Tamarind Falls Hike: Discover the 7 Cascades in Mauritius
The 7 Cascades, also known as Tamarind Falls, are a series of seven waterfalls originating from the Tamarin River. Located in the heart of the Black River Gorges National Park, this area is by far one of the most impressive natural experiences in Mauritius. The landscape consists of deep canyons and dense vegetation, where you can find exotic plants and birds in every direction. The hike follows narrow trails with some steep and challenging sections down the waterfalls, allowing you to cool off in natural pools while enjoying the distant views. Here, Mauritius reveals its wild side, far removed from the typical beaches and resorts.
Hiking the Tamarind Falls
Alongside the hikes to Le Pouce and Le Morne Brabant, the tour to the 7 Cascades is undoubtedly one of the most versatile experiences on the island. You can expect natural rock steps, small climbing passages, and dense forest, while constantly enjoying impressive views of the deep-cut canyons. Depending on your speed and fitness, the circular route takes about 3 to 5 hours. The hike begins at the highest point and winds its way down along the edge of the waterfalls through the individual cascades.
However, you should keep in mind that the paths between the cascades can be very steep and often extremely slippery or muddy due to the high humidity. Furthermore, a head for heights is required in some places, as the path partly leads close to the cliff edge or involves crossing larger boulders. Especially after rain, the ground is soft, making sturdy hiking shoes and sure-footedness absolutely essential. Nevertheless, the hike is quite manageable as long as you take your time and approach the individual sections calmly.
We recommend working through the waterfalls from top to bottom. This saves you energy and prevents you from having to fight against the flow of tourists. The only catch: at the end, a roughly 25-minute climb back to the starting point awaits you. Since the 7 Cascades are very popular, you will often encounter larger groups and guides, which can occasionally lead to small traffic jams at narrow points.
Trail Head & Parking
The starting point of the hike is located near the Henrietta cemetery. You can park your car along the road before reaching a small Hindu temple at the end of the lane. While there are no actual signposts, you will get along just fine by observing your surroundings or briefly asking for directions. Local guides are usually stationed there as well, which is a sure sign that you are in the right place. From there, the path leads to the right, past a barrier and along the edge of a field. After about 500 meters, several trails branch off to the left into the thicket. These all converge at the first cascade and lead you deeper into the valley.
Depending on your preference, you can spend half a day or a full day here. For example, we went on a kayak tour in Tamarin Bay in the morning and then drove over to the 7 Cascades at a relaxed pace. Even with a later start, there is plenty of time to see all the waterfalls and take breaks before it slowly starts to get dark.
Do I need a Guide?
As is often the case in Mauritius, you will find numerous offers for guided tours at the 7 Cascades. Online, you’ll frequently read that the hike is dangerous or that it’s easy to get lost. Ultimately, these are very subjective assessments. We also briefly considered taking a guide but decided against it in the end. Of course, there are junctions where you have to pause and think, but that little bit of adventure is exactly what makes the hike so appealing. With a bit of spatial awareness, you’ll get along just fine and can definitely save your money.
However, you have to be honest with yourself. There are slippery sections and you will need to do some climbing. If you feel unsure or your stamina isn’t quite up to par, booking a guide makes perfect sense. That’s why we’ve selected some guided tours for you: