Mauritius: Tamarind Falls Hike & Swim at 7 Cascades

Summary

Hiking wild trails to natural pools at Tamarind Falls

You’ll follow winding trails through Mauritius’ lush forests to reach five waterfalls at Tamarind Falls, hearing local stories from your guide along the way. Expect hands-on scrambling over rocks, cool swims in natural pools, and moments where time slows beside rushing water. If you want a day trip that feels raw and personal — with a little challenge — this is it.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t really expect my shoes to get soaked so early — but that’s what happens when you follow a narrow track through the forest with the sound of water getting louder every few minutes. Our guide, Rajesh, kept pointing out which roots were safest to grab (I ignored him once and almost slipped — he just grinned). The air was thick and earthy, with a kind of green smell that reminded me of cut grass after rain. We started near Henrietta, and after maybe twenty minutes I could already hear the first cascade before I saw it. You don’t see many places like this back home.

The hike isn’t exactly easy — there are bits where you scramble down rocks or slide a little on loose dirt. Rajesh told us stories about how locals used to swim here as kids, jumping into the cold pools after school. I tried it myself (the swimming part, not the jumping) and wow, that water wakes you up fast. There’s this spot under one of the falls where the water pounds your shoulders like a massage — I laughed out loud because it tickled more than anything. There were dragonflies everywhere, landing on wet stones or just hovering above the spray.

We saw five of the seven waterfalls on this half day trip — each one different, some hidden behind curtains of vines or framed by black volcanic rock. I caught myself just standing still for a while watching sunlight flicker through the leaves onto the water. The whole time I kept thinking how much trust you put in your guide on hikes like this; Rajesh somehow knew every slippery patch and which branches would actually hold your weight. My legs were wobbly by the end but in that good way where you feel like you’ve done something real. I still think about that last pool sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Hike Tamarind Falls and swim

• Start hike at Tamarind Falls
• Discover five waterfalls
• Walk through tropical forest
• Enjoy views of falls and canyons
• Swim in natural rock pool
• Experience natural massage under cascades
• Complete 3-hour guided hike

Top questions

How difficult is the Tamarind Falls hike?

The hike involves uneven terrain with ascents, descents, rocky surfaces, and steep sections with roots; moderate fitness is required.

Is swimming allowed at Tamarind Falls during the tour?

Yes, there are opportunities to swim in natural pools carved by the waterfalls during the guided hike.

How long does the Tamarind Falls guided hike take?

The guided hike lasts around three hours including swim breaks.

Are children allowed on this Tamarind Falls tour?

This tour is not suitable for children under 10 years old.

Is hotel pickup included for this day trip?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; public transportation options are available nearby.

What should I bring for hiking Sept Cascades?

Wear sturdy shoes suitable for rocky terrain and bring swimwear if you want to swim in the pools.

How many waterfalls will we see during this hike?

You’ll visit five of the seven main cascades on this half-day trip from Henrietta.

Is lunch provided during the Tamarind Falls hike?

No lunch is included; only all fees and taxes are covered in this tour.

What’s included

Your morning includes all entry fees and taxes as you join a local guide for a three-hour trek through Mauritius’ forested heartland—swimming in natural pools beneath cascading falls before heading back refreshed (and probably a little muddy).