offers a panoramic view of the lush greenery and the turquoise waters of the southwest coast with Le Morne Brabant to the left and La Tourelle du Tamarin Mountain to the right.
You can find the exact location on Google Maps by searching “Chamarel View Point” or “Le Morne Tamarin Viewpoint”. Both will lead you to the exact same spot.
There isn’t a designated parking lot next to the viewpoint but you can park on the side of the road.
The viewing platform is small and can get packed during the weekend, so plan your visit during the week or in the morning to avoid crowds.
Tip: There are several other viewpoints with similar views along the road between La Gaulette and Chamarel.
Gorges Viewpoint
Another stunning viewpoint that doesn’t require any hiking is Gorges Viewpoint.
From there, you can see multiple layers of mountains covered with lush vegetation and the ocean in the far distance.
If you’re visiting during the rainy season, you’ll also see a small waterfall trickling down the cliff on your right.
Just be aware that there are some cheeky monkeys hanging out here so keep an eye on your belongings.
Near the entrance, you’ll find several souvenir stalls and a toilet.
Maconde Viewpoint
Located along a hairpin bend, Maconde offers a panoramic view of the southwest coast and is one of the most popular viewpoints in Mauritius.
From there you can admire the turquoise coastline with Le Morne Brabant Mountain in the backdrop.
The viewpoint can be reached by climbing a short flight of stairs. Just be sure to hold on to the railings as the wind can be quite strong.
Malenga Viewpoint
Located in the central region, Malenga Viewpoint is one of the most underrated places in Mauritius.
Since it isn’t featured in most guidebooks, you’ll likely have the place all to yourself.
It’s located close to Pieter Both and Deux Mamelles Mountains so you’ll get a clear view of both from there.
And if you’re visiting on a clear day, you can even see as far as the northern islands.
Le Morne Beach
Dominated by a majestic mountain overlooking a white-sand beach flanked by turquoise waters and rows of palm trees, Le Morne is by far the most picturesque beach on the island.
The entire beach is gorgeous but if you’re looking for the perfect postcard photo of Le Morne, head to the beach in front of Paradis Beachcomber or Lux Le Morne as they offer an unobstructed view of the mountain.
Chamarel Waterfall Viewpoint
Another very popular viewpoint in Mauritius is Chamarel Waterfall.
The waterfall is surrounded by lush vegetation and plunges down from a height of nearly 100 meters against a steep cliff.
It’s sometimes split into two or three columns depending on the time of the year.
If you’re visiting between December and April, which coincides with the cyclone/rainy season, the waterfall will look even more impressive.
You can admire the waterfall from two viewing platforms. The first one is located just a few meters from the parking lot while the second one is located at the end of a short flight of stairs.
Fort Adelaide (Citadel)
Located in Port Louis, Fort Adelaide, also known as Citadel, was built by the British in the 19th century to protect the city from invaders.
The fort is perched on top of a hill and offers a 360-degree view of the capital city.
From the top, you get a clear view of the Port Louis skyline, Champ de Mars race track, and surrounding mountains.
If you’re coming by car, there’s a small parking lot near the entrance or you can walk from Chinatown in about 20 minutes (take the stone steps located on your left just before entering Sebastopol Street – click here for the exact location).
Albion Lighthouse
Albion Lighthouse is one of the best sunset spots on the island. The red and white lighthouse sits at the edge of a cliff with giant waves crashing below.
Beneath the cliff are several beach caves and rock pools that you can explore.
Gris Gris Beach & La Roche Qui Pleure
Experience the wild side of Mauritius at Gris Gris Beach, famous for its steep cliffs where giant waves come crashing in.
The beach also features several caves, waterfalls, and rock pools. You can find out how to visit them in my guide to Gris Gris Beach here.
For those who don’t mind doing a bit of walking, I also recommend visiting La Roche Qui Pleure.
Alexandra Falls Viewpoint
Located within the Black River Gorges National Park, Alexandra Falls Viewpoint is very popular among tourists.
Note that the viewpoint only offers a partial view of the waterfall but on the bright side, you can also see the south coast from there.
If you’d like to get a better view, you’ll need to hike to the base of the waterfall.
The hike takes only about 10-15 minutes but can be a bit tricky to navigate due to the steep terrain.
If you’d like to attempt the hike, you can read my Alexandra Falls hiking guide here.
Le Bois Cheri Restaurant
For one of the most stunning views of the rolling tea plantation, head to Le Bois Cheri Restaurant.
The restaurant terrace looks out to a small lake surrounded by rows of tea fields.
If you’ve booked a tour of the tea factory, this is where you’ll have your tea tasting session.
And even if you choose not to do the tour or eat at the restaurant, you can still take in the view by driving along the scenic road between Grand Bassin and Le Bois Cheri Restaurant.
Trou aux Cerfs
Trou aux Cerfs is a dormant volcano located in the central region of Mauritius.
From there, one can enjoy a panoramic view of the nearby towns and mountains including Le Pouce, Pieter Both, and Trois Mamelles.
There’s a paved track that goes all around the crater, making it a popular jogging spot among locals.
If you’re up for a leisurely stroll, you can walk around the entire perimeter in less than 30 minutes.
There are also several lookout points overlooking a small lake below.
Pont Naturel
On the south coast of Mauritius, you’ll find the stunning Pont Naturel, a natural arch with huge waves crashing in the backdrop.
There are two ways of getting there. The first one is to drive directly to the arch but you’ll need a 4×4 vehicle as the road is very bumpy.
The section option is to walk from La Cambuse or Le Bouchon Beach.
The hike will take you through sugarcane fields, and mangroves with stunning views over a rugged coastline.
I’ve explained everything in detail in my guide to visiting Pont Naturel here.
Alternatively, you can book this quad bike tour of the south coast which includes visits to Pont Naturel, La Cambuse Beach, Le Bouchon Beach, and Royal Palms Forest.
Mauritius Viewpoints that require hiking
Le Morne Brabant
Although Le Morne Brabant requires more effort to get to, it’s absolutely worth visiting.
Sitting at 556 meters, Le Morne is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was previously used as a refuge by runaway slaves.
Nowadays, it’s known as one of the best hikes to do in Mauritius.
The first half of the trail is relatively easy with only a gradual incline but the second half requires some rock climbing skills so hiring a guide is recommended for less experienced hikers.
After a 1.5 to 2-hour hike, you’ll be rewarded with a gorgeous view of the turquoise lagoon and lush mountains, and you’ll even be able to see the underwater waterfall from up there!
Tip: If you’re traveling with kids and/or aren’t very fit, I recommend only hiking about halfway through. The view from there is just as stunning so you won’t really be missing out by not hiking to the summit.
Be sure to read my detailed guide to hiking Le Morne Brabant for more info.
Le Pouce
Located in the central plateau, Le Pouce Mountain provides one of the best 360-degree views of Mauritius.
Despite being the third tallest mountain in Mauritius, the hike to Le Pouce is surprisingly easy, taking only about 1 hour.
You can read this post for more info on how to hike Le Pouce Mountain.
Macchabee Viewpoint
If you’re looking for a viewpoint that you can hike to with children, I highly recommend Macchabee Viewpoint.
From there you get an incredible view of the west coast and La Tourelle du Tamarin Mountain.
You can start your hike at the Black River Visitor Center or Petrin Information Center.
The latter is easier since you’ll be starting your hike at a higher elevation while the hike from Black River has a much steeper incline.
From Petrin, follow the signs to Macchabee Kiosk and you’ll get there in about 1 hour.
Black River Peak
At 828 meters, the Black River Peak (also known as Piton de la Petite Riviere Noire) is the tallest mountain in Mauritius, offering a panoramic view of the southwest coast.
For the best experience, plan your visit on a bright sunny day, or else the view might be completely covered by thick clouds.
The trail is relatively easy to follow as there’s only one path leading to the summit.
You do need to be fit though as it takes nearly 2 hours to reach the summit. Note that the trail can be very muddy after a rainy day.
For more info, read my Black River Peak hiking guide.
Ebony Forest
Situated in Chamarel, Ebony Forest is a nature reserve home to rare endemic birds.
It also features several family-friendly trails that offer spectacular views of the south coast of Mauritius.
The easiest and most accessible one is the Sublime Viewpoint. You can get there in about 45 minutes by hiking along the Ridgeline trail.
You can also hike to the summit of Piton Canot, which can be reached in about 20-30 minutes from Sublime Viewpoint.
Alternatively, if you don’t want to hike, you can instead book their safari jeep tour and have someone drive you straight to the viewpoint.
7 Cascades
7 Cascades (also known as Tamarind Falls) is one of the most popular waterfalls in Mauritius.
This is an adventure-packed hike featuring gorgeous views over a lush valley. You can even walk behind one of the waterfalls and swim in the pools!
Although it’s possible to hike on your own, I recommend hiring a guide if it’s your first time visiting or if you don’t feel confident hiking on your own.
Although there are a few markers along the trail, it’s not always easy to navigate due to the dense vegetation and steep terrain.
Be sure to read my 7 Cascades hiking guide for more info.
Tip: If you don’t want to do the hike, you can drive to this location or this one for an aerial view of the waterfalls.
Mare aux Joncs Waterfall (Top Section)
Located in the Black River Gorges NP, the top section of Mare aux Joncs Waterfall is known for its breathtaking views.
The waterfall is located along the Macchabee Forest Loop Trail and can be reached in about 1 hour from Petrin Information Center or 1.5-2 hours from Black River.
Find out how to visit by clicking here.
Deux Mamelles
Deux Mamelles is located in the central region and boasts a panoramic view of the nearby mountain range, including Pieter Both, Le Pouce, and Long Mountain.
This short but scenic hike leads to one of the best views in Mauritius. The hike is relatively easy, making it great for families with children, plus there are signs showing the way to the summit.
If you’d like to visit, you can click here for more info on how to get there.
Piton Savanne
Standing at a height of 715 meters above sea level, Piton Savanne provides the perfect vantage point over the south coast of Mauritius.
The best part is that not many people know about this trail so you’ll most probably have it all to yourself.
While the hike isn’t too strenuous, you should expect some minor scrambling as you get close to the summit.
Be sure to read my guide to hiking Piton Savanne for more info.
Corps de Garde Mountain
Another lesser-known viewpoint in Mauritius is Corps de Garde Mountain, located in the center of Mauritius.
The hiking trail is easy to follow but since there isn’t much shade along the way, I recommended starting your hike early in the morning.
Find out how to hike Corps de Garde Mountain here.
Plateau Remousse Viewpoint
If you’re looking for a short and easy hike with stunning views, you should definitely consider Plateau Remousse Viewpoint.
The easiest way to get there is to start your hike at the Black River Information Center (click here for more details on how to get there).
The hike should take only about 45 minutes, making it a great option for those traveling with children, provided they can handle a gradual incline.
As you can see there are so many stunning viewpoints in Mauritius! I hope you’ve found this guide helpful and if you have any questions, just ask in the comments below.
Read more about Mauritius:
- How to plan a 1-week trip to Mauritius?
- Mauritius travel tips for first-timers
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