Looking for the most beautiful places to visit in South Mauritius? Look no further than this ultimate list to help you explore all the best attractions in South Mauritius!
With raw landscape made up of jagged cliffs, wild beaches, unique geological wonders, and waterfalls, the south of Mauritius really is special!
Despite having visited this region on multiple occasions, I always find myself going back and I guarantee you’ll feel the same way as soon as you visit!
Below is a list of 21 best places to visit in South Mauritius and a map with their exact location. I’ll also suggest a few places to stay at the end of this article.
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Best Places to Visit in South Mauritius
While there is an abundance of things to do in Mauritius, you’ll be amazed by the beauty of South Mauritius! Find all the best places to visit in the south of Mauritius!
Le Morne
Le Morne Peninsula is arguably one of the best places to visit in South Mauritius! This spot is world-famous for its underwater waterfall! If you have the budget, you can take a helicopter ride around the area to see the “waterfall” and other nearby landmarks.
Alternatively, you can just hang out on the beach or grab a mask and snorkel and jump in for a swim.
Another thing you shouldn’t miss here is hiking Le Morne Brabant. The mountain was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008 and is a great place to visit for beautiful panoramic views!
The hike requires a moderate level of fitness as you have to scramble over the rocks and cliffs, so if you’re not too confident hiking on your own, make sure to hire a guide.
Click here to book your guide hike of Le Morne Brabant
Related post: Guide to trekking Le Morne Brabant
Chamarel Waterfall
With a height of nearly 100 meters, Chamarel waterfall is one of the most beautiful places to visit in South Mauritius! Located in the village of Chamarel, the waterfall can be viewed from two viewpoints.
To access the waterfall, you need to buy an entrance ticket which also includes a visit to the Seven Colored Earth (mentioned below).
Click here to buy your entrance ticket to Chamarel waterfall
You can also hike down to the bottom section and jump into the pool for a refreshing swim. Make sure to hire a guide as the forest is quite dense.
Click here to book your guided hike to Chamarel waterfall
Entrance fee: Rs 250 (US$ 6.40)
Seven Colored Earth Geopark
Located within the same area as Chamarel waterfall, the Seven Colored Earth is, without a doubt, a unique place to visit in Mauritius South!
Since Mauritius is a volcanic island, these colorful sand dunes were formed several thousand years ago by the weathering and decomposition of lava and mineral deposits.
After spending some time at the sand dunes, make sure to visit the tortoise park to see the Aldabra tortoises!
Again, don’t forget that you have to pay an entrance fee of Rs 250 (US$ 6.40) to visit the geopark.
Click here to buy your entrance ticket to Chamarel waterfall and Seven Colored Earth
Ile aux Benitiers and Crystal Rock
Ile aux Benitiers is a small uninhabited island that sits on the southwest coast and also the second most popular island in Mauritius, after Ile aux Cerfs.
The island is famous for its pristine beach and sandbar but the most popular attraction here is the Crystal Rock which is a prime spot for snorkeling.
For a fun and stress-free day, I recommend taking this boat tour to Ile aux Benitiers which gives you the opportunity to spot dolphins at Tamarin Beach before heading to Crystal Rock for snorkeling. You’ll then make your way to Ile aux Benitier for more swimming and a BBQ lunch with unlimited drinks!
Click here to book your boat tour to Ile aux Benitiers
Macondé Viewpoint
For one of the best viewpoints and places in South Mauritius to visit, make sure to head to Macondé, also known as Captain Matthew Flinders Monument.
Climb up the short flight of stairs to witness the most gorgeous ocean views but make sure to hold on to the railings as the wind is pretty strong here.
It’s free to visit and while there isn’t much to do here apart from taking in the view, it’s worth making a quick stop if you’re doing a road trip around the south coast.
La Vallée des Couleurs Nature Park
Similar to the Seven Colored Earth, the main attraction at La Vallee des Couleurs is the 23 colored sand dunes. The colors look even brighter on a sunny day, so plan your visit accordingly.
The nature park also boasts some incredible views over the south coast and you can even visit four waterfalls scattered around the area.
For the most adventurous travelers, you’ll find lots of activities to do such as quad biking, Nepalese bridge and you can even zipline across a river and end at the top of a waterfall!
Entrance fee: Rs 350 (US$ 8.90) for tourists and Rs 150 for locals.
Gris Gris Beach
Beach caves, amazing coastal views and hidden waterfalls make Gris Gris beach one of the top places to visit in South Mauritius!
This is also where you can witness the most spectacular and rugged side of Mauritius and admire the constant crashing of waves against the rocky cliffs.
I’ve written a comprehensive guide to visiting Gris Gris including how to find the beach caves, waterfalls, and La Roche Qui Pleure (Gris Gris’ most popular attraction), so make sure to read it before you go so that you don’t miss out on anything!
Related post: Ultimate guide to Gris Gris Beach
Le Souffleur
The south coast of Mauritius really is a surreal place! Head to Le Souffleur, which is one of the least popular tourist attractions in South Mauritius and you’ll be completely amazed by the landscape!
Feast your eyes on the spectacular blowhole and jagged cliffs at Le Souffleur or explore further away to Savinia Beach which is the perfect place for those wanting to uncover the most secluded beach in Mauritius!
Related post: Visiting Le Souffleur and Savinia Beach
Pont Naturel
Another great place to see in the south of Mauritius is Pont Naturel. This natural rock bridge provides the most beautiful coastal views and is definitely a must-visit.
You can easily drive there if you have a 4×4 vehicle. Alternatively, you can walk to Pont Naturel from Le Bouchon beach in about 20-30 minutes.
Related post: How to find the exact location of Pont Naturel?
Ebony Forest
Ebony Forest is a great place to visit not only for intrepid hikers but for families with kids. This nature reserve features panoramic views over the southwest coast of Mauritius!
If you’re not able to hike to the viewpoints, you can simply get there by taking a jeep (included in the entrance fee).
Also included in the entrance fee is a 30-minute guided tour along the Flycatcher walkway to spot the endemic birds and learn more about the conservation works of Ebony Forest.
Entrance fee: Rs 450 (US$ 11.40) for adults and Rs 270 (US$ 6.85) for children (tourist price); Rs 300 for adults and Rs 180 for children (local/resident price).
Eau Bleue Waterfalls
If there’s one place in South Mauritius that you absolutely cannot miss it’s the stunning Eau Bleue waterfalls which are famous for their crystal-clear turquoise pools.
If you want to visit all 6 waterfalls, you’ll need about 3-4 hours. There are also a few companies that offer canyoneering at the waterfalls for the more adventurous.
Related post: Eau Bleue Waterfalls + Map with exact location
Ilot Sancho
Situated only about 10 meters from the mainland, Ilot Sancho is an awesome place to visit in South Mauritius. In 1810, the English attempted to conquer Mauritius from the French not too far from the island, making it an important historical site.
The great thing about Ilot Sancho is that you can easily access the island on foot during low tide.
The island is situated not too far from Rivière des Galets beach, so make sure to head there afterwards.
La Vallée de Ferney Nature Reserve
With beautiful rolling hills, valleys, and rare endemic plants and birds, La Vallée de Ferney is one of the best places in South Mauritius to hike.
While the hiking trail is easy to follow and not too challenging, you also have the option to hire a guide for those who want some background information about the nature reserve.
Entrance fee: Rs 200 (US$ 5); Opening hours: 9 a.m to 5 a.m
Black River Gorges National Park
Home to some of the best hiking trails on the island, the Black River Gorges covers an area of 6,754 hectares and is a must-visit for those who love hiking!
You’ll definitely be spoilt for choice here – hike to the 152-meter Cascades 500 Pieds or visit Alexandra Falls and viewpoint, take in the view at the stunning Gorges viewpoint or hike to Piton de la Petite Rivière Noire, Mauritius’ highest peak.
Whether you’re an experienced hiker or just looking for a peaceful stroll in nature, you should definitely spend at least one day at the national park.
The hiking trails vary from easy to strenuous. You can hire a guide to accompany you or organize a hike on your own as most of the trails are well-marked.
Click here to book a guided tour of Black River Gorges
Related post: Guide to visiting Black River Gorges
Alexandra Falls
As mentioned above, Alexandra Falls is one of the most popular waterfalls in Black River Gorges. Although you can see it from the viewpoint, it’s also possible to hike to the base of the waterfall in about 10-15 minutes.
For more details, make sure to read my guide to visiting Alexandra Falls and viewpoint.
Related post: Alexandra Falls hike in Mauritius
Cascade 500 Pieds
Another place worth visiting in South Mauritius is Cascade 500 Pieds. The trailhead is located at the Alexandra Falls viewpoint and a 30 minutes hike is required to reach the top of the waterfall.
The best thing here is the natural infinity pool that overlooks the south coast! Make sure to head in for a dip if the current isn’t too strong.
While it’s also possible to hike down, you need to hire a guide as the trail isn’t that obvious.
Related post: Cascade 500 Pieds hiking trail
Mahebourg
The village of Mahebourg is another great place to visit in South Mauritius. There are quite a lot of things to do here – from taking a stroll along the waterfront, visiting the food market, learning about Mauritius’ past at the Historical Naval Museum, hiking Lion mountain, or taking a street food tour to sample the local delicacies.
Click here to book a street food tour of Mahebourg
There are also a few beaches worth visiting in Mahebourg. Head to Pointe D’Esny if you’re looking for a peaceful and quiet beach. It’s famous for its calm crystal-clear water and is perfect if you want to skip the crowds.
If you want to snorkel, head to the Blue Bay Marine Park which is home to the largest coral reef in Mauritius.
Click here to book a snorkeling tour of Blue Bay Marine Park including lunch
You can also visit Ile aux Aigrettes, a nature reserve situated not too far from Pointe D’Esny. The island is under the supervision of the Mauritius Wildlife Foundation who are responsible for the conservation works and also conduct guided tours of the island.
If you’re taking a southeast coast island tour, the boat will sometimes make a quick stop at Ile aux Aigrettes for snorkeling. Alternatively, you can take a sunset cruise that’s perfect for a romantic evening.
Click here to book a sunset cruise to Ile aux Aigrettes
Cascade Leon (Exil Waterfall)
Cascade Leon is one of the best attractions in South Mauritius! The waterfall is set in the middle of a lush forest and involves a bit of a trek to get to but is definitely worth it!
If you’re staying at L’Exil Lodges, you can skip the hike and walk there in less than 15 minutes, making it perfect for those who aren’t too fit.
You can read my step by step guide to trekking Cascade Leon for more details.
Related post: Guide to visiting Cascade Leon (Exil Waterfall)
Grand Bassin
As one of the most important religious sites in Mauritius for the Hindus, Grand Bassin, also known as Ganga Talao, is a great place to visit when exploring South Mauritius.
As you get closer, you’ll definitely notice the 33-meter statue of Lord Shiva. Spend some time wandering around the crater lake and don’t forget to visit the temple as well. Grand Bassin is free to visit and make sure to dress conservatively since it’s a religious site.
Mauritius Pyramids
Who knew that there were 7 pyramids in Mauritius?! While we don’t know their exact origin, it’s still an awesome spot to visit if you’re into photography.
The pyramids are scattered between a sugar cane field in the village of Plaine Magnien, not too far from the airport. If you want to visit, you can check out this map to find their exact location.
Rochester Falls
The South of Mauritius has an abundance of waterfalls and another one I highly recommend visiting is Rochester Falls. The waterfall is found in the village of Souillac and can be accessed through a narrow dirt road and luckily you don’t have to hike for hours to witness this beauty!
You can find more details about getting there in my blog post about the best waterfalls in Mauritius.
Best Places to stay in South Mauritius
Andrea Lodges: Affordable hotel situated in close proximity to Gris Gris beach. Free breakfast is included as well as a guided visit around Gris Gris and Souillac. Check price and availability here.
Riu Creole: All-inclusive beachfront hotel situated on the quiet section of Le Morne Beach. Check price and availability here.
Chazal Ecotourism: The ultimate glamping experience with easy access to hiking trails nearby and only a 15 minutes’ drive to Black River Gorges. Check price and availability here.
Green Cottage Chamarel: Perched on top of a hill with panoramic views and located about a 10-15 minutes’ drive to Ebony Forest and Chamarel waterfall. You can visit Chamarel waterfall for free if you stay at the cottage. Check price and availability here.
Villa Soleil D’été: Budget studio apartment situated in between Blue Bay and Pointe D’Esny and only a 5 minutes’ walk to the beach. You also get a free airport transfer if you stay for a minimum of 3 nights. Check price and availability here.
Click here to find more hotels in South Mauritius
Did you find this guide to the most beautiful places in South Mauritius helpful? Do you have other recommendations to add to this list? Let me know in the comments below! And don’t forget to check out this map for the exact location of each attraction mentioned above.
Read more about Mauritius:
- 39 unique attractions in Mauritius
- 25 beaches in Mauritius to visit
- Top 22 hiking trails in Mauritius
- 16 Waterfalls worth seeing in Mauritius
- 30 most delicious street food to try in Mauritius
- 20 Spectacular places to visit on Rodrigues Island
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