DURATION
7 nights
LOCATION
Mauritius
ANNUAL LEAVE
5 days off work
SEASON
Apr-Sep
GROUP SIZE
Up to 12 people
MEETING POINT
Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport
ACCOMMODATION
Comfort
Boutique Hotel
OVERALL RATING
0.0
DIFFICULTY
Moderate
The perfect balance of activity and relaxation: no previous experience is needed, but you should be reasonably fit to enjoy the hikes
Unleash the adrenaline as you leap through the untamed 7 Cascades, navigating craggy canyons and wild waterfalls
Trek the lush trails of Black River Gorges National Park, hike the rugged south coast and conquer Le Morne Brabant peak
Hit the water to spot dolphins and sperm whales, snorkel in dazzling seas and kayak through untouched mangroves
Day 1
To the Indian Ocean
Eight hundred kilometres east of the coast of Madagascar, lapped by the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, lies a small volcanic island and your tropical home for the week. Welcome to Mauritius! Traditionally known as a mecca for beach lovers and honeymooners, its lush interior and offshore islets are far wilder and more unexplored. Your host will collect you from the airport and transfer you to your comfortable boutique hotel in Tamarin Bay, on the island's West Coast. Enjoy a few hours of relaxation, then meet your guide for a welcome briefing. If you feel like it, you can head out on a SUP or kayak to paddle the Tamarin River at sunset. Embrace the vibrant Creole atmosphere tonight at a beach barbecue with your group, then get some rest ahead of the fun week ahead!
Day 2
Cycle to Chamarel, the Seven-Coloured Earth
Cycling
3hrs · 20km · 400m up
Kickstart your island adventure in Chamarel, exploring vibrant landscapes and a geopark on electric bikes. Wind your way through picturesque pineapple plantations and stop for a visit to a rum distillery, before reaching the unique coloured earth phenomenon where you'll witness the surreal spectacle of rainbow-hued sand dunes. Admire the tallest single-drop waterfall in Mauritius (about 100m high) from a panoramic viewpoint, then indulge in a distinctive Creole culinary journey in a superb restaurant with an incredible view. If you fancy an extra adrenaline rush, you can also opt to hit the thrilling heights of the suspended Tibetan bridge or zip line.
Day 3
Hike Le Morne Brabant
Hiking
3-4hrs · 7km · 500m up · 500m down
Challenge yourself to conquer the iconic peak of Le Morne Brabant, a UNESCO World Heritage Site of particular cultural importance which was once a shelter point for escaped slaves. Ascend to the top, trekking through lush vegetation and some steep, rugged terrain – the vistas from the top will be worth every effort! Marvel at panoramic ocean views and soak in the breathtaking shades of blue that surround you. Back at the hotel, take the afternoon to relax at the pool or local beach. If you are still feeling energetic, you can book some extra beach activities such as surfing or kayaking.
Day 4
Canyoning adventure in Tamarin Falls
Canyoning
3-4hrs · 4-5km · 100m up · 100m down
Today you'll dive into an adrenaline-filled adventure – canyoning in Tamarin Falls (commonly referred to locally as Les 7 Cascades). Navigate through rugged canyons, rappel down cascading waterfalls 10m and 45m high, and plunge into refreshing pools – the perfect way to experience the wild and lush beauty of Mauritius. Your afternoon can be spent chilling around the hotel's infinity pool, or perhaps exploring the bay further by surfboard or SUP. This evening is free so you may want to join the local surfers and villagers at the beach – don't miss the spectacular colours of the sun setting into the sea!
Day 5
Hike and swim Mauritius' wild south
Hiking
4-5hrs · 14km · 100m up · 100m down
Today, you'll hike a slice of untouched heaven as you enjoy a beautiful trek along unspoiled beaches, basalt cliffs and rugged coastline. Walk through the famous spot of Pont Naturel, a natural bridge formed by hanging cliffs and offering spectacular ocean views. Continue through coastal forests and virgin beaches, with opportunities to bathe in a waterfall and take a dip in natural pools.
Day 6
Snorkel and sea kayak Amber Island
Kayaking
3hrs · 5km
Snorkelling
2hr
Head out to sea and embark on an off-the-beaten-track kayaking adventure to Amber Island, off the northeastern coast of Mauritius. This beautiful nature reserve of 140 hectares forms part of the local national parks, with unique wild features including mangroves, crystal clear lagoons and a thriving ecosystem. Paddle through sparkling azure waters and soak in the serenity of this coastal paradise as you navigate through shady mangrove canopies. You'll have time for an unforgettable snorkelling session in this natural aquarium, before joining your local guides for a nature walk amongst endemic plants and colonial ruins dating back to 1750. Back on shore, head back to your hotel in Tamarin Bay for the evening.
Day 7
Hike in Black River Gorges National Park
Hiking
4hrs · 7km · 300m up · 230m down
On your final hike you'll venture into the untamed wilderness of Black River Gorges National Park. Traverse dense forest, learn about the diverse local flora and fauna, and marvel at cascading waterfalls along the way. Explore trails that lead to panoramic viewpoints, immersing yourself in the raw beauty of this protected reserve. Back at the hotel, join your guide and fellow travellers for a last Creole dinner ahead of your final morning of adventure tomorrow.
Day 8
Oceanic encounters
Wildlife Watching
4hrs
Swimming
1hr
Wake early for your final day in paradise! Set sail for a spot of dolphin and whale watching, enjoying the special opportunity to observe and perhaps even swim with playful dolphins in their natural habitat. Mauritius boasts thriving marine life: encounters with resident sperm whales, pilot whales, and spinner, bottlenose and spotted dolphins are common year-round. With some extra luck, humpback whales can also be seen during their winter migration from June to September. Back on shore, enjoy some final hours of relaxation and perhaps a cocktail or two at the beach to celebrate the end of an incredible island adventure. As the sun sets, bid farewell to Mauritius and get transferred to the airport for your flight home.
Included
Guides
Expert, local, English-speaking guides
Accommodation
7 nights in a boutique spa hotel
Meals
All breakfasts, 6 lunches and 6 dinners
Transfers
To and from the airport and everything in between
Equipment
All your canyoning, snorkelling, kayaking and cycling equipment
Not Included
Flights to and from the meeting point
Travel insurance
Personal expenses
Tips for your guides
Some meals as described
Visas where required
Day 1
Boutique Hotel · Twin share
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 2 – Day 3
Boutique Hotel · Twin share
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 4
Boutique Hotel · Twin share
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 5 – Day 7
Boutique Hotel · Twin share
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 8
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
What is the food like?
The cuisine of Mauritius is a melting pot of flavours, influenced by the tropical location of the island as well as its cultural diversity: a blend of African, Chinese, European (mainly French) and Indian heritage. Rice is a staple ingredient, which Mauritians prepare in a number of ways such as frying, boiling or as a curry with spices. Other widely consumed ingredients include tomatoes, onions, okra, eggplants, garlic and chillies. Fresh seafood and fish are, of course, always found on daily menus, and local favourites include salted fish, smoked blue marlin, shrimp, octopus, prawns and crayfish. During this trip you'll have the chance to fully immerse yourself in the Creole cuisine.
Vegetarians, vegans and other dietary requirements and allergies can be catered for – please just request this on your passenger info form.
What is the accommodation like?
Tamarin
Your base for your week of adventure is the cosy and comfortable Veranda Tamarin Hotel and Spa, an island-style boutique hotel beckoning those in search of a down-to-earth tropical escape. Nestled within the charming and vibrant village of Tamarin, the hotel has sea views across the beautiful bay of Tamarin, a popular hangout for locals and surfers. Mixing bohemian and Creole styles, the hotel comprises two pools, two restaurants, a rooftop bar (with live music at weekends), a fitness centre and a spa. Free WiFi is available throughout. Accommodation will be on a twin-share basis in ensuite, air-conditioned rooms fitted with satellite TV, a minibar and tea/coffee making facilities. An array of activities can be booked for your free time on site or in the surroundings, including surfing, windsurfing and diving.
Upgrades
For solo travellers looking for their own space, an optional private room can be booked for an extra charge, see Optional Extras for the price. Please request this at the time of booking (this is subject to availability).
The Area
Logistics
Starts
Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport, Mauritius
10:00 on Day 1
Ends
Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport, Mauritius
18:00 on Day 8
Transfers
Your host will meet you on arrival at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport in Mauritius and transfer you to your hotel. There is a single set arrival transfer which is usually scheduled around 10:00 am on Day 1. On Day 8, your host will transfer you back to the airport in time for your onward flight, usually with a drop-off scheduled around 18:00. Please book your flights around these timings if you wish to take advantage of the free transfers. Outside of these times, your host is able to arrange private transfers along with extra nights of accommodation – please see Optional Extras for prices.
Travel options
Mauritius' Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport (MRU) is easily accessible by flights from major hubs in the UK and Europe. It is serviced by direct flights with AirMauritius and British Airways from both Heathrow and Gatwick, operating when this trip is scheduled to run. Direct connections are also available from other major hubs such as Paris, Dubai, Perth, Madrid, Istanbul and Frankfurt.
Enjoy 12.5% Off Outdoor Gear
In need of a few more items? All bookings receive a 12.5% discount to use at Cotswold Outdoor, Snow + Rock and Runner's Need.
What's included?
- Snorkelling and kayaking gear
- Canyoning gear
- E-bike and helmet
What do I need to bring?
BAGS
- Soft overnight duffel bag or rucksack
- Daypack (20-30 litres)
- Waterproof liner or drybags for kitbag/rucksack
CLOTHES
- Lightweight waterproof jacket
- Lightweight waterproof trousers
- Fleece jacket or similar for evenings
- Lightweight trousers/shorts/skirts for hiking
- T-shirts
- Underwear and socks
- Swimwear
- Sunglasses
- Sunhat
- Something to sleep in
- Hiking boots or trail runners (worn-in)
- River shoes or old trainers for river crossings and waterfall swims
- Sandals/light shoes for evenings
OTHER
- Universal travel plug adapter
- Power bank or solar charger
- Passports (and visas)
- Travel insurance documents
- Ear plugs
- Insect repellent
- Suncream
- Personal first-aid kit (inc. blister treatment)
- Personal items (biodegradable toiletries, sanitary wear etc)
- Quick-dry towel
- Alcohol hand-gel
- Reusable water bottle x1 litre (or x2)
- Energy bars and snacks - read our article on Best Hiking Snacks
- Water purification tablets/treatment system
Additional night in Hotel Veranda Tamarin Single Room (Half Board)
Payable Before Departure
Additional night in Hotel Veranda Tamarin Single Room (Half Board)
…
Additional night in Hotel Veranda Tamarin Twin/Double Room (Half Board)
Payable Before Departure
Additional night in Hotel Veranda Tamarin Twin/Double Room (Half Board)
…
Optional Private Room Upgrade
Payable Before Departure
Optional Private Room Upgrade
…
Private Arrival Transfer Airport - Hotel
Payable Before Departure
Private Arrival Transfer Airport - Hotel
… Per Person
Private Departure Transfer Hotel - Airport
Payable Before Departure
Private Departure Transfer Hotel - Airport
… Per Person
We’re still waiting to collect any reviews from other travellers on this trip. However, all our hosts go through an extensive vetting process to ensure that your adventure is awesome.
We've crunched the numbers to work out the total carbon footprint of this trip, and plant enough trees to suck 2x as much back out the atmosphere.
What's the number?
It works out on average at 273kg of CO2 emissions per person, including all local transport, accommodation, food, activities, guides, staff and office operations.
The only thing it doesn’t include right now is flights and travel to the destination. We do make an overall estimate across all our customers separately, but as we don’t book flights, have customers from all corners of the world, and no way of reliably knowing their travel plans, we simply can’t include an individual number in the figure on display here. We’ve got a goal for 2023 to fix that, so that when you book, there is a way to measure and mitigate the carbon emitted by your flight too.
But what does the number mean?
Yep, hard to picture eh? To give you an idea:
- Driving 1000miles/1609km would be approx. 281kg of CO2 in an average car (or 140.5kg per person if there was 2 of you in it).
- A return economy class flight London - New York would be approx. 1,619kg (1.66 tonnes) per person.
- 10 trees in a temperate forest are estimated to remove approx. 250kg of CO2 from the air in a period of 5-10 years.
What are we doing about it?
Our trips are relatively low-carbon by design, and we're working with all our hosts to develop long term carbon reduction plans. For every person booked with us since 2016 we’re planting enough trees to suck at least 2x more carbon out the atmosphere than is emitted by their trips. All native trees, as part of amazing projects that are re-foresting degraded land, tackling the biodiversity crisis and supporting local communities at the same time. We go further than that too, also funding re-wilding projects worldwide to help protect important keystone species from extinction. See the reforestation and re-wilding schemes we support. See our carbon action plan.
Want to know more?
Amazingly, no international travel company has ever publicly published their carbon measurements before, as far as we know. We believe that must change, quickly. So we’re openly sharing the method we used in the hope that other companies will be able to more easily follow suit and build on what we've done so far. You'll find it all here.
With a few hours of activity every day, varying between hiking, cycling, kayaking, snorkelling, canyoning and swimming, you'll need a reasonable fitness level to enjoy this trip. However, you'll also have a few free hours each day to enjoy the beach and facilities around your hotel – it's a holiday after all! It's worth noting that whilst the trekking distances and elevations do not seem challenging in isolation, the hot and humid climate can add to the intensity of the activities. The hikes and canyoning navigation some sections of steep, exposed or rugged terrain and at times you may need to use your hands to assist with the climb.
None of the included activities require previous experience, just a sense of adventure and enjoyment of the natural world. A fondness for being in the water will help, as there are plenty of waterfall swims as well as a day of snorkelling on a beautiful uninhabited island.
The bike ride to Chamarel does involve some uphill sections and some easy off-road terrain, but your e-bike will give you an extra push if you struggle with the climbs.
Sure can! Over 70% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.
Tips are not included in the trip cost. These are entirely at your discretion but there is an expectation to tip for good service. Your guide will help with advice, however, we suggest the below as a guideline:
€30-40 per person
Of course, you are free to tip more or less, and the amount should be reflective of your perception of service and quality – a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
The tap water in Mauritius is safe to drink. Please bring along your own reusable water bottle to fill up at the hotel or restaurants to avoid buying single use plastic bottles.
The island has a classic tropical climate with warm weather year-round. The cooler, drier period runs from May to September, with the average highs between 25-28ºC during the daytime and 16-21ºC at night. Showers and downpours are possible at any time of year, although they are less common during the dry season when this trip runs.
We recommend checking out the country specific information and also talking to a travel nurse.
Weather conditions should be pretty favourable in the season when this trip is scheduled to run, but as always Mother Nature is unpredictable so the best you can do is to be prepared for anything and come equipped with sunscreen, a hat and waterproofs. Your host will be monitoring the weather conditions during the course of the trip and may suggest alternative, safer activities should the weather get particularly bad or change the order and timings of them.
Our itinerary will take you along the island's destinations less travelled, beyond its resorts and dreamy tropical beaches, thus spreading positive impact in the destination. We've partnered with a local host who follows a comprehensive sustainable travel policy.
The lodges, activities and vehicle rentals that are utilised are all Mauritian-led companies – so 100% of your travel money is invested in Mauritian families. The hotel in which you will stay is a strong supporter of reusable, recycled and upcycled materials for their furniture and structures, uses renewable resources (solar water heaters, PV solar panels and stream/rainwater catchment systems), and hires Mauritian talent (handcrafters, cooks, painters). Throughout this adventure you will learn about Mauritius' eclectic culture and way of life, its underwater world and how to preserve it, its diverse flora and fauna, and how this is relevant to the natural and human ecosystems on the island.
Our recommended travel insurance provider is Campbell Irvine.
Travel insurance is compulsory for all of our adventures and you are required to provide your policy information before departing.
Your insurance should include adequate protection for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment and the specific activities involved on your adventure. We also strongly recommend it includes cancellation and curtailment insurance, should you be unable to join your trip for specific reasons such as illness.
We fully endorse Campbell Irvine as their insurance offers all of the above, so get in touch with them or call on 020 7938 1734 to get your insurance sorted. We suggest that you book travel insurance as soon as you book your adventure, just to cover you for any last-minute life changes. We know you’re an active lot and injuries do happen!
We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates on a daily basis so this does mean that prices displayed on the site are subject to currency fluctuations, which is why you may see them change over time.
If you wish to change the currency you pay in, head to the bottom of the page.
All of our group adventures are specially designed for adults to enjoy (18+) as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. Children can be accommodated on some private departures.
You're in good company. Our adventures are typically made up of a mix of solo travellers and small groups of two or three friends who simply love adventure, pushing themselves and meeting awesome like-minded people. See here for more info about our lovely bunch of Much Better Adventurers.
Want to book a private trip? Just tap ‘Private Group’ in the dates and prices tab.
Your trip is led by carefully curated local hosts and expert guides. See here for more info about the guides we work with.
Pay In Installments
You can choose to pay for this trip in as many installments as you like, with no interest or fees.
Full Financial Protection
Your money is safe. Every booking is fully financially protected.
