Wondering where is the most popular waterfall in Mauritius? This comprehensive guide to hiking Tamarind Falls in Mauritius got you covered with everything you need to know from how to get there, whether you need a guide, and more!
Although Eau Bleue Waterfall is my favorite waterfall in Mauritius, Tamarind Falls comes at a very close second. Set in the middle of a lush valley situated in the central region of Mauritius, Tamarind Falls (also known as Tamarin Falls or 7 Cascades) consists of not one but 12 incredible waterfalls!
Although hiking to Tamarind Falls is one of the best things to do in Mauritius, it’s not for the faint of heart! The hike can be challenging at times but totally worth it for the spectacular views and a chance to jump into the emerald pools!
So, keep reading if you want to know exactly how to hike to Tamarind Falls (7 Cascades) in Mauritius.
Book this guided hike of 7 Cascades with a certified guide so you can safely navigate the trail and avoid getting lost.
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Read more about Mauritius:
Where is Tamarind Falls (7 Cascades)?
Tamarind Falls is situated in the village of Henrietta, about a one-hour drive from the tourist hubs of Port Louis, Mahebourg, Grand Bay and Le Morne.
Related post: 29 Easy to moderate level hikes in Mauritius
How to get to Tamarind Falls (7 Cascades)?
The cheapest way to get to Sept Cascades (Tamarind Falls) is by taking the bus. The bus terminal is located about 1.2 km from the waterfall starting point, which is about a 20-minute walk.
Direct buses are available from either Port Louis or other towns such as Curepipe and Rose Hill. Bus tickets cost about USD 1 per trip, depending on the distance covered.
You can also get there by hiring a private driver or renting a car. The cost of renting a car starts at Rs 1,000 (USD 22) per day so it’s an affordable way to get around the island.
CHECK PRICE FOR CAR RENTALS IN MAURITIUS
For ease of reference, I recommend searching for the location of Henrietta Bus Station on Google Maps (click here for the exact location). As you get closer, you will notice a few signs showing the way to Tamarind Falls.
Related post: Guide to renting a car in Mauritius as a tourist
You will then reach a small bus terminal which is found on your right. Keep driving straight ahead for about two minutes until you see a Hindu temple on your left and a cemetery further ahead (also on your left).
There’s no parking lot at Tamarind Falls but you can leave your car on the side of the road next to the cemetery (exact GPS location).
The trailhead (exact GPS location) is found a few meters from the cemetery, along a path between the sugar cane fields.
Read more: A comprehensive guide to Eau Bleue Waterfall + Map
Is there an entrance fee to Tamarind Falls?
No, Tamarind Falls is free to visit! The only thing that you might have to spend money on is hiring a guide.
While it’s possible to hike 7 Cascades without a guide, I highly recommend hiring a certified guide if it’s your first time visiting or if you’re not too confident hiking on your own.
Having a guide will ensure your safety and prevent you from getting lost. Although there are a few markers here and there, it can be pretty tricky to find your way around.
CHECK PRICE FOR A GUIDED HIKE OF 7 CASCADES (TAMARIND FALLS)
Related post: Ultimate guide to hiking Cascade 500 Pieds
The hike to Tamarind Falls (7 Cascades)
As mentioned above, Tamarind Falls actually consists of 12 waterfalls but this guide will focus on the seven main waterfalls only.
One thing to know is that hiking to Tamarind Falls can be challenging. The trail is very steep and slippery, especially if it has been raining recently. If you’re scared of heights, unfortunately, this hike isn’t for you.
From the main road, walk toward the sugar cane fields (exact GPS location) until you see a narrow path on your left. If you follow it, you’ll arrive at the first waterfall (exact GPS location).
Note that it’s only possible to view the waterfall from above unless you book an abseiling tour with a guide.
To get to the second waterfall, head back to the main trail and keep walking straight ahead until you find another narrow path on your left (exact GPS location).
A few meters ahead, the trail starts to go downhill. Since this part is quite steep, it can be very slippery on a rainy day so make sure to hold on to the branches and tree roots.
After about five minutes, you’ll hear the sound of rushing water until you finally arrive at the top of the second waterfall.
Take a moment to snap some photos and enjoy the view of the valley and emerald pools below.
Next, walk across the river and follow the path to the other side and you’ll eventually arrive behind the second waterfall.
On my second and third visits, this part was very slippery since it had rained the previous days.
For this reason, I highly recommend wearing appropriate hiking shoes to avoid slipping in the mud. Hiking in sandals or regular sneakers is obviously a bad idea!
Once you get past this section, the trail becomes rocky but slightly less steep. From here, you’ll get an incredible view of the waterfall plunging from a height of about 40 meters.
CHECK PRICE FOR A GUIDED HIKE OF 7 CASCADES (TAMARIND FALLS)
To get to the third waterfall, just follow the trail ahead.
After spending some time swimming and relaxing in the pool, head back on the main trail and make your way to the next waterfall.
The fourth waterfall, commonly referred to as the hidden waterfall, is somewhat hidden between two rock cliffs so keep your eyes peeled for it.
Next, keep following the main trail and after about a 10 to 15-minute walk, you’ll arrive at the base of the fifth waterfall.
This is another great spot for swimming. Just note that this is the busiest part of Sept Cascades, so if you’d like to have the place all to yourself, I recommend going early in the morning.
Most people stop their hike here or at the top of the 6th waterfall, which is found a few meters ahead, but if you’re fit enough, you can continue to the bottom section.
To do so, keep walking toward the edge of the 6th waterfall until you see a narrow path on your right.
The trail can be a bit tricky to find but as long as you watch out for the markers on the trees and boulders, you should find your way around.
After about 30 minutes or so, you’ll finally arrive at the bottom section of the 6th waterfall which, in my opinion, is the most beautiful waterfall at Tamarind Falls!
Here, you’ll find two sets of waterfalls cascading into an emerald green pool which then splits into two more waterfalls before plunging into another pool below.
Make your way toward the rocks and follow the path that goes uphill to get a closer look at the upper falls.
Don’t forget to turn around so you can admire the 7th waterfall plunging from the left side of the cliff.
Finally, make your way back to where you came from.
Alternatively, you can follow the trail that goes in the same direction as the river flow until you see a path on your right that goes uphill.
Again follow the markers to avoid getting lost or use the maps.me app to find your way around the trail.
Read more: Top 19 waterfalls in Mauritius
Best time to visit Tamarind Falls (Sept Cascades)
If you want to witness Tamarind Falls at its most powerful, I recommend visiting between December and April.
This also coincides with the rainy/cyclone season, so the waterfalls will look more impressive.
While you can visit at any other time of the year, the water level will be much lower.
Read more: How to visit the Eureka Waterfalls?
Things to know before visiting Tamarind Falls
- If you’re not an experienced hiker, I highly recommend hiring a local guide since it’s easy to get lost due to the trail not being clearly marked.
- Bring mosquito repellent! I learned this the hard way and can’t recommend this enough! If it has been rainy recently, there will be LOTS of mosquitoes.
- Wear good hiking shoes as the trail is uneven and slippery in places.
- Start your hike early as it gets very hot during the day.
- It takes around 4 hours to visit all the main waterfalls.
Where to stay in Mauritius?
I hope you found this guide to Tamarind Falls helpful. Let me know in the comments below if you have any questions and I’ll be happy to help.
Read more about hiking in Mauritius:
- Guide to hiking to Minissy waterfall + map
- Guide to visiting Eau Bleue Waterfall
- Cascade Leon hiking guide
- A comprehensive guide to hiking Le Morne Brabant in Mauritius
- Le Pouce Mountain hiking guide
- Tourelle du Tamarin hiking guide
- Complete guide to Eureka Waterfalls
- Hiking guide to Cascade 500 Pieds in Mauritius
- Pont Naturel: an incredible hike along the Mauritius south coast
- Guide to visiting Gris Gris Beach: the wild side of Mauritius
- A visit to Le Souffleur and Savinia Beach
4 comments
Thanks for the guide. Super helpful! The falls are amazing. Local touts try to get business at the start of the falls. You don’t need them but I am sure they’d add value if you did take up their services.
You’re welcome, Kat! :)
Hello, I’m going to Mauritius mid May and wondering if it’s generally worth visiting the 7 Cascades at this time of the year?
Hi Kasia. May is still a great time to visit 7 Cascades. The waterfalls only get a bit dry around October-December.