Cascade 500 Pieds – Guided Hike

4.9Trip Advisor Reviews Image(2706 reviews)
Best Tour Award

×

What is Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best?

According to TripAdvisor, this award is their highest recognition and is presented annually to businesses ranked in the top 1% of worldwide.

Learn More

Tour Summary

Duration

Duration:
3 – 4 hours

Group

Group:
2-8

Tour Type

Tour Type:
On demand

Difficulty

Difficulty:
Difficult

Transport

Transport:
Shuttle Available at Extra Cost

Distance

Distance:
3 km

About the Tour

Hidden in the highlands of Plaine Champagne, Alexandra Falls is one of Mauritius’ most iconic natural landmarks. Framed by a magnificent avenue of paperbark trees, the site already offers spectacular views over the island’s south coast.

This challenging 4-hour adventure is designed for travellers seeking an off-the-beaten-track experience.

The hike unfolds in two distinct parts:

  • The first stage is relatively easy and ends at the top of Alexandra Falls, where the river plunges dramatically into the depths below. From here, the panoramic view over the south of Mauritius is simply unforgettable.

  • The second stage takes you deep into the forest on a demanding descent. Expect steep sections where you will need to hold onto tree roots or use ropes to support your body weight. This challenging path leads down to the riverbed, where the roar of the falls grows ever stronger.

After a short approach along the river, you’ll find yourself standing before Cascade 500 pieds, the tallest waterfall on the island. The dramatic scenery, straight out of a fantasy film, is a moment of pure awe. Words fall short here — we take time to breathe, connect, and fully absorb the energy of this unique place before making our way back.

What’s Included?

Professional guide

Professional guide

Safety briefing and support during the hike

Safety briefing and support during the hike

Why Yanature?

pioneer

Pioneers in the outdoor tourism sector

mauritius

In Mauritius since January 2004

buddy

We are friends and passionate mountain lovers

Our desire to bring people on discovery

excursion

Excursions in the wilderness is what we live for

support

Fast, friendly support you can count on

What you’ll do

  • Meet & Brief (10–15 min):
    Meet your guide at the Alexandra Falls parking area. After introductions, gear check, and a short safety briefing, you’ll start the adventure.
  • First Section – Easy Walk to the Viewpoint (30–40 min):
    Walk along a relatively easy trail through the paperbark tree alley, leading to one of the most stunning viewpoints of Mauritius. Here you’ll admire panoramic views over the south coast and the top of the Alexandra Falls plunging vertically into the valley.
  • Descent to the River (1h15–1h30):
    From the viewpoint, the trail becomes more demanding. Expect steep sections where you’ll need to hold onto trees and use ropes to support your weight. Your guide will assist you in navigating these passages safely. Surrounded by dense green forest and the constant sound of rushing water, you’ll feel fully immersed in the wilderness.
  • Arrival at the River & Approach to 500 Feet Falls (15–20 min):
    Once at river level, a short approach walk along the water brings you face to face with Cascade 500 pieds — the highest waterfall in Mauritius. The sight and energy of this place are truly breathtaking, offering a unique moment to pause, take photos, and absorb the atmosphere.
  • Return Ascent (1h30–1h45):
    The return journey follows the same path, with steady climbs on steep and uneven terrain. Your guide will set a manageable pace with breaks as needed.
  • Wrap-Up (5 min):
    Back at the parking, enjoy a short debrief and farewell with your guide.

Highlights

  • The iconic Alexandra Falls and panoramic views of the south coast
  • A forest trail lined with paperbark trees
  • A challenging descent into untouched wilderness
  • The awe-inspiring 500ft Cascade, the highest waterfall in Mauritius
  • An authentic adventure away from the crowds

What to bring?

  • Comfortable hiking shoes with good grip (mandatory, no sandals or flip-flops)
  • Light sportswear (preferably quick-dry, no wide or loose clothing)
  • Small backpack for personal belongings
  • Reusable water bottle (1.5L minimum)
  • Snack or energy bar
  • Sun protection: hat, sunscreen, sunglasses
  • Insect repellent
  • Swimwear & towel (optional, for refreshing at the river)

Not suitable for

  • Pregnant women
  • Children under 14 years old
  • People over 60 years old
  • People with serious back, knee, or heart conditions
  • People with limited mobility
  • Anyone uncomfortable with ropes, heights, or steep descents

Meeting Point

Alexandra Falls Car Park

Know before you go

  • Duration: around 4 hours (challenging hike)
  • Activity subject to weather conditions
  • The trail includes steep slopes, rope sections, and uneven terrain – good physical fitness is required
  • Some descents require using your hands, ropes, and tree roots for support
  • Wildlife sightings are possible but not guaranteed
  • Maximum group size: 6 participants
  • Minimum age: 14 years old
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • The guide reserves the right to refuse participation if someone does not have suitable clothing/footwear or if they are deemed unfit to safely complete the hike
  • Babies or children in carriers/backpacks are strictly not allowed
  • The guide will be the only contact person on the day of the tour, you will receive the guide’s contact details upon booking or on the eve of the activity date by email (make sure to check your spams if you did not receive the email)

What people say about us:

User avatar

Beautiful and Pleasant

May 07, 2026
Amazing experience. Quote begineer friendly. Shoutout to Mr Paj for helping us through and through. He is an exceptional guide and this wouldnt have been possible without him. All in all a 10/10 experience. Definitely recommended if you have the time. Beautiful views.
User avatar

My first ever hike at Le Morne Brabant

May 07, 2026
Paj from Yanature was a wonderful and patient guide. It was my first trek ever and I could do it because he guided me at every step. He took us to most of the viewpoints on Le Morne Brabant and also taught us about the various plants and fauna on the way.
Great positive attitude and a v helpful guide!
User avatar

Must do Waterfalls 💦

May 03, 2026
This is a must do in Mauritius! Most beautiful hike, with stunning vistas and gorgeous pools to swim in below the waterfalls. Paj was an excellent guide, had great knowledge of the fauna and flora and ensured our every (slippery) step was safe.
User avatar

Great hike

May 01, 2026
Great guided tour with Rowin to the top of the mountain. Very insightful on hiking techniques and local history. Rowin was also great at chatting about life and day-to-day topic of Mauritius.
The hike is technically demanding but worth the effort. Recommend having good non slippery shoes and flexible shorts.
User avatar

Great activity for everyone

Apr 30, 2026
It was an amazing and fun trip!
Really recommend Theo as guide, he shared some cool insights and made us all laugh a lot! 10/10experience
3,200

Full 100% Deposit Required

This booking is made on request

Cancellation policy

We understand plans can change.

Cancellations made more than 48 hours before the tour are free of charge.
Within 24–48 hours of the tour incur a 50% fee.
Within 24 hours of the tour are non-refundable (100% fee).

In case of unsafe weather conditions, tours may be rescheduled or fully refunded.

Similar Experiences

Go BackConfirm & Pay

Cascade 500 Pieds – Guided Hike
Cascade 500 Pieds – Guided Hike
This reservation is non-refundable.
Date
Thursday, Jul 17, 2025
10:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Guests
1 adult
Hotel Pickup Shuttle
Price details
$52.91 x 1 adult $52.91
Total USD $52.91

100% Secure Checkout