Although Mauritius cannot beat La Reunion in terms of diversity of landscape for trekking, some very pleasant walks are available both easy and difficult depending on your level. In the centre of the island, there are a number of summits with fabulous views all the way to the lagoons. This activity is developing at a fast rate by a handful of people who love their island and continue to find new and exciting circuits.

The most exciting climbs are:

 The Pouce (812m, 2 hour climb and lovely panoramic views over Port Louis)
 The Morne Brabant (558m, you cross over a fault by tyrolean-zip wire)
 The Pieter Both (highest summit on the island at 823m, with a ball on top reached with a rope)
 Le Piton de la Riviere Noire (easy)

This last climb is quite popular and lasts approximately 4 hours (there and back). The circuit goes through the forests among the guava plants which you can try out! A few holes in the bushes along the way allows you to glimpse the magical views of the Black river Gorges and the South West coast. You’ll have to wait for the best views when you reach the top...it’ll be worth it! There are also some great walks through the National Park in the Black River Gorges. There are some well kept paths connecting Petrin (in the centre) to Grande Riviere Noire on the West coast. This circuit runs through the heart of the forest where some endemic trees and shrubs can be seen. The view points over the gorges and the waterfalls are impressive. Also in the South are some tracks parallel to the main road joining Petrin and Chamarel and these are indicated. In general, signage in Mauritius is poor particularly for trekking which is quite a new activity but it is improving.

In order to make the most of these treks, it is best to go with a local professional guide. The circuits are similar from one company to another and the service is excellent.

ALISIOS

This is a new company which specialises in trekking but also tyrolien (zip wire), abseiling, rope bridges, swimming in the rock pools etc. The Alios team pride themselves on a new concept of excursion with many diverse activities. Their strong points are quality excursions with a sense of adventure, activities which are exclusive to them such as climbing the Pieter Both (rope climbing and abseiling over 80metres) or crossing the Trou Pigeon canyon in the West.

OTELAIR

A variety of excursions are offered for all levels around the area except in the North.

VERTICAL WORLD

Here also, a variety of excursions including one from Petrin to Plaine Champagne (crossing the Macchabee forest, a ravine, a waterfall and the lake at Mare Longue). It is also possible to walk along the length of a waterfall over 500 feet long where you can see two stunning waterfalls, one of 60m and the other of 90metres.

YANATURE ADVENTURES

A large choice of walks are offered from two to seven hours in the South West of the island. Worth noting is the mythical Morne Mountain climb. Three levels are offered: Easy to an ascent of 250m, tyroliene at 450m high and abseiling from a 250m height! You can mix canyoning with walks.

YEMAYA ADVENTURES

Large choice of walks in the South as well as in the North, exclusive to the company. Organised group walks are available in estates geared for outdoor sports.

DOMAINE D’ANSE JONCHEE

On the old Domaine du Chasseur estate in the South East, you can walk along signposted tracks with or without a guide. The circuit is between 2 to 6 km. You may see deer, wild boars or kestrels either in the wild or in designated areas.

DOMAINE DE CASELA

These are more simple walks for all the family. With prior arrangement you can try out the rope bridges and tyrolien(zip wire) also. You can enjoy a picnic in the hut in the trees overlooking the lovely rock pools.

DOMAINE DU CHASSEUR

There are plenty of sign posted tracks in this new estate. The panoramic views across the bay of Mahebourg and of Lion Mountain are spectacular. There are lots of open spaces and forests and deer roam freely.

DOMAINE DE L’ETOILE

Excursions for all levels are offered on this hunting estate (Six excursions where the longest lasts 3-4 hours). The vegetation is stunning and you will most probably see deer (there are around 1500 on the estate), monkeys, mongoose as well as endemic birds (kestrel and the Parakeet), or indigenous (Tropic bird which are numerous around Mont-Camisard). Professional guides accompany the group and give interesting botanic information. This is a beautiful estate. Binoculars are available

DOMAINE DE VALRICHE

On the boundary of the National Park in the Black River Gorges, an estate with vestiges of an old sugar mill and a 500 foot waterfall is situated. An organised trek departs every morning between 9am and 11am and is followed by lunch in the beautiful Chateau of Bel Ombre. The circuit runs parallel along a river (under large shady trees), followed by a climb towards an observatory. The path then continues along a crest where there are fabulous views across the surrounding vegetation and the lagoon. There you will reach a hunting lodge and return to the starting point by mountain bike (an easy downhill ride lasting 15 minutes).

PARC ADVENTURE

In the heart of a lush tropical forest, three botanical circuits are available crossing the dense exotic vegetation. The objective of these walks is to discover the local flora with the help of a small guide book showing all the species. Three circuits of different length and gradient: green for a gentle walk of 1.5km lasting approx 35 minutes, blue for a family walk of 1.7km lasting approx 50 minutes, and red for a more challenging walk with a few climbs (2.7km and lasts 1hr20mins).